Forums >Gears and Wears>Time for a new GPS watch
Good Bad & The Monkey
Been a long time Forerunner 305 user, but it seems they are diminishing into the East. So...
Forerunner 210 - ~$190
Forerunner 310 XT - ~$275
Forerunner 610 - ~$330
Forerunner 410 - ~$150
Forerunner 910XT - ~$360
Forerunner 10- ~$110
Fenix - ~$400
Another?
Yeah yeah, I read everything over at DC Rainmaker, but that did not help me. What say ye, peeps of RA?
I want something that is good for running, has great battery life for when I run my silly Ultras, has enough features but does not need to be overly featured. No need for Tri support, but it can. And I am not a fan of the ANT stick.
Have at it...
(MTA prices, which are approximate based on google searches right now)
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
levitation specialist
I love my 610 but the battery life(8 hours approx with GPS running)for your ultras would fail to meet your needs.
Based on what I have read, I would go Fenix, 910XT, or Suunto Ambit. They all have better battery life.
Upgraded from 305>410(died)>610. Really enjoying the 610 because I like the touchscreen a lot and the vibrate option (instead of beep) feature for splits etc. I wear it as a regular watch, battery life seems acceptable. I think the 610 has had mixed reviews but I'm very happy with mine.
Geezer trying for speed
I've also been a 305 user for many years. When I can entertain the expense, I'm after the 910XT for a specific reason that may or may not apply to you. It uses real barometric pressure for elevation data rather than the highly inaccurate GPS elevation data.
RATIONAL: No elevation data will be perfect, but using GPS data for elevation is really bad. As evidence, examine a repeated loop or an out and back.. it's clear that they data on each loop (or the return trip of an out-and-back) just doesn't match the other sections that should look the same (the "out" of the out-and-back should look exactly the inverse of the return part... they won't with GPS). Even if you use Sporttracks with elevation correction, you will frequently miss things such as person-made structures (bridges) or mountain cut-aways... the data will often show the surrounding terrain rather than exactly where you ran. So a Barometer is the way to go if you care about elevation data.
For you, be sure the battery life is good enough for you. If elevation is no big deal to you, then I'd not consider this because of the extra expense.
Anyone could see races, etc. on www.markrice.com/running.
I believe in HR training: www.markrice.com/running/heart_rate_training.html
Joggaholic
I have 405, it's similar to 410, battery life around 6 hrs when fully charged with gps on during a run (unit was new when I tested it), 7 hours max when I let it just drain sitting on window sill unmoved, probably not good for ultras.
Why isn't the 310xt on your list? Cheaper than the 910, and like the 910 but unlike most of (perhaps all) the rest, battery life that is conducive to ultrarunning. 17-20 hours.
old woman w/hobby
+1
steph
Yeah. I'm happy with my 310, though if I were buying a new one now I would spring for the 910.
+2
Life Goals:
#1: Do what I can do
#2: Enjoy life
Imminent Catastrophe
Another 310XT fan. I've gotten over 20 hours on it, so it should be long enough for your 50ks.
"Able to function despite imminent catastrophe"
"To obtain the air that angels breathe you must come to Tahoe"--Mark Twain
"The most common question from potential entrants is 'I do not know if I can do this' to which I usually answer, 'that's the whole point'.--Paul Charteris, Tarawera Ultramarathon RD.
√ Javelina Jundred Jalloween 2015
Cruel Jewel 50 mile May 2016
Western States 100 June 2016
Why isn't the 310xt on your list?
Cuz I forgot to put it on the list.
if I were buying a new one now I would spring for the 910.
Why?
Depends on the 50k, really.
I got a 310XT for Xmas and I love it. With a 10% discount, I got a new one for less than $200. At that price point, I thought that was great.
Yeah. I'm happy with my 310, though if I were buying a new one now I would spring for the 910. Why?
Mostly 'cause it's the latest and greatest in that line, and I'm a sucker that way. Altimeter, slightly slimmer profile, redesigned buttons. But really mostly it's better for triathletes. For all practical purposes a 310 is just as good for runners.
The 310XT is actually $207.00 on Amazon.