New Running Watch

[dana211]

Hey everyone,

Right now I currently use the Nike app on my phone to track my runs, but I've been thinking lately I'd kinda want to make the switch over to a running watch as it gets kind of difficult, especially on longer runs, to keep taking out and looking at my phone.

I've been looking at the Nike+ Sportwatch since I'm already familiar with how the Nike site works and everything but was also kind of interested in the Garmin Forerunner 210. I've heard a lot of good things about it and it seems to have a lot of the features I'm looking for.

If anyone has any input on these two watches (or any other ones for that matter) I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I only have experience with Garmins. I am currently using the 610, and it is solid. As long as you can also track your heart rate, any will do. You don't have to spend a fortune to get the basics.

 

[regul8ter18]

I just got the garmin 210 a few weeks ago and it has already help me out a lot. I like the pace and knowing my distance with out having to fight with my phone.

 

[Ariel484]

I have the Forerunner 210 and I really like it.

The battery lasts 8 hours when using the GPS, which is really nice. You have the choice to display lap pace, average pace or current pace. Whichever one you choose will display on the watch along with the time and distance of your run. I believe it also has an interval function, which I never use. I also like the size of the watch a lot - it looks like a regular watch, not like a giant computer on my wrist (which is what I had with my old watch, the Garmin 305).

The ONLY thing I don't like about the watch is the charger. It clips on to the watch and in order to get it to charge properly or to hook up to the computer properly (to download your data to the included program or the Garmin Connect website) you have to line the charge pins up perfectly on the back of the watch, which can get annoying. It's not a deal breaker, it can just be kind of a pain in the butt.

Overall, really like the watch a lot. I won't go on a run outside without it!

 

[Raenstoirm]

I dont have a watch, but have you tried a program like endomondo on your phone? I never take mine phone out of my pouch. I have it set every mile or half mile (depending on what my goal of the run is) to give me my pace and distance. I just got a BT HRM yesterday (so I am not sure) but I assume it will also give me my heart rate if I set it to do so.

 

[mrsdrake625]

I tried the mapmyrun app and liked it, but I like.my garmin much more. I had a Nike sportwatch a few years back and went through two - apparently they aren't sweat proof?! But maybe they have fixed them. That was five years ago or so.

Anyway, I would choose the garmin. I.got.mine refurbished from Amazon and saved some money. No problems so far (I've had.it about six months). If you do some research on the exact features you want I think you would be quite happy with it.

 

[LittleMissMickey]

I agree with the phone thing - it's kind of a pain to look at mid-run. I currently have the Garmin610, and I love it. Before this I had the 210, which I also liked. I prefer the 610 because it is very easy to switch between running and cycling screens and I like some of the customizations (but it's not huge, like the 305). My one suggestion, no matter which one you go with, is to purchase it from REI. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and I ended up needing to return my 210 three times due to errors with the HRM and moisture in the watch face. It is so much more convenient to take it back to the store and get a new one that same day than it is to hassle with Garmin.

 

[hollieplus2]

I have the garmin 10 and I love it. I didn't need all the bells and whistles just intervals, speed, distance and time. Works great, small size and pink!!! Lol

 

[FireDancer]

I never considered the phone apps for running because I never carry my phone with me. The more I read about GPS watches and people's experiences with them the more I think Garmin is the best way to go. The 210 looks like a good choice now that they added real-time pace to it. If you do a lot of biking or ever plan on doing a tri, bi, or dual the 310XT is a better option and Amazon has it for under $200 right now.

I currently have a 305 but if I were to replace it I'd go with the 310XT without hesitation.

 

[dburg30]

Love my garmin 310.. One reason I got it was the 20 hour battery life..

 

[dana211]

Thank you everyone for your input. I think I've decided on the garmin 210. I had someone at work bring theirs in today and I really liked it. I really liked the 610 too but I'll never use all the features and it's out of my price range right now. Can't wait to get it and start training with it.