GPS Running Watch Review

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Reviews

Polar RS300X G1 Review

August 16th, 2009

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Click Here To Learn More About The Polar RS300X G1

Specifications

Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1 inches (5 x 5 x 2.54 cm)
Primary Use: Cross Sport Training
Weight: 1.6 oz (45.36 g)
Average Heart Rate: Yes
Heart Rate Zone Alarm: Yes
Heart Rate Zones: 1
Heart Rate Memory: Yes
Calories Burned: Yes
Lap Timer: Yes

GPS sensor included: Yes
PC Compatible: Yes
Backlight: Yes
Software Included: Yes
Altitude Function: Yes
GPS Enabled: Yes
Water Resistance: 50m
Replaceable Battery: Yes

Pros

Multi-sport capable
Easy to use

Cons

No recovery heart rate mode
GPS can lose tracking

Review

The Polar RS300X G1 GPS watch is designed for those runners who want to improve the overall quality of the workout that they are receiving. It allows you to track your speed and distance using some of the most advanced technologies on the market.

The sports watch has dimensions of 2” x 2” x 1”, is water resistant, and it is GPS enabled to allow you to be able to follow your overall progress during the course of your workouts.

The RX300X G1 can track your last training sessions and it can store the last sixteen workouts that you have had. This will help you be able to identify any potential weakness you may have by monitoring how your training is progressing and your overall level of performance.

The watch has what is known as Polar Cal, this shows you the overall amount of calories that you are burning during a particular workout and it can store the calories used during all of your workouts over a chosen period of time. This will help you be able to see how you are progressing with short and long term fitness goals.

The RS300X G1 has a language display that allows you to switch to different languages and it has the Polar Own Index Fitness test. This is where the device will calculate the overall amount of Oxygen used during your different workouts; it then will compare this information to show the overall amount of improvement that is taking place and the intensity of your different workouts. This will help you be able to know how your workouts are progressing and which ones are the most effective, so that you can be able to use this information to improve the quality of your workouts.

The Polar RS300X G1 is very easy to use and all levels of runners would find the different features as well as tools that it provides incredibly helpful in improving the overall quality of your workout. Those who have purchased the device in the past have commented about how quick they can be able to receive the satellite signal with this GPS enabled watch. While you do have a choice of GPS watches to choose from, if you are looking for one that can provide you with the tools to help improve the overall quality of your workout the Polar RS300X G1 is worth some serious consideration.

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Timex Ironman T5J985 Review

August 16th, 2009

Click Here To Learn More About The Timex Ironman T5J985

Specifications

Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches (6.35 x 4.57 x1.27 cm)
Weight: 2.7 oz (76.54 g)
Battery type: Lithium coin battery
Calories burned: No
File storage: optional data recorder
Speed/distance: with GPS module
Clock: Yes
Lap timer: 100 lap memory recall
Stop watch: Yes
Daily alarm: Yes

Countdown timer: Yes
Date: Yes
Water-resistance (wrist unit): Resistant up to 50 meters
Heart rate display: Yes
Target heart rate zones: 5
Time in target zone: Yes
Average heart rate: Yes
High/low target heart rate: Yes (alarm sounds when not in target zone)
Heart rate memory/recall: Yes

Pros

User friendly
Multi-sport use
Many features

Cons

Slow satellite locking
Distance measurement may not be accurate

Review

The Timex Ironman TJ985 GPS watch is a great tool for both the weekend and professional athletes, where you can be able to use its many different features so that you can the most effective workout possible. Where it can be used for a variety of different sports including: running, cycling and walking.

The unit’s dimensions are 9.5” x 1.8” x 0.5”, it weighs 4.8 ounces, and the battery lasts for up to two years. Plus, you can store up to 100 laps on the watch.

The Ironman TJ985 combines both flexibility and a sleek look, which can be worn during your workouts, and it can be used as an everyday watch. It comes with the Timex GPS 3D unit, has a heart rate monitor and it can be mounted onto your bicycle handlebars.

The TJ985 has the Timex trail runner that can be used by runners to be able to have the most detailed information when they are working out. The way it works is you can use the exact speed tool to tell you in real time what your current speed is, what is the average speed that you are traveling and the top speed that you achieved during your workout.

