What are the best GPS watches for runners in 2019?
- There are a range of watches for runners, each with different functions to suit your needs
GPS watches are becoming a staple piece of equipment for most trail runners. Gone are the days when a pair of trainers and shorts are all you needed. To make sure you are on the right path, both literally and in terms of data to track your improvements, here are some of the best GPS watches on the market today.
Polar Vantage M
The Vantage M’s main selling point is the vast amount of data, presented in fancy graphs, it collects. With a chest band heart rate monitor and a GPS function it records everything from progress, training and even sleep. But, unlikely some other watches, it does not act as a map. You can show the data to your coach, or even hiring a coach via Polar to dive straight into the data. You can sync the watch with an app on your phone. You can turn on all the data collecting functions, such as heart rate, separately to the GPS. This means the GPS is off while you are on a treadmill, but is back on when you are on the hills. You can also buy the Vantage V, which has many of the same functions and more. But it is a bit harsher on the wallet.
SUUNOT 9 BARO Titanium
The 9 BARO Titanium is built to help you navigate your chosen trail, so it’s perfect for those long races you have not had a chance to recce. You can plan a route via your online account and transfer it to your watch, then follow a small arrow that represents you. It also provides data on your daily goals, heart rate and other information. You can switch it to match different kinds of training, such as interval training. If you chose not to engage your GPS, you can still track your vertical gain and loss with an inbuilt barometer.
Garmin Fenix® 5S Plus