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Best Tactical Watches for Military & Survival Use – Must-Have Features

What drives a person to explore and discover new places is confidence. Any outdoorsman self-assurance is motivated by the tactical gears one carries. One of the most the most important out-of-doors gears is a tactical timepiece. Unlike conventional timepieces, the best tactical watch helps you plan your outdoor expeditions, and find your way in the wild.

Best Tactical Watch

Why Should You Use a Tactical Watches?

The invention of tactical watches provides solutions to different out-of-doors adventures, including navigation, weather trends, security, and military. A tactical timepiece is an ideal gear for any individual who lives at the extremes, trapped in the unknown, or faced with a survival situation.

This is so since tactical or military watches are engineered to stand up to extremes of Mother Nature, harsh environments, and hideous abuse. Manufacturers have taken into consideration all possible scenarios that a tactical watch may be exposed to and produced heavy-duty models.

The most popular use of any tactical watch apart from timekeeping is navigation. The best model is designed to offer all-inclusive tracking and navigation capabilities. The tracking and navigation abilities help you find your way when you are lost in the woods.

You can actually navigate back to the initial point of your journey. The most resourceful models are incorporated with sensors for detecting and providing details on weather changes and elevation. The chances of you finding your path are significantly increased with the help of a tactical watch.

A tactical timepiece with ABC (altimeter, barometer, & compass) features offer you with crucial information on weather status. The built-in compass helps you pinpoint the right direction. The installed altimeter monitors your ascent or descent; while the inbuilt barometer provides air pressure details that you can use to foresee weather changes.

The barometric trends are usually useful in the wild. You can essentially use the air pressure information to know when to set up shelter. This way, you will not be caught unaware of an unexpected heavy downpour. You also avoid being caught uninformed by nature in a harsh environment.

The best tactical watch is not only defined by features, but also by design. It can only withstand the harshest of conditions, if it is well-built. Therefore, the ideal choice is made of quality and heavy-duty material, and it should be waterproof and scratch-resistant.

How to Choose the Best Tactical Watches for Military & Survival Use

There are many considerations that you have to make before buying a tactical watch. Not all timepieces are designed the same. There are some specific attributes that can be found in a series of watches, especially those of the same brand. Here are the things you should look out for.

Accuracy & Functionality

The piece you choose has to be capable of doing its job. This simply means that it has to be accurate, effective, and able to run continuously without any hitches. Being in a military or survival situation with a poor performing watch is the same as not having a watch.

The design of the watch does matter a lot when it comes to tactical watches. The vintage designs are surely cute and elegant. However, you might want to think twice before settling for analog watches. Well, they are a good addition to your attire.

Analog watches have been on the market for a long time. In actual fact, they have a long history. These watches are usually stylish, and mostly convenient for office or casual use. They are not quite fully equipped for survival or military situations, but there are some brands that have gained popularity among survivalist and military.

This does not mean that they cannot be used for military or survival applications, but they are not as effective and accurate as digital watches. Usually, most out-of-doors features are incorporated in digital watches compared to the competing analog brands.

High-Performing and Well-Built

How effective and high-performing a tactical watch is depends on how you are planning to use the timepiece. An analog watch will do you no good in the wild when you want to read air pressure, and predict weather changes.

The most effective tactical analog watches are those that are integrated with digital functionalities. The Casio and G-SHOCK brands have such watches on the market. The most significant features are found in digital designs, including ABC functionalities.

Tactical/military digital watches have dominated the market as far as tracking and navigation go. They are equipped with the right tools to help you track your movements and navigate your surroundings at ease. Some models even have preset for sunrise/sunset times, storm alarm, and weather trend graph.

The construction of the best tactical watch plays a vital role in the performance. Therefore, you have to choose a model that is made of high-quality material. This includes the dial window material, case material, and band material.

Another important design specification that is of utmost importance in military and survival use is waterproofing qualities. Different tactical watches come with different water ratings. There are some that have a lower water rate of 30 feet, while there are others that have a higher rating of 660 feet.

Those with a lower water rating are usually recommended for light shower and shallow water swimming. On the other hand, those with a higher rating are recommended for deep water swimming and diving.

Top 8 Best Tactical Watches to Buy in 2018 – Reviews and Comparison

1. Garmin Tactix Bravo, Black with Nylon Strap

[img_products img_code=”81bHn7AYybL” alt=”Garmin Tactix Bravo, Black with Nylon Strap” code=”B01A5HIOLE”]

Garmin Tactix Bravo is a watch with high resolution. Sapphire lens is used in this watch that helps in switching between two modes of day and night. There is a stainless steel antenna that is omnidirectional. This antenna can be tracked down even in the challenging environment.