The Ironman TJ985 comes with a one of a kind heart rate monitor called the Heart Rate Display in % of max format. This tool helps you be able to see what your maximum heart rate is then set different zones for where you would like to see your heart rate at during the workout. Once you hit the top or bottom of the zone the alarm goes off to let you have the most effective workout possible.

The watch has a two-tier interval system that is interconnected, thus you can set the different intervals that you will be training at and compare the overall effectiveness of both.

The Timex Ironman TJ985 is a very user-friendly watch that all levels of athletes would find very useful. As you examine the different features and weaknesses, the watch performs very well under many different conditions. The GPS may take a minute or two to give you an accurate reading but aside from that the watch had no other problems. If you are looking for a GPS watch that is not too expensive and want to be able to have lot of features you may want to take a close look at the Ironman TJ985.

Click Here To Learn More About The Timex Ironman T5J985

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Suunto t3 Review

August 16th, 2009

Click Here To Learn More About The Suunto t3

Specifications

Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.25 x 0.5 inches (5.72 x 5.72 x 1.27 cm)
Weight: 1.5 oz (42.52 g)
Battery type: Lithium Ion CR 2032
Calories burned: Yes
File storage: 15
Speed/distance: Yes (with POD)
Clock: Yes
Lap timer: 50
Stop watch: Yes
Daily alarm: Yes

Countdown timer: Yes
Date: Yes
Water-resistance (wrist unit): 30 meters
Heart rate display: Yes
Target heart rate zones: 3
Time in target zone: Yes
Average heart rate: Yes
High/low target heart rate: Yes
Heart rate memory/recall: Yes

Pros

Accurate
Easy to use
Versatile
Good interface

Cons

No longer in production
Interface is small
Scratches easily
Display hard to read

Review

The Suunto t3 GPS watch is a full-feature heart rate monitor and fitness watch. The t3 can provide you with dual time, the date, an alarm, plus a split/lap stopwatch. With additional PODs you can monitor your overall heart rate, the amount of calories that are being burned during your workout and how you are performing as far as your targeted goals are concerned.

The watch is no longer in production, but is still available at many retailers and is still widely in use. Standard features are the chronograph, thermometer, heart rate monitor, alarms and a backlight. The t3 measures 1.32 X3.58 X 4.22 mm thick/total display area/case diameter.

The t3 is the kind of watch that is easy to use and you can place the watch in your pocket attach the watch to your wrist during workouts. It is very easy to set up, can be used for a wide variety of different sports, and it has simple to use as well as a flexible display. Plus, it comes with software to download your workout information on to your computer.

The unit can give you accurate information about what is taking place during your workout so you can analyze what you current heart rate is, the average heart rate during your workout and the maximum heart rate that you were at during your workout. This information can help you see how effective a workout you are having and can allow you determine if you need be pushing yourself even more.

The t3 can be fitted with the optional Foot POD, Bike POD, Road Bike POD, or GPS PODs. These can be used to customize the device to a particular sport that you will be participating in, that way you can be able to see how effective you workout was when you were enjoying your favorite sport.

This model has different training storage tools that will allow you to store the training records of your workouts going back to the current week, previous week or even the last six months.

Suunto t3 is easy to use and comes with many different features that could help all levels of athletes in many different sports. However, there have been some complaints that the log is too small and that there is no warning light indicating when the battery is going to need a charge. We believe the t3 is worth some serious consideration.

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Garmin Forerunner 201 Review

August 16th, 2009

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 201

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.26″ x 1.71″ x 0.7″ (8.28 x 4.35 x 1.8 cm)
Display: 1.44″ x 0.92″ (3.65 x 2.34 cm)
Resolution: 100 x 64 pixels
Weight: 2.75 oz (78 g)
Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life: 15 hours, typical
Water resistant: yes (IPX7)
GPS-enabled: yes
High-sensitivity receiver: no
RoHS version available: yes
Lap history: 5,000 laps
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 100
Routes: 0
Heart rate monitor: no
Bike speed/cadence sensor: no
Foot pod: no
Automatic sync: no

