Running watch - specific requirements!
Discussion
I’m relatively new to the world of running and have so far been going with just an iPhone in the pocket with Strava and Spotify.
I’ve hit a couple of decent (for me) milestones and I’m prepared to treat myself to a decent running watch.
Ideal world spec would give me -
Compatible with Strava/Spotify (I have premium so okay with downloaded playlists)
And a screen that can show me this on the move:
I want to be able to glance down and see my distance so far, my average speed so far and also my average speed over the last Km. I’d guess that’s relatively specific, so something with a display where I can modify display settings to suit this would be perfect.
A heart monitor may be good, but not essential.
It may be that the perfect watch doesn’t exist, or every watch does this and I just don’t know it
No set budget as such, cheap and cheerful if it does the above, or an Apple Watch with ability to make calls etc through ear pods if that ticks the boxes.
I guess the display is more important than Spotify/Strava, I’d still carry a watch if necessary. So what do I need?!
I’ve hit a couple of decent (for me) milestones and I’m prepared to treat myself to a decent running watch.
Ideal world spec would give me -
Compatible with Strava/Spotify (I have premium so okay with downloaded playlists)
And a screen that can show me this on the move:
I want to be able to glance down and see my distance so far, my average speed so far and also my average speed over the last Km. I’d guess that’s relatively specific, so something with a display where I can modify display settings to suit this would be perfect.
A heart monitor may be good, but not essential.
It may be that the perfect watch doesn’t exist, or every watch does this and I just don’t know it
No set budget as such, cheap and cheerful if it does the above, or an Apple Watch with ability to make calls etc through ear pods if that ticks the boxes.
I guess the display is more important than Spotify/Strava, I’d still carry a watch if necessary. So what do I need?!
I currently use a Polar Vantage - you can customize the display to show what you want - distance, time, average pace, current pace, heart rate, speed, etc.- I think you can have 4 metrics on a screen, but there are multiple screens you can scroll through - you can change it in the Polar flow app on your phone. I'm pretty sure you can do the same with Garmin watches.
Virtually all running watches come with either a wrist-based HR monitor, or you can buy a chest strap (which is more accurate), You can also link the watch (actually the app on your phone) to Strava so you can see your run on there.
Not sure about Spotify, I still use an ipod when I run!
Virtually all running watches come with either a wrist-based HR monitor, or you can buy a chest strap (which is more accurate), You can also link the watch (actually the app on your phone) to Strava so you can see your run on there.
Not sure about Spotify, I still use an ipod when I run!
I don't think that's an unreasonable list of requirements!
I can't talk to specific watches other than the one I have (Fenix 6X Pro Solar), but suspect most Garmins cover that. They all have customisable screens, so you can have all you want at a glance.
In terms of Strava, as long as the watch has GPS then it will load up to Strava, but are you looking for it to give you live segments as well?
Several Garmins have music on them now. I think the cheapest (but by no means bad) one that would suit your needs is the Forerunner 245 Music. It also has heart rate via a wrist sensor, and can connect to a chest strap if you want more accuracy. Then the 745 and 945 moving up the range. I think the entire Garmin Fenix range also cover what you want.
I'm sure Suunto have a watch that covers it all too, but I don't have much experience of them. Despite being an Apple fan I wouldn't use the Apple Watch for running - it'll work no doubt, but if you're getting serious about running then Garmin and Suunto have more specific features. They'll also easily cover other sports too, where you may want to connect additional sensors.
I can't talk to specific watches other than the one I have (Fenix 6X Pro Solar), but suspect most Garmins cover that. They all have customisable screens, so you can have all you want at a glance.
In terms of Strava, as long as the watch has GPS then it will load up to Strava, but are you looking for it to give you live segments as well?
Several Garmins have music on them now. I think the cheapest (but by no means bad) one that would suit your needs is the Forerunner 245 Music. It also has heart rate via a wrist sensor, and can connect to a chest strap if you want more accuracy. Then the 745 and 945 moving up the range. I think the entire Garmin Fenix range also cover what you want.
I'm sure Suunto have a watch that covers it all too, but I don't have much experience of them. Despite being an Apple fan I wouldn't use the Apple Watch for running - it'll work no doubt, but if you're getting serious about running then Garmin and Suunto have more specific features. They'll also easily cover other sports too, where you may want to connect additional sensors.
