Speed, Distance and Heart Rate Devices - Blog

Speed, Distance and Heart Rate Device Guide

The Running Bug — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:46:44 GMT

A facebook friend recently wrote, ‘…Nearly cried when I realised I didn’t have my Garmin' when she turned up at a half marathon, and I sympathised. Like its predecessor, it’s easy to use and provides excellent training feedback. And in the recent Brighton Half Marathon long course controversy, it was feedback from this that forced organisers to publically acknowledge that they’d made a mistake and adjust everyone’s times accordingly.

Just over five years ago many of us would have taken to our car to measure how far we’d run, and estimates about pace and distance and weekly mileage would be just guesses!

Until recently there were two main types of speed and distance monitors for runners: GPS-based models which use satellites to track your movements; and models that use foot-pods on your shoelaces which you preset according your individual stride and measure your speed and the distance covered.

But now there are apps for iphones and android devices which come with pods, and bands, that link up to satellites to measure time over distance almost as effectively as the watches, most notably Nike+ and micoach from Adidas. And another recent development has been the arrival of sophisticated online training programmes and support packages, where you can not just record your data but share it with other users (eg www.garminconnect.com).

And as well as recording time over distance, most now also measure heart rate, so you have as much data as a sports scientist need to accurately plan your training and assess your progress in races.

Need to know

In the last three to five years this market has exploded. Garmin Forerunner are the market leaders and the Forerunner series offers a wide range of gadgets with different levels of sophistication. The key change over recent years has been that these gadgets are now sleeker (you no longer need to look like you’re wearing a laptop on your arm), easier to use (you don’t need to be a complete geek to work out how to use them) and the accuracy and ability to pick up satellite reception has improved so that you can often get a good signal even in built up areas.

Timex tend to offer more functions than Garmin and the Ironman series (not surprising given the name) is very popular with Triathletes. Garmin Forerunners are doted on by runners. Polar the original heart rate monitor makers cross over to cyclists, runners, triathletes, and Suunto, make GPS watches with features such as compass making them popular with mountaineers, mountain runners, and trail runners.

Extras that make these watches ‘must-haves’ include functions that mean you can plan accurate interval sessions, virtual personal trainers and target pace/heart rate alerts. Most allow you to measure the elevation and altitude, as well as providing detailed online maps where you can see the course you’ve just run.

Garmin 210 Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:00 GMT

Our Score: 5 out of 5

Price: £199.99

Review by therunninged

PROS

Very easy to use, ideal for technophobes.
Excellent options for doing intervals.
Good size and packed with functions.

CONS

Sometimes connecting to computer is temperamental.
Be nice if it came in more colours.
Menu navigation menus if you go wrong you have to start again!

DETAILS & FEATURES

This GPS-enabled running sports-watch accurately records how far, how fast and how hard you work.
Upload to Garmin Connect, the website with free data analysis and sharing from your PC or Mac, then see the route you travelled on a map, view a summary of your workout data, create goals and more.
For runners who want more training capabilities, Forerunner 210 lets you create customised interval sessions and see your pace for each one.
If you’re using 210 with the footpod* you can work out your cadence, or steps per minute, when you upload your data to Garmin Connect. The footpod uses advanced accelerometer technology, and collects and sends precise data about your movements, cadence (steps per minute), gathering distance and speed data that is 98 percent accurate for most users.
It also works with certain indoor fitness equipment so you can track and store data from a treadmill run or indoor cycling workout.
A soft strap heart rate monitor tracks and displays heart rate in beats per minute. It has five heart rate zones, and you can customise to your exact zones. You can also set up heart rate alerts to notify you when you are above or below your targets.
Forerunner 210 provides heart rate-based calorie computation so you can more accurately track calories burned.
HotFix satellite prediction means it locks onto satellites quickly. It also has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to stay locked onto satellites, even near tall buildings or under tree cover.
Available in black or dark grey with teal.
Included with some models, sold separately on others.

