Reddit mentions: The best running gps units

I went to see what the current prices are, and Amazon has it new for $270, but only in black...apparently colors are more popular.

I've been extremely happy with the 235. This is my first Garmin, and it's a nice upgrade from the TomTom I was running with before. There are plenty of complaints out there about the optical HR, but I have had zero problems with it. It's been rock solid for me. I got it before Christmas when it was on sale, and I have yet to see it give a weird HR reading, or cadence lock, or anything like that. Clearly some people have problems with it, so YMMV, but it's been great for me.

Otherwise, it has pretty good battery life. I wear it all the time with activity tracking on and smartphone notifications on, and I get 6-7 days out of it between charges...that includes 6 runs a week. Also, this is the first watch I've ever had where the instant read pace is actually a usable field. It loses it's mind sometimes, like all instant pace does sometimes...but most of the time, it's actually pretty close to a realistic number.

I'm very pleased with it. It's been a really nice upgrade. Probably my only real complaint is it's a little large on the wrist for day to day wear...but since it's winter time, so I usually have long sleeves on anyway. I may not wear it for short sleeve season...we'll see.

I think the VA4/Venu are both great, and would serve you well. I think the whole Garmin infrastructure and software with Garmin Connect, etc., are great, and superior to Samsung's (disclaimer: that's based on liking Garmin, I don't really know much about Samsung other than I hate their phones - lol).

If you think they are still a little bit expensive and over-featured, consider the Frontrunner line. I didn't (I ended up going all-in on a Fenix) but I've seen some threads on here that make them seem like a terrific cheaper alternative, and there are so many models that, while it's confusing, you can pick and choose the features you are willing to pay for. For example, I read someone reporting how happy they are with a 245. I just looked on Amazon and its $149. https://smile.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Running-Watch-Black/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=garmin+frontrunner&qid=1574871025&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-3

So, I wholeheartedly endorse the Garmin lineup, but perhaps a cheaper version?

Finally, I hate all things Apple, but my wife uses an iPhone and has an Apple Watch Series 3. She absolutely loves it, and it does all sorts of fitness things on top of having seamless integration with her phone. It's on sale for like $169. If you use an iPhone, I would reluctantly steer you towards considering that. :-)

Oh I love this!

1. Cake related
   
   
2. Simon Pegg is in the new Star Trek movies and I happen to have a bunch of star trek stuff on my list!
   
   
3. I'd love to read this book
   
   
4. I have a lot of eating things on my new UK wishlist but I don't have an address there yet I really hope they hurry up in assigning my room already!
   
   
5. Animal!
   
   
6. Purple!
   
   7.A game!
   
   
7. This isn't just a guilty pleasure, it's like..my everything that is good and right with the world
   
   
8. Nail art tools!
   
   
9. I made so many friendship bracelets as a kid and just started doing it again
   
   
10. Does Team Rocket count as an organizational team? ps.. new and used.
    
    
11. My new hobby is sewing but again that's from my UK list and I don't have an address yet. But my long time hobby is knitting
    
    
12. Pretty much everything on my list is nerdy or geeky
    
    14.Jade is natural right?
    
    
13. This has green in it and I'm dying to own it. I can't find it anywhere!
    
    
14. Something to wear
    
    
15. I think this is so funny looking and I love it!
    
    
16. Beads!
    
    19.Gardening and for my mother
    
    
17. I want this watch so much but there's no way I can afford it.
    
    I think you're picking up these!
    
    And happy cake day!!

A couple of months ago I bought a Garmin Forerunner 235. I love this watch since it has so many features. Before the run, I set my finish distance of a half marathon on my watch. The watch has several screen to look at, but I kept it on the screen where it told me the distance remaining, estimated finish time, and average pace. Other screens can tell me how far I have gone, total time elapsed, heart rate, cadance, heart rate, and a bunch of other stuff. It’s 100% customizable too. You can change what each screen shows, or you can download different data fields from the Garmin store for free. I highly recommend this watch, but if you didn’t want to spend that much money, I have heard good things about the other cheaper watches.

You're young. At 5'9" and 190 you are probably a skinnyfat with a runner inside. And while my inclination is to doubt whether this is even possible (it is) or safe (it's really not in your best interest) if you can do one mile in 10 minutes today then at least you're on the right track (hurr hurr hurr). If you do not have any health problems whatsoever, I believe this is possible. Otherwise, graciously bow out before you kill yourself.