Garmin Connect™ compatible: yes
Garmin Training Center compatible: yes
Virtual Partner: yes
Courses: no
Auto Pause: yes
Auto Lap: yes
Auto Scroll: no
Multi-sport: no
Advanced workouts: no
Simple workouts: yes
Pace alert: yes
Time/distance alert: yes
Vibration alert: no
Interval training: yes
Customizable screen(s): yes
Unit-to-unit transfer: no
Sport watch: no

Pros

Free software
Water resistant
Lightweight
Big display
Easy viewing in low light

Cons

No heart rate monitor
Serial PC interface
Loses gps signal easily
Bulky

Review

The Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS watch gives athletes a more effective workout. This GPS device can accurately measure how fast you are running, the overall distance you have run and how many calories were used during a particular workout. It comes with a rechargeable lithium battery and you can even upload the information it collects onto your computer to monitor the overall effectiveness of your workout.

The Forerunner 201 has dimensions of 3.26″ x 1.71″ x 0.7″, and it has a display size of 1.44″ x 0.92″. It has a display resolution of 100 x 64 pixels and it is water resistant. At a weight of only 2.75 ounces, this device is small enough to easily fit into your pocket when not in use.

The Forerunner 201 is very easy to use and can easily store up to 5,000 laps. It has many different customizable features, so that you can customize it according to your specifications.

The Forerunner 201 lets you create the ideal workout, and it has an automatic alarm that will let you know when you reach a particular distance or if you deviate from your set pace. You can start or stop a new lap with the auto pause and auto lap. It also automatically stops when you slow down or stop your workout completely.

The Forerunner 201 has a virtual partner, which tracks your goals that you set before the workout by showing what your goal pace is and how you are performing at maintaining this pace during the workout.

The Forerunner 201 comes with the Garmin Connect and the Garmin Training Center. What this does is allow you to prepare, collect and evaluate the quality of the workout that is taking place through the online community. You can use this feature to analyze the interactive map and route sharing information to find the best route for your workout. There is even a web based training system that will that can help any athlete take their workouts to the next level.

We recommend using the Forerunner 201 if you want to improve the overall quality of your workouts. That being said, some people who have used the device have complained that the device may frequently lose the satellite signal and confuse the altitude, as well as the pace from time to time. These occurrences seem to be minimal and the Forerunner 205 is defiantly worth some serious consideration, especially if you are a serious runner, cyclist or outdoor enthusiast.

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 201

Videos

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 201

Manuals

Owner’s Manual
Quick Start Guide

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Garmin Forerunner 101 Review

August 16th, 2009

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 101

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.26 x 1.71 x 0.91 inches (8.28 x 4.35 x 2.3 cm)
Display: 1.44 x 0.92 inches (3.65 x 2.34 cm)
Resolution: 100 x 64 pixels
Weight: 2.6 oz (74 g)
Battery: 2 AAA
Battery life: 14-15 hours, typical
Water resistant: yes (IPX7)
GPS-enabled: yes
High-sensitivity receiver: no
RoHS version available: yes
Lap history: 5,000 laps
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 100
Routes: 0
Heart rate monitor: no
Bike speed/cadence sensor: no
Foot pod: no
Automatic sync: no

Garmin Connect compatible: no
Garmin Training Center compatible: no
Virtual Partner: yes
Courses: no
Auto Pause: yes
Auto Lap: yes
Auto Scroll: no
Multi-sport: no
Advanced workouts: no
Simple workouts: yes
Pace alert: yes
Time/distance alert: yes
Vibration alert: no
Interval training: yes
Customizable screen(s): yes
Unit-to-unit transfer: no
Sport watch: no

Pros

Error margin of 3 meters or less
Waterproof
Ergonomic design
Easy-to-read display
Easy viewing in low light

Cons

Batteries not rechargeable
No heart rate monitor
No PC interface

Review

The Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS watch gives both professional athletes and leisure runners an advanced training tool with lots of features. It effectively provides accurate measurements of your overall speed, distance and the overall consistency of the pace that you are running. It also tells you how many calories were used during your workout

The Forerunner 101 weighs 2.6 ounces, it has dimensions of 3.26″ x 1.71″ x 0.91”, a display size of 1.44″ x 0.92″, the display resolution is 100 x 64 pixels and the required two AAA batteries can last for up to 14.5 hours.