User Review by Julia Armstrong

The Forerunner 210 is classified as suitable for Intermediate runners by Garmin and is one of nine Forerunners currently on the market. I’ve had this watch almost two years and find it hard to find fault with it. It’s such an essential part of my running routine and schedule, I cannot imagine training without it.

If you just want the basics, you’ve got the basics, and it’s so easy to use. As Garmin says: ‘it’s a GPS-enabled running sports-watch accurately records how far, how fast and how hard you work.’

Garmin Connect, the website with free data analysis and sharing is an excellent resource. I print out speed sessions and compare them over training blocks to see how I’ve improved. I also love to analyse race data, and see where I went well – and where things went wrong.

The customised interval sessions are fantastic. You can set sessions for time, distance and adjust the recovery you need. The bleep is clearly audible even on a windy seafront, and it’s reassuring to know you don’t need a track for distance, and the recovery you set will be correct (no issue about trying to include the seconds for restarting a stop watch).

As I train only outdoors I didn’t test with the footpod but it’s great for gym users to have the option to measure progress on the treadmill as well as outdoors.

The heart rate monitor is comfortable to wear and for anyone serious about training, or for those who need to be aware how the ticker is responding, it’s vital. And it’s so useful to have both pace and heart rate measured. See our article on heart rate monitoring for more on how to get the most out of it.

Garmin is the best of all the models I’ve tested when it comes to fixing onto satellites and as the technology has improved over the years, locking on gets easier. There’s still some standing around waiting for lock-on, but it’s very short and not a major issue.

My biggest gripe with both the 110 and 210 has been the sometimes hit and miss link up between the computer and the Garmin. A bit of fiddling with the clasp and watch and you get it. But I hope they can improve on this, and that’s why I’ve scored 4.5 instead of six out of five!

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Nike+ FuelBand Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Our Score: 4 out of 5

Price: £129

Review by Parit

PROS

Very easy to use.
Looks great.
Encourages you to be more active.

CONS

Expensive for what it does.
No GPS.
Currently only available in one colour.

DETAILS & FEATURES

Built-in 3-axis accelerometer to measure motion which is then converted in to NikeFuel.
Measures NikeFuel, calories burnt and steps taken on a daily basis which are neatly displayed on an array of 100 white LED lights.
USB connection to charge the device and also sync with your Nike+ account via a PC or Mac.
Bluetooth connection to sync with the new Nike Fuelband iOS app.
Available in 3 sizes: small, medium and large, and comes with two additional inserts to adjust the band for a better fit.
Water resistant making it safe to wear in the shower or out in the rain.

User Review by Parit

The Nike FuelBand feels just like a wristband but packs a lot more punch. Weighing in at under 35g you don’t even realise you’re wearing it, but it’s there quietly tracking you’re activity. The sync at the end of the day gives you a great feeling when you realise exactly how much you’ve done.

The FuelBand utilises a 3-axis accelerometer to measure you’re motion; which is then converted in to NikeFuel. The more you do, the more NikeFuel you are awarded. You start the day by setting a fuel goal, as you get closer to your goal it lights up from red to green, reach the green and you’ve achieved your target. I’ve managed to hit my goal 5 times in a row now and have become a lot more active just trying to chase my goal every day!

It is incredibly easy to use and is targeted at just about anyone wanting to do more. You create a Nike+ account, add you’re height and weight, set a daily goal, put on your FuelBand and you’re good to go. The device has a single button which allows you to switch between viewing your NikeFuel, Calories, Steps and the current Time, all of which are displayed on a simple LED display. At any point through the day you can sync the device with your account by plugging it in using the USB cable or syncing it to your iPhone.

As you are wearing the device on your wrist it is measuring the movement of your arm and any sports which involve steady arms will not be measured accurately. Also the device doesn’t feature GPS tracking meaning it doesn’t measure you’re distance as accurately as other devices on the market. Nike state that it’s two Lithium Polymer batteries keep the charge for four days but in practice I’ve found this to be more like two or three days, however on the flipside it doesn’t take very long to charge and the USB cable means you can charge it anywhere.

