Timex Global Trainer Heart Rate and GPS Watch

Get pace, speed, distance, and more on your wrist. With SiRFstarIII GPS technology and ANT+ compatibility, this Ironman Global Trainer GPS watch from Timex records your performance across several dimensions--including pace, speed, distance, and more--providing real-time data on a customizable screen. The watch measures your location with altitude ascent and descent distances and rates, records up to 100 location waypoints to track back and create routes, and recalls up to 50 custom routes for pace tracking. The device offers six modes of operation including performance and multisport modes. The SiRFstarIII GPS technology requires no calibration.

Even though I know there are spoof reviews and people who write reviews just to rant, I am thankful for all the candid reviews I read about this watch. Economics (the low price) were a very driving factor but I did not want to piss $130 on a piece of junk. I am a graphic design/web dude by trade and all I can say is that whomever wrote the code for the Training Peaks software must be having great sex with the CEO's wife or daughter. The UI (user-interface) is worse than a high-school project. Windows within windows within windows. So many violations of UI laws of design. What I suspect is the Training Peaks (COMPETITOR GROUP) met with the Timex folks and SOLD them that their software was going to be the key to their successful sales of the watch. REALLY BAD and igno move on Timex. The Garmin software is easy to understand but far from perfect and Garmin updates always seemed very peculiar and half-ass.

Ok, on to the watch. BTW, anyone that knows anything should have already read DC Rainmakers reviews of this watch and every other gadget under the sun. That guy knows how to review. He wrote his review of this watch before the new firmware release and he gave it a thumbs up and actually I refer to his website just to learn what this watch can do.

Size: I have big wrists and wear it daily to work. I charge it at night and it charges quickly. The displays are easy to read and once you learn how to customize your screens, it is great.
GPS: The signal has been very reliable for me here in Las Vegas. One time thus far I have had to reboot the watch a couple of times to get a signal.
Shockproof: Another feature I like about Ironman watches and was interested in this, is that it seems to have good shock proof. I dropped my Garmin 405 about 2 feet and it cracked the bezel.
Buttons: Easy to use
Export File: Ok, this is where so many reviewers showed their ignorance. YOU CAN export your tracks to a Google .KML file. Then, using the free Babel softward you can convert that to a .gpx file type and upload to any of your favorite workout sites. I want to reiterate this. Even though the free Training Peaks software sucks, you can upload your workout to the free Training Peaks software and export the file as a .kml filetype. It might take to a while to figure this out but it can be done. running watches with gps

I have also come to realize as a triathlete having a watch for open water swimming is ridiculous. Most people end up putting the watch under their swim cap but that was too much of a pain for me. I just purchased to the goggle mount Finis gps unit for $100...so, especially for a race....I can log my swim yardage and time, throw my goggles in my transition bag and then click my watch for the balance of the bike and run.

I am NOT a fan of the multisport application but I have only toggled that on once so I might need how to learn it more.

I have had no problem connecting to my Windows Vista computer.

The heart rate monitor works great.

Ok...so, if ultimately my decision was based on economics.....as it stands this is how I would better rate this watch:

If this watch cost $300 I would NOT purchase it -
If this watch cost $250 I would NOT purchase it -
If this watch cost $225 I would seriously consider purchasing it -
If this watch cost $200 I would purchase it -

If this watch ever comes out with a different software program I would happily pay $300+ for it.

Paying $500 for a Garmin watch is absolutely ridiculous and the new Finis product will definitely put a nick in that business. Once racers start seeing how much better it is to have a swim-specific device, this Timex is the right price for a good product.

More information at Timex Global Trainer Heart Rate and GPS Watch

Nike + SportBand (Black/Challenge Red)

The Nike+ SportBand tracks your distance, pace, time and calories burned while you run in an easy-to-read display. It's also your connection to the world's largest running club on nikeplus.com, where you can log and review runs, get training advice, challenge friends and more.

