If you have a runner or athlete on your shopping list regardless of the season—especially one that loves gadgets—then a running watch is certainly something you should consider. Of course if you’re looking for the best GPS watch for yourself, then welcome and read on. Friends, family members, and fellow athletes often ask me what my recommendation would be for best GPS running watch 2011. As with all my answers on recommendations and from personal experience, it mostly depends on what you running goals are; which I’ll get into later in this post after we look at a few of my favorites.
If you’re looking for a GPS running watch as a gift, make sure you check out the bottom of this post for my “guy” recommendations.
Obviously I have not personally tried every GPS watch out there, at least not yet but I’m working on it. Keep in mind; I do NOT get free running watches from manufacturers like some review sites. I personally purchase these watches myself based on what I’d like to try and features I’m interested in. For me, half the fun is shopping for features, reading customer reviews, talking to other runners and seeing what triathletes/runners are using when competing. Plus, I love shopping.
Most of the time, if the watch is something I’m really not that fond of or I don’t see myself using it extensively for my current training or fitness goals, I’ll sell it back on Amazon as a Good as New product after reviewing and testing it. I’m not a complete idiot and my wife would kill me if I didn’t recoup at least part of the costs.
Before we get started looking at the best GPS running watch 2011, let’s get a few things straight first. This is just my personal opinion as a runner and features that I find useful as well as those based on conversations with other runners and triathletes.
I’ll be discussing GPS running watches here that I have personally tried plus those which I haven’t tried out yet; but either plan on testing or have had runner friends who’ve owned them and had some influence over my opinion. It should be no surprise that Garmin is the leader in GPS watches so that’s mostly what we’ll be looking at here.
#1 Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Running Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
| Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor | |
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| Retail Price: $299.99 | |
| Amazon Price: $259.99 | |
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For the price and features, the Garmin Forerunner 305 has been my favorite. For a complete review with video and screen shots, check out my Garmin 305 review. Here’s why it’s my favorite in a nutshell:
Pros:
- Cheap
I think for the price point this is the best overall functioning sports gps running watch out there that I have used or have seen in use on runs and triathlons. - Multi-Function
I purchased the quick release kit along with the speed and cadence sensor for my bike which allows me to use it both for running and cycling. For triathlon training, this is slick and easy and can even record transition time. Plus, I love the velco quick release strap. - Heart Rate Monitor
This is great for training and something I use every time I have this watch on; even when competing.
Cons:
- Not really water resistant (for swimming)
According to the owner’s manual, this watch is “waterproof to IEC Standard 60529 IPX7. It can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Prolonged submersion can cause damage to the unit. After submersion, be certain to wipe dry and air dry the unit before using or charging.” Honestly I have no idea what IEC Standard 60529 IPX7 means in a practical manner, but according to Garmin it means “an IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.” The keywords here in my opinion being “accidental.” - Large
For a man I have really small wrists and the Garmin 305 is pretty large. I used to think this would bother me, but when running or racing who cares what it looks like; I don’t. However, if you want to wear it around the office… well, you’ll look retarded.
#2 Garmin Foreunner 205
Garmin 205, CLICK for details
As mentioned, I have not owned the Garmin Forerunner 205 personally (although the 305 is basically the same but has heart rate monitor), but see many runners and triathletes using this watch. This again is a fairly in-expensive option for getting into a GPS watch and is listing here as one of best GPS watches of 2011 based on simplicity of use, features, and price point (currently lists on Amazon for $179.99).
Pros:
- Fairly in-expensive
- Easy to use
Cons:
- No heart rate monitor
- No cadence sensor for bike
Garmin 110, CLICK for details
I really liked this watch for the simplicity of running and the look and feel for wearing. Check out Garmin Forerunner 110 for a complete review. Although this gps running watch is quite a bit more price wise, I got it at Best Buy locally for $199 but lists on Amazon for $149.98, it does look pretty stylish just to wear and has pretty basic features for runners (pace, distance, time). Plus it also can connect to the heart rate monitor and can be switched to track speed instead of cadence if used for cycling.
Pros:
- Looks more like a traditional watch
- Easy to use, comfortable to wear
- Works with heart rate monitor
Cons:
- Pricy. Seems like a lot just to pay for a nice GPS watch that looks like a watch – UPDATE – as of Nov 2011, this watch has come down in price and is “usually” found less than the 305. That seems to be more of what you’re paying for than the feature set. Which is why the Garmin 305 has been my favorite; you get more features for just a little more money.
- Doesn’t work with cadence sensor for bike.
Although there are many other brands out there for this best GPS running watches of 2011 article, I’m going to go through a few more here. List why I will probably try them or why I’m not planning on trying them at all.
The Garmin 610, 405, and 410 series.
For me, it just seems that all of these are simply more expensive because you’re paying for the “watch look” and style. Plus, as a triathlete (or just someone who likes to cycle as well) having one that can double as a bike computer is a must. Some of these do come with the optional bike cadence/speed sensor adapter (610, 405, 410) but for the overall price, you can get those features in the 305 for a lot less.
