So what makes the best running watch? These are the top factors to consider for choosing the best one:

1. Accuracy of Data
2. Durable yet Comfortable construction
3. Features and Capabilities
4. Good Value for Money

With these factors, here are what I believe to be the top running watches for 2010:

Timex Men’s Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch

Timex Men's T5E231 Ironman 100-Lap Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $69.95

Amazon Price: $44.50

Out of the three running watches that are in consideration for the best running watch for 2010, the Timex Men’s Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch is the one with the least features as it does not really have any data connectivity or GPS powered functionality.

It is a no frills running watch that would enable the runner to accurately check the basic things necessary for tracking their runs. It gives you easy access to checking you split and lap times, using a 100 hour chronograph, and storing up to 100 lap memory recall. It also has a training log that stores your workouts by date as well as best lap, or total running times.

Perhaps the best thing about the Timex Men’s Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch is that you would be able to get all of these features without having to spend so much. You can get all of these functionalities, as well as the quality and durability that Timex is known for with just over 45 US$.

Another factor that puts this into consideration is that this is one of the best selling running watches in the market right now. Perhaps this is because of the strong combination of features that can be had at a very low price.

Garmin Forerunner 405

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: Varies based on product options

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Garmin Forerunner 405 is one of the newer running watches that is in the running for the best running watch for 2010.

It is a GPS enabled running watch that uses its innovative technology to track training data such as distance, and pace on top of the usual running watch features of chronographs with splits and lap times. It also computes calories burned and heart rate.

The great thing about the Garmin Forerunner 405 is that it can wirelessly and seamlessly connect to your computer for easier analysis of the accurate data that you have tracked.

As an added incentive for the Forerunner 405, Garmin has created it to be much more sleeker than traditional GPS enabled running watches. This means that form and functionality are able to be balanced instead of the bulky or unwieldy GPS running watches that were available before.

Unfortunately, all of these features would literally come at a price, as you could expect to be set back by around 350-400 US$ if you purchase this feature-filled running watch.

Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $234.99

Despite being older than the other models of running watches in this list, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is still making a strong case as one of the best running watches for 2010.

This is because this gps-enabled rung watch is still loaded with enough features that enable it to stand with the newer models that came out after it. Through its GPS capabilities you would also be able to accurately track training data such as your distance and pace, and your calories burned.  It would also be packed in with the usual chronograph features of other running watches.

While it may not be as advanced as its newer counterpart, the Forerunner 405, it sure beats it when it comes to price, as you would roughly spend just 200 US $ for a complete package of the Garmin Forerunner 305.

My Pick as the BEST Running Watch for 2010:

All of these running watches are great, that’s why all of them are currently selling quite well in the market. However, my overall pick for the best running watch for 2010 would be:

Garmin Forerunner 305

I chose this stroller primarily because of the value for money aspect of it. For 200 US$ you can get a feature filled running watch that is nearly as capable as it’s more expensive and newer counterparts.

Yes, it may not have the built in heart rate monitors, or cadence sensors that the other watches have but you would be able to offset it by purchasing accessories with the total cost still ending up much cheaper than buying a new running watch.

With that said, if ever the sleeker Forerunner 405, would become cheaper and reach a price point that is near the Garmin Forerunner 305, then I may have to change my pick in the future!

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Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Running Watch Favorites
3. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009

The trend for GPS running watches today is to load them with many features and a whole host of functionality to cater to everyone’s training needs.

And, with the plethora of options, the need to customize and personalize your GPS running watch is important to match your style, needs and interests.

When personalizing your GPS running watch, here are some settings that you may want to configure:

Interface: Most runners track only specific things when it comes to their training. Some care about their pace, their heart rates, their total times or some other variable. However, running watches are able to track more than these figures, which can make a confusing interface and display.

Fortunately, there are running watches, such as the Garmin Forerunner 205, the Garmin Forerunner 305 or the Garmin Forerunner 405 that allow users to easily customize what appears on their running watch’s screens. This makes for a less convoluted interface, and users would only need a quick glance to see the data that they need.

Wrist straps: This is an often overlooked customizable feature when it comes to running watches. A running watch with an ill fitting strap would be unwieldy and uncomfortable for the runner. This may make training a lot more difficult than it needs to be. If the default wrist strap fits your wrist, then good for you, but if it’s not then you must try to change.

It is highly important to change wrist straps to fit the contours of your wrist. That’s why some models of the Garmin Forerunner come with alternative sizes for their wrist straps and even have the screw drivers included with the package.

Optional Accessories: While Garmin Forerunner running watch models are able to provide many kinds of features, it can’t be helped that there are some features that are needed by other forms of training. This is where the optional accessories can play a big part in improving ones training experience.