I'm going to give some advice, some warnings, and then a couple of motivationals so stick with me:

1. First on your list is taking care of those feet. If you weren't a runner yesterday, then you probably don't have decent running shoes. Don't go to Modells or Dick's or Sports Authority, go to a runner's shop where you will be properly fitted (here on Long Island we have Runner's Edge and The Running Company, find a specialty shop like these). Running shoes are expensive, you're going to spend at least $100 on these so get the best ones you can afford. Wear these shoes only when running, not to work or lounging around the house. Buy appropriate shorts and socks at the same time and change your socks at least twice a day in addition to after every run. When your shins / feet start to hurt, it's time to pony up for new shoes again. Get used to it!
   
   
2. Watch this video by Mark Cuccuzella on running form. This may be the best advice you ever receive because he talks about running economy and form. Improve these and you will have a better chance of avoiding injury and burnout.
   
   
3. Get a good heart rate monitor. I use the Garmin ForeRunner 235, it's incredibly accurate and doesn't require a chest strap. If you don't have $270 to spare on top of the $150 you're going to spend on shoes, get the Timex Road Trainer, it's only $60.
   At 40 my heart rate hovered around 185 while training. You're half my age, you should be able to sustain 180-200 easy. If you feel like you're going to pass out, slow down.
   
   
4. You don't have a lot of time to work on diet. Stay away from bloating foods (broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts, low quality fats and dairy). Lean toward bananas, whole muscle meats, eggs, fish and rice. There's a strong emphasis on proteins - you're going to need them at every meal. But you're also going to need a ton of simple and complex carbs. This guide is pretty decent, but still - stay away from beans and dairy.
   
   
5. You will be tired. If you aren't sleeping 8-10 hours a night now, you will. Plan to be in bed at 9 or 10pm.
   
   Now get to it. Run in the morning, every morning (except rest day).
   Run at the same time every day, take 1 day off every week and walk 3-4 miles. I always run in the morning before work - less distraction, nobody else is even awake to bother me.
   Warmups should be at least 20 minutes / 2 miles (if you're not dripping sweat, you're not warmed up).
   Follow that with sprinting intervals. If you can keep running (runner's high will get you) do it.
   You have 8 weeks, here's a sample progression for your goals at the end of each week.
   
   Week| Sprint (mph / minutes)| Jog (mph / minutes)
   ---|---|---
   1|6.6 for 10 | 6.0 for 30
   2|6.8 for 20| 6.2 for 30
   3|7.2 for 20 | 6.4 for 15
   4|7.6 for 15 | 6.4 for 20
   5|8.2 for 15|6.6 for 30
   6|8.8 for 15|7.0 for 30
   7|9.2 for 15|7.2 for 30
   8|9.6 for 15 | 7.4 for 30
   
   
   A few warnings:
   
   
6. This is not a good idea.
   
7. Running is expensive! But that's because it's worth it.
   
8. Your feet will hurt. Your tendons will hurt. Your quads are going to be on fire some days. Your shoulders will hurt (I hurt my shoulders more while running than when I was in gainz mode). Keep good form and these will go away.
   
9. You're probably going to enjoy a phenomenon called runner's trots. Your entrails are not accustomed to the hours of jarring punishment you're about to dole out.
   
10. You are going to sweat like you've never known before. Dripping, splashing sweat. Your clothing will be soaked and stinky. You are going to have to do laundry every day. Running clothes reek if left in a pile when wet.
    
11. Your appetite will be a confusing mix of hunger and non-hunger. Keep bananas on hand and drink water. Stay away from caffeine after 12 noon, it's going to screw up your sleep schedule. Absolutely stay away from alcohol.
    
12. You are going to gain weight before you start losing weight. This is because muscle is more dense than fat, and your legs will start bulking faster than you start burning fat.
    