An iPhone and iPod app has been released alongside the FuelBand. The app follows the simplistic style. The main screen allows you to view your current NikeFuel and set you’re daily target. Another screen allows you to view you’re history on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis to see how much fuel you’ve been burning and how often you’ve been hitting your targets.

My final verdict would be that this is a great device for anyone wanting to become more active in their day-to-day lives, the ease of use and daily goals definitely encourage you to do more. If you want a device to track you’re running then this isn’t it, there are much better devices available which are specifically targeted at running.

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Garmin 110 Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:13:00 GMT

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5

Price: £139

Review by therunninged

PROS

Quickly picks up satellites.
Easy to use.
Great Size.

CONS

Sometimes connecting to computer is temperamental.
If you go to the wrong part of the menu you have to start again.
Not as many training options as more expensive models.

DETAILS & FEATURES

Described by Gamin as ‘Essential’ this is considered to be the entry level of the nine Forerunner watches.
Data from each run is stored in the unit, so you can go back and see how you did last week or last month. Or, upload to Garmin Connect™ website to review, re-live and re-play your run.  
Set up to show your current mile pace and will capture and display the split time for every mile or you can adjust to show kilometres if you prefer, or even change the distance to get more frequent splits.   
The Forerunner 110 with heart rate (men's black/red and women's grey/pink) comes with a heart rate monitor to display your heart rate in beats per minute. It also provides heart rate-based calorie computations so you can accurately track your calories burned.   
If you have the black/grey Forerunner 110 without heart rate, you can buy a Garmin heart rate monitor separately or use with an ANT+ heart rate monitor you already own.

User Review by Julia Armstrong

The Forerunner 110 was the first Garmin to really take on board simplicity. It followed the 305, which was a bigger, chunkier watch with difficult to read heart rate measurements. The 110 first came out in 2009 and it remains, simple, and idiot-proof, with simple to follow instructions and all the functions you’ll need to record time over distance, your pace and heart rate.

The Forerunner 110 picks up satellites very quickly (but this will depend on where you are located, inner city is obviously harder due to tall buildings), and records your moving time and pace, so that you can see how far you’ve run and how fast you’ve run each mile. Once you start using a gadget like this, there really is no turning back. If you want an all singing, all dancing watch that gives you complicated training data, then you may want to try something with a few more ‘bells and whistles’ but for the average runner, this is the best there is for giving you that all important time over distance feedback, and when you add in the heart rate data, you couldn’t really ask for more from a watch.

Garmin Connect is an excellent online facility and using the USB connection it’s easy to upload to, but occasionally the connection between watch and computer can be difficult to achieve and this is frustrating. I’ve had a 110 and 210 for the last two years and this problem is common to both.

However, once you’ve uploaded your data, it’s great to be able to share with a friend, or upload to facebook, and to see the splits for each mile you’ve run.

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Polar RS400 Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:02:00 GMT

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5

Price: £200

Review by Dan Foley

PROS

Excellent accuracy and reliability.
Loads of training features.
Easy to operate and check on the run.

CONS

Setup not easy, poor instruction manual.
Can't just get out and run.
No GPS features

DETAILS & FEATURES

Polar’s Smart Coaching – The OwnZone mode guides you to train at the right intensity and Smart Calories lets you know exactly how many calories you've burned.

Heart Rate monitoring - Automatic age-based target zone; Average and maximum heart rate for each lap and session; HR target zones with alarm

Training features - HeartTouch feature means you can see different training information by moving the watch close to your transmitter so you don't have to use buttons. Up to 99 laps can be recorded. Configure training computer to display what information you need during training.

Polar ProTrainer 5 - Software for analysing, planning and keeping a training diary

polarpersonaltrainer.com - online tool that analyses your training load to show your cumulative training and advising if rest days are necessary. Also includes training programmes.

Fitness Test - A five minute test that tells you what you need to do to improve your fitness and how you are progressing.