For example, The Garmin Forerunner 205, can be used with compatible accessories to give additional functionality. There are heart rate monitors for people who want to know how intense their training is, speed/cadence sensors for bikers, and foot POD for runners who want more detailed training when they are indoors and using their GPS enabled running watches.

Computer software: Another way to customize your equipment is through the computer software that it comes with. Having a good computer software to analyze your training would easily enable you to adjust settings, and find out which data you would really need when doing your intense training.

Being able to customize your running watches would truly help in ensuring that you get the easiest, and most efficient training. You would not have to be cumbered with extraneous features, or ill-fitting equipment, if you are available to easily personalize your watches.

Related posts:

1. Running Watch Favorites
2. Monitor Your Cycling Sessions With a GPS Running Watch
3. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009

Garmin FR60 Lilac Fitness Watch (Includes Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $129.99

Amazon Price: $93.00

Now training intensity, difficulty and other factors would be much easier with the help of the Garmin FR60 HRM.

The Garmin FR60 Heart Rate monitor works with the FR60 sport watch to enable you to track your time, heart rate, and calories. It would even boost your training program by using all these data and giving you a Virtual Partner to compete with.

Runners who are looking to augment the functionality of their Garmin FR60 sport watch are going to be pleased with the benefits of getting a Garmin FR60 Heart Rate monitor.

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2. Garmin FR60 Mens Red Fitness Watch Includes Heart Rate Monitor USB ANT Stick
3. Garmin FR60 Womens Fitness Watch with Heart rate monitor Footpod and USB ANT Stick Black

Timex Men's T5K3419J Ironman Shock 30-Lap Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $59.95

Amazon Price: $35.41

The line of Timex IRONMAN watches have evolved over the years. They began to add new features and amenities but the core premise of catering to an athlete’s need is always retained. This concept is prominent in the Timex Mens Ironman Shock 30 Lap Watch

A throw back to the renowned 1986 best selling original Timex, the IRONMAN Shock 30 lap watch retains the sleek and stylish design and rugged durability that Timex watches are known for.

However, The Ironman Shock 30 is updated with features that make it able to keep up with the demands of the modern athlete. Aside from the basic time keeping functions, the Timex Ironman shock 30 has all the timekeeping features such as chronographs, lap times, and splits, that aids the athlete during his training.

Sleek, Stylish, and Sporty, the Ironman Shock 30 Lap Watch is looking like another timeless time piece from timex.

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Related posts:

1. Timex Mens Ironman Shock 30 Lap Watch T5K3429J
2. Timex Womens Ironman Sleek Digital Watch T5K036
3. Timex Womens Ironman Sleek Digital Watch T5K025

Timex Midsize T46041 Expedition Classic Digital Multi-Function Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $41.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

Running Training can take you to many places. It could even lead you to mountains, forests and all kinds of terrains. Timex, with its Timex Midsize Expedition Classic Digital Multi Function Watch has created a timepiece that can keep up with you wherever you go.

The Timex Midsize Expedition Classic Digital Multi Function Watch has all the features that you would expect from a good time piece. It has the necessary day date, and month displays, 99 lap counter, and even Indiglo feature.

What sets the Timex Expedition apart is that it has additional functions made for the adventurer types. It has a small bubble compass on the wrist strap to ensure that you know where you are going. Even the wrist strap is made for adventure as it’s Velcro and polyurethane fast wrap strap is built to ensure that the watch stays attached, no matter the environment.

For simple running training or elaborate full scale expeditions, the Timex Midsize Expedition Classic Digital Multi Function Watch is a great partner to take with you for all your trips!

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User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Tough little number
Purchased as a gift for my 11-year old son, it has been a really tough watch that my son has been unable to destroy. The only prolem is the band velcro gets worn out on the end.

3 Stars Great watch, bad band
Pros:

-option for 2 time zones (I work in aviation – about half of my work requires local time, the other half GMT, so it’s handy to display one or the other with a quick push of a button)

-compass

-timer

-multiple alarms

-velcro band allows quick/easy on/off

-I’ve given this watch a pretty good beating (especially all the times it’s fallen on the ground…), and it’s held up great

Cons:

-the band! The velcro wore out after just a few months & the watch CONSTANTLY comes undone & falls off (I’ve almost lost it several times). The slightest catch/pull on the band opens it up – usually my shirt sleeve is enough to undo it

-the compass fell out after about 3 months & I did lose that (it probably would have popped right back in had I been able to find it, but I didn’t realize it was gone until it was too late)

I’m actually browsing the site to try & find a replacement band so I can keep the same watch. Had I known about the problem with the velcro band, I probably wouldn’t have gotten it in the first place, but it’s a nice enough watch that I’d prefer to just replace the band rather than find a whole new watch.

