Recommend me good, solid, cheap GPS watch

Triathlon Forum
1

I have had 2 Garmin 310s but the wrist strap broke on both. At least it was not in the water but still annoying.

I figure I do not need a GPS watch for swim and bike as my swim training is done largely in the pool and on race day, I do not need a GPS during my swim I feel. On the bike I have a Garmin Edge 510. So for running, both training and racing what I need is a watch with relative basic functions as distance, current page, average pace but I would also very much like a lap function (both manual and auto lap)

Any recommendations?

Garmin 110? 210?

Edit:

These are the must have functions:

  • distance since start of the run (since reset)
  • average pace since start of the run
  • current pace
  • autolap (pop-up with average pace last km or mile)

Nice to haves:

  • manual lap function displaying simultaniously: distance and pace since the lap button was hit as well as current pace

My understanding is that the Garmin Forerunner 10 and 110 has the must have functions but no manual lap function. The 210 has it all?

2

A lot of my runner only friends really like their 210.

3

If you want as simple as possible, Garmin Forerunner 10; if you want as simple as possible plus heart rate, Garmin Forerunner 15.

4

I use the Timex Marathon GPS.

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Full-Size-T5K638-Marathon-Watch/dp/B0071CE2ZE

Inexpensive, and it does exactly what you’re looking for (and no more).

I’m very happy with mine.

5

"If you want as simple as possible, Garmin Forerunner 10; if you want as simple as possible plus heart rate, Garmin Forerunner 15. "

^ This x2. I have one, only regret is that I did not get the Forerunner 15 (to have HR).

6

My understanding is that the Garmin Forerunner 10 and 110 has the must have functions but no manual lap function. The 210 has it all?
They all have manual lap functions.
Obligatory links to Rainmaker reviews:

Forerunner 10Forerunner 15Forerunner 110Forerunner 210Timex MarathonAlso, his current running GPS watch recommendations: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/…#running-gps-watches

Don’t forget the feature comparison.

All in all, I’d say: if you really want bare bones, go with the Timex Marathon, but be aware that you can’t even download workouts from the watch.

For the others, if you don’t want heart rate, the 10, if you want it, the 15. They both are fully waterproof (and not just splash proof like the 110 and the 210) and almost equal to the 110/210 when it comes to features, except heart rate (10 vs. 110). I think the 15 does everything the 210 does, plus it has activity monitoring functionality.

7

Timex Run Trainer 1.0 is a great watch and has great value. The RT 2.0 has been out for a while, and the 1.0 has come way down in price and has 99% of the same features.

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Ironman-Run-Trainer-Watch/dp/B00DU41YQM/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=09NR81AT8AETVGD5G4J6

I use a Garmin Edge 500 for the bike, but the Timex is great for run/swim. Records workouts (direct downloads to TrainingPeaks), Ant+ HRM compatible, very accurate GPS, plus more display/tracking options than you could ever want. DC Rainmaker review here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/11/timex-run-trainer-gps-in-depth-review.html

8

I use a 210 and love it.

9

Can’t you buy new wrist straps for Garmins for like a fiver?

10

Was on sale for $99 in store last weekend

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13089092&cp=4406646.4413874.4415119.4415145
.

11

You may want to take a look at the Soleus GPS watches. DCRainmaker has a review for two of those on his site as well. I remember Soleus watches doing what you’re looking for but no more for about $99. Some times you can find the watches cheaper on flash buy sites like gearbuzz.

12

I used a FR 110 for years and liked it, but it does not have current pace. I just used average lap pace, with lap set to 1 mile. I now have a FR 220 and am looking to sell the 110, if you are interested.

13

Can’t you buy new wrist straps for Garmins for like a fiver?

$20 at amazon, but I bet Garmin would give you a good deal if you show’d them pics of the broken strap. Also, you could do something like this: https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?1589-Velcro-strap-for-310xt&p=12512#post12512

BTW…how are you breaking the strap? I have over 750 workouts with my 910, and there is no sign of any impending strap breakage.

14

Can’t you buy new wrist straps for Garmins for like a fiver?

$20 at amazon, but I bet Garmin would give you a good deal if you show’d them pics of the broken strap. Also, you could do something like this: https://forums.garmin.com/...mp;p=12512#post12512

BTW…how are you breaking the strap? I have over 750 workouts with my 910, and there is no sign of any impending strap breakage.

i split mine where the little metal bit goes into the hole. My GF has done the same. both 510’s. However i would estimate both of ours had slightly higher workout numbers than yours. Also i feel like she broke hers, then i got a 610, so she took mine and broke that. So maybe its caused by her midget wrists.

15

Exact same thing happened to mine. I think i accidently touch it with with my body during running or something.

16

I have a FR 305 with a busted strap. Went cheap - $5 or so. There is no trick to replacement bands - just get the correct width at the pins. The one I bought? Uncomfortable junk and so long that I barely could use it on the shortest hole. Used it for awhile, bought an ‘official’ Garmin replacement. Only had the replacement for a year and it’s failing the same way as the 1st (splitting between the holes). Garmin should be ashamed at the poor quality material / bad design…

17

I was going to recommend the 310…

I have mine on a quick release band and use it on my bike as my computer as well…

No issues with the QR band holding up… Maybe just invest in that, its super cheap and may solve your problems.