Global Sports: How To Compare and Select a Good GPS Watch

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

How To Compare and Select a Good GPS Watch

By Azalee Puebla


Whether you prefer running for enjoyment, personal exercise or as a competent sportsperson, you will find GPS running watches to be extremely helpful. Running wristwatches not only help you time your cycles but will also aid you in tracking your distance and speed developments. Models of running watches from simple models to heart monitors and even more importantly GPS running watches are in the current market. Though GPS technology has mostly been utilized in auto technology as well as other state-of-the-art security applications, it's been modified for fitness use and particularly for specialist athletes.

Primary advantages of GPS fitness watches

Just like a basic wristwatch will only display the time, other customized watches like heartbeat timepieces will only keep tabs on one specific part of your running workout session. Most GPS running timepieces combine every one of these functions into one system. Simple GPS watches will keep tabs on time, distance, velocity, calorie usage, heartbeat and pre installed exercises to help you monitor your performance. In addition, state-of-the-art GPS running watches evaluate the elevation, which is a crucial factor for certain professional endurance sportsmen. These timepieces are built with software to allow you to examine your records on your pc. Considering they are GPS enabled, they can sync the records online to your desired web based data centers.

What to contemplate before buying a GPS Watch

There are numerous running watches on the market. Choice depends not only on the features of the smart watch but also on your demands and budget. Factors to take into account include:

1. The features. Consider whether you want an advanced or a simple watch.

2. The size. The watch should not interfere with your natural movements, especially if it is integrated with other gadgets like a heart rate monitor.

3. The price tag: Most GPS timepieces range from $200 to $500 in value. Beyond a specific price, going further up in total price may not actually be significantly better.

Sample running watches available in the market

The most popular GPS watches available in the market include:

1. The NIKE SportWatch GPS. With a record number of sales, the Nike's GPS rarely gets interrupted and it will map the routes and laps you have run in addition to the time, distance, speed, calories burned and heart rate. You can set reminders and review previous runs with this watch. Another similar GPS running watch from Nike is the Nike SportBand.

2. The Motorola Motoactv. Available in 8GB and 16GB models, this comes with a music player to motivate you and is suitable for athletes, golf players and cyclists. For $150, the Motorola Motoactv will sync your data online, among other benefits.

3. The Garmin Forerunner collection. This GPS watch has probably the most advanced statistical capabilities. For example, make use of the virtual partner to set a speed for yourself as well as previous run data. As you are active running, the Garmin Forerunner will determine the energy you are burning up, your heartrate, the routes that you use, pace and of course time. You can download this information onto your pc to monitor your improvement.

4. Timex Ironman trainer with GPS. Its main edge is the customizable easy-to-read display. Its online management software package, Training Peaks, makes it possible to analyze your workout data online. With water proofing and a 15 hour battery lifespan, this smart watch is a serious challenger.




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