3 Stars Good functionality, but a little too feminine for a men’s watch.
The color of the outside is not black and silver, its black and pastel green contrary to what the picture looks like. Also the watch face is a lot smaller than it looks in the picture making it look, as mentioned in the title, like a female watch more so than a mens. Not a big enough of a deal to return it, just something to think about. Also the compass part on the band looks as though you could fit something under it, it doesnt fit snuggly against the bang so it sticks up a little, also there is just a plastic link holding the band together I feel as though this could get broken easily.

OVERALL, worth the money but I dont think Ill be wearing this to work anytime soon (blue collar), better for excercising.

5 Stars good purchase
This watch is everything it is supposed to be. It is a bit clumsy for a small wrist like mine, but since it has a velcro attachment, I can adjust it easily. I like the ease in using the alarm and other functions and I am really happy to have the multiple time zone setting since I travel a great deal.

5 Stars My new Timex EXPEDITION watch..
Wasn’t sure I was going to like the strap, but I do. Velcro is a wonderful thing. Not to big and not small, just right size for me. Numbers are clear. I love that it has time,date,day and seconds counting on the face. A small compass on the strap above the clock face, that’s cool. Leaving the best for last, the little light. I wear glasses and in the middle of the night just touch the button and the face is fully lit up. I have always liked the INDIGLO. I just wish it was BLUE and Black instead of Green and Black.

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Related posts:

1. Timex Womens 1440 Sports Digital Watch T5J131
2. Timex Unisex Ironman Traditional 30 Lap Watch T5H561
3. Timex Womens Chrono Alarm Timer Watch T46031

The combination of style, durability, and functionality places the Garmin Forerunner at the top of the list as a preferred running watch among elite athletes around the world!

Selecting a Garmin Forerunner product depends on the athlete’s budget, kind of training, and how advanced one wants their training to get.

That said, let’s take a look at our top 3 Garmin Forerunner Watches.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver & Sportswatch

Garmin Forerunner 205

For beginners or entry level training, Garmin offers a Forerunner model that is perfect for them, the Garmin FR 205.

On its own, the slightly more affordable Garmin FR205 is a GPS powered fitness watch plus workout tool that tracks your total training time, and calories burned.

The FR 205 also lets you create multi sport workouts. Multi Sport Workouts allows you to seamlessly transition between sports without having to reset the unit. This is a perfect setting for training for triathlons or any other event that combines many disciplines.

If you are feeling a bit more advanced, and want more training data to analyze, the Garmin FR 205 can use its ANT+ seamless wireless feature to connect with other accessories.

It can connect with devices like the wireless foot pod for you to be able to track more data such as distance, speed and pace.

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Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin also offers more feature rich products if you consider yourself a bit more of an advanced runner.

In the Garmin Forerunner® 305, runners would get more details and more advanced features than the entry level Garmin models.

The Forerunner 305 is also capable of the basic features that the Garmin FR 205 has – PLUS, it packs more functionality such as a digital coded heart rate monitor and heart rate zones.! It even has built in multiple sport profiles for running, biking and other sports.

What separates the Garmin Forerunner 305 from entry level models is that it already has a built in heart rate monitor that previous models needed additional accessories for.

This makes accessing the data much simpler and more intuitive for users.

Buy/More Info

Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS Receiver With Heart-Rate Monitor (ADVANCED)

Garmin Forerunner 405

For even more advanced training, Garmin rolls out the Garmin Forerunner 405.

One of the more advanced GPS enabled training watches; it packs the monitoring of your training time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate but also adds more functionality and style to the device.

The first thing that you would notice in the Forerunner 405 is its more compact design. This makes it more lightweight and more comfortable to wear when you are training.

The next improvement is that it seamlessly connects to the Satellites for tracking your data. GPS uplink is much quicker than the entry level or mid range models. The Garmin 405 connects to satellites in 4-5 seconds as compared with the minute or 2 in other models.

Lastly, the Garmin 405 supports Wireless data upload. When you connect the USB “ant stick “to your computer, the Garmin would automatically send your workout data from the watch to your PC.

This makes it much easier to maintain and keep track of your training records.

Buy/More Info

Again, before purchasing a GPS running watch, it would be important for you to know what kind of training you want to have.  Are you aiming for a simple stroll in the park, a morning leisure run or perhaps an intense training regiment fit for triathletes?

No matter what training path you choose however, it seems that there is a specific Garmin Forerunner series running watch that is fit for you.

Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Garmin 010 00679 05 Forerunner 50 Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick
3. Garmin Forerunner 405 Black GPS Enabled Sports Watch HRM Factory Refurbished

Sportline Solo 960 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $99.99

Amazon Price: $99.99

Tracking your training data becomes much easier with the Sportline Solo 960 Heart Rate Monitor Watch.

The Sportline Solo 960 Heart Rate Monitor Watch is able to track steps taken, distance travelled, speed, pace, exercise time and even calories burned while being attached to the runner’s wrist. It helps motivate people by displaying just how far along they are in their training.

