 Poster: A snowHead
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looking at getting one but unsure what to buy, any reccomendations, or does anyone have a used one for sale? 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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graeme, I have the Garmin 305 and love it, but it's quite an old style and looks like a small computer. A couple of my friends have just got the latest Garmin (grey, looks like a watch), and are finding them really good.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I was using an app on my phone to time and map walking but the results are rubbish, at least for timing. How accurate are the watches ?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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AndAnotherThing.., pretty accurate, as long as you pick up a signal (can be tricky in places with tall buildings, eg HK and Canary Wharf). You know they're accurate as post marathons posters on running forums always ask why their GPS tells them they ran 26. 5 or 26.7 miles, when a marathon is only 26.2. It's because it's measured by the most direct route, and you may have run wider round the corners, or weave through the crowds.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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beanie1, The distance and mapping is pretty good, it's the timing that's a bit odd, by about 18% compared to the phones stopwatch. Maybe it's something to do with the settings 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I've a Garmin Edge 205 which is the bike version, same inside I think. I think they're pretty good and accurate. Doesn't the recording rate that's set affect the accuracy?
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AndAnotherThing.., that's odd, you'd think the timing would be the easiest part?
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graeme, I've got a Nike+ GPS watch that I'd recommend. It's not as "full featured" as the Garmin watches, but they've done a lovely job on the user interface and *shock* I can use it without having to reach for the manual all the time. Apple levels of usability. Connects and recharges via a USB connection that is built into the watch strap.
The watch also supports the Nike+ footpod things - which you can either use in a compatible Nike shoe or attach to another shoe using a cheap aftermarket "sock". These are relatively cheap and help if you're doing lots of running where GPS might drop out. I run in central London, though, and find just the GPS accuracy fine. The GPS software was developed for Nike by TomTom and pre-downloads satellite data to help speed up how quickly the watch locks on to the GPS.
It will also connect to (specific models of) Polar heart rate bands.
The web site is very good as well - although it focusses more on motivation than on analysis.
The downside is that, like Apple products, they've restricted the functionality to improve usability. So, no bike functionality; only simple timers and lap functionality; no heart rate alarms, etc; no "training partner" pacing functionality like the Garmins.
Highly recommended if you want simple functionality and analysis. Not the way to go if you want to get more "scientific" with your running analysis.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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graeme, I have a Navman R300 GPS that I bought on a whim for skiing to see just how far and how fast etc. It is actually intended for runners, and I found it quite easy to operate. It gets mixed reviews - the main criticism is the battery life - it uses AAs and rechargeables would be a sound investment. They cost about £30 odd. If you want, you can borrow it to try it - if you like it you can make me an offer.
A couple of friends that run just use the GPS facility on their smartphones - I do not know what app they use with it - and it seems to be handy enough for them.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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deerman, thanks for the offer, they strap to the arm? are they easy to see when running?
at present i am using a nike sportband, its not 100% accurate but i quite like the interface online. leaning towards the nike gps watch at present
thanks all
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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+1 for the Nike watch, Mr jocrad has one of these...
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graeme, +1 for Garmins... if you're serious about running, they are prob the best. Certainly the most popular at my running club.
305 is perfectly good unless you want to do more than marathons, as the battery life isn't great. (in which case, the 310XT or higher is better, as aimed at Triathlon)
the 400 'watch' style ones look pretty, but the interface isn't so great - initial ones were over-sensitive, later ones are better, but having proper buttons to press on the 300 series is IMHO preferable. Battery life poss also issue due to small size.
There's also decent independent software for the Garmins - SportTracks is widely recommended. I don't know how well the other makes (Nike etc) export.
If you just want to see 'how fast am I going', a Navman or phone will be ok.... but you might not want to take your phone running.
910XT is the 'all bells and whistles', but prob overkill unless you're doing a lot of Triathlon training....
Accuracy - Garmins are rated at about 2% I think - in practice, on a measured run (e.g. 5k), I can get within 50metres on the 'accurate' setting (a decent running course will be measured on a wheel, GPS is notoriously not accurate in built up areas etc, but for the main purpose such as giving you a live 'pace' reading, they're fine).
h.
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You know it makes sense.
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Went eventually for the nike, purely for the nike + website interface. Thanks all
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