Have just started doing sport? You need a fitness tracker with with GPS and heart rate monitor. Consider yourself a professional runner? We offer gadgets providing more advanced approach to training.
Just imagine:
Moreover, they can connect a chest strap sensor for more intense training.
Here we present the best GPS multisport watches and smartwatches to buy in 2020. Knowing the heart rate, runners have the opportunity to adapt their workouts to specific heart rate zones.
6 best Fitness Watches
Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS watch
Garmin has a lot of cool chronometers for every taste and budget. The leader of the global market of GPS-navigators managed to make a lot of different and good devices in this area.
Check also Garmin 010-01591-11 Index Smart scale to measure your progress.
By the way, a line of multi-colored straps and cases was developed for girls and hipsters. There are black, orange, pink, lime, purple and gray.
What do they do?
They fix and save your coordinates, count the calories burned and record the speed of movement. Compare your results (speed, footage, calories dropped) with the goals initially set. They ran less than necessary or slower. They break you for it right while jogging.
For typical use (with GPS for 30 minutes per day), the battery life is ten days. If you use GPS continuously, the battery charge is only 5 hours.
Although, do you survive a 5-hour run?
One of the nice bonuses – these watches are suitable for lovers of cycling. But the pulse sensor is not enough for them … It beats both the image and the functionality of the device.
People love the simple and stylish “top ten.” But in the reviews, we still could find a couple of comments addressed to them.
And Katie S. criticized problems with satellites in big cities:
Garmin Forerunner 310XT
Below the list, we have Garmin again. In principle, we could list only Garmins on this list of good watches. They have models for different tastes and purses. But we are afraid of suspicions in advertising.
So, after 310XT we will return to this brand one more time only.
But the big screen and the abundance of information is a secondary question. So, the most important thing for us is the ability of the gadget: features and its price.
Thus, the model has a pulse sensor, as trackers for swimming.
But you can buy it without it. So, it will be $ 20 cheaper. Besides, Forerunner 310XT has water resistance at a depth of 50 meters. Yes, you can already call this watch as one for swimmers and triathletes!
It is increasing battery capacity! It keeps up to 20 hours of work from a single charge with the navigator turned on.
But they added a couple of extra grams and centimeters of volume (minus), as well as a one-year warranty (plus).
These changes did not escape the attention of attentive consumers.
Russell K. Jensen writes:
Ed adds:
Tomtom runner
Unfortunately, this watch does not have a pulsometer. Also, it is no such a big brand like Polar or Garmin. But many nice things have turned them into a super sell model.
The creators of Runner`a just wanted to make the most convenient for a human watch – and they did it.
And the most important thing:
It is a vast and contrasting display: practically one and a half inches diagonally! Furthermore, it is the first GPS watch with a “smart button,” rendered from the case to the top of the strap. It not only “clicks.” But also freely turns into a joystick.
With it, you can execute simple up-down, left-right commands to navigate through the rich Tom-Tom menu. Why did nobody come up with anything like this before?
The basis, of course, is the same:
Fixing speed, counting steps and body movements, calories burned. But here is something new about them. TomTom Runner has the ability to read all the parameters at workouts in the gym, for example, on a treadmill.
Besides, it has the accelerated launch of the GPS sensor. So, you do not need to wait until it “sees” you. You can just turn it on and run right away.
Moreover, the watch has a vibrometer that helps you maintain the rhythm of running and breathe correctly. Best waterproof fitness tracker for swimming and running also has these features. And we would not forget about a twice more tenacious battery for 10 hours of work with GPS.
And TomTom Runner already has a water resistance of 50 meters – just like the Garmin 310! Well, do these advantages outweigh the difference of 16-20 dollars? It seems to us that yes. But let’s see the users review:
S.Beard notes:
Polar RCX5
Once this gadget was created as a heart rate monitor with the functionality of a GPS clock. But it turned into a cool GPS-watch with a pumped pulse sensor.
