smart watches / gps watch

Tristan

Barefooters
Sep 15, 2011
1,855
2,761
113
45
Ohio
I admit I have not done much research on these, I really have little interest in them other than many to shrink my gear that I take on a run. I do like having my phone with me to listen to music, track my workout, take pics, and get the occasional text or important phone call (pretty rare I actually us it for a phone though!).

I still have the old school garmin 205. Usually a take my phone instead, but the gps accuracy really sucks (inst pace is unusable it can swing several minutes just between updates a few seconds apart!). But the biggest thing I miss if I leave my phone behind is music. And has to be bluetooth no wires!

If anyone else has looked into these, is there a basic smart watch or wrist gps that will hold mp3's, play them over bluetooth, track workouts (opt built in HRM, or at least bluetooth hrm connectivity)? Optionally take pics and work as phone.
 
Perhaps a better phone is your best bet. I prefer to run without a GPS, going by time and effort instead. Knowing my exact pace hurts me more than it helps ...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tristan
Perhaps a better phone is your best bet. I prefer to run without a GPS, going by time and effort instead. Knowing my exact pace hurts me more than it helps ...
I guess I didn't specify, but the main reason I'd like to look at watches is to reduce bulk and also not worry about water/sweat damage to my phone. My old forerunner is nice just to put on the wrist and go, not have to worry about how I am going to hold it, rain, sweat, etc. I use it a lot still for races, but I do miss the music especially during a road race. I did try the arm bands for phones but I did not like them. Maybe if I'd bulk up the biceps some it'd fit better lol.

Thanks for the link there Makamaespm I'll do some reading tonight...
 
Last edited:
I tried a $25 one from Amazon, it was a pos. I tried a few apps on my phone, but question the accuracy. Going back to my old way of not knowing how far or how long. Just like Forest Gump! Just going to run!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sly and Tristan
That is interesting @Gordon but I don't think I'd like that. Maybe I'll just get another hydration vest, I'll probably need something for water again now it's getting warm out.

After some researching (thanks @Makamaespm I found this one on your link) I am thinking this might fit the bill to give me a good gps, hrm, and bluetooth, all in a watch... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01603Y830/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
The optical hrm's often rate poorly but this one reviewed as one of the best. I was worried some references to needing to use itunes or some special Tom Tom software to sync the music too (and I don't have a normal PC, I use Linux so can't load typical software on). But I posted the question on amazon and a couple folks say you can sync the music via android phone which I do have.

So I'll debate a bit longer if I want to drop the cash... I did just get a brand new phone and the accuracy is a big improvement but still would be nice to not worry about how to carry it and the hrm chest strap that chaffs me.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Makamaespm
I hadn't seen the headsets with built in mp3 capability. That would be an option, but I already have some nice bluetooth earbuds that I like (it was so hard to find some that fit comfortably). It'd also be be nice to actually be able to sync the data where I can see it on the computer or phone (can't do that with my old 205 Forerunner).

I did just order the aforementioned TomTom. I've been watching the prices on amazon for a while and just the other day the "Sky Captain/Scuba Blue" color dropped like 60 dollars all the sudden. Looks like its still available too ($119) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015OIH3TI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Note that one does not include earbuds (I already have some).
So guess we'll find out soon!
 

Support Your Club

Natural Running Center

Forum statistics

Threads
19,122
Messages
183,506
Members
8,693
Latest member
kmeiners11

Latest posts