Best Watch For Runners 2012 - Timex Vs Garmin Vs Polar
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Top Picks of Best Watch for Running by Timex, Polar and Garmin
This article starts with the lowest priced running watches by Timex Ironman which offer basic data such as speed and lap times at a competitive price. These watches are great for runners who just want to focus on using data to improve their training sessions.
If you're after features such as GPS and a heart rate monitor as well as collecting training data, the Garmin Forerunner watches are excellent choices. Garmin pretty much dominates the market with running watches at the moment. Currently, there are several makes of forerunner watches by Garmin. Two are discussed in detail in this article (The Garmin Forerunner 305 and 405) The 305 is still considered by many to currently be the best watch for runners although it is a bit more bulky than other watches. The 405 is lighter and offers a few more extra features than the Garmin 305 but many runners prefer the 305 for various reasons. Which you prefer may be a personal choice. Many prefer the 405 because it is sleeker and lighter to wear running whereas others prefer the larger screen of the 305. Some users report problems with the 405 which are discussed later on. However the 405 is currently cheaper which may be a deciding factor.
To make matters more complicated there are several other Garmin forerunners to choose from, including the new 610 with a touchscreen interface.I have given a rundown of other forerunners available in the article too. You will pay a little bit more with these watches for the extra features.
The Polar RS300CX has everything the most serious athlete could ask for. It provides excellent heart rate data to help focus and improve training. It is particularly great for runners who participate in multi sports.
Read on for an indepth analysis of the best watches by Timex, Garmin and Polar below.
If you're looking for the best watch for runners read on.
Timex Men's T5E231 Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch
Timex Men's T5E231 Ironman 100-Lap Watch
Amazon Price: $36.18 (as of 05/29/2012)
The Timex Ironman is the cheapest of all the running watches featured in this article. It offers all the basic features required to track runs and measure progress but foregoes the frills of gps and data connectivity offered by the Garmin and Polar watches featured below.
The timing features include, 100-hour chronograph with lap or split option, 100 lap memory, 199 lap counter, 9 interval timers and 5 programmable alarms. There's a training log which stores workouts by date, with best lap, average lap, and total segment time. The total run format/synchro timer maintains total activity time (less time paused during workout and overall running time).
If training in low light or in the dark it also features the indiglo night-light which switches on with the simple flick of your wrist. Its also water resistant.
This is a great choice of watch for runners who need to record and focus on their training data to improve their training session.
Timex Road Trainer Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
Features include:
However, if you're looking for more features with your running watch I would recommend looking at the Garmin Forerunners featured later on in the article which offer lots of features and have excellent reviews.
Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
Amazon Price: $260.00 (as of 05/29/2012)
This is my top choice for the best watch for runners if you're after a watch that offers a huge array of features including GPS at a competitive price.
Its features include a heart rate monitor, distance measuring, speed calculation including average run and lap pace as well as calories burned.
The Training Center Software, can easily be connected to your Mac or PC via a USB so you download workout data for a detailed analysis.
The GPS receiver has exceptional signal reception and is spot on when tracking and locking on to your location, even if your running through woods or speeding along on a bicycle.
Another great feature is the virtual partner. You can race against the virtual partner to help improve your race times. It displays your time at the top of the screen and the virtual partners time at the bottom. So you have to aim to beat the virtual partner during training or races.
The battery lasts for 10 hours.
The screen is easy to read and the simple button layout makes it easy to use.
If you want even more features check out the Garmin 405 below.
Garmin Forerunner 405
Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)
Amazon Price: $188.66 (as of 05/29/2012)
The Garmin 405 is smaller and lighter than the 305, but it has all the features of the 305 and more. Some people prefer the sleeker, lighter feel of the 405, but others feel the screen on the 305 is easier and quicker to read even though the watch is more bulky.
The 405 has a bezel based navigation. Reviews are mixed on this. The advantages are that to use the watch you can tap the bezel to change screens without fumbling for a button. Some people dislike it and prefer the buttons whereas others can use it fine. Some reviews have reported problems with sweat locking up the bezel.
It has wireless technology so can transfer data from your watch to your computer when its within its range. So you don't even have to plug in the USB! Many people like this and find it timesaving.
You can use the battery in power save mode and it lasts for 2 weeks or 8 hours in training mode. The power saving mode is automatic so it prevents you from inadvertently draining the battery. The 305 doesn't have this feature.
If you are unsure whether to get the 305 or 405 I would recommend reading a few reviews (there are lots over on amazon) to help make your decision.
More Garmin Forerunner Watches
Polar RS300X
Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod (Black)
Amazon Price: $139.95 (as of 05/29/2012)
The Polar RS300X SD is particularly great if you want a watch which makes sure your training at the right intensity based on information from the heart rate monitor as well as your speed, distance and calorie burn. It also comes with Polar's S1 foot pod, which accurately measures your running speed/pace and distance. The foot pod attaches to your shoelaces so you won't even know it's there. This is good for runners but if you want to track your speed and distance cycling or doing other sports you may need to purchase a separately available G1 GPS sensor, which it is compatible with.
Other features include:
- Polar's OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits, which display average heart rate, pace and distance per lap.
- Tracks your last 16 sessions, so you can review your progress
- Heart rate displayed as percentage of maximum heart rate, BPM, and average heart rate of total exercise
- Informs you (visually and audibly) every time your heart rate and/or speed/pace exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit of your target zone during a training session.
- Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions.
Time in Target Zone feature calculates the amount of total training time spent in your personal target zone.
Top Pick of Best Watch For Runners
More Reviews and Articles
- Garmin Compare
- From Garmin's own website, this article does a side by side comparison of the features of the Forerunner 305 and the 405.
- Runners World
- Reviews of the latest running watches available by Runner's World
- Garmin Running Watches
- Head over to Garmin's website to see which running watches are currently available.
- Best Running Watches
- Discusses some of the best options of running watches including watches from Nike, Garmin, Timex and New Balance.
- Polar Fitness and Running Watches
- Find out more about polar running watches and other fitness products from the official polar website.
- Timex Sports Watches
- View the range of Timex sports watches from the official Timex website.
Garmin Forerunner 305 Running Watch Video Review
Feedback on Best Watch For Runners
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StacyBirch Apr 28, 2012 @ 9:48 pm | delete
- Nice selection, good work.
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StacyBirch Apr 28, 2012 @ 9:48 pm | delete
- Nice selection, good work.
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TheLifestyleChanger
Apr 24, 2012 @ 11:53 pm | delete
- I have a Polar gadget from a hundred years ago - thank you for some wonderful updating suggestions.
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jewellery-junkies
Apr 10, 2012 @ 9:34 am | delete
- Like Timex watches for sports! great lens on the watches brands for runners though.
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agoofyidea
Mar 16, 2012 @ 10:52 am | delete
- I'm looking for a running watch so I appreciate the information.
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by Lou1842
Hi my name is Louise. This article gives a rundown of the best watch for runners by Timex, Garmin and Polar based on the research I did when buying a... more »
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