Which GPS watch to get

[Jaco-fiets]

Hi

 

I am slowly starting to run again and now I am thinking of getting a gps runners watch just to keep track. Cycling will always be my 1st choice so I probably do not need anything too fancy. Sure I would like to do some on and off road duathlons or the odd triathlon in future but if need be I can always get a multi sport unit later.

 

For now I am looking at the following 2 models. Pls share if you have another suggestion or if you have 1 of these 2 units

 

1. TomTom runners GPS: has no haertrate strap (think it is optional if you want to buy strap). Looks nice and sleek. DC rainmaker rates its satellite capabilities very high. Price is R1999

 

2. Garmin forerunner 10: Very basic looking watch with all the functions I would need now. No haertrate capabilities though. I currently have a edge 500 on the bike and love it. Price is R1699

 

Funny thing is that in states the forerunner 10 is $30 more than the TomTom. Seems to be other way around here

 

What you guys think?

[Stretch]

interested to hear others opinions. I run with a smallish phone and log direct to strava...or else I keep my bike gps in my back pocket. Thing is I would like to keep track of my time while running and not easy using a dedicated bike gps. Looking at the forerunner 10 too..and interested in others opinions.my main concern is that it must be able to do a 50 to 60 ultra At least...so 5 to 6 hours..but maybe I'm being a bit ambitious there....at least a 4hr marathon

[Rocket-Boy]

I have the tomtom multisport which I bought from takealot for R2499.

Im really enjoying it, you can add your strava account in the software and it will sync directly to it without jumping through any hoops.

Battery life is good, I have left it on with GPS running and managed around 8 hours with it.

I love metrics so a gps watch is a must for me and the tomtom fits very nicely for its price.

[SwissVan]

Polar M400 dedicated running watch but can also be used for cycling and other sports

Not sure of the ZAR price but its quite a bit cheaper than the Polar V800

[Mo2010]

I use the forerunner 110 for cycling and running. Get about 8 hours battery life with gps. Love it. Fits well and does what I need. Chose that over forerunner 10 as I get the option of heart rate as well. Goes for 2k at sportsmans but got mine a while back for 1699 at takealot.

 

Edit: tried attached pic of typical display for running

[Stretch]

Another question..while I'm hijacking the thread..is the durability out the straps. I never take my watch off and my current running watch (no gps or hrm) the straps need replacing every year because they perish at the main stress points

[Mo2010]

Another question..while I'm hijacking the thread..is the durability out the straps. I never take my watch off and my current running watch (no gps or hrm) the straps need replacing every year because they perish at the main stress points

Can't comment on durability. Had mine for just over a year now and no signs of perishing. Must be said that I only wear mine when cycling or running but that does work out to 3 or 4 times a week.

[Jaco-fiets]

I have the tomtom multisport which I bought from takealot for R2499.

Im really enjoying it, you can add your strava account in the software and it will sync directly to it without jumping through any hoops.

Battery life is good, I have left it on with GPS running and managed around 8 hours with it.

I love metrics so a gps watch is a must for me and the tomtom fits very nicely for its price.

That is a great price for the multi. I can get a tomtom runner gps with hr belt for R2299 on takealot now. Have about 4000 disc miles I can throw in there so watch could come in for just under R2000. My 1st choice at this stage. If I could get the multi sport for what you paid I would have taken it. Think there is 1 now for R2999

[Jaco-fiets]

I use the forerunner 110 for cycling and running. Get about 8 hours battery life with gps. Love it. Fits well and does what I need. Chose that over forerunner 10 as I get the option of heart rate as well. Goes for 2k at sportsmans but got mine a while back for 1699 at takealot.

 

Edit: tried attached pic of typical display for running

Thanks! I have not considered the 110. I will read up a bit on it now. Decided against the forerunner 10 at this stage and between the 15 and the tomtom I lean towards the tomtom at this stage. Will check out the 110 now

[Jaco-fiets]

There is a ambit 2R on Kalahari for R2999. If I use my disc mile I could get for R2600. Don't know if it is worth it paying R700 more for it that the tomtom

[Audible Anarchy]

I was in a similar situation at the beginning of the year and the only models that could offer the functionality i was used to from the the edge 500 on the bike was the older forerunner FR 610 or the newer forerunner 220/620. 

 

i am a number nerd though and having HR / Cadence / pace data is important to me -  so ended up saving a bit and got the 620.

 

Best buy ever! recent update gives it all the cycling functionality from the edge series and i love that it automatically uploads with the wifi at home as soon as i walk in the house.

 

if you just want something basic - the FR10 is a fantastic buy (wife uses one).

 

check out the DC rainmaker reviews - theres a pretty useful comparison tool on there as well.

[SwissVan]

Another question..while I'm hijacking the thread..is the durability out the straps. I never take my watch off and my current running watch (no gps or hrm) the straps need replacing every year because they perish at the main stress points

 

I know i sound like a polar fan boy (really I'm not) but I've always worn polar watches for year (only during training...swimming, cycling and running) and never a problem with a strap perishing or breaking for any reason

[Matchstix]

Garmin fenix as far as I know is on sale on takealot.com. Tomtoms battery life not great from what I hear

[RedMister]

I've been using the Garmin Forerunner 210 for the past 3 years for both running and cycling without any issues. It comes with a heart rate monitor and retails for just under R3,000. I'm wanting to upgrade to the Garmin 510 for cycling. Love the fact that it syncs with one's smartphone. Easy to update garmin connect / strava :-)

[Stretch]

must say looking at the f10 vs f110....i would tend to go for the f10...especially since its waterproof

[Jaco-fiets]

Amazing how one's decision changes. Went to Cape union mart today to look at my options and now I am even considering getting the suunto ambit 2s. It is a multi sport watch. Regular price is R5999 but is on special for R4599. With all my discovery discounts I can have it for R3590. Not bad for that level of watch.

 

On other hand though is all I need now is just a gps running watch with hr and distance. Amazing how 1 seems to justify in your head acc to what you really want and need....................