Gear
Review: Speed and Distance Monitors
May 2, 2011By Mihira Lakshman
A variety of devices on the market cater to runners with a need for instant feedback on time, speed, distance and effort. Heart Rate monitors are particularly useful for ensuring you’re using the right amount of energy at various stages of a workout. Manufacturers are starting to make the watches and GPS units smaller and sleeker, while adding features and improving wireless components for charting the data on detailed training logs. There’s a wide range of products available from simple units to complex devices that do everything but sweat for you.
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Garmin
ForeRunner 410 - $395
For a watch that tracks 35 different statistics, the Garmin ForeRunner 410 is surprisingly easy-to-use. Runners can adjust the settings to cater to personal training preferences, choosing what data to display during the workout. The touch-sensitive bezel takes a bit of getting used to, but can be mastered within minutes after opening the box. Download the workout-analysis software from Garmin.com and transfer data back and forth using a wireless USB device. The medium-size wrist unit is surprisingly light for a watch with a self-contained GPS, a welcome change from the older models that were often clunky. For those who want accurate distance, heart rate and pace readings - without wearing a foot pod or arm attachment - the Garmin ForeRunner 410 is a must.
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New Balance
Hrt Fit - $69.99
Affordable and easy-to-use, the New Balance HRT Fit is a simple watch and heart rate monitor, without a cumbersome chest strap. Runners can determine their heart rate by placing two fingers on the edge of the bezel. Here's the catch: you have to be stationary to get an accurate reading. This isn't a big deal for runners who are simply looking for a reading after an interval or at the end of a run. Great value for this price range, the HRT Fit also has a standard stopwatch and calorie counter.
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Suunto
M5 - $199
The Suunto M5 has a stylish design with a large digital face. A comfortable heart rate strap provides accurate feedback while the innovative training settings guide runners through a workout at varying levels of exertion. The watch beeps when the target heart rate is reached and beeps again if runners stray outside the appropriate range. For workout analysis, M5 is compatible with the Movestick, Suunto's digital transfer software (sold separately). During high-glare situations, some runners may find information on the watch face difficult to read, but outside of this minor criticism this is a fine entry in the mid-level heart-rate monitor and watch category.
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Adidas
miCoach Pacer - $170
The miCoach Pacer is Adidas's system of combining music and verbal encouragement for your workout. The Pacer, a small black square with a headphone jack, fits easily in your palm or clips onto clothing, just like an iPod shuffle. A tiny foot pod - fits in the sole of some shoes, or clips onto the laces - tracks speed and distance. The Pacer also comes with an additional cord if you want to connect it to a small mp3 player. After setting up a workout on the computer, transfer the data to the Pacer with a USB connection (cable included). During the workout, a voice gives pace and heart rate at regular intervals and monitors progress by saying "speed up," or "slow down." Choose from different inspirational voices, like Derrick Rose, Reggie Bush or Jessica Ennis. There's no digital display to check your stats on the fly, but runners can transfer the data to a computer for a detailed post workout analysis on their miCoach account. Although it doesn't work with the heart rate monitor, Adidas also offers the free miCoach iPhone app, as an alternative to the Pacer.
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Timex
Race Trainer Pro Kit
If there's one reason to get the Race Trainer Pro, it's the Optimal Viewing Angle (OVA): once you go OVA, you'll never go back. The unique fit on the side of the wrist allows runners (and cyclists) to check splits without having to turn their arm. It might seem like a minor detail, but in the middle of a tough hill workout any additional motion is an unwelcome chore. The watch has all the features you'd expect for a top training tool, including interval timer, 50-lap chronograph, and large display. The Race Trainer Pro Kit comes with a Flex Tech chest strap that's softer and more comfortable than Timex's previous heart rate monitors. Synch the data for detailed analysis on your computer with a USB stick that comes with the Pro Kit.
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Polar
Rs 300X G1 - $399.99
Polar has been doing heart rate monitors since 1977, when there was very little competition in the market. Now that other manufacturers are getting more involved, Polar is staying at the front of the pack with pinpoint accuracy and the latest digital advances. With an adapter, the RS 300X G1 can be used as part of the Nike+ system for in-workout encouragement and post workout data analysis. The watch is a sleek, lightweight design with plenty of useful features to track stats on-the-go. The foot pod, which is twice as big as other models we tested, and arm-attachment GPS will provide exceptional accuracy, but some runners may not want the added weight. As for comfort, the RS 300X G1 got it bang on with the front-attaching chest strap and the softest, smoothest, fabric on the market.
Coming soon
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Nike
Nike+ Sportwatch GPS - $250
Soon to be available (July 1st scheduled release for Canada), the Nike+ Sportwatch GPS is simple and intuitive, with only three buttons and a tap screen for navigation. It's a step up from the Nike+ sport band, which tracked distance, pace and calories, using a foot pod. The Nike+ Sportwatch adds a GPS feature, partnering with TomTom (known for its dashboard units in vehicles), improving accuracy, working in synch with the foot pod.