3-Ring nylon straps are included with the olive and black drab. The durability is improved by stainless steel buttons and bezel. Jumpmaster activity is included which make the dual format GPS coordinate the support of minutes, seconds, degrees and more.

The exceptional water resistance feature enables it to be the best watch for swimming. Physiological metrics help in monitoring the heart rate in terms of performance and stress score. Fitness and sleep tracking maintain the form of the body.

The Garmin IQ website enables it to download speedometer, navigation and watch faces. It can provide real-time information from a barometer, altimeter, and compass. Connect with wireless devices and hotspot easily for software updates.

Pros

  • Battery lasts for a long time
  • Multiple new modes like jumpmaster and tactical mode
  • Display it scratch resistant
  • Notifications for text, app, and emails.

Cons

  • It is an expensive watch.

2. Suunto Traverse

[img_products img_code=”41v8g1c-yBL” alt=”Suunto Traverse” code=”B014PNZKC0″]

Suunto traverse is an ideal watch for the person who wants to carry a GPS handheld device with him all the time. This is specifically aimed towards travelers and hikers due to its exceptionally great features. It is a reliable watch which is really easy to use and provides accurate ratings.

GPS facility is present for routes and POI helps in navigation. The altitude, distance, and speed can be easily calculated in the form of real-time recorded tracks. The Suunto Movescount app helps a person to discover new directions. Downloading this application is pretty easy because it can be connected to any iOS or Android device.

Although it’s an exclusively designed watch for outdoor but the versatile design a person can wear it daily. Mobile notifications are easy to get and vibration alarm help to remember the important events.

Pros

  • Weather trends and storm alarms help a lot in the adventurous trips
  • In the dark, back flashlights turns on to assist in finding missing objects
  • The calories are easy to track even to the yearly records
  • Wireless connection help to share the experience with other devices

Cons

  • The infinite features and applications make the battery life shorter.

3. Suunto Core Military Men’s sports watch SS014279010

[img_products img_code=”61e25w1fZeL” alt=”Suunto Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch” code=”B001DCEKXM”]

The Suunto military watch is an all-black sports watch which can track all the movement and air pressure with the help of most accurate barometer and altimeter. All the outdoor activities can be held easily with the aesthetics provided by this amazing watch. The alarms for storms, flash, and other unpleasant conditions are given with the help of core sensors.

Weather trends are easily indicated up to further few hours. More accurate measurements of weather changes are provided with this durable and perfect watch. In the adventurous experiences, the digital compass assists in finding the direction.

Movement sensors and other technology included enables it to predict the sunset and sunrise timing. Elegant black look with the display in multiple languages such as French, English, Spanish and German make it an ultimate watch any military person can wish for.

Pros

  • The watch case is so durable that it does not get damaged even after hard use
  • Stylish designs are available with multiple variations to help in choice according to style of a person
  • Weather trend graphs
  • Sensors for storm alarms

Cons

  • The black display makes it unreadable for most of the people, especially the ones with eyesight

4. Suunto Core ALU Deep Black

[img_products img_code=”71lLX7UBthL” alt=”Suunto Core” code=”B007A763W0″]

Suunto Core has the altimeter and barometer linked together through functions. Most accurate reading is provided by calculating altitude and pressure through altimeter and barometer. These readings are shown with the help of graph which makes it easy to analyze.

The compass is adjustable in declination. A reference is provided by keeping a record of the whole journey through this incomparable Compass experience. The thermometer provides the temperature rating from -5 F to 140 F.

The interface of Suunto Core is really easy to use. The items in the menu are labeled clearly for better understanding. It is so accommodating that multiple information is displayed at the same time. Navigating in these functions is really easy through available options.

Pros

  • Most accurate reading is provided by barometer and altimeter as compared to the competitors
  • Sunset and sunrise timing can be accessed once the right location is added
  • Storm alarms and weather movement graph help to stay safe while planning trips
  • The water resistance is up to the depth of 1000 meters

Cons

  • There are three alarms which are less and the voice of these alarms is not loud.

