Best Value Watch for Runner

gimli on 20/09/2018 - 19:33
Last edited 20/09/2018 - 19:46

Hello Guys,

Looking for a GPS watch for running. Don't do any other sports. Do long runs and interval/sprint training.

  • Must have features are accurate GPS with good software support
  • Heart rate monitor which is reasonable would be great

Other optional features eSim (great but limited options), paywave

Amazfit BIP seems to tick the boxes and has good reviews.

If money is no issue then something in the Garmin forerunner series seems like a great option. Don't mind paying $200-300 extra if there were features to justify the extra $ but currently I can't convince myself.

Not in a hurry to buy something.

Wondering what your experience with Amazfit and other GPS Watches has been.

Cheers
GsoG

Sports & Outdoors Activity Tracker Smartwatch

Comments

  • gareth123 on 20/09/2018 - 21:31

    A friend quite liked the Tom Tom series, but I think they are getting out of smart watches.

    I'm also looking for three functions

    • running/gps (only run too).
    • heart rate monitor (monitor during exercise and at rest)
    • music so when I run with bluetooth headphones.

    Seems harder to get within reasonable budget - some ppl say just get an Apple Watch 3 or 4 - but I am not sure I want all that functionality (certainly dont want to take phone calls when I run).
    Then the Garmin Forerunner 645 (which does this) is $500+ anyway.

    I found this article
    https://www.wareable.com/running/the-best-fitness-watches-wi…

    IF you follow the link in the article, it gives a poor review of Amazfit Stratos.

  • scotty on 20/09/2018 - 22:01
    +1

    If you don't mind paying $300, then maybe Garmin Forerunner 235?

    For under $100 then yes, Amazfit BIP is probably the best value. There are some Chinese GPS watches that are cheaper but none has the battery life and 3rd party support as Amazfit BIP. I myself wear BIP as my everyday watch and run with it.

    • GPS and HRM are okay but not great. Even with AGPS it would take at least 30 seconds to lock in a position.
    • Screen is small and only show 4 figures during activity (time, distance, pace & heart rate)
    • Great battery life. Easily last a month without using GPS. With GPS it's around 10% per hour, so okay with marathon but maybe not an ultra.
    • Not many "smart phone" features. No eSim, no NFC. Then again, neither does Garmin FR235.
    • Only one physical button so you need to use the touch screen to operate most the functionalities. Not always ideal in the middle of a run with sweaty fingers.
    • Mi Fit is awful. Your activity data is stuck in Xiaomi's cloud, and there's no way to export it, or sync with other apps. There are 3rd party apps that can sync with Strava though.

    But hey, it's under $100.

    • gimli on 22/09/2018 - 14:16

      Thanks. What you have said is similar to what I have read in reviews.

      GPS is slow to load but accuracy comparable to other devices. (Could you start watch earlier before you start you run to get around this). Apart from this issue, I feel Garmin FR235 doesn't have much extra to justify the extra $200! So probably will get Amazfit unless something new gets released in next 1-2 months.

      • scotty on 22/09/2018 - 20:08

        I think out of the box FR235 might appear not having that many extras but mid/highend Garmin device has access to Connect IQ and even though FR235 is old, it still has quite a few apps.

        On the other hand, Amazfit just recently released their new watch Verge which I don't think it's really for the running/fitness market. So you might exclude Xiaomi from "something new gets released in next 1-2 months".

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