    Here's some motivational / fun stuff:
    
    If you aren't in a cast at the end of the 8 weeks, you are going to look awesome. People will notice.
    If you aren't in the hospital before the end of the 8 weeks, your cardio health will be better than it's ever been. Your doctor will notice.
    It takes a minimum of 21 days to form a habit, so about three weeks into your 'training', you will be a runner.
    I'm betting you enter a handful of races for the 2017 season just to show off :)
    Tell everyone you can about the challenge. They'll keep you accountable and motivated, and it will be harder to quit.
    You're going to be ecstatic at every milestone. Keep it up, you're going to have fresh PR's a few times a week.
    Keep a log of your progress. Whether it's Runtastic, Runkeeper, MapMyRun - these will provide stats and achievements.
    
    Remind Me! February 17th
    
    Source: used to run 6-10 miles every morning, spent a lot of money on shoes, ran some races.
    
    edited: clarity
    

I am using a Suunto Ambit2 S. Pros are:

• SOOOOOO much customization.
  
• MovesCount platform superior to GarminConnect (this alone makes me never look back to Garmin)
  
• Long battery life, 8 hours+
  
• Well under $200 on Amazon for HR models (graphite and white here)
  
• Accelerator tracks cadence
  
• Works great with Strava for me
  
• The fastest satellite finding I have ever seen in a watch. Seriously I have no idea how it works so quickly.
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• HRM through strap, not optical
  
• No blue-tooth syncing with phone; cable required
  
• Altimeter is based on GPS-known altitude, not barometer. probably unimportant for most all runners
  
• Metal bezel seems to fairly easily get dinged/scratched but this is purely cosmetic
  
• Included HRM is propriety and only works with Suunto devices, though the watch accepts other ANT+ HRMs and accessories.
  
  
  I would look strongly at the Ambit2 S for the money . But if you want to add the barometer and temperature recording, move up to the Ambit 2.
  
  You can add bluetooth syncing, including call notification features as well as bluetooth HRM (replacing ANT) with a Ambit 3. It's still well under $300 on Amazon, but honestly none of what it (or the Ambit 2) added was cool enough for me to spend the extra money compared to the 2 s. But if you have the money to burn, I'd get the Ambit 3 Sapphire with the hardened Sapphire lens and all the bluetooth goodness for the $277. You'll still have 120+ of your budget left over.

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Modified Double X Knives (https://www.instagram.com/double_x_knives/) tool carrier that I added IWB clips to
  
• SOG PowerLock EOD multitool (https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Multitool-Pliers-Pocket-Tool/dp/B000JD08ZU/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=sog+powerplier&qid=1568843272&sr=8-4)
  
• SOG Hex Bit accessory kit (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057WWJY6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Eagletac D25A Clicky MKII flashlight (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DSFL2RY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Spyderco Delica 4 with Emerson Hook, carried in right hand pocket (https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=227)
  
• DARPA Grand Challenge challenge coin
  
• Garmin Fenix 3 HR (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-f%C4%93nix-HR-Gray-Renewed/dp/B01N4ORVJ9/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=garmin+fenix+3+hr&qid=1568843501&sr=8-2)
  
• Machine Era Ti Slim wallet (https://www.machine-era.com/collections/carry/products/ti5-slim-wallet-dlc)
  
  I like carrying a full-sized multitool and I love the SOG PowerLock EOD. But it takes up a hell of a lot of space and I hate having my pockets full, so I've been experimenting with options for IWB carry.
  
  The nice man behind Double X Knives has done some custom leather work for me before, and graciously sent me a prototype tool carrier to experiment with. I added two cheap IWB clips from Amazon, and turned it into a nice Appendix IWB tool holster I can carry covertly and keep my pockets free. I'm loving this setup so far.

Wrist mounted heart rate monitors suck. 75% accurate at best.

You want an ANT heart rate belt like this. But you need something ANT compatible to use it and I dont know of any phones that have ANT recievers.

My family and I use Suunto Ambit 2 watches. Its a full blown fitness computer. Fuull GPS, run tracking, heart rate monitor.

Rest and proper training are key.

Like the other commenter suggested, a HR monitor will give you more information about your output. I use a Garmin Fenix 3 HR and the data gives me a great look at my effort levels during rides. It also helps me maintain certain HR zones so I don't over-ride on easy days. I was guilty of riding too hard, too often in previous years.

At the end of last year, I purchased "Prepare to Pin It" from Lee Likes Bikes. Following his suggested training regimen has significantly increased my climbing endurance. Which also helps on the descents because I'm not completely wasted, and can properly send it with strong legs and lungs.