5. Casio Men’s GW 9400 Solar Watch

[img_products img_code=”51h-o5EjEXL” alt=”Casio Men’s GW-9400-1CR Master of G Digital Quartz Black Solar Watch” code=”B00GFYYKLA”]

Casio Men’s GW 9400 is a military watch with multi-band of 6 atomic timekeeping. This device has three sensors including Thermometer, Compass and Altimeter / Barometer. It is an exceptional watch with the tough solar capability and shock resistant screen.

The durability, toughness and time recording on single touch make it an ideal choice for rangers and military personnel. There are four alarms with the auto LED screen. The dial is digital that provides a negative display.

The exceptional feature of this watch which distinguishes it from the competitors is that the battery is solar rechargeable as well as provide the feature of power saving. This makes the overall life of battery working for 7 months once it is fully charged. Overall battery life is of 10 years.

Pros

  • Countdown timer with 1/10 seconds stopwatch
  • The buttons and case are mud resistant because they are sealed and mud cannot enter inside.
  • The digital LED display to keep the screen after glowing due to super illuminator
  • It is water resistant up to 660 feet.

Cons

  • The sensors are not so good in terms of accuracy.

6. G-Shock GA 100 Military Watch Series Watch

[img_products img_code=”51N-msw-EfL” alt=”G-SHOCK The GA 100 Military Series Watch in Black” code=”B003WPUU0U”]

G-Shock GA 100 is a specially made tactical watch series to facilitate the military personnel. The resin design of this watch is extremely durable. There is no need to adjust the dates every month because of the continuous calendar system.

It is actually a watch that provides an accurate value for money. Additional protection for the casing is made sure of the stainless steel material. The strap is made of black colored rubber resin that is durable.

The display is analog as well as digital that make the dial impressive. The Japanese quartz movement is available because of the increased affordability and accuracy. The impressive feature of this military watch is the 1/1000th-second accurate stopwatch along with speed indicator.

Pros

  • The Japanese quartz movement is highly accurate
  • The water resistance capability up to 200 meters makes it the best choice for the water sports and marine activity professionals.
  • Backlight is present to increase the readability at night
  • The mineral screen glass is helpful in providing protection against knocks and scratches

Cons

  • This is an oversized watch and this makes it unsuitable for people who have small wrists.

7. Citizen Men’s BM 8180-03E Eco-Drive watch

[img_products img_code=”512YfU95EPL” alt=”Citizen Men’s BM8180-03E Eco-Drive Analog Japanese Quartz Green Watch” code=”B000EQS1JW”]

Citizen Men Eco- Drive watch is an inexpensive military watch that offers great value for money. The dial is of stainless steel in black color. There is a date window in the dial that displays complete date. The band is stitched and made of canvas.

The movement of this watch is Japanese Quartz that can be charged both with the natural as well as indoor light. This feature increases the battery life of this watch. The dial window is made of mineral crystal that makes the screen scratch resistant and it remains protected.

The display is analog along with the features of luminosity, buckle closure, and textured crown. This is a military timepiece with the most comfortable fit available.

Pros

  • 330 feet water resistance makes it the best choice for swimming and snorkeling but diving is not recommended for this watch.
  • The woven strap is green and stitched in patterns along with the buckle clasp that is highly durable.
  • The time indicator is with 12/24 hours display
  • It is a light-driven watch that can get power from any light source

Cons

  • The look is plain as compared to the watches in competition and the advanced features of sensors are not present in this watch

8. Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Watch

[img_products img_code=”51GBdureC4L” alt=”Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT” code=”B0030ZRXG6″]

Luminox Evo Blackout Watch is a military watch with a modest design and manifold functionalities. It is the best option in terms of style, reliability, comfort and legibility. The black case is made from the polymer of carbon reinforced material that is highly durable.

The band is made of rubber while the dial has Arabic numerals for marking the seconds, minutes and hours. The 3 o’clock spot is replaced by the date function. The dial is guarded by the help of mineral crystal window.

The movement of this military watch is Swiss Quartz for the precise and correct timekeeping. It is reliable in both night and day because of the night vision tube that makes it consistent and valid.

Pros

  • This is the ideal watch for military personnel preferring simplicity and collection of all features in a single package.
  • Water resistance of this watch is up to 660 feet.
  • The display markers are featured by radioactivity for providing the accurate amount of light both in night and day time.
  • A sapphire crystal is present on the 12 o’clock place.

Cons

  • The night vision tube makes it unfavorable for the evening parties because of the distinctive color.

Final Thoughts

The best tactical watch with inventive know-how may cost far more compared to an ordinary water-resistant tactical timepiece. The word tactical or military means that the