General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Need a recommendation for a new watch Rss Feed  
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2014-12-14 8:36 PM

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Subject: Need a recommendation for a new watch

I would like to have the following attributes to my new fitness watch:

1) Water resistent (swimming)

2) Wearable for everyday

3) GPS built in

4) HR built in (I hate straps)

5) Multi-sport friendly

6) Optional - Sleep/daily activity monitoring

Wife is willing to buy me what I want...love that woman!



2014-12-14 9:24 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch

loving the 920 currently. 

I used to wear my garmin swim as my every day watch, and now this one is. 

Some people were complaining that it wasn't fancy enough, but I think it looks great.

 

But for you since you want the hrm in the watch itself check out the new fitbit charge

https://www.fitbit.com/surge

 



Edited by jetsers 2014-12-14 9:26 PM
2014-12-15 8:27 AM
in reply to: pga_mike

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch
I second the 920. Yes, it does not have HR built in, but it is an amazing watch that meet all of your other musts. If HR built in is not the most critical feature for you, give it a try.
2014-12-15 8:50 AM
in reply to: davidfedez

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch

I hate HR straps, but would like to measure my HR.

2014-12-15 9:30 AM
in reply to: pga_mike

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch

I don't think there are many watches out yet wit the built in HRM function, IIRC TomTom was the only one or one a very few.  OK here it is.  You should checkout what DC Rainmaker has to say about it and if there are any other like it.

2014-12-15 6:40 PM
in reply to: Donto

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch
Limited options for built in HR and a quality watch. Maybe the new Fitbit? TomTom isn't worth it, just ditched mine for a Suunto Ambit 3, and couldn't be happier.


2014-12-15 10:35 PM
in reply to: pga_mike

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch

If you really need the HR built in, then the TomTom Multipart Cardio would be a good choice. Not exactly stylish tho.  Realize, that there are now alternatives to a chest strap, in the form of the Mio Link and Scotche+ monitors.  They're optical, and you wear them on your arm.

In the near future, there are watches coming with Built in HR from Epson (yup, the printer maker), and the Fitbit SurgeHR looks like a cool product, but it doesn't exist yet, and nobody has tested them.   Not sure if it's really a true multisport watch.

As for 'wearable' multisport watches.  As cool as the 910/920xt are- they're not exactly 'wearable'.  I'm real happy with the Ambit 2/3.  You may also like the Fenix.

 

2014-12-15 11:15 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch
Get the Garmin 920XT. I had the 910XT (and the 305 before that) and was completely happy. Then went with the Polar V800 and that thing was bug after bug after bug. Got the 920XT and everything just.... works. Love that I have the activity tracker built in. Keeping this one until the 930XT no matter what else comes out. As I got older I started viewing purchases like this as go once for the one you want instead of cheap because I always end up unhappy if I don't go for what I really want to begin with. It's $500 new with the run specific strap (extra run metrics). I got it for $450 before it came out with a coupon from DCRainmaker.

And you could always get the Mio Link which is a wrist-based HR "strap" but I don't trust it, I think the measurement is wrong, no way I'm going at 100 bpm while on a spin bike.

Edited by GatorDeb 2014-12-15 11:17 PM
2014-12-16 9:11 PM
in reply to: GatorDeb

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch
I got a Garmin Fenix 2 and love it- IMO it is more of a daily watch than the 920 and has the same functionality (waterproof, running metrics, etc, if you care about that stuff). Check em both out because they each have advantages and disadvantages from an aesthetic standpoint. And the Ambit range is sweet too- very nice looking watches. Check out dcrainmaker's reviews of any of the Gamin 920, Fenix 2 or Ambit- he posts extensive pictures of the watches, side by side from various angles, on his arm, on the girls arm, etc. so it will help you. Or pop into an REI or some place that has them all.
2014-12-16 11:20 PM
in reply to: #5074559

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch
I would say get the 920xt for sure.
Or if you want a deal on a 910xt I'll sell you mine.
2014-12-17 2:28 PM
in reply to: pga_mike

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch
Originally posted by pga_mike

I hate HR straps, but would like to measure my HR.




The Mio optical strap was mentioned above. I use the scosche rhythm. I was sick of chest straps crapping out, being uncomfortable, spikes and other reasons (looking more like a tool if I pop off the shirt during a run).
The arm band has so far been pretty dang awesome. Give it a read: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/05/scosche-antbluetooth-optical.htm...
Pros - way more comfy than a chest strap
no spikes (static does not matter)
no spit, gel to make it work
looks more low key
Ant+ and BTLE - future proof, works with a phone

Cons - price - $70-80
occasional hr dips - sometimes cured by tightening (extraneous light is evil)
8 hour battery (usb rechargeable)
hair trigger on button...but it takes an usually long press to turn it off, weird


2014-12-18 2:58 PM
in reply to: jennifer_runs

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Subject: RE: Need a recommendation for a new watch

Not sure when you want this, but I'm keeping my eye on the new Fitbits coming out...

Fitbit Surge sounds like what you want...article:

http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-surge-superwatch-features-release-date-price-400

It's on a few websites for pre-sales (including REI, which I saw a news article and not due to my working there right now ;-D)

I'm looking at the Charge HR because I don't necessarily want GPS, I want an accelerometer so can do indoor workouts. I've got GPS stuff on my phone. May or may not be as accurate, but tracking steps, etc...

But $249 for the Surge, which is a GPS watch is quite reasonable...but no idea on how it will actually be!

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