Running Index - Automatically calculated after every run, your Running Index is based on your heart rate and from the speed data collected from your stride sensor to see how efficient your running is.

IrDA USB Adapter - allows you to transfer data from your watch to Polar ProTrainer 5 using infrared sensor provided.

S1 footpod - Device to measure speed, pace and distance.

User Review by Dan foley

The Polar RS400 provides you with the all the accurate, quality heart rate data you would expect from Polar with added distance and speed information as well as training tools and data analysis features.

If you're new to running then the RS400 will probably be a bit daunting and provide you with too much information for what you need to improve as a runner. Similarly, if you are at the other end of the scale and have been running for years and are looking for the ultimate training tool, then there might be a few things missing that might make you consider the latest RCX3.

Starting with the basic, the watch itself is chunky and tough, which means it's easy to use on the run but isn't the sexiest watch you'll ever wear. It's easy to plug in and go with the heart rate monitor, although the footpod, which measures steps, speed and distance, is a bit fiddly and becomes an extra chore when you just want to get out and run.

Set up is also a bit more difficult than it should be. Despite being a techy guy, I found the instruction manual less than helpful when it came to downloading data through the infra red USB device and had to search the internet to find suitable instructions, which was annoying.

The lack of a GPS device with the RS400 also means that getting the footpod accurately set up for my own stride length was not that easy. Unless you live near a running track then you'll need to know a stretch of land that is exactly 1km or use a treadmill, which is another inconvenience. To get the most out of this device, there's a bit of leg work to be put in.

Once you're set up though, you'll be able to use some fantastic features. You can use the Fitness test to work out your maximum heart rate and VO2 max, which you can then use to make sure you're training in the desired zone.

The stand out feature for me was the OwnOptimizer tool which, in essence, uses your training data and history to tell you if you are not training hard enough to improve or if you're over-training and need to take a rest day.

On the run, the screen is easy to read and the buttons work fine if you're measuring laps. A particularly good feature is that you can perform actions usually achieved by pressing a button by simply moving the watch close to the HR device.

There are a range of pre-set training sessions to use and you can add your own custom training sessions including heart rate zones, where the device makes sure you maintain your desired heart rate with audible alerts, to interval training and more. I didn't experience any problems with reception when using the device, although I did find I had to wave the watch around near the footpod at the start of a session.

So overall, I'd say this is a great training device that's only really let down by the lack of GPS and the frustration of getting it set up in the first place and having to attach the footpod every time you go for a run. In terms of data, what you can do with it and what the RS400 can do for you in terms of training, it gets top marks.

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Polar RS100 Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:51:00 GMT

Our Score: 4 out of 5

Price: £88

Review by Dan Foley

PROS

Inexpensive HR device.
Great for beginners.
Durable.

CONS

Only stores data from one workout session.
No data transfer to computer.
No distance/GPS features.

DETAILS & FEATURES

Polar’s Smart Coaching – The OwnZone mode guides you to train at the right intensity and Smart Calories lets you know exactly how many calories you've burned.

Heart Rate monitoring - Automatic age-based target zone; Average and maximum heart rate for each lap and session; HR target zones with alarm

User Review by Dan Foley

This is Polar's entry level heart rate monitor for beginners who want basic heart rate and timing features. If you're new to the concept of heart rate training this is a great place to start as it's uncomplicated yet still gives you valuable feedback that can help improve your fitness. The training mode also allows you to work in a particular heart rate zone to optimise your training.

The watch is fine to look at and is tough enough to take a bash or two, while it's water resitant up to 50m so won't let you down in the rain. The setup is easy and the heart rate monitor and strap are easy to put on and link up to the watch quickly.

I found the best feature on the watch was the heart rate training zone, which allows you to set a target heart rate by entering a minimum and maximum HR level. When you start your training, you get audio alerts that tell you whether you're within your desired range.

The OwnZone training tool also allows you to let the watch decide your training zone for you based on your heart rate. It works this out based on the feedback after a five minute test walk/run. For interval training, you can also set two timers that repeat over and over so you can set an exercise/rest period.