Apple Watch with GPS and Cellular with AirPods gives you all you need up to about 2 hours run time. Any more than that you'll need to take your phone with you, or choose a more focussed running Watch with a bigger battery (eg Garmin/Polar/Suunto). Many posters will be along shortly to say why their watch is the best.
Good pace by the way.
Good pace by the way.
Argos have Garmin 645 Music (released in 2018 for £400) for £200 now.
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/1513936
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/1513936
Thanks chaps,
There’s a lot to go through, so to save multi quoting:
The polar is out due to needing a phone for music when running.
Garmin looking promising due to features, but the Fenix is probably a step too far for my needs. This will be used for running only rather than an everyday watch, so whilst cost isn’t everything (I’m saving a tonne on gym fees!) it’s still worth finding a balance.
Apple Watch seems like it would cover requirements, I don’t plan to run longer than 2 hours! However I may ride longer than that, so Garmin again is heading in the right direction.
Pace wise - that’s not my stats! I just knocked up an example to show what I want to see. I’m still pretty proud of 5:32/km over 5k, down from 6:33 in October!
The 645 seems to tick all the boxes and at a good price! Garmin Pay is a bonus, whilst I don’t need it at the moment the ability to buy a bottle of water if I did increase distances could be handy. Unless anyone comes up with a better option before tomorrow, that’ll be the one.
Thanks all, now onto headphones! I’m currently using the wired iPhone ones from the box and they never fall out. It’s tempting to go with air pods as they should fit and could also be used for zoom calls etc, unless again theirs a better option?
There’s a lot to go through, so to save multi quoting:
The polar is out due to needing a phone for music when running.
Garmin looking promising due to features, but the Fenix is probably a step too far for my needs. This will be used for running only rather than an everyday watch, so whilst cost isn’t everything (I’m saving a tonne on gym fees!) it’s still worth finding a balance.
Apple Watch seems like it would cover requirements, I don’t plan to run longer than 2 hours! However I may ride longer than that, so Garmin again is heading in the right direction.
Pace wise - that’s not my stats!
I just knocked up an example to show what I want to see. I’m still pretty proud of 5:32/km over 5k, down from 6:33 in October!The 645 seems to tick all the boxes and at a good price! Garmin Pay is a bonus, whilst I don’t need it at the moment the ability to buy a bottle of water if I did increase distances could be handy. Unless anyone comes up with a better option before tomorrow, that’ll be the one.
Thanks all, now onto headphones! I’m currently using the wired iPhone ones from the box and they never fall out. It’s tempting to go with air pods as they should fit and could also be used for zoom calls etc, unless again theirs a better option?
Cybertronian said:
Double check your bank/card issuer is supported by Garmin Pay if it's definitely a feature you're interested in.
Garmin Pay's list of supported banks/card issuers is much, much smaller than Apple Pay's or Google Pay's.
Ahh, good point! I’ve just checked the list and it is rather small! Garmin Pay's list of supported banks/card issuers is much, much smaller than Apple Pay's or Google Pay's.
I only have/use a Lloyds debit card, so guess I’d have to apply for a credit card with one of the above. Not the end of the world either way, but a good pointer, thank you!
I’ve got the Garmin 645 Music and it sounds perfect for your needs.
All the displays you want are definitely available after a bit of customising.
I’ve got Spotify premium and setting up some playlists and then downloading them into the watch works very well.
I always say to people: If you want a smart watch that you go running in then get an Apple Watch. If you actually want a proper running watch then get a Garmin.
My girlfriend has an Apple Watch. When we go running together my distance and GPS traces are always more accurate than hers.
With regards to Garmin Pay, chances are your bank won’t support it. However, Revolut IS supported. So you can set up a free Revolut account. Stick £20 in it and then just have it linked to your watch for when you need to purchase something.
All the displays you want are definitely available after a bit of customising.
I’ve got Spotify premium and setting up some playlists and then downloading them into the watch works very well.
I always say to people: If you want a smart watch that you go running in then get an Apple Watch. If you actually want a proper running watch then get a Garmin.