The SportBand is easy to use. After each workout simply remove the Nike+ Link and connect it to your computer's USB port to go to nikeplus.com, where you can see your progress and take part in the Nike+ community. The Nike+ SportBand memory saves 30 hours' worth of your workouts for review. It features enhanced display quality, improved water resistance and is available in two new colors. Requires Mac or PC; Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later, Windows Vista, or Windows XP (SP2) Home or Professional; Internet access (Broadband recommended). Tracks distance, pace, time and calories burned. Memory captures and stores 30 hours' worth of running data. Removable Nike+ Link for quick connection to nikeplus.com.

 Doubles as a watch with time display. Enhanced display for increased readability and improved water resistance. Automatic battery recharge when Nike+ Link is plugged into your computer. Stainless steel popper closure to hold band in place and provide an adjustable fit. Durable polycarbonate case. Pre-curved polyurethane band for lightweight comfort. Includes Nike+ sensor to be placed in your Nike+ ready shoes. One size.

I lost alot of weight and decided to take up running. This little device helped motivate me to run farther. One thing I was worried about at first was that my running shoes (also nike) didn't have the little nike plus insert in them. Online I found a little holder that tied into my laces so that I could use this watch with my favorite running shoes no matter what brand they were. It tracks calories, time, and distance. Also, you can log into nike's site and it can track your runs, and you can join different activities.

 I joined groups like 30 miles in 30 days or 365 miles in 365 days. Every time you logged in it would track your runs and load them into your profile so that you wcould see you were closer to that goal. It also has the capability to sync your runs to your facebook page. This feature kept me running. Sometimes if I had a crappy day and didn't feel like running I would start my nike+ watch then think forget this I'm stopping or I'm not running anymore I'm just gonna walk. I would remember the next time I logged it it would say Tera's last run was .10 miles or Tera's last run was 2 miles and took 35 minutes. running watches with gps

I didn't want the whole world to see when I was lazy and slacking, so in the end I would suck it up and run anyways knowing my nike+ watch would tell on me if I didn't. As for its accuracy, if I was on a marked trail or a track nike+ was about spot on. On treadmills, this watch always took longer to read a mile than the actual machines. Usually about .07 of a mile off or so. 

More details at Nike + SportBand (Black/Challenge Red)

Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black)

A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X G1 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. This version of the RS300X comes with Polar's G1 GPS sensor, which provides speed/pace and distance measurement for outdoor sports such as running or cycling. It's a great choice for those who mix up their training regimen with cycling, inline skating, paddling, mountain biking or hiking.


Combining heart monitoring, pace, distance and positio helps to improve a runner's efficiency. So from the technology point of view it is a great product!

The only thing I don't like is that all the accesories have to be bought separately and not all stores have all the accesories; a bundled product will have been a better option for me since it took me several transactions to get what I needed.

After reading the other reviews, I have just a few comments. This watch/gps works well for the most part. I have had several gps units, including Garmin, and they all EAT THE BATTERIES, they all LOSE SIGNALS in shady areas. The lower your battery, the longer it takes to connect. Some of the GPS watches come with an optional lithium battery you can buy. If that's an option for the one you have, I highly recommend it.

I have good quality rechargeable batteries which I swap out on all my GPS units right before walking out the door. I also always have spare batteries in my car and my backpack just in case I forget. It seems like a pain, but if you get into the habit of doing this you won't even think about it after awhile. And I guarantee you, if you change the batteries before each use, you will get good signal reception, except in shady areas.

However, once you are back in an area where the unit can get reception it "catches back up". So the fact that it temporarily will lose a signal is not the end of the world. I have a Garmin eTrex which I use for hiking and geocaching and horseback riding and it has the same issues - if the battery is low it takes forever to get a signal, when you are in deep shade you lose a signal. running watches with gps

 So overall, I am really happy with this unit - it works pretty much like I expected it to. And I was glad to get rid of my Nike+ stuff which never worked well for me anyways even after calibrating several times on a treadmill. This unit is way more accurate.

