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.
I run with a watch that tells me the time.
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?
Garmin Forerunner 35
it’s an older model but it checks out. i’m only running around 10 miles per week so for that it suffices. it does not track swimming which is a bummer but does allow run, walk, bike , cardio, etc., basic stuff.
Great battery life, can get 8-9 days before charge. You can sync up music which is good but I mostly run with phone anyway. i use it everyday for the last three years and had zero problems.
if I was to go more serious i would upgrade but for now it’s great.
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).
Garmin 245 music. It’s a great watch for my purposes, running, hikes, steps, basic health stats etc. The sleep tracking seems to pick up my in bed reading so not very accurate. The one I’m wearing is a refurbished replacement that Garmin provided (free of charge except postage after a bit of back and forth) on account of the development of the dreaded white spot - Garmin forum link about it. So apart from that issue, it’s a great watch.
