Running Watch

[Beesrib]

Hi, please help.  Looking at buying the wife a gift.  She currently uses my old Suunto quest with foot pod.  The battery died and I gave her my Garmin F3 to use for a run and now she wants something nice as well.

 

She is just a casual runner, but would also like to wear the watch like a normal watch/smart watch.  I was looking at the Garmin Forerunner 35, going for R3 299 on takelot.  I think this is more than enough watch for her needs. 

 

Any feedback or other recommendations????

 

thank you

[Dexter-morgan]

I am pro Garmin so my input would be bi-est towards any Garmin product, currently use a FR225 - Check out Autostyle for specials.

[shaper]

If she only needs it for running http://www.takealot.com/tomtom-runner-2-cardio-gps-watch-black-anthracite-large/PLID41353085

[NordicElf]

Hi, please help.  Looking at buying the wife a gift.  She currently uses my old Suunto quest with foot pod.  The battery died and I gave her my Garmin F3 to use for a run and now she wants something nice as well.

 

She is just a casual runner, but would also like to wear the watch like a normal watch/smart watch.  I was looking at the Garmin Forerunner 35, going for R3 299 on takelot.  I think this is more than enough watch for her needs. 

 

Any feedback or other recommendations????

 

thank you

 

A friend has one, loves it for running. Heart rate thingy sucks for when he's gyming but otherwise he's happy and it does all the notifications stuffs. Can't customise the screens though. I have a 735xt and love that I can do that. 

[CobusV]

Forerunner 35 is nice. And on special at Easybike: https://www.easybike.co.za/garmin-forerunner-35-white.html

[Beesrib]

hi, thanks for the replies so far.  I am also a big Garmin fan.  That is a great price on easybike, thank you CobusV.  I also like the square face, and the different colour options. 

 

Shaper, I will also have a look at the TomTom, thx.

[candz1]

My kids have the tomtom spark 2 and 3 and much better value for money than the garmin.  I have the FR25 for the same price and i would happily swop for a tomtom.

[HdB]

As she's used your Garmin, I assume she's got a garmin connect account? In which case the easiest option is probably to just stick with Garmin, and not have yet another account. The Runner 3 Cardio and FR35 are similar enough in terms of features for it to not really matter.

 

I am very happy with my Runner 2 Cardio+Music (easier to use than my wife's FR225 in my opinion, mostly due to the Tomtom having different sport options that enable or disable GPS, versus having to do it manually. Not applicable to newer Garmins of course).

I do suspect the promised notifications feature won't be added soon (if ever). Doesn't bother me at all, but some people want it.

[slickjay007]

Does your wife need an internal HR monitor? If i understand it correctly, most of the entry level to mid-range Garmin watches make use of a HR strap where as the Tom Tom's have internal monitoring. Also does your wife need GPS and HR or just one or the other. This makes a difference to the pricing.

 

I know its a preference but strap is for me more accurate. If you on Vitality you will also get up 15% discount (depending on level) at either Sportsman Warehouse or Total Sports. Both stock a wide range of watches for all levels.

[Beesrib]

Does your wife need an internal HR monitor? If i understand it correctly, most of the entry level to mid-range Garmin watches make use of a HR strap where as the Tom Tom's have internal monitoring. Also does your wife need GPS and HR or just one or the other. This makes a difference to the pricing.

 

I know its a preference but strap is for me more accurate. If you on Vitality you will also get up 15% discount (depending on level) at either Sportsman Warehouse or Total Sports. Both stock a wide range of watches for all levels.

hi, thanks for the reply.  Not too bothered about the HRM and using HR stats for now, but I see the new FR35 also have WB HRM.  Just to be able to get required stats and feedback while running, pace, distance, average.  I also like the sizeable screen size of the FR35.  nothing worse than trying to view info while running and not being able to see properly.  unfortunately cannot benefit from vitality, so good cash price or using ebucks (takelot)

[slickjay007]

For full reviews of the latest watches, check the following website:

 

www.dcrainmaker.com

 

Good luck with your purchase.