Running GPS's Blog

Running GPS as a running partner (II) August 13, 2009

This post it comes after some emails asking me wich one I consider the best running gps outside in the market. My watch collection permits me to compare some of the bests gps running watches. So… let’s take a look.

Now, considering that we already know what are the possibilities of the perfect running gps partner. Let’s go to compare the big ones outside. Let’s take a look at brands like Polar who makes everything from improving an athlete’s sports performance to helping people enjoy a healthier lifestyle, and aiding rehabilitation and weight management; Garmin, who has one of the bests GPS technologies; Timex, an all-around brand; and Suunto, the compasses excellence around the world.

But, who applies better all this technology? which is the best GPS computerized running watch? We have four main brands who are developing the perfect runner GPS partner: Polar, Garmin, Timex and Suunto. While Timex has only one model and it points very fragile and Suunto is a world-wide little known but with a very good product, I will focus in Garmin and Polar. Garmin was the first to introduce this technology in this area, we well-know Garmin for his GPS on the road solutions. Garmin is the one who have more watch models available. Starting with the Forerunner 101, an entry-level GPS-enabled personal trainer for just only 115$; and ending with the complete Forerunner 405CX for 470$. He have a very good product with a excellent software for all the analysis we want to do. Polar is the reference brand for everybody. They cater for all levels of fitness by offering a comprehensive product range and recently they came across the GPS technology. They introduce the GPS pod that you can pair it with your polar compatible watch. Not like Garmin who incorporates the receiver GPS in the watch itself but with much better technology and analysis.

Let me to compare the Polar RS800CX MULTI with the top Garmin product: the Garmin Forerunner 405CX. Despite that Polar Software is only compatible with Windows (polar software developers please take note!), if you are a serious runner, triathlete, coach and you want the complete and most serious analysis about your training or performance, this is your choice: Polar RS800CX. Garmin is more focused to the popular market while Polar is for people who understands what they want, people that will improve the RS800CX measures for develop more efficiently his performance, his training, is focused to the professionals. Garmin Forerunner 405CX will be similar to Polar RS30 G1, but is far from the top Polar product: RS800CX.

So… I think I finally find the perfect partner: the Polar RS800CX MULTI. It is definitively the top running GPS watch.

With him I’m ready for my first competition!!! and I hope this review was useful!