Best small GPS sports watch?

Question about

Add tags:

peterto June 02, 2011

Best small GPS sports watch?

It's running season and I'm looking for the best/cheapest GPS sportswatch. Right now, I'm using an old fashioned Timex watch with a second hand to time my runs and and manually cataloging my runs. I want something that can cache my runs and precision for my splits. I, also, don't want something ginormous either and it should be durable. The ability to compete on runs would be nice as well. I like the social features that Nike offers to compete with other people, which could be my prime motivator to go out running.

answer this question

top answers

community pick

baileylo 11 months ago

I just got the gdgt.com/garmin/forerunner/110/ for my birthday. I haven't had too much time to play with it. Probably taken it on 3 runs, and tracked the distance from the train to my office. As for the social aspects, apparently you can hook it up to garminconnect.com (I haven't tried this yet).

I like the watch a lot and would highly recommend it. It also comes with a heart rate monitor which is pretty cool.

Edit:
I've hooked my watch up to my computer, not the easiest of interactions but not difficult either. Here's an overview of a run I did the other day: connect.garmin.com/activity/89772805

mark as good answer

5 people like this answer

| add reply

sort by

votes
date

5 more answers

GadgetBoySI 2011-06-03 06:59:36

I wouldn't say it is necessarily small, but I run with the Garmin 205 GPS watch. It is slightly larger than the newer models, but can be had for under $100 if you check out deal sites (I think I paid $90 for mine). Running with a GPS watch makes a world of difference, IMO. My pace is more consistent, and my times have gotten increasingly better. I also use mine in races (I am a member of the New York Road Runners Club), and it is great to know how far along you are and, more importantly, how much further you have to go. Syncing runs to your PC is cool, but the novelty wears off after some time.

I may eventually upgrade to the 405, which is smaller and around $200 now, but it is not a must for me at this point.

mark as good answer

0 people like this answer

| 1 reply

peterto 2011-06-07 22:07:42

I know this sounds strange, but do you know if there's anyway to stop the recording mid run and then resume on any of these watches? I'm basically a beginner right now and I make one rest stop in between lengths of a run. Also, can you set any of these watches to make a sound every time you've hit an a distance or time? I'd want this feature, so I can see an entire "run" on one page rather than multiple pages, unless you can chart both on one page.

mark as good answer

0 people like this answer

| 2 replies

acaurora 2011-06-07 22:55:53

I have the cycling equivalent to the Forerunners (Edge 800), and I am pretty sure that they have the same kind of functionality as the Edge series - so yes they are able to pause/resume (automatically, even - whenever you fall below a certain speed - for my cycling Edge 800 I set it to 3 MPH).

As for time/distance notifications, that can be done as well too. For myself, I have mine set to auto-lap every 5 miles. You can do by tie as well.

As for having the entire "run" on one page, the screens are too small to be able to display all the statistics - so you can either choose which stats to show on one page, or set up auto-scroll, where it automatically changes between pages at certain speeds.

The nice thing about the Nike+ platform, especially the SportWatch GPS that recently hit the market, is that you can easily compete/compare yourself against other people. With the Garmins, you will need to use some kind of third party measurement to compete/compare against other people. I use Strava, which is meant for cyclists... however DailyMile is also out there and has a great social community.

In terms of which GPS watch actually to go with, I would say to stick with one of the more basic Forerunners or the Nike+ SportWatch GPS. There are some extremely thorough reviews of the Forerunners/SportWatch GPS on www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/nike-sportwatch-gps-in...

Hope this all helps.

baileylo 2011-06-08 00:00:50

I haven't completely tested my forerunner out still. But you can start and stop the timer mid race, if you leave it stopped for awhile the gps part will turn off. Also the print out at the end will give you stats based on time spent running and overall time. I never saw anything comparable to this when I was using the Ipod Touch Nike+ Running App.
As for sound, I'm relatively sure mine beeps every mine; I tend to zone out when I run.

GadgetBoySI 2011-06-07 23:30:47

I'm sure you could find one at a Runner's World - do a search. I bought mine online. If you're in NYC, stop in Central Park when NYRR is hosting a race. You'll see a lot of people wearing them, Ha! If you check Amazon.com tonight, I saw them advertising the 405 for $175. Free shipping if you're a prime member.

mark as good answer

0 people like this answer

| add reply

GadgetBoySI 2011-06-07 23:32:36

Check the settings. Mine is set to pause the clock if I stop moving. Helps when I have to wait at a street corner for a red light!

mark as good answer

0 people like this answer

| add reply

mitchell 2012-03-16 21:50:38

I definitely think the Nike+ GPS Sportwatch would be a good fit for you if all you plan on doing is running. I love mine, but I do sometimes wish it was capable to record other physical activities. I don't regret anything though.

I love how easy it is to setup and keep track of my runs. My father has a Garmin Forerunner. I'm obviously the go-to person for tech within my family, but I was of no use trying to help him set that thing up. I was too spoiled by the simplicity of the Sportwatch...

I know this question is over a year old, but hopefully someone will see it and find it useful... probably not though....

mark as good answer

0 people like this answer

| add reply

follow this question

Tips for giving the best answers

Sometimes it's just little details that separates a great and not so great answer! Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

1: Be complete and thorough. Don't skimp on the details!
2: Try not to answer with a question. Because that's not really an answer, right?
3: A little research goes a long way. Back up your claims and assumptions!
4: Try to be patient, tech questions can be complicated.
5: You are awesome for both reading this and answering questions.

gdgt

Best small GPS sports watch?

Related questions

6 users following this question:

Tips for giving the best answers