As far as uploading the data - yes, it's irritating that you have to buy a separate piece of equipment for this when usb works so well with all my other GPS units. But once set up, it's easy to use.

So, while not perfect, this is a good solid unit which does the job. 

More information at Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black)

MOTOACTV 8 GB GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player

Technical Details

Size: 8GB

• Precisely track your running and biking outside and in the gym; wireless upload of your workout data to MOTOACTV.com.
• MOTOACTV 8GB smart music player learns what songs motivate you.
• Set goals and start racing against them; audio coach gives you updates and keeps you going.
• MOTOACTV is sweatproof, rain resistant, scratch resistant with intuitive controls. Touchscreen display adjusts to sunlight.
• Included in the Motorola Retail Packaging: MOTOACTV 8GB, Motorola SF200 Sports Headphones, MOTOACTV Clip, Wall Charger with Data Cable, Quick Start Guide.

I've had the 8GB MOTOACTV for 10 days now and have used it every day. I have no problems with it at all. Set up was easy. Music and bluetooth sync was fast. I like the voice prompts so that I don't have to look down at it to determine my pace or distance. I tested it today in a 5K and it was 100% on target with the official course distance markers. running watches with gps

The calorie counts appear to equate to those I see on my BodyMedia so I suspect they are valid as well. I have also used it on the elliptical and it comes within a step or two of matching the counts that the machine displays.

 The only concern I have is battery life on an extremely long run, but I haven't tested that yet. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase.

More information at MOTOACTV 8 GB GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player

Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)

I purchased the watch several weeks ago as i am running the LA marathon this year. I am not technically savvy at all and honestly at first i was intimidated by the whole thing. But the instructions are good and I managed to set the things i needed, which for me were the intervals.

After reading and reading i figured out the order i should do things to get my intervals going and how to toggle between screens so i can see my current pace as i run. The instructions are all there in the manual on the disk but i had to read an re-read to understand it--but i think it is just me not used to so many steps--i think most people would find it easier.

 At times the touch screen can be annoying it was always beeping at me and i would get frustrated but over time i figured how to stop that as well. I will also say that this watch can do so so so much more than what i use it for. maybe one day i will try and figure it out. I also had a lot of trouble taking off the big bulky plastic bands to put on the velcro bands--in fact i still have not been able to do it, but apparently the tutorial online at garmin.com is supposed to be perfect, but i do not want to change a thing before my marathon so i will try next week! running watches with gps

I say buy the watch--the lower models did not have the interval training i needed and when i found the next level up that did this watch was only $20 more and i figured i would go for it

More information at Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)

GSI Quality GPS Navigation Sports Wrist Watch With Heart Rate Monitor, Chest Strap And Compass - Measures Burned Calories And Fat, Speed, Altitude And Distance, USB Data Upload Link - For Training, Exercise, Running, Jogging, Etc.

This Pyle watch is a great GPS watch for running, biking and lifting weights. It only took few minutes to get satelite signals. I like the fact that I can use the watch's HRM when working out indoors. It's nice to see how hard you workout by checking your heart rate.

This watch has different modes, but the display only shows two things at a time. Like if you set it on HRM, you can see your speed, but you can't see your time or calories. Also this GPS watch doesn't have PACE time, it shows your speed, but not your pace. running watches with GPS

The two things I think I would like Pyle to add on the new version of this watch are the Pace and multi display on the screen so you don't have to keep pressing the mode button to see your hear rate, speed, distance, pace and time. But overall this is still a great gps watch. Also, the battery seems good.

 I used it twice for about 3 hrs and the battery is still on full.

More details at GSI Quality GPS Navigation Sports Wrist Watch With Heart Rate Monitor, Chest Strap And Compass - Measures Burned Calories And Fat, Speed, Altitude And Distance, USB Data Upload Link - For Training, Exercise, Running, Jogging, Etc.