Also, as I have not tried the Garmin 405 or Garmin 410 yet with the outer bezel, I have heard from fellow runners that the bezel control is hard to use especially when your fingers are sweaty or the watch face is somewhat wet. Also, the new Garmin 610 with the touch screen looks pretty nice and seems to work well, but when running or cycling, trying to navigate a touch screen seems like a pain in the ass to me. We’ll see how these new models play out and maybe I’ll get my hands on one next season.
Nike recently came out with a GPS running sports watch, the Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom. I’ve always like Nike’s products that integrate with the iPod and + system. This is a pretty cool looking watch but fairly expensive also (listing for $169.99) for someone just starting out running.
One interesting new GPS watch I came across while researching more for this article is the Pyle-Sports PSWGP405BK GPS Watch with Heart Rate monitor which currently lists for around $125. So this is fairly cheap and seems to be easy to use. I may have to pick up one of these, but then in the end, it seems that one would prefer to go with a proven brand (Garmin) in the GPS field as opposed to an unknown brand for about the same price point. However, if you’re wanting a watch that may look better on your wrist, this may be a cheaper way to go then the Garmin x10 series mentioned earlier. I may have to check one of these out.
Again, I want to mention here one of the things I’ve enjoyed about Garmin, it’s the Garmin Connect website. For an idea of what the data looks like when uploaded from my 305 after a cycle leg of a triathlon, check this out! Now that’s just cool, plus the Garmin Connect website makes it easy to share with friends and post to Facebook.
What Are Your Running or Fitness Goals?
I like purchasing things with features I can grow into. When getting back into running and training a few years ago, I had a goal of competing in a triathlon at some point. So getting something that could also be used on my bike was important. Having one tool to use for many things is nice, and I just didn’t want a bike computer and a running watch that I had to switch back and forth.
One of the great things I like about the Garmin products is Garmin Connect. This is the online site which you can upload all your data to and share with friends or review for your own records. Not to mention the software for your local PC or Mac that comes with many Garmin products to set and manage your workouts. Although I have briefly looked at this software, it’s a little too much data for me and I haven’t used it much.
Here’s what I would do…. If I was ONLY into running, I would have kept my Garmin 110. It fit nicely, was comfortable and recorded the basic things I needed for running. Plus, it allowed the connection of the heart rate monitor which is nice for training.
But, being new and loving triathlon training, I really need something to work with my bike also; which is why I like my Garmin 305. However, I will be taking a look at the Timex Ironman Global Trainer (or if they come out with any other alternatives for triathletes) next spring. One GPS running watch I know I’ll be purchasing next (which I haven’t even talked about here yet) is the Garmin Forerunner 310XT. This will be my next purchase!!
Garmin Forerunner 310XT Waterproof Running GPS Watch
The Garmin Forerunner 310XT has all the features and things I want and need to run, swim, bike, and train for my triathlons next season. The most important is the ability to wear it swimming without worrying about it dying. Although for accuracy you should wear it in your swim cap so the GPS signal is clear (doesn’t work well while stroking under water) I can wear it through the entire triathlon without worrying about it. Although this watch lists for $299.99 and is a bit more then the Timex Ironman Global trainer, it fits nicer on the wrist (my small wrists) and will mount nicely on my road bike and work with my already purchased Garmin Cadence sensor.
Bottom Line if you’re purchasing a GPS Running Watch as a Gift
As a guy, I love gadgets and especially electronic gadgets. I would consider myself somewhat of a “man’s man” when it comes to working out and fitness. I’m not too obsessive (although my wife may beg to differ) but I’ll give you a quick idea of the things I like and so if you’re purchasing a GPS running watch as a Christmas (x-mas) gift or for someone else, maybe this will help you decide.
I started this whole process with using free GPS apps on my iPhone. So that may tell you something… in the end, I wanted something dedicated to running and not having to lug my iPhone around on my arm every time I went out for a run. For music I use an iPod shuffle.
Garmin 610, CLICK for details
If you want the best and style is a concern (like they may want to wear around the office or out and about while looking cool) I’d go with the newest Garmin touch screen, the Garmin Forerunner 610 with heart rate monitor. Although I haven’t tested this one personally, every guy wants the latest and greatest; and I would probably like this guy I’m sure; at least I’m going to like trying it out once I get around to testing it. And what’s the worst that can happen, they’re not real fond of the touch screen and they can return it for a different model. With that said this supposedly still works better and preferred over the bezel touch feature on the Garmin 405. Plus, I’ve seen videos where this touch screen interface even works with gloves on. Plus, it’s gotten some pretty good reviews on Amazon.com
If you’re looking for something maybe a little less expensive and simpler, then the Garmin 110 is a good choice. I would advise though to always get the heart rate monitor just to have it.
If the person your purchasing for has a bike and/or is thinking about maybe doing a little triathlon training, then the Garmin 310XT is the no brainer. Make sure to get the cadence sensor and heart rate monitor as well with this guy.
I know I talk mostly about Garmin GPS watches here, but that’s what I have the most experience with and the Garmin Connect website makes it great and easy for uploading data to analyze or even share with friends and integrates with social networking sites.
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