This wide range of costs for the running watch would usually make buyers think about just how much they should actually spend for a running watch.

The answer to this question should actually be determined by studying a few different factors. You should be able to know which among these considerations do you value the most, and then decide from there.

Here are some of the factors that you need to deliberate on so that you can decided how much you should spend for your running watches:

Toughness and Durability:

When it comes to running watches, the mantra could actually be “you get what you pay for.” Usually, a running watch that is cheap is just made from substandard materials or those kinds that would break down easily. On the other hand, an expensive watch would usually be made from the toughest and most durable materials. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, this is fairly accurate.

That’s why if you are planning on going through rough treks or jogs in the harshest environment, then you should probably purchase a more costly running watch. However, the strolls around the park or a controlled environment such as an oval, then you could make do with a cheaper watch.

Features:

As with toughness and durability, the more features you get, the more expensive the watch becomes. If you are looking for a complete training system with all the bells and whistles such as voice outputs, virtual training partners, heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and GPS capabilities, then you have no other option but to actually shell out some money for it.

Remember that these innovations and features need special equipment and software, which are factors that can drive up the entire cost of the watch.

Design:

While it may not be directly related to running, design also plays a part in the cost of the running watch. Watches with lighter design or more ergonomic bands would usually cost more than their generic looking counterparts.

As you may probably surmise, the more advanced you are in your training, the more expensive the running watch that you need becomes. This is because a highly advanced training would require more features that cheap watches cannot provide.

If you are not really interested in running, you could probably just purchase a cheap watch and then purchase new ones as your interest grows, but if you know from the start that you would be fully dedicated to the sport, then you should probably skip the cheap ones and invest in a full-feature running watch.

Related posts:

1. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009
2. Using Your Running Watch to Improve Training
3. Best Running Watches for 2010