General thread about running with smartwatches.
Why do you run with (or without) a smartwatch? Which model do you have? What functionalities do you use often or are there any that you think are redundant? Did yours ever broke down? Are the sensors accurate?
Currently I do not have any but plan to buy one, budget max 200eu. Both the garmin forerunner 245 or 55 seem like solid choices but I am open to suggestions.
The COROS PACE 3 could be worth a look at for that budget. I love COROS. All the fitness metrics without any of the pseudo-health over-medicalisation BS of most other manufacturers. The only downside is that they’re almost entirely focussed on running (although you can log other stuff).
I’d just like to suggest anything supported by Gadgetbridge. That way some company isn’t siphoning up all your medical data.
Sounds cool, thanks. I like the idea of having control over what software is installed on my watch, really not fond of bloatware. I know for android smartphones this really depends on the model and android installation. To what extent can custom software be installed on smartwatches?
There are some that allow custom software on the watch itself, like PineTime. But Gadgetbridge works by basically replacing the companion phone app with one that can’t access the internet. I have an AmazFit watch, that would normally require the Zepp app to work. But Gadgetbridge totally replaces that app. Now information can go between phone and watch, but not out to the internet in any way. My watch itself uses the stock software though.
Would it still be possible to use Strava? I recall Strava has some server sided stuff so not everything works to full extent (especially regarding using sensor data).
Then again, integrating strava might actually cancel out the whole point of having control over where your sensor data is stored, or am I misunderstanding something here?
I use the Apple Watch series 8. It’s quite good. I liked it so much in fact I think I’ll get the ultra 2 when I can
Why do you run with (or without) a smartwatch?
“Miles go up, time goes down” and seeing that over time keeps me motivated
Which model do you have?
Garmin Forerunner 955
What functionalities do you use often or are there any that you think are redundant?
Functions I use: time, date, time when the sun goes up and down, heart rate, workout tracking
Functions I don’t: notifications that aren’t health related. I get those on my phone already, I don’t want to be more connected
Did yours ever broke down?
Nope, been working fine for about a year now
Are the sensors accurate?
The GPS is accurate. The heart rate feels accurate. I don’t really know if the other health related data is accurate but it’s consistent and I can work with that.
I second the Coros Pace comment. I have the Pace 2. I like everything about it - smaller size, light, long time between charges, training plans, bread crumb navigation.
My only complaint is no ski modes but they are said to be on the way.
Good review of Pace 2: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/09/coros-pace-2-in-depth-review-multisport-running-power.html
People seem to state it lacks some smartwatch functionalities, is that very different than the garmin models? Like, syncing google calender or latest incoming wapp message so you do not have to pick up your phone would be nice, but it does not feel like a necessity. Running is of a higher priority.
My Pace 2 doesn’t do Google calendar, or any calendar other than my training calendar. It can give notifications from the phone, but I don’t use that function.
The training calendar can receive plans built out imported from training peaks, the coros app/website, and probably some others. I use it constantly.
Two things about the 3 give me pause: 1) no ANT+; 2) It can store and play music but, I have read, only mp3s (no FLAC or ogg or streaming.)
