Watch for running

Use my iPhone for data whilst running currently, quite fancy a watch though so I can get some more metrics. But what to go for?!

I think (for me, a beginning runner) real time pace & cadence would be the most important, which as far as I can tell means getting a foot-pod (for more accurate pacing, plus the only way to get cadence I think). So I could go for one of the discounted Polars from SP which have foot-pod but no GPS (although I don’t think the cheaper foot-pod does cadence, think you need the more expensive stride-pod for that?)

GPS would be nice though, as I do most of my running on trails. The cheapest watch that does GPS & foot-pod is (I think) the Garmin 210, although it is still a serious investment. So I’m thinking, if I’m spending proper money, surely spend a bit more and get one of the uber-watches? Love the look of the Garmin 910XT as it is proper waterproof and does swim metrics (the only one that does?) as well. Also like the look of the Suunto Ambit, although it is curiously lacking in features but seems to be having regular software updates that add more functionality each time. Both these are a very serious investment though!

Another option I suppose would be just to get an ANT+ dongle and foot-pod and use that with my iPhone. Still looking at £100+ for this option though, and apparently ANT+ drains the battery life like a bugger (especially with GPS on) which is obviously not ideal. Anyone use this option?

Had a read through the DC Rainmaker site that someone posted a link for (fascinating site btw, the guy is seriously OCD about GPS watches!) who seems to think that 2013 is going to be a big year for this sort of tech, with all the big boys bringing out “multi sport” offerings similar to the 910XT that will make very clever use of accelerometers. So would waiting be advisable?

Arrrgh, too much choice! Any thoughts?

Arrrgh, too much choice! Any thoughts?

Is the 310XT any good? @ £186 it seems good value
TBH – I’ve had loads of different Garmins [currently 3] and always get a decent price for them when I move them on so I wouldn’t be too worried about what’s coming out next

I love my 910, works perfectly, but then I am training to do an ironman so perhaps am looking for more than a beginner runner. It’s quite a chunk of cash for someone just starting out, I would start of with something like a garmin 110, and see if you become a stats geek before going the whole hog.

The 110 doesn’t do real time pace though, just the last mile or km

Is the 310XT any good? @ £186 it seems good value

In fact it’s only £169 on Amazon! Yes, it looks good. With HRM and foot-pod still looking at best part of £300 though. Does anyone here use the foot-pod? Is it that much better than just GPS? The main problem with the 310XT is that it looks like something Buck Rogers would wear!

I love my 910, works perfectly, but then I am training to do an ironman so perhaps am looking for more than a beginner runner. It’s quite a chunk of cash for someone just starting out, I would start of with something like a garmin 110, and see if you become a stats geek before going the whole hog.

I’m just starting out running (and swimming!) but my fitness is good and I’m probably looking at doing some tri’s next year. Appreciate that it is a lot of watch (no doubt more than I need!) but I know just from my Strava use running & on bike that I love a good stat!

The 110 doesn’t do real time pace though, just the last mile or km

Good to know, real time pace definitely seems like an essential feature to me.

With HRM and foot-pod still looking at best part of £300 though.

Coincidentally, I’ve just spotted it in the ‘Black Friday – coming soon’ list. It’s due to be discounted in half an hour’s time. Keep an eye on it. Or, y’know, don’t.

I think the Garmin 110 does do real time pace- it’s just beeps at the end of each mile if you set it up to to give you pace over the last mile as an average as well. All I want to know when I run is distance and time, and it does me well enough for that!

Coincidentally, I’ve just spotted it in the ‘Black Friday – coming soon’ list. It’s due to be discounted in half an hour’s time. Keep an eye on it. Or, y’know, don’t.

Great spot, ta! I will defo be watching that.

I think the Garmin 110 does do real time pace- it’s just beeps at the end of each mile if you set it up to to give you pace over the last mile as an average as well. All I want to know when I run is distance and time, and it does me well enough for that!

No footpod support though, which I think is something I want.

No you’re right about the cadence thingy- I would find that feature too depressing!

What are the 405 like?

405 isn’t a current model. Just from the description I’d say it maybe only does ANT not ANT+ which wouldn’t exactly future-proof it!

Coincidentally, I’ve just spotted it in the ‘Black Friday – coming soon’ list. It’s due to be discounted in half an hour’s time. Keep an eye on it. Or, y’know, don’t.

You bastard, you’ve just cost me £150 8)

You can pick a 405 up for less than £100 because people don’t like the bezel function. Fair enough, on the hoof i wouldn’t contemplate using the bezel but you can just lock it so it doesn’t change screen. All I use mine for is pace, lap time, distance.

I think the Garmin 110 does do real time pace

No, it does an average of the current lap or over the duration of the run, not a real time readout of actual pace.
I have one that I only use on holiday or away with work because of it’s simplicity and battery life.
Not really suited to the OPs requirements anyway

Thanks for the info guys. I ended up grabbing a 310XT with HRM from Amazon black friday deals, big thanks to Cougar for the heads up! Was a massive saving and they all sold out in 3 minutes at that price!