The watch is easy to use, with a simple, clear display and every function you need on the run is easy to access using the main red button. The display can be set to show your preferred date from calories burned, time and heart rate.

If you're looking for your first training aid then this is a great choice, just be aware that the RS100 will not track your pace, distance for location; it's a heart rate monitor with a few simple training tools and little more. But what it does, it does very well.

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Polar RC3 GPS Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:35:00 GMT

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5

Price:

RC3 GPS (£199.50) includes: RC3 GPS Training Device & USB Cable
RC3 GPS HR (£249.50) includes: RC3 GPS Training Device, USB Cable & H3 Heart Rate Sensor
RC3 GPS Bike (£269.50) includes: RC3 GPS Training Device, USB Cable, H3 Heart Rate Sensor & CS Cadence sensor™ W.I.N.D

Review by Fiona Bugler

PROS

Looks very stylish, sleek and lightweight.
The one stop solution for anyone training with heart-rate.
GPS pick-up simple and quick.

CONS

Need to read the instructions thoroughly before you get started.
Took a while for HR monitor to pick up.
Need a sports science degree to maximize the use of www.polarpersonaltrainer.com!

DETAILS & FEATURES

GPS

SiRFstar IV GPS technology

Battery Life

In continuous use when recording a training session with the GPS function ON: up to 12 hours

In continuous use when recording a training session with the GPS function OFF: up to 1700 hours

When you train on average 1h/day, 7 days/week:

with the GPS function ON: up to 11 days
with the GPS function OFF: up to 120 days
when only the time view is used: up to 4 months

Slim and lightweight, only 58 grams

Training Benefit After Exercise: messages telling you how you’ve done ‘You’ve improved the endurance of your muscles’.

Guides You Back To The Start Using the GPS your watch can direct you back to where you started.

Web Training Diary: polarpersonaltrainer.com – an online training aid where you can analyse and share training benefit data with friends.

Download endurance programmes to the watch using DataLink.

Map View allows you to check out your route with training load colour-coding, through Google Earth.

Detailed graphs help you optimize your training and aid performance development.

Polar’s Smart Coaching – records training and progress, plus Training Benefit feature provides users with instant feedback based on each session.

Cumulative Training Load – shows your recovery status and how hard you worked, allowing you to plan training to maximise fitness and endurance.

ZoneOptimizer – adjusts your personal heart rate zones for every training session based on your current condition so you can take into account factors such as fatigue, recovery, hydration and general well-being. This allows you to train safely within the zones it sets for each day.

Fitness Test – measures your fitness level in five minutes, monitors your improving fitness levels.

User Review by Fiona Bugler

At last, Polar have introduced a real competitor to Garmin and other integrated all in one GPS training watches/computers. As I said in my review of the RCX3 I’m put off by devices that have separate GPS monitors, but this device, which is very similar to the RCX3 has the best bits of that product – but now it’s all in one place.

Allow yourself time to get the best from your RC3. First you’ll need to get familiar with polarpersonaltrainer.com. Once you’ve registered, you can download Web Sync and upload all your training sessions (by attaching the USB cable to the back of the watch), ready to be analysed and offer you your own tailored and personalized support.

Like most modern heart-rate monitors the strap and transmitter snap together. It feels comfortable on and stays secure, but it did take me a while to get a connection. The strap is soft and breathable – they’ve come on a long way!

The satellite was super quick to pick up, again showing how far the technology has come on in a relatively short period of time. There’s a nice little icon of a stick-man runner, which flashes up a ‘tick’ when your heart-rate and satellites are picked up. (There are other ‘stick men’ offering training modes for cycling and two other sports).

You’ve got seven training windows to cycle through so that you can view how the session is going. It’s an easy switch between these windows whilst you’re running, and the digital display is clear and large enough for any one (no need for reading glasses!). You can access a quick menu by pressing the light button for two seconds. Just like the RCX3 you can pause the workout by hitting the back button and resume with the go button! It’s simple. To record a lap you just press OK in the Quick Menu.

