Triathlon watches...what's the best and why?

[hof27]

So many good reviews but still so damm hard to decide! I need an alternative to tracking workouts with my phone as there is no point in having a phone with you out on a ride only to see the battery has died and it only tracked half of the workout. As this would be my first fitness watch and I don't plan on syncing it up with cadence and power meters. But I would like to see my heart rate specifically for indoor training(occasional swim in the pool) and outdoors on the bike the basics of how long,how far,speed and being able to download the data to see my route.. I got miserable enough just deciding between what bike to buy (650b or 29er) and ended up spending more than my original budget.. 3 months later and the spending continues.. I hope it's not just me that goes through sleepless nights on decisions like these.

[IceCreamMan]

The spending never stops....Amen..... I reckon best decide exactly what you want to achieve then do the research as to what the various options can perform or get as close to your requirements as possible. GPS watches are not cheap and they don't all do the same thing. The TomTom HR monitor does not work in water as an example.

[hof27]

So this is what I'm narrowing towards.. Garmin FR15. All though it's not made for cycling you can change the settings to show km/h. It's waterproof, heart rate compatible, built in GPS and has a virtual pacer, step counter and best of all you can use it as a daily watch .

 

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/06/garmin-forerunner-15-depth-review.html# .

 

Anybody think it's a stupid choice and should rather go for something that's made for cycling?

[Eddi]

Someone once said: "If you're main concern is GPS accuracy go for a Garmin, If it's heart rate go for a Polar"

 

However that being said, they all within 1-2% accuracy to one another, Main thing IMO is user preference in terms of features and user friendliness.

 

I use a RCX5 for it's switching between sports (it's triathlon after all), and I don't have to recharge it every second day or so. I replace a R70? battery every 8 months. Also rechargeable batteries loose their punch as time goes by...10-20% per year or 100 recharge cycles.

 

Had it for 2 years now and wouldn't go for anything else.

 

Just my 2c

[Pulse]

So this is what I'm narrowing towards.. Garmin FR15. All though it's not made for cycling you can change the settings to show km/h. It's waterproof, heart rate compatible, built in GPS and has a virtual pacer, step counter and best of all you can use it as a daily watch .

 

http://www.dcrainmak...th-review.html# .

 

Anybody think it's a stupid choice and should rather go for something that's made for cycling?

Are you set on getting a GPS enabled unit?

[hof27]

Are you set on getting a GPS enabled unit?

Pretty much yes..i like seeing my route mapped out with the different sections..I spoke to a guy t CapeUnionMart and he said if I've got the cash I should save up for a Fenix 2..Had a very in depth discussion about my lifestyle and where I live and what I like doing on holidays..The Fenix 2 is probably at the end of the day the best watch as it can be used as a day day to watch as well..Damm expensive though..

 

The other option is to buy something lke the edge200 to get the cycling info and then buying a decent heart rate monitor for gyming and to use as a day to day watch.

[Pulse]

Would you like to map running/hiking routes as well?

 

I'm kind of in the same boat, also trying to decide on new unit after ALL my kit etc was 'donated' and insurance refused to pay out..

 

I'll tell you in the next week or so which direction I'm going

[hof27]

I don't think I'll use the route mapping for running as much..But if you have those feature you'll eventually start using them I guess..What's really appealing to me about the fenix 2 is cycling and swimming features and the fact that it looks like a modern day watch. It looks really big on pictures but it's not actually that big. Cape Union Mart in Menlyn was really helpful in giving advice and I also fitted the watch on my wrist..I Think it's kinda like buying a bike.. You can read as many reviews but once you go sit on a specific bike you just know.. Hopefully I'll make up my mind before the next Nissan Trailseeker as i'd like to test it out there.

[Pulse]

It sounds like you've already had your '... you just know moment'.

 

What is the price difference between the Fenix2 and edge200 + other HRM?

[Jigghead]

I have the Forerunner 910XT and the fenix 2.

 

Both are great and both do similar things similarly well. The bonus with the fenix 2 though is that it can be worn as an every day watch as well as does not require an aditional foot pod for running. Satellite acquisition is also way better on the fenix.

 

Ray Maker also maintain that a new Forerunner is on the cards for early next year. I'd go fenix.

Edited July 20, 2014 by Jigghead

[hof27]

The Fenix 2 Retails for R6500 in store and online about R5700.

The Edge 200 is R1700 and a decent heart rate monitor R2300.

 

With a price difference like that I'd rather save up for the fenix to get everything in one package..

[Pulse]

I agree. Think its the better option

[the nerd]

I've read the suunto ambit is better than the fenix. On DC rainmaker.

[Pulse]

Was that the fenix2?

I haven't looked at rainmaker's comparison, but I think at that level it comes down to personal preference

[the nerd]

Was that the fenix2?

I haven't looked at rainmaker's comparison, but I think at that level it comes down to personal preference

Yeah the Ambit 3 is rated better as the Garmin has some really niggly things.

 

Check the rainmaker review on the ambit - Seriously impressive

[hof27]

The only reason I'm not that interested in any of the Suunto products is because you need to upload apps to the watch to get features like virtual pace..The possibilities in creating apps are probably endless but f I just paid R5500+ I'd expect everything to be ready as soon as I take it out the box..That being said The Suunto 3 does look like it has some cool features like the camera and using your phone as the watch interface that's pretty cool..

 

Anybody know if you import a Garmin product if the warranty will be valid in SA.