Probably this Garmin. I'm getting more serious about running, and racing, and feel that this will help with tracking my pace, gauging my distance, and keeping track of calories burned. I can also upload my runs to my laptop to keep records of distance/pace, which will help even more as I'm training for a race. It is pricey though :/

Second most-wanted item would probably be this Ninja Master Prep, so that I can start making smoothies for myself and the boys, plus use it as a food processor that doesn't smell like onion - protein pancakes with an onion aftertaste really aren't all that yummy.

Third would be Winter's Heart. book 9 in the series that I'm currently reading.

Fourth? This foam roller to help soothe my sore muscles after the numerous workouts I do throughout the week.

Last is Yoshi's New Island because Yoshi is awesome, and it's the perfect game to sit and relax with :)

Thanks for the discussion/maybesupersecretcontest!

*Edit - totally didn't see the whole "highest priority on each of your lists" part :/

I've been using an epson this year: https://www.amazon.com/Epson-Runsense-SF-810-built-Monitor/dp/B0186VAOAK

I've been pretty happy with it compared to my old garmin 305. Nice having a longer battery life and an optical hr monitor. For $125 it's about the best value i could find when i was looking. Can't stomach spending $400+ dollars on a watch.

Polar M430 GPS Running Watch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CMBC4J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mnn1BbGJ7RM8J

8. Polar M430

A running watch with all-round fitness skills

Screen: Yes, Monochrome | Heart rate tracker: Yes | Waterproof: Yes | Activity tracking: Yes | GPS: Yes | Battery life: 20 days | Compatibility: Android/iOS

$144.99

VIEW AT AMAZON

$199.95

View at Walmart Marketplace

$199.95

View at Adorama

?

See all prices (11 found)

147 Amazon customer reviews

☆☆☆☆☆

Good battery life

Reliable and accurate

Not the best looking

Annoying charging lead

The Polar M430 has a lot of things going for it, including GPS, a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking skills, along with good battery life. For the most part it’s also reliable and accurate, which is something not all fitness trackers can claim.

The M430 is designed primarily for runners, and can monitor the likes of your pace, distance, speed and cadence, but with all of the above, plus daily general activity tracking, it’s a strong choice for tracking most kinds of exercise and activity.

Given all the tech packed in, the Polar M430 also has a reasonable price tag. It’s not the best-looking fitness tracker, but it’s comfortable and functional.
Read the full Polar M430 review
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/polar-m430

I'd suggest springing for the HRM-TRI, regular HRMs are ~$40 on Amazon, HRM-TRI is ~$120, $80 difference and you get running dynamics and heart rate in the water.

As for the colors, man, it even seems inappropriate in casual attire, but I'll be ordering this Flat black strap on Amazon to try to subdue the watch, I'll try to upload/dm you pictures if/when I get it to give you a better idea of what it might look like.

I got mine yesterday, turns out it was $120 off, but if you don't want to drop $450, try the used ones on Amazon, then send it to garmin to have it refurbished for $110. The cheapest this moment Link is $280 with shipping, and it looks proper, but even if you get it refurbished, it'll still only run out to $390, saves you half as much as an HRM-TRI costs.

I just had Best Buy match this. I got the Fenix 3 HR Saphire with Heart Rate Monitor. Like you, I assumed the Amazon link was for the Fenix 3HR. Didnt realize til later that I was mistake. Best Buy still price matched

The Garmin Forerunner 35 has just been replaced by a newer model (the 45) but the 35 is still a great watch and perfect for most beginners. And it can be used for cycling as well as running.

New model for $120

Renewed model for $100

I think you'd be better off with a Garmin running watch. They have built in gps and can show your running pace and all kinds of useful information along with stop watch and pretty much anything a runner could need. I have the charge 2 and so far the only features I'm finding useful are heart rate and sleep tracking and breathing exercise.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KPUHBK6/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&amp&qid=1526289421&amp&sr=8-6

If you're looking to use Nike+ but want to use your Zune, I know Nike makes a watch that syncs with the foot pod without an iPod. Looks like it's about $60 for the watch plus shoe pod.
http://www.amazon.com/Nike-Sport-Band/dp/B002Y1NYYM