Given Polar’s history, this is the watch for those who want to train with their heart as the measure. There are a variety of training features: you can use Zone Optimizer; customise your zones; and there’s a VO2 max value.

Zone Optimizer automatically adjusts your heart rate zones for that given day, based on the data provided by the heart rate strap in heart rate variability, so it really responds to how you are feeling on the day. If you’re over tired your zone 2 might be more like 120s than 130s.

If you know your heart rate zones, you can customize them yourself. Similarly if you want the Fitness Test to give you a V02 max value it will, or if you’ve had a test in a lab you can enter your own V02. These are really excellent and unique features, and offer up that personal, tailored experience.

Once you’ve finished your workout you can analyse data on your watch. The Training Benefit feature allows you to understand the effectiveness of your training. Again, using your heart rate as a measure, the feedback will tell you how you’ve performed and give you personalized messages about the benefits you have gained.

Like the RCX3, the RC3 is super-slim and lightweight, weighing in at just 58g. It’s impressive that so much technology can be installed into such a small thing!

A novel touch is the ‘Back to Start’ GPS feature that directs users back to their starting point in the shortest distance possible. Very handy if you’re somewhere new, or on holiday and want to explore without fear of getting lost. And it’s easy to follow with a nice big arrow that points you in the right direction.

Polar really do offer the full personal training experience. There’s a wide range of sensors that, once added to the device make it completely unique to a user’s needs. Polar says: “The S3+ Stride Sensor gives data and knowledge on your technique and efficiency. Or for cyclists, speed and cadence sensors, once added to a bike give riders all they need to know about their performance.” The .5 off is simply because there’s so much packed into the device, it may put off time-poor runners wanting to keep it simple.

Polar RCX3 Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:34:00 GMT

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5

Price: £234.50

Review by Fiona Bugler

PROS

Looks very stylish and sleek.
Long battery life.
Excellent online support and training accessories.

CONS

Wrist strap feels a bit flimsy.
Seems like it's going to be an effort to test.
Expensive for the market..

DETAILS & FEATURES

Polar’s Smart Coaching – records training and progress, plus a brand new Training Benefit feature provides users with instant feedback based on each session.

Cumulative Training Load – shows your recovery status and how hard you worked, allowing you to plan training to maximise fitness and endurance.

polarpersonaltrainer.com – an online training aid where you can analyse and share Training Benefit data with friends. Download endurance programmes to the watch using DataLink. And work out your cumulative training load and recovery time after every session with Training Load. Map View allows you to check out your route with training load colour-coding, through Google Earth. Finally, detailed graphs help you optimize your training and aid performance development.

Fitness Test – measures your fitness level in five minutes, monitors your improving fitness levels.

Alternative packages summary: RCX3 Run includes s3+ stride sensor.

User Review by Fiona Bugler

This personal training computer looks fantastically compact and sleek. I tested the white women’s version, which looks stylish and has an unfeasibly thin wristband. The HR monitor was easy to put on and picks up instantly, it’s also very comfortable to wear and there was no rubbing.

Once you’ve switched on it’s easy to move between four different training view windows: laps; sport zones; calories; time and overall training time; zone pointer and overall time. A quick menu allows you to show zone limits, set training sounds and lock buttons. You can pause the workout by hitting the back button and resume with the go button! It’s simple. There’s also a lap button that you can use to break up your run for example, into warm up, middle section, cool down, handy for threshold runs to heart rate.

Once you’ve finished you can upload data onto your computer. If you’ve used Running Index you can get fantastic information about your running economy, as you can measure your heart and speed – the more efficient and economical you run, the faster you run at a lower heart rate. You don’t need to know the ins and outs as the feedback tells you if your economy is improving.

I’m instantly put off by the GPS coming as a separate unit. One, I’m not sure where to wear it to keep it secure and two, I don’t want extra stuff to worry about when I’m running. However, the G5 GPS unit (18g), (which has 20 hours of battery life) feels ultra light and once attached to my shorts, it stayed put, and wasn’t a problem at all. It can also be inserted to an arm-band, which I didn’t have to test. The GPS reception was excellent, like the heart-rate monitor, it picked up quickly.

