Top GPS Watch Reviews
It used to be that there were only a few choices in GPS watches and the prices left them to only well-healed runners. Now, there is a raft of options from a range of brands and at prices affordable by those of us not in the 1%. Here are four GPS watches that will take you from road to trail and back again:
New Balance N9 GPS Trainer – At the top end of the price spectrum, this watch from athletic gear manufacturer New Balance is built by Highgear and feels rock solid. It includes a heart rate monitor (HRM) and training software. See full review.
Overall rating:
[Rating:3.5/5]
Soleus GPS 1.0 – Specialty running watch manufacturer Soleus makes their first foray into the segment with the GPS 1.0. It’s the least expensive in the test at $99 MSRP and the smallest. To keep the price low, Soleus doesn’t provide software or HRM options. See full review.
Overall rating:
[Rating:4/5]
Tech4o Discover GPS – Designed for the varied terrain of trail running – but equally at home on the road – the Tech4o Discover includes one of the most straightforward interfaces and best software packages in the test. See full review.
Overall rating:
[Rating:4.5/5]
Timex Ironman Run Trainer GPS – With the largest face of any watch in the test, the Ironman Run Trainer is easily the most readable, especially in low light situations like early morning and evening runs. Training software and HRM options are included too. See full review.
Overall rating:
[Rating:4.5/5]
A couple of words of advice for new GPS watch owners. First, make sure you read the manual carefully. Often manufacturers augment in-box documentation with online or CD-based material so definitely find those sources as well. Second, familiarize yourself with the operation of the watch before you hit the road or trail. Each watch operates differently and you don’t want to be ready for your first run and not take advantage of the new watch. Third, keep your watch charged. There’s rarely a straightforward way to turn off the GPS radio and when on, it will drain your battery in less than 24 hours. And finally, download your workouts frequently. Depending on the watch’s internal memory, it may only hold a few workouts. Once the memory is full, you must download the information to your PC to record new workouts.