The Forerunner 101 is very easy to use and can fit into your pocket when not in use. It uses the Wide Area Augmentation System to give you a margin of error of 3 meters whenever you are using the GPS. It can be utilized in different kinds of weather conditions and is waterproof.

The Forerunner 101 comes with a one of a kind training tool called the Virtual Partner. The Virtual Partner allows you to enter what goals you would like to accomplish during your workout such as speed, distance and pace. It will then show you during the workout how you are performing compared to your overall goal.

The Forerunner 101 allows you store up to two years worth of laps on the device’s memory in order to evaluate the progression of your workouts.

The Forerunner 101 contains an electronic breadcrumb feature that will allow you to find your way home, hotel or any specific place using the GPS system.

The Garmin Forerunner 101 is considered to be one of the best lower cost GPS enabled workout devices on the market today. If you are planning on storing trips or maps on the device it is advisable to consider something that has more memory than the Forerunner 101. Selling between $88.29 and $105.95, it has a reasonable price as well as many different features that you are receiving. Aside from the internal memory issue there really are no other drawbacks to the device. If you are looking for a GPS device that is reasonably priced and has many different features the Forerunner 101 is worth some serious thought.

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 101

Videos

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 101

Manuals

Owner’s Manual
Quick Start Guide

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Garmin Forerunner 301 Review

August 16th, 2009

Click Here To Learn More About The Garmin Forerunner 301

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.26 x 1.71 x 0.7 inches (8.28 x 4.35 x 1.8 cm)
Display: 1.44 x 0.92 inches (3.65 x 2.34 cm)
Resolution: 100 x 64 pixels
Weight: 2.75 oz (78 g)
Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life: 15 hours, typical
Water resistant: yes (IPX7)
GPS-enabled: yes
High-sensitivity receiver: no
RoHS version available: yes
Lap history: 5,000 laps
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 100
Routes: 10
Heart rate monitor: yes
Bike speed/cadence sensor: no
Foot pod: no
Automatic sync: no
Garmin Connect™ compatible: yes

Garmin Training Center compatible: yes
Virtual Partner: yes
Courses: no
Auto Pause: yes
Auto Lap: yes
Auto Scroll: yes
Multi-sport: yes
Advanced workouts: yes
Simple workouts: yes
Pace alert: yes
Time/distance alert: yes
Vibration alert: no
Interval training: yes
Customizable screen(s): yes
Unit-to-unit transfer: no
Sport watch: no

Pros

Easy to use
Intuitive menus
USB PC interface
Good for biking
Reliable GPS

Cons

Erratic heart rate monitor
Poor battery life

Review

The Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS watch is a small GPS enabled watch that gives all levels of runners a variety of different tools to monitor and track the overall progress of their workout. It has its own virtual personal trainer and a coded heart rate monitor. Plus, the device can be used for a variety of different sports.

The Forerunner 301 has dimensions of 3.26″ x 1.71″ x 0.7″. It has a display size of 1.44″ x 0.92″, with a display resolution of 100 x 64 pixels. It weighs 2.75 ounces and the battery can last for up to 15 hours.

The heart monitor of the Forerunner 301 will consistently track your overall heart rate during your workout, so that you can determine the overall quality of your workout. The device will show you what your current heart rate is, and the overall range of beats per minute, in order to provide you with the most detailed information possible.

The Forerunner 301 can be used for a wide variety of sports. You can easily press the mode button to switch between the different activities that you will be doing. The great thing about this particular feature is that you can switch between the different sports without having to reset, making the device ideal for runners, hikers, swimmers, and cyclists. The Forerunner 301 can even be used for triathlon training.

The Forerunner 301 will plan, store and evaluate data from your different workouts through the use of their available online community. Using the Garmin connect you can quickly upload the information on your workouts and find route mapping information. You can also share the different training routes that you have identified with other runners, helping to improve the overall workout that you are receiving.

The Garmin Forerunner 301 is small, easy to use, and has many different tools to help you take your workout to the next level. That being said, some of the common drawbacks include that the heart rate monitor can be erratic at times and if you are in area where it is hard to receive a satellite signal then the device could have trouble tracking properly. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 301 is a useful and versatile device and is worth some serious thought.