GPS -is it worth its cost and applications ???

[harsha v ganga]

Folks-considering its cost and complexity-want to see what u all think of it???Plus I guess we do not have whole lot of choices to compare.

[gary lambert]

I've used the Garmin 201 & 301 for about five years and very satisfied with them. The 301 has heart-rate monitor and downloads my work- out to my computer. The HR monitor helps you run at the correct intensity for VO Max, tempo and easy runs. You get an accurate feed back of pace and distance as well as HR and calories consumed. The 201 &301 are larger than the newer 205, 305 or the new 405, but I like the larger and bolder display of the older model. If you run around tall building or dense trails they aren't as accurate as in more open areas. The only problem I've had occured when I stood next to a large electrical transformer, it zapped the battery but the unit worked fine after recharging. The battery is good for fourteen hours between charges but it recharges when you hook up to download workouts.

[Tommy Heikkinen]

It's a cool gadget, and if you want to know your speed, heartrate, mile-splits and like to break down your runs then yes, I would say it's worth it. I had one and it worked great for what it said it was going to do. Eventually I got bored with it though, just because I'm not so analytical about my run. I run based upon how I feel, and unless I'm doing speedwork I rarely even wear a watch. If you think that the applications would improve your running then it is a very crucial component of a run.

[Heather!]

personally, i think people have become too reliant on technology now - ipods, that nike thing in the shoes that plays your power song when you're slacking (how much do you suck if you can't finish your run without your special song?), heart rate moniters, gps systems.... seriously?

with the heart rate moniters: i think unless you have some kind of heart condition or you're with child, skip it. just run. deep down, you know if you need to go harder.

as far as the gps goes... where are you running that you need that? are you really at risk for getting lost? and if you're just tracking your workout, well i don't know... drive the route in your car or something. or you can go to mapmyrun.com.

either way. i wouldn't bother paying for that. it's just more crap to take up space in my house that could otherwise be used for shoes.



ooooooonnnnnn the other hand. my boyfriend is into kkeeping track of his heart rate and the specific training program he's doing is based on your heart rate so... i don't know. maybe it's a guy thing. ya know how guys like their gadgets.

[Beau]

Maybe a type-A personality guy thing :) I use the Garmin 405 to keep my training intensity specific for whatever type of run I am doing and I just love to watch my heart rate to speed ratio change as my training kicks in and I get faster.

[harsha v ganga]

Yup-that thought of whether I would benefit at all is bogging me and I must agree that it may not benefit in my routine runs. One thought I had was it may benefit especially when I go to -new places and keeps me oriented to directions especially when u just wanna run and enjoy the scenary for miles.405 looks small and good but cannot comment beyond that as I have never used one.As Gary said-may be the bigger display could be user friendly though we are going the other way.That electrical transformer episode is very educative! Thanks folks -will keep you posted on my decision-happy running until then.

[Lance]

I use a Suunto X9i as well as a Garmin305. The Suunto has helped me a couple of time on trail runs. I got way off the main paths and ended up needing to use the compass feature and way point feature to get back easily. Sure I could have found my way out without the GPS and digital compass but that's why I bought the watch in the first place. It sort of opens up all of the paths less traveled and can make a trail run a real adventure.
The Garmin is nice and easy to operate so it gets use more for it's training features.
I guess it comes down to the individual as to if they are worth the investment or not. A Suunto X9i will set you back several hundred dollars and if you don't use most of it's features you've wasted your money. The Garmin is easy to use but if you don't care to keep track of your workouts using the watches features, it would be another waste of your money.
Another factor is location. The areas I run are usually on well established city paths. I don't need my GPS for that and the heart rate monitor isn't really needed either. I have most of them mapped on MapMyRun which is a great site if you haven't used it. I do like to use the Garmin though just because. No real reason. On my trail runs though I do tend to wander and the Suunto is like a safety for me. That and my cell phone, just in case.
Maybe Heather is right and it is a guy-gadget thing.

[Parker]

It's absolutely worth it. a GPS watch is like any other piece of technology... if used properly, it's a beneficial tool, if depended upon, it's a crutch to be avoided. In this particular case, if you use it to constantly monitor your heart rate, and speed, and can't run without it, you're probably too reliant on it. However, if you use it to try new running routes on the spur of the moment, or be able to add extra miles to your run, or run off the roads then you're good. With a GPS watch, I can start on a normal route, and veer off and still know how far I'm going. Or I could be driving from work, and see a place that looks like it would be fun to run, and just hop out and run it without having to map it out first, decide how far I want to run, etc... I think it adds some freedom to my runs.

[Matthew]

The are worth it but only if you need it and use the applications. If what you are doing does not require it then dont waist the money. I have a hand held that I use out here when i am away from the aircraft, but I also have my watch that acts as a GPS and a HR monitor. I use my "Gizmos" for work mostly and when I am home I use my watch a lot but I really dont need it. The are just nice to have.

[Parker]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone else who has a GPS, or just a Heart Rate monitor in general stopped wearing it? I used to wear the Heart Rate monitor every run, but it started getting real annoying. Even when I would tighten it down, it kept slipping, and I ended up spending too much energy adjusting it while I ran. Any other problems/solutions?

[Jennifer]

The strap used to drive me crazy so I switched to a Mio Watch. There aren't as many features but its great for keeping track of your heart rate and there's no strap to wear, just the watch, so its alot easier to tolerate on long runs.

[D-Flip]

i like it for a reason already mentioned -- straying off regular routes and tacking on extra mileage. in fact, most of my running is not a predetermined route... just meandering until i reach my goal.
i also love to use it for some of my repeat workouts... nice to get away from a track and not have to count laps.

[Adam]

If you run at least 15 miles a week, it's worth the cost. I have the latest Garmin and despite some qualities I don't like about it, it does a good job overall. The ability to run go out and run while still knowing how far you've run is very pleasing. My long runs are a blast because of the adventure I get while still getting accurate data on time, distance and pace.