Pay attention:
And the gadget told you which lap was the best, how fast you could swim and how your heart relates to water loads. Awesome! Also, the gadget software allows its owner to start dozens of sports profiles. You can use them both for sharing everything by family or by a group of friends.
In order not to mix the results of different workouts. You start one profile for a trainer, the other for running in the woods, the third for swimming.
Conveniently enough.
Check also Forerunner 35, Garmin Fenix or Apple watch series.
Here you just have to configure them and switch yourself. It is not very cool, considering how many modern users like simplicity and usability. Fans of the model are waiting for the corresponding update from the developers. But those in response to their questions are still silent…
Also, there is almost an abundance of negativity in user observations. Swimmers actively praise the device, but the fans of the run – curse.
Spartacus writes:
Garmin Forerunner 920XT
Our attention was drawn by the price tag. Well, the user rating of this device is very, very high – almost five stars.
Apparently, behind these nondescript watches with a mediocre design, is something exciting hidden?
The most sophisticated model of the Garmin family can assess the efficiency of your workouts. It naturally predicts what results you will achieve today, and what ensues tomorrow. Also, it is a kind of motivation.
Another innovation is the measurement of the time of contact with the earth. That is, the clock will tell you how often you take your feet off the ground and whether they do it right.
They have the full functionality of “smart watches.”
It is clear that not all of our readers decide to buy such a device for regular workouts. But those people who have spent half a dollar on this beauty, as a rule, do not regret their choice.
SUUNTO 9 BARO TITANIUM
Suunto 9 Baro is a continuation of the Suunto Spartan pulsator line and Suunto Spartan Ultra models. The model that won many awards at the exhibitions.
And the model, which has grown fond of ultra-marathon runners, was even better.
Appearance
Externally, the Suunto 9 is similar to the Suunto Spartan Ultra. But it has some cosmetic changes. Therefore, the design of the edging has changed, and the buttons have become slightly more significant.
Here are details:
Equipment
The package does not differ from other Suunto models. Familiar from previous models Suunto box, charging cable, manual.
Screen
Screen color and touch. For classes in the pool or the winter on skis, you can turn it off and control the buttons. It is a very convenient feature for universal athletes.
Functional Suunto 9 Baro has all the functions of previous models of watches. It is a gentleman’s set of any top watch models.
There are a route and waypoint navigation. But it is a bit dated for 2018. Late in response to the departure from the route and does not display a full map, like the Fenix 5x, for example.
Navigation accuracy is generally comparable with Fenix 5x, Fenix 5+ and Garmin 935.
The most exciting thing about Suunto 9 navigation:
On tests, this function was excellent. Almost 120 hours of the track on one battery charge!
Pulse measurement
Suunto 9 received a new generation optical pulse sensor. It has much more features than previous models. They will be with new firmware. The information about how to become a marathon runner will help you to keep your pulse under control.
Also, it measures your pulse at a workout and monitors 24/7.
The pulse sensor on the wrist in the watch for ultra runners is a controversial decision. Suunto 9 is compatible with external sensors Suunto Smart Sensor (not included). And you can turn off the optical one.
Water resistant
In the watch, you can swim and dive. The moisture protection of the watch is made according to ISO 6425 and will withstand a 100-meter dive.
Battery, autonomous operation and charging
The most severe improvements affected the autonomy:
In Suunto 9 power consumption modes are made independent of activity.
In total there are three modes:
During the workout, the watch will notify you of the discharge, show the remaining work time. Besides, it will switch to a more economical mode. They do not turn off even when almost completely discharged.
The super economy mode turns on and displays the workout timer.
Smart battery status notifications.
Watches remember the days when long workouts or trips take place more often and remind you of the battery charge. For example, if long hours are always on Sundays, the watch will tell you of charge on Saturday.
Compatible with Android and iOS
Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones. They work both with the new Suunto application and with Movescount. Applications are synchronized with Strava, TrainingPeaks, MapMyFitness, and others.