Looks like the Garmin 305 with heart rate monitor is also on sale right now for $130. Will be more accurate and functional than the Nike+.
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA

For morning PT? Something from the Garmin Forerunner series:

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-230-Black-White/dp/B016PAPI3W

I have the 230. It's great. You can download an app on your smart phone and sync it to the watch to track all your runs. It's breaks them down by distance, pace, elevation, maps the run for you, shows your splits etc... If you want to spend the extra $$$ it can monitor your heart rate as well.

i just dropped $$$ to see Colin Mochrie (of Whose Line fame) do improv tomorrow but now i want to drop $$$$$$ on a running watch (p.s. does anyone want a gently-used apple watch sport) but i shouldn't but i want it and it'll make training for my half more fun bc i love data

I used the Garmin Forerunner 10 for the last 5 years or so, and it was a fine watch. My only complaint was that it could take forever to lock GPS. I recently upgraded to a fancy expensive one, so it seems a little lacking now, but honestly it never bothered me for the 5 years that I used it. I like having more advanced metrics in my new watch, but seriously, distance/pace/time is enough for anybody to run with.

A second minor complaint was that you had to hook it up via the charger to a computer to sync. Looks like the newest version, the Garmin Forerunner 25 has BT connection. I'd go for that one.

Another thing people don't consider is that the fancy smart watches all have nice color screens with touch sensitive abilities. The fancy screens suck the battery life and you have to charge daily. My old FR10 could go 1-2 weeks between charging because it has a simple LCD screen. And touch screens suck for running.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-25-Large-Black/dp/B013GVDTI4

It's $100. There's also a FR15 and FR20, not sure what was added in each model but you could save even more getting one of those. Or, just rock a pink FR25 and save some cash that way:

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-25-Small-White/dp/B013GMWPTW/ref=pd_sim_107_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B013GMWPTW&pd_rd_r=4513NK3QDWVRQ3XDXF06&pd_rd_w=oCIGy&pd_rd_wg=xyIn7&psc=1&refRID=4513NK3QDWVRQ3XDXF06

I had a neon green FR10 for just that reason. Figure with all the other obnoxious colors running shoes come in having an obnoxious running watch wasn't a big deal.

I know this is outside of your price range but the model below has all of the features you're looking for.

I picked up a Garmin Fenix 3 HR (saphire) refurbed on Amazon for $350 last month, though it's now up to $390. Awesome tracker and smart watch. I looked around for a tracker/smart watch for a few weeks before deciding on this one. Check out the YouTube reviews by Rizknows here for more info. Check out their other videos for additional tracker options.

I use a Fenix and it's super nice. Compass, 10 digit MGRS and nav capabilities. Supposedly I can add some minimal map imagery to it but I've never tried. It's not a cheap watch but I fucking love it.

> http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/11/black-friday.html

I'm in Canada so I checked the local Best Buy's black friday sale and they have this [Tom Tom watch] (http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-Runner-GPS-Watch-Grey/dp/B00D7LN7K4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417149002&sr=8-1&keywords=TomTom+Runner+GPS+Watch) going for $129. I read the reviews and the major gripe was the lack of website support at the time which seems like the manufacturer has addressed since its release. I think I'll go with it, thanks for all of the advice.

Yes, when doing an activity, if you want to row, you would need to make your rowing specific customizations under another activity (other, run, bike, etc.) However, once you upload to Garmin, you may edit the activity however you like, including putting it under the "rowing" sub category, which automatically puts the activity into 500m pace. It works pretty well if you have the time to edit all your workouts and such, and you're able to view a lot of info on your computer post-workout. If you can't afford the 630, I'd highly suggest the 230. You can get it right now for $220 (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-230-Bundle-Black/dp/B016PAPIC8), thats with the chest belt. If you already have a chest belt though, I think you can get it for $180.

I don't know what your budget is but I've had the Garmin Fenix 2 for a few years now and love it.

Middle of the way would be Fenix 3.

Top of the line would be Fenix 5.

Ton of good reviews here

I like the 110 and 210. Personally I use the 910xt. But that's overkill for someone just starting out.