My girlfriend has an Apple Watch. When we go running together my distance and GPS traces are always more accurate than hers.
With regards to Garmin Pay, chances are your bank won’t support it. However, Revolut IS supported. So you can set up a free Revolut account. Stick £20 in it and then just have it linked to your watch for when you need to purchase something.
My wife has an amazfit pace.
It was £65, and has music storage and customisable faces.
We needed to update the software from an old phone / version of android before it would connect to our phones on the latest version of android.
Other than that it has been a cracking bit of kit. Out performing and out functioning her mate's Garmin, who updated to a new Garmin out of envy, and the new Garmin isn't as good either despite being 3x the price!
It was £65, and has music storage and customisable faces.
We needed to update the software from an old phone / version of android before it would connect to our phones on the latest version of android.
Other than that it has been a cracking bit of kit. Out performing and out functioning her mate's Garmin, who updated to a new Garmin out of envy, and the new Garmin isn't as good either despite being 3x the price!
bristolbaron said:
Cybertronian said:
Double check your bank/card issuer is supported by Garmin Pay if it's definitely a feature you're interested in.
Garmin Pay's list of supported banks/card issuers is much, much smaller than Apple Pay's or Google Pay's.
Ahh, good point! I’ve just checked the list and it is rather small! Garmin Pay's list of supported banks/card issuers is much, much smaller than Apple Pay's or Google Pay's.
I only have/use a Lloyds debit card, so guess I’d have to apply for a credit card with one of the above. Not the end of the world either way, but a good pointer, thank you!
I’ve been a FD customer for years, but got a Starling account to use with Garmin Pay. I’ve actually found them to be even better than FD so am contemplating a complete switch.
Your requirements aren't particularly taxing and there's no reason to gop mega spendy (ie Apple or Garmin) to get what you want. But there aren't many options that allow offline music storage. I've been through a few options over the last few years for basically the same requirements - GPS, Strava, Music.
Sony's original Android Wear watch - can't remember it's name Smart Watch 2? - is really good and cheap now. Does all you want as it's one of the few with offline storage for music.
If you want to take that a step further, the newer Android Wear watches are pretty much either expensive or terrible. Samsung isn't really Android Wear, but doesn't matter as it actually works and Google couldn't care less about Wear anymore. Don't get a Ticwatch Pro. Mine takes about 10 mins to pair both ear buds, play music and open Strava. It constantly crashes out of the menus back to the home screen and turns the screen off, terrible.
Don't get Garmin, they're either terrible out of the box or they will f
k you over with a random software update, or a new way of syncing data, or turn of connections with Strava or Google Fit etc without warning. My Wife got one earlier in the year, it never achieved GPS lock and went back. Expensive too.
I now have a Samsung Gear Pro2. Strava, offline Music, pairs with ear buds really quickly and the GPS works. They're discontinued and cheap. Good points are the Samsung Health ecosystem is really good - sleep and activity tracking all the time and Strava for training. I use HealthSync to sync data over to Google Fit, which is a bit better for analysing general activity data. My compromise was no NFC for Google Pay, but I can live with that.
Sony's original Android Wear watch - can't remember it's name Smart Watch 2? - is really good and cheap now. Does all you want as it's one of the few with offline storage for music.
If you want to take that a step further, the newer Android Wear watches are pretty much either expensive or terrible. Samsung isn't really Android Wear, but doesn't matter as it actually works and Google couldn't care less about Wear anymore. Don't get a Ticwatch Pro. Mine takes about 10 mins to pair both ear buds, play music and open Strava. It constantly crashes out of the menus back to the home screen and turns the screen off, terrible.
Don't get Garmin, they're either terrible out of the box or they will f
k you over with a random software update, or a new way of syncing data, or turn of connections with Strava or Google Fit etc without warning. My Wife got one earlier in the year, it never achieved GPS lock and went back. Expensive too.I now have a Samsung Gear Pro2. Strava, offline Music, pairs with ear buds really quickly and the GPS works. They're discontinued and cheap. Good points are the Samsung Health ecosystem is really good - sleep and activity tracking all the time and Strava for training. I use HealthSync to sync data over to Google Fit, which is a bit better for analysing general activity data. My compromise was no NFC for Google Pay, but I can live with that.
Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff