Sports watches (Running/cycling/swim etc.)
Discussion
Not sure if this might be better in the sports forum but I'll try it here:
I've had a Suunto Ambit watch for running (and occasionally cycling and swimming too) for the past 3 years.As it's lasted really well, I haven't looked into the current models for about 2-3 years, and was wondering if anyone knows what's good at the moment, or whether there's more similarities now between GPS sports watches and things like the Apple smartwatch?
There's nothing wrong with the Suunto, its just that I get annoyed at the massive GPS chip on the suunto as it makes it difficult to fit comfortably (I have really "flat" bony wrists), especially on long runs when it gets sweaty and starts moving and sliding around.
what I really need is something smaller, thinner, with more basic functions (I only really want the usual pace/time/distance read-outs, plus mileage splits etc.), but do want a watch that gets a GPS signal really quickly (my old garmin was useless at that). My mrs has a TomTom sports watch but I don't like the square button controls.
Any ideas? Currently looking at Suunto Traverse. I really like the style but it looks massive. The Ambit 3 is 50mm dia, x 15.5mm thick. Ideally I'd like something much smaller (40mm x 10mm would be better and undoubtedly lighter too). If it was more wearable I'd use it most days I think.
Thanks.
I've had a Suunto Ambit watch for running (and occasionally cycling and swimming too) for the past 3 years.As it's lasted really well, I haven't looked into the current models for about 2-3 years, and was wondering if anyone knows what's good at the moment, or whether there's more similarities now between GPS sports watches and things like the Apple smartwatch?
There's nothing wrong with the Suunto, its just that I get annoyed at the massive GPS chip on the suunto as it makes it difficult to fit comfortably (I have really "flat" bony wrists), especially on long runs when it gets sweaty and starts moving and sliding around.
what I really need is something smaller, thinner, with more basic functions (I only really want the usual pace/time/distance read-outs, plus mileage splits etc.), but do want a watch that gets a GPS signal really quickly (my old garmin was useless at that). My mrs has a TomTom sports watch but I don't like the square button controls.
Any ideas? Currently looking at Suunto Traverse. I really like the style but it looks massive. The Ambit 3 is 50mm dia, x 15.5mm thick. Ideally I'd like something much smaller (40mm x 10mm would be better and undoubtedly lighter too). If it was more wearable I'd use it most days I think.
Thanks.
I think they are mostly much of muchness these days. Never tried the Apple watch but for more serious sports people I would think a company dedicated to producing those sorts of watches would be better, rather than Apple which is very much a lifestyle brand.
I am firmly in the Garmin ecosystem, no real reason other than that's what I started with and have seen no reason to change. The software that comes witht he watches is usually crap, although Garmin Connect isn't bad but mine all auto upload to Training Peaks / Strava anyway. I use an old 910 for swim and run and an Edge 810 on the bike. Only thing I don't like about the 910 is having to upload via PC dongle. The 810 does it via BT on the phone.
I am firmly in the Garmin ecosystem, no real reason other than that's what I started with and have seen no reason to change. The software that comes witht he watches is usually crap, although Garmin Connect isn't bad but mine all auto upload to Training Peaks / Strava anyway. I use an old 910 for swim and run and an Edge 810 on the bike. Only thing I don't like about the 910 is having to upload via PC dongle. The 810 does it via BT on the phone.
Thanks for the replies - after looking at loads of online reviews I dont think any of the sports watches will be discrete. At least they're all lightweight though which makes them easier to wear. I'm currently thinking a Garmin Fenix 5 sapphire might be the best option; smaller, better shape, and in-built hrm too.
I'd definitely like one that looks a little bit less cheap than my current lump of plain black plastic:
I'd definitely like one that looks a little bit less cheap than my current lump of plain black plastic:
I was looking for something less cheap and plastic looking than my Forerunner 10, Garmin vs Samsung mostly. In the end I decided that Samsung Frontier doesn't look much better than the sports watches, and though the Samsung Classic was better the strap on it is pretty cheap looking too. So I bought the Fenix 5. I might change the strap later, but even with the stainless bezel it is unmistakeably a sports watch.
The 235 is smaller, thinner, and reasonably pretty if you just want a better GPS watch.
The 235 is smaller, thinner, and reasonably pretty if you just want a better GPS watch.
I wear a Fenix 3 as an every day watch and use it for Tri sports and it's fine. Large, but tough and looks as purposeful as most modern large watches.
What I should have said is the Vivoactive which my wife uses, wears like a normal watch. It's much smaller and slimmer and less obtrusive. Features wise it runs pretty much along side all the specific running watches.
It's also quicker to find signal than my Fenix and when we go running together, just as accurate.
It's certainly the one I'd recommend that can do a decent balance or sports / daily without being the most obvious "smart" watch IMO.
What I should have said is the Vivoactive which my wife uses, wears like a normal watch. It's much smaller and slimmer and less obtrusive. Features wise it runs pretty much along side all the specific running watches.
It's also quicker to find signal than my Fenix and when we go running together, just as accurate.
It's certainly the one I'd recommend that can do a decent balance or sports / daily without being the most obvious "smart" watch IMO.
There's a decent size comparison here between the various Fenix 5 models.
Seems odd to have such a huge size range. I just need to know what spec the S is missing compared to the X.
From that view though, it looks like the 5s would definitely be the most wearable day to day, although I suspect it might have odd proportions as its bound to be almost as thick as the 5 and 5x (as they all have in built hrm on the back of the watch).
Anyway I think I'll take the plunge and see what it's like when it arrives.
Seems odd to have such a huge size range. I just need to know what spec the S is missing compared to the X.
From that view though, it looks like the 5s would definitely be the most wearable day to day, although I suspect it might have odd proportions as its bound to be almost as thick as the 5 and 5x (as they all have in built hrm on the back of the watch).
Anyway I think I'll take the plunge and see what it's like when it arrives.
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