Aside from these features it also has a chronograph, a countdown timer, and 7-day and 10-week memory to further complete the training functionality of the watch.

All these training data are displayed in the Sportline Solo 960’s dual time display and EL backlight to ensure that they are readily available to runners no matter the lighting situation.

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User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Too Hard to Use
This product can do so many things that it ends up not doing any of them well, and the watch is so complicated to use that I stopped using it. Dont waste your money.

3 Stars SPORTS WATCH
Very complicated to setup the programs. Display is very good-even in full sunlight. Retrieving exercise data is complex – Takes a lot of training to figure out how to use this watch.

1 Star Don’t waste your money
I purchased this watch from another vendor. First of all, it’s difficult to figure out how to program the settings in the beginning. You have to spend an evening trying to figure everything out using the manual. Secondly, the pedometer is quite sensitive so you have to make certain adjustments. If you’re AR about it, you can go on GMaps Pedometer to calibrate the watch’s pedometer and also you have to change the length of your walk/run on the watch accordingly. I read somewhere that if your watch’s pedometer underestimates the actual distance, you have to increase the length of your stride on the pedometer. I haven’t had a chance to do this because I’m busy calling customer service to help me out because my watch doesn’t beep when my heart rate goes above or below my programmed heart rate zone. Needless to say, this watch is an expensive Pain In the Royal Rear! I’m thinking of getting a heart monitor watch with the chest strap instead. I don’t like running and stopping to put a sweaty finger on the sensor button that picks up my heart rate less than 25% of the time.

4 Stars good heart rate watch
Have used for heart rate a few times. Very accurate. Pedometer seems accurate if sensitivity properly set. Only complaint – Numbers do not stand out visibly enough against background. Need lighter background. Can adjust contrast though.

4 Stars heart monitor review
works so well, he uses it several times a week to keep track and not a problem!

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Silva Accelerometer Runner Mens Runner Md 2831320
2. Sportline 555 Womens Calorie Tracking Fitness Watch
3. Polar RS200 Running Heart Rate Monitor

Sportline 955 Total Fitness Pedometer Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $54.99

Amazon Price: $37.77

The Sportline 955 Total Fitness Pedometer Watch is a great partner for anyone who is looking to start an exercise or weight loss program.

The Sportline 955 is a pedometer watch that can count your total number of steps taken, distance traveled, and total exercise time. This feature is invaluable in ensuring that you are able to meet your daily training requirements.

This total fitness pedometer watch from Sportline also measures speed, and calories burned to further help you understand how much burn your training for the day has given you. It even acts as a tracker as it allows you to see your progress over seven days through a memory recall function.

Other features in the Sportline 955 include 12 and 24 hour time settings, sensitivity adjustments, and an easy to read display. All of these combine to help you maintain and manage your workout easily!

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User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Cool pedometer/watch
Got this watch not long ago. The pedometer works good and the watch is stylish. It has all the functionality that you need in a digital watch. My only complaint is that the crystal is very soft. I have scratched it a number of times already, which has been a disappointment. I am hoping I can find a replacement crystal of better material, but I’ve not had time. The watch is also a little difficult to operate, but it does have an owners manual that comes with it that I haven’t taken time to read in detail. Other than that I am very happy with the purchase.

1 Star Terrrrrible Customer service at SPORTLINE
The watch seemed to function for about thirty days. After that I contacted customer service via email and telephone with no response what so ever so they are either out of business or just plain don’t care!

1 Star Returning it today
I have the same problem as another reviewer, you can’t set up the pedometer using the instruction manual given with the watch. Pressing and holding the mode button while the watch is in pedometer mode does nothing. Definitely not worth the fifty dollars. Complicated set up so far with tiny cheap plastic buttons. Also a very cheap wristband. Terrible choice.

2 Stars At least the watch works
The Sportline 955 – after setting the watch function, I tried to set the pedometer function. To do this, the instructions say “In pedometer mode, press and hold the mode key to enter the setting sequence.” This didn’t work for me. After repeating this operation several times, I found that holding the mode key in pedometer mode does nothing. Therefore, I have a watch, but not a pedometer.

1 Star Three strikes it’s out
The instruction manual for this item is unbelievable. I have a Ph.D. from MIT (no joke) and it took me 90 minutes to get through it. Even then, the sequence to change parameters takes lots of getting used to. (there are two interlocking loops of parameters.)

The bezel *is* soft and scratches easily.

The unforgivable? Today I did my first half marathon, and the chronograph function ran slow, then fast, then slow, then slow. It was totally useless. Pretty irritating performance for a big event.

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Related posts:

1. Sportline 555 Womens Calorie Tracking Fitness Watch
2. Sportline Solo 960 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
3. Timex Ironman TK091 Womens Sleek Fitness Tracker Watch