As for HR monitor, I don't use one so I can't really speak whether they are worth it. I believe most Garmins have the functionality to use one, the additional price increase from say a 110 w/o HR and one with is for the actual HR strap. Meaning you can always buy the cheaper one and if you decide you want the HR strap, then grab one off eBay later.

if you are looking for a cheap watch to just track distance and time, i recommend the forerunner 25.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-25-Large-Black/dp/B013GVDTI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467291330&sr=8-1&keywords=forerunner+25

I have recently bought one of these and i think its brilliant, i didnt want to spend too much on a watch and this has everything i wanted (mainly smart phone synchronization because i didnt want to plug my watch into my PC after every run)

For budget friendly GPS option, look at the tom tom runner.

The interval feature will do exactly what you want.
It will beep/buzz when you finish your 200 and beep/buzz when your rest is up.
I've been very happy with it

https://www.amazon.com/TomTom-Runner-GPS-Watch-Grey/dp/B00D7LN7K4

Look at refurbished Garmin Watches on Amazon. Make sure it’s sold by Garmin and you get the same Garmin warranty as a new one. I bought a refurbished Fenix 3 HR for $240 last year and love it.

Garmin fēnix 3 HR - Gray (Renewed)

Well your in luck. You have the perfect watch for that - a triathlon watch.

First look at DC Rainmaker's indepth FR935 walk through: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/03/garmin-forerunner-935-depth-review.html That should answer all your questions.

Pool swimming: it uses the accelerometer (so on your wrist) to count number of laps (that you set) on each turn. I believe you have to record an activity on the watch for the HRM-TRI to upload to.

OW Swimming: even better, as it uses GPS. DCR used the in-the-swim-cap method

Bike: get a ANT+ speed+cadence sensor. They are often cheaper than speed only sensors. The 935 supports power meters for the future (my 230 doesn't). Invest in a $10 handlebar watch mount, to make the face visible. I personally prefer a computer, but use what you have!

GPS is one of those "you get what you pay for" kinda things. If you buy cheap you'll probably be frustrated and wish you had spent more. Garmin is usually the best bet. Here's an older Garmin at a good price that'll do all the basics for you (time, pace, distance)

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-25-Large-Black/dp/B013GVDTI4

I just went through this process and settled on the Garmin 230 + heart rate monitor bundle for $220. My understanding is the only difference between the 230 and 235 is the 235 has a wrist-based heart rate monitor, whereas the 230 uses a chest strap.

In the past, I used the MapMyRun app to track my runs, and I discovered it's horribly inaccurate. It would tell me my pace is ~10:00-10:30, while I was really at 8:00-8:30. I discovered the discrepancy after borrowing a family member's Garmin 310XT, and that's what prompted me to buy the Garmin 230..

It would be cheaper to go with a bluetooth chest strap that is compatible with your phone. If you do get a wrist based fitness tracker I would get one that has gps so you can ditch the phone altogether. Something like this garmin or the fitbit surge. Garmin let's you export your runs to different platforms unlike fitbit (Smashrun, Strava, Runtastic, etc.) so you probably should avoid it if that is important to you. Personally I would go with a older Garmin and HR strap because I don't necessarily need a full time fitness tracker and you can find them for much less $.

I know this doesn't contribute to the conversation at all, but I am having the exact same dilemma.

I noticed that the 735xt is only $50 more on Amazon and will ship next week. I've thought about getting that a couple of times over the past few days. Just with everything I've read it seems the software is more up to date to work with all of Garmin's Connect software. Again, this is all in research so I have no idea and I'm glad you asked the question.

Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

For others that were also curious, the Feenix is $450 (Feenix 3 on Amazon). However, there are other models that look like they have colored displays which can run up to $700

I really like the TomTom Runner. It's relatively inexpensive (~$80) and has tons of run tracking features. Plus it's water PROOF, not just resistant which I've had trouble finding with other watches. It has its own online website where you can dump information but also works well with sites like strava

Edit here's the link on Amazon. It comes in a few colors.

The Garmin Forerunner 10 would do the job excellently.

There's a 645 non-music that'll save you money but I'm seeing factory certified refurb 935s discounted to only $100 more than a 735XT, same price as the 645 "non-music."

Opinions are going to differ on generational trade-offs but, to me, the UX/UI makes a huge difference.

