Over the past decade, GPS watches have become an essential piece of tech for runners, evolving from simple time-keepers to sophisticated fitness trackers. These wrist-based wonders now measure everything from heart rate to the power generated with each step, and even provide coaching through partner running apps. With some models reaching nearly $1,000, it’s crucial to know what features you really need. Here’s what to consider when shopping for running watches.
GPS Accuracy: Pinpoint Precision
Most running watches use GPS to determine your pace, speed, and distance by pinging your location to a satellite at intervals. The more advanced models now feature dual-frequency navigation, receiving signals from two frequency bands instead of one, reducing errors caused by tall buildings or dense trees. With access to five major satellite systems, the more your watch can ping, the better your GPS coverage will be. However, using all available systems can drain the battery faster, so it’s essential to balance GPS accuracy with battery life based on your running environment.
Essential Sensors: Beyond Basics
Initially, running watches needed only an accelerometer to count steps and measure orientation, and a gyroscope to track steps, calories burned, and distance. Today, that’s the bare minimum. Modern running watches come equipped with additional sensors such as:
- Heart Rate Sensor: Measures electrical signals in your blood or pulse rate, with the former being more accurate.
- Altimeter: Detects changes in height or elevation.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure to determine altitude.
- Pulse Oximeter: Measures blood oxygen levels.
- Skin Temperature Sensor: Monitors body temperature changes.
While not all sensors are necessary, the accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor are crucial for most runners.
Battery Life: Power Management
Battery life varies significantly based on usage. Some watches boast nearly a month of battery life in saver mode, but this drastically reduces with full GPS or additional features like music or stress tracking enabled. Most watches offer customizable settings to optimize battery usage for different scenarios. For instance, using all available satellite systems during a marathon, but switching to smartwatch mode for daily use, can help extend battery life.
Comprehensive Testing: Ensuring Quality
To find the best running watches the main criteria or functions to be considered by a buyer are as following:
- Functionality:
- Materials: Durability of the watch face, casing, and band against sweat and elements.
- Weight: Impact on arm movement during prolonged runs.
- Display: Screen size, resolution, and additional technologies like AMOLED and Memory LCD.
- Tracking:
- GPS: Availability of single or dual frequency GPS and access to multiple satellite systems.
- Mapping: Navigation features such as topographical maps, turn-by-turn directions, and breadcrumb trails.
- Sensors: Presence of essential and additional sensors.
- Other Features:
- Battery Life: Performance in different modes and scenarios.
- Music: Built-in storage for music files and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Extras: Additional functionalities like sleep, stress, training status, and recovery tracking.
Conclusion
Choosing the right running watch involves balancing advanced features with practicality. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, there’s a watch out there to suit your needs and budget. Consider GPS accuracy, essential sensors, battery life, and additional features to find your perfect running companion.