GPS Watch with Heart Rate Monitor - Newby Question

MattGuelph · Postby **MattGuelph** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 4:40 pm

Hi All,

I'm new so please let me know if this thread already exists.

I'm logging about 30 miles (45km) a week and would like to upgrade my HRM so that I can have a watch that I can plug in that will map my routes along with an App that charts my heart rate. I'd like to have a watch that works with a chest-strap monitor. (I realize I have to buy them as a kit - That's what I want)

Without dropping $500 on the new Garmin is there a product that allows me to come back and plug my watch in and look at the data?

Thanks!

Matt

Joe Dwarf · Postby **Joe Dwarf** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 4:45 pm

Depends on what features you want. In the Garmin line, I believe the cheapest watch that lets you deal with heartrate data is the 110 at $175. Not sure if it will work with your existing strap, but you can get a strap for it for another $50 I believe. There are other brands that will do what you want. If you click on the link in my sig you can see various of my runs recorded with a 110. Not all of them have heartrate data, these days I don't use the HRM much. This is a run with HRM data.

MattGuelph · Postby **MattGuelph** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 4:51 pm

Hi Joe,

This is exactly what I'm looking for; thank you!
No more MapMyRun for me! - Well after next week at least.

Matt

Joe Dwarf · Postby **Joe Dwarf** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 4:55 pm

You might want to check into the various watches to see what features you'd like. The 220 is almost here and it looks very nice, but I think it will run you about $75 more.

eme · Postby **eme** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 5:32 pm

You can also check out http://www.raytech.ca/en/products/trail ... asp?cid=50

Raytech is the Garmin service centre for Canada, so sometimes you can get deals on reconditioned units.

fe.RMT · Postby **fe.RMT** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 6:43 am

Hello fellow Guelphite!

I have owned several Garmin watches. Make sure you investigate the options on the watches so that the watch you choose has all the functions that are important to you. If you just want to turn the thing on and go one of the lesser expensive models will do. I like to program workouts (i.e. Go for 1 mile keeping HR between x and y, the run 2 miles keeping pace between a and b etc.) and the cheaper models won't let you do this

BJH · Postby **BJH** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:48 am

Gpscity.ca has a good tool for comparing the features available on various models. They also have pretty good prices.

Jwolf · Postby **Jwolf** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 10:54 am

Buy at MEC for the best warranty/extended warranty service.

Also check out www.dcrainmaker.com for comprehensive views of different models. I highly recommend Garmin but he has reviews of other brands as well.

Distance and pace data is much more accurate with Garmin watches than smartphone apps.

EmilZatopek · Postby **EmilZatopek** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 4:07 pm

I highly agree with Jwolf, buy this type of product from MEC or REI.

I've gone through a Nike gps sportswatch, 2 Garmin forerunner 210, and I'm on my second forerunner 310xt, this is all in less than 2 years. No problem return/exchange with MEC and REI.

In my opinion the Garmin watch is more accurate than the Nike. Nike does link to satellites faster but if you use a footpod with the garmin you can start your run right away. The only thing I like about the Nike is the touch screen to mark laps. The 310xt is my choice so far.