First Impressions
New Balance N9 GPS Trainer
The New Balance N9 GPS trainer is made by the same folks that are behind the Highgear brand of outdoor timepieces and navigation products. Out of the box, the New Balance N9 looks big and solid with high-quality plastics, and includes all the bells and whistles we expect from a dedicated training watch – software, heart rate monitor and more.
Features
The New Balance/Highgear team built the N9 with a nice large display. At roughly 50 mm in diameter, it ranks right up there with the largest in our test. The watch boasts a range of features including speed, distance and pace tracking; heart rate monitor; chronograph; multiple alarms; and navigation capabilities.
In Run mode, the N9 performed well. Satellite lock was quick. Simply hit Mode to enter the Run screen and the watch automatically begins locating satellites. Hit St/Lap+ to start your workout. Hit View to scroll through 13 optional displays with varying combinations of metrics during the run. To end the workout, hit the Stp/- button.
Specs
Dimensions: 50 mm x 50 mm x 18 mm
Weight: 64 g (2.25 oz)
HRM: Yes
Training Application: Yes
Uploading workouts via the software was relatively straightforward, although the software itself is missing some polish. Opening the tool, creates an “unidentified computer” alert on some Windows PCs (including mine). The browser-like interface was also cut off obscuring the User Data screens. And the data displays are quite small and the individual screens cannot be sized. Some features like Waypointing don’t seem to be functional either. All of this contributes to an unfinished or “beta like” quality to the software.
One other disappointment is on the watch itself. New Balance opted to use black text on a red background for the button labels. This makes the labels virtually unreadable in all but the best light.
Fit
No issues here. Despite the relatively large size, the watch doesn’t feel too big and should fit just about anyone. Plastics are very good.
Final Verdict
I like the New Balance N9. The software needs an upgrade and features like Waypointing should be better implemented. I’d also like to see (literally) some more legible button labels. But it’s accurate, quick to acquire satellites and works well for workouts on the road and trail. If that’s what you want in a GPS trainer – and frankly, that’s much of what most people need – check out the N9.