The online training resource www.polarpersonaltrainer.com has loads of useful info. And if you like tables and science, there’s plenty on there to help you plot your training and progress.

I prefer to switch on and hit the road and am not keen on accessories. I found the set up a bit fussy, but that’s in comparison to the Garmin 210, which is literally switch on and go. However, it’s a minor complaint and once you’re on, you don’t have to think about it again.

Other accessories include the footpod that needs to be calibrated, and you can use this to test time over distance on the treadmill. With Triathletes in mind there are accessories available for cyclists to measure speed and detect the wheel spinning so it gets started, but we didn’t test the cycling aspect – and it’s waterproof to 30m so can be used in the pool.

This is a great gadget with loads of extras and is ideal for anyone wanting a bit more information and feedback from their running. It’s also perfect for triathletes.

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TIMEX Ironman Global Trainer Review

The Running Bug — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:13:00 GMT

Our Score: 4 out of 5

Price: £299.95

Review by Mike Ovens

PROS

Many different setups and tailored displays to choose from.
Robust and sturdy strap/fittings.
Long charge-life.

CONS

Large and slightly cumbersome.
Complicated to set up.
The GPS can sometimes be slow to pick up and drops out regularly.

DETAILS & FEATURES

Industry-leading SiRFstarIII GPS technology and ANT+ compatibility.
Performance Mode records multiple variables during your workout, including speed, distance, elapsed time, pace and calories burned.
Multisport Event Mode records activities and transitions in one sequence.
Customizable screen display show up to four windows of information.
20-workout memory with dated summary records up to 1000 laps of information.
Chronograph with interval and countdown timers measures performance.
Records elapsed time, calories burned and performance data for each lap.
Performance Pacer helps meet finish-time goals.
Hands-free option automatically starts and stops data capture functions.
Download data to free online training log software powered by Training Peaks.
Advanced desktop software manages user settings for easy customization.
Compatible with Timex digital 2.4 heart rate sensors using ANT+.
Compatible with ANT+ third-party bike power meters and sensors to measure cadence and speed/ distance.
INDIGLO night-light with Night-Mode.

User Review by Mike Ovens

This is a great looking sports watch, if a little large (possibly more of an issue for women runners) compared to other brands. The watch has an enormous array of settings and display setups to choose from or alternatively you can create bespoke displays. But it’s also a very good stop watch with all the things you’d expect from that, including start/stop/lap timing etc…

The top pusher is easy to switch on and off the watch, and it’s has a lightweight resin case and resin strap.

It incorporates SIRF-star111 GPS technology, but can be a bit slow to pick up a signal. The 15-hour rechargeable battery is fantastic. It’s also water resistant to 50 meters, making it excellent for triathletes.

After the workout you can delete or save your workout, good for those wanting accurate logs. You can set timers to help manage reps, and you can pace your workout, too. If you switch to multi-sport mode, you can manage up to five sports together – a real bonus and a unique function. And you can see all five variables at one time, i.e. speed, distance, elapsed time, pace, and calories burned, again making it the perfect watch for the serious triathlete.

A great feature is split counting and lap viewing features, so it’s easy to see what lap you’re on, which was really handy when I was running 10 x 800m.

Link up with www.trainingpeaks.com. You’ll learn about your sport, and about your training just by using this site! Upload data from the watch, and use the site for menu plans, goal setting and detailed reports. (But allow some time to do this).

As well as measuring speed, distance, time, pace and calories, this unit also measures location with altitude ascent and descent distances and rates. It can record up to 100 location waypoints to track back and create routes and can recall up to 50 custom routes for pace tracking.

It is user-friendly, but it takes a while to take it all in. Read the booklet before you get going, there’s so much packed into this wrist-computer you need to take your time. But once you get the hang of it, this watch is indispensible and there’s very little it cannot tell you!

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