iPhone vs GPS watch - Gear

Dave Redfern

14/11/2012 at 20:59

Hello,

I've been running for a couple months. I am using Endomondo on my iPhone with spotify.

Could someone tell me if it is worth investing in a GPS watch? What are the benefits over the iPhone other than it is on your wrist and weight?

Thanks and sorry if it is a dummy question.

Dave.

Nick Windsor 4

14/11/2012 at 21:44

Yes I'd buy a watch if I was you, it sounds like you're a gadget freak so you wouldn't want to be left out, why not also go for the new K-tel multi practic chopping machine as well, you can catch it on any good shopping channel

Dave Redfern

14/11/2012 at 21:49

Yeh I am a gadget freak thanks. Certainly appreciate the sarcasm. Infact I might buy two watches and still carry my iphone, just because I can!

If you have nothing of interest to contribute, say nothing!

Nick Windsor 4

14/11/2012 at 21:50

pity that didn't apply to you

Beetle

14/11/2012 at 22:29

Never mind NW4`s helpful comments. There`s always one d*ck hanging around.

Advantages of GPS systems: more accurate usually; easier to check whilst running; the better ones give a pace readout which some find useful; can be used in wet and foul weather. Basically - can do everything an I phone can do but better.

Edited: 14/11/2012 at 22:29

carterusm

14/11/2012 at 22:38

Dave - I have a garmin watch and HRM. Nice piece of kit and give you plenty of numbers re your performance. Garmin are also meant to have the best GPS signal I believe. I'm finding mine really useful in my marathon preperation as I'm following a training plan and have to work in different HR zones etc, the garmin gives me everything I need. And I also carry my iPhone to listen to music sometimes !
Nick = nob

Steve loves bacon

14/11/2012 at 22:40

I use my android Sony Xperia to track my runs - it does what I need and tells me how far/fast I'm going, gives me spoken indications of my pace/distance covered/etc and also shuffles my play lists for me...

I'm pretty positive that GPS watches, being specifically designed for the job, ARE more accurate but I think the phone apps are accurate enough for the average runner.

Plus, if one day I'm a bit slower than I expect, I just blame the phone

Mr Boat

14/11/2012 at 22:56

The advantage is that no one can ring me on my Garmin...not yet anyway.

Slowkoala

14/11/2012 at 23:11

I use my iPhone and have been thinking of getting a garmin too. But have to say that I find the iPhone GPS really accurate. Seems to be spot on for races I have done and did notice in a recent race that at the start, many runners with watches were moving their arms up high as struggling to get a signal whereas I had no trouble! I also wear headphones and enjoy having someone tell me my pace every 0.25 miles rather than having to look at the screen. But there is definitely a feeling that real runners have watches so I will probably get one soon and it will certainly be lighter. But I do think that the GPS on the latest phones is just as accurate as on the watches (although someone selling you a watch will say otherwise

)

Dave Redfern

15/11/2012 at 07:03

I have been looking at the Garmin 410. I like the virtual running feature to help me try and improve pace.

I have experience some dodge iPhone GPS signal on Endomondo, it sometimes has a tendancy to waver into a near field for a few moments when I am actually running on the road!

My concern is it won't actually change anything because I enjoy listening to music so either have to carry my iPhone still or maybe get a little nano or something. I also enjoy someone talking to me each km to give me an update but I guess its not hard to look at a watch!

carterusm

15/11/2012 at 08:43

Bear in mind that during a lot of races you enter, if you enter, the rules state you are not allowed to use MP3 devices. So, another benefit of having a watch is you can keep check on your pace/time if you want to do so.

cougie

pirate

15/11/2012 at 08:45

I just use an iPhone to track my sessions so speed and distance. I may check it mid run to make sure I'm on track for distance but not usually pace. Most of the time I will go by my watch.

When I'm racing I use my watch timer and the mile markers for pacing. More accurate than gps.

Graham Perkins 3

19/11/2012 at 17:35

i used my galaxy S2 for a while with may my run and to be honest now having bought a second hand Garmin 205 on ebay I have never looked back. The map my run app on the iphone is loads better than the android app and has alot more features.

And you can still transfer data from your garmin to map my run on the computer.

My brother just bought one of these gps watches from sweatshop and you can claim 20% off it too. A real bargain at £83 delivered.

http://www.sweatshop.co.uk/details.cfm?ProdID=8061

My brother says its better than his Garmin 305.

.Seb

19/11/2012 at 20:37

I dont even know how you run with a phone, what a bulky peice of kit to carry around. gps watch (garmin forerunner 110) completely changed my training. garmin connect is ace and can upload to strava which is a good tool also.

Rattler Rattler

19/11/2012 at 23:13

I used an Iphone app - RunKeeper and was reluctant to move to a GPS watch, but the half at the weekend did not allow Iphones, so went for a Forerunner 610 and found it to be really good.

It won't play music and no one can call me - that might be a good thing though

If you want music, then stick with the Iphone, otherwise the Garmin seems a better, more practical option.

Tim

PSC

pirate

20/11/2012 at 07:05

The iPhone is a bit of a compromise and some apps conflict. I've done runs with no data recorded because the app clashed with iTunes. You may also find that you have battery issues on the phone. My longer runs kill the battery. I use the phone for what it is good at (phone, music, maps etc) and a garmin 305 for running and HR data. It also does cadence on my bike so far more competent than the phone.