Bluetooth Smart technology to attach additional devices. Also, software update takes place without the use of wires.
Suunto 9 Reviews
Big battery, rugged case, and many features. With this watch, you can ride a bike and ski, swim, run, go hiking.
Total
People designed the Suunto 9 Baro is designed for ultra runs. And all the functionality has been developed for it. There are the most extended battery life, track accuracy in power saving mode, accurate altimeter and reliability.
In everything that lasts more than 32 hours, Suunto is the unequivocal leader. It is a multi sport, multi-day race like TransUral or Crimea X Run.
In the functional analysis of training, connecting sensors, different software “chips” Garmin went far ahead. Suunto has a very raw application. On past models, there were problems with synchronization. Suunto admits that there are not enough resources to compete with Garmin.
So, they went into a narrower specialization and created Suunto 9 Baro.
6 best Fitness Trackers
Functions: GPS and heart rate monitor
Before buying an outdoor running watch, together with running shoes, decide which functions you need them for. In most modern models, there are quite a lot of them.
But will you use them all? If not, why do you need to pay more?
If you cannot make a choice, see the guide on how to choose the best accurate fitness tracker in 2020. You can buy a simple GPS running watch with essential functions.
1. Speed. GPS Distance
Fitness watch for runners shows the distance athlete ran. And it shows how much time he spent on it. Also, they can draw your route and calculate the tempo.
2. Heart rate monitor
Every fitness tracker must have this function. It is essential and useful. It helps to control one’s well-being, to adequately assess one’s physical abilities. Besides, it let you understand how effectively the training goes.
There are different models of running watches with a heart rate monitor. Therefore, you can choose one with a breast cardio sensor in the kit. Or buy the one with a built-in LED sensor that measures the pulse on the wrist.
3. Pulse zones
If an athlete knows his pulse zones, he trains more efficiently. Running watches determine your maximum heart rate. And thanks to this data, you selects pulse zones.
But remember that not all watch models for runners can specify the maximum pulse during a workout. So, to find out about it, you can take a particular test, for example, in a sports center.
4. VO2 max measurement
It is the formula for the maximum amount of oxygen you consume. The longer and faster an athlete can run, the higher the formula. You can find these formulas by making a test in the laboratory.
Or you can use such a function in a sports watch. If VO2max increases, endurance, and training efficiency increase.
5. Recovery time
Watches for runners can analyze indicators and predict how much time an athlete needs to recover after a workout. If a person runs a lot, this function is necessary. But if one runs not often and short distances, he can do sport without this function in the watch.
6. Calorie counter
This function is available in almost all models of running watches and fitness bracelets. It will help those who run to lose weight or control their weight.
7. Auto pause
It is necessary for those who run along the city streets and must make stops from time to time, for example, in front of a traffic light. In this case, you should put the timer on auto pause.
8. Training plan
Individual applications help to load a workout plan during running hours. And you can view it if you have forgotten something.
9. Water resistant
If you plan to run in spite of even rainy weather, buy models of watches made of waterproof materials. By the way, you can take a shower and swim using such watches.
How to set up a fitness watch for running right
Scheduled pace and heart rate tracking are just as important on a race as are comfortable sneakers, windbreaker, or tights. Therefore, it is almost impossible to do sport without a fitness watch for a modern runner.
Although, there are times when such watches only interfere you.
So, how to avoid such situations? Remember the tips of experienced runners and experts written below!
Conclusions
A watch with a GPS sensor is by no means a massive gadget. It is clear that this product will always be inferior in sales ratings to simple “smart watches” and fitness bracelets.
At least, for the reason that not every one of us is ready to more or less seriously engage in sports. And these devices can be useful only for indeed sports people. Such as Michelle Jenneke – the Australian runner who conquered the world by dance.
If you belong to this category of geeks – then treat yourself.
At a minimum, they will all cope well with their primary tasks. Everything else is a matter of your taste and love for additional services.