I've used Garmins in the past but they always seem to just stop working, and Garmin's customer service sucks. I switched to TomTom and I love it. The older model is like $80

https://www.amazon.com/TomTom-Runner-Running-Watch-Grey/dp/B00D7LN7K4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1497015893&sr=8-12&keywords=tomtom+cardio

Mostly aesthetic, all of which are highlighted in this link! Also, if you're interested in getting the 235, I believe that amazon has a sale right now, it's going for $150 here.

Don't know the rules in this sub, but that looks like an affiliate link. Here's a non-affiliate version: http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-920XT-Black-Watch/dp/B00O4D4KPA

FYI this is similar to the US amazon price of $249.99.

The best thing I can think of is a used previous gen GPS watch like the Garmin Forerunner 220. You don't have the same functionality as the newer watches due the fact you can't put third party apps on it, but it would still keep track of miles and elevation. I have a current gen Garmin Forerunner 235 and it lets me install apps. One of those is a hike app and a downloadable maps app which lets me upload trails from alltrails.

Lol get off your high horse Usain Bolt

Amazon

If you're looking to lighten your gear, I'm currently using the Garmin Forerunner 35 which has the ability to program intervals. For music, I use a Mighty, which allows you to download music onto the little device (size of an iPod shuffle). Plus, it connects to Bluetooth headphones!

Because of your concern about durability and wanting something more substantial in build quality, look at the Fenix 3 HR as an option. With the Fenix 5 being out, the Fenix 3 HR can be had for a really good deal. I bought this refurbished model and have loved it, and had zero problems. You can buy a warranty for like $12 if you are concerned about the refurbished aspect. Its still more expensive than a Vivoactive 3, but IMO worth it.

Features relevant to you that it has:

Good HR monitoring (maybe not quite as good as the Vivoctive 3 though). Pairing with a chest strap is still the most accurate you will get though. Its just the limitations of wrist HR tracking.

Pace/splits for running on the device.

Sleep Tracking

Basic music and podcast controls (pause, play, skip, volume etc).

Water consumption tracking on the app.

Durable as hell. Waterproof, metal body, sapphire glass. It can handle serious work. It feels solid.

Data galore.

The Garmin app store may have apps to make features that are not native to the device. i.e. maybe water tracking on the watch instead of just in the Connect app.

Feature missing relevant to you/other:

Contactless payment

It is giant. I have gotten used to it but its size is really notable.

​

That's a good solution to the problem. Also, Garmin makes a mount for watches.

For the low low price of $9.99 it can be yours https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2ZIN1W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Fits my Suunto Ambit 3 perfectly.

And yet, you can get the Fenix 3 for HR for $299 from Amazon

But. For some, I guess, the Fenix 5 is worth it. Personally, I am tempted to buy a spare Fenix 3 due to the cost difference.

the black forerunner 235 is on sale at amazon too: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=psdc_617647011_t2_B00XKRWTUE?th=1

Alternatively, you can just get a new one for 200.

Same reduced price in a bunch of other places (Amazon, B&H, etc.) too.

Reason: new Fenix models likely to be introduced early next year...

Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X6jlDbNB9BDR5

As per here:

>Using a watch with recording, internet, or communication capabilities.

And according to here your watch has the feature of

>WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY- Utilize one or more Wi-Fi hot spots to automatically sync your data with Garmin Connect and update software (when in range)

So no.

This may work

https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Watch-Mount-KOM-Cycling/dp/B01N2ZIN1W/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=bike+mount+for+watch&qid=1565056436&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNUk3Q0pFNkxRUjJPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjg2Mzc0M01UUjNIQjAzNkY3TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDY5MTAzMkNPRDVKSFI3MDZXNCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

as of 7:51p PST 30NOV, I still see it available.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00RY1YWSO/ref=olp_f_refurbished?ie=UTF8&f_refurbished=true

I have the Forerunner 10 (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Watch-Pink-White/dp/B0090C7A5C) and it's been kicking for 4 years and does everything I need.

Yes! It actually just came out yesterday.

Garmin Forerunner 235

Its kinda pricey, but it does wrist based HR which is kind of hard to find. I don't have it so I can't really speak to that but its on my Xmas list.

I'm not sure what your budget is but this is an absolute steal and will do everything you are looking for and more https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Running-Watch-Black/dp/B0160BC1FO

I've been using it for a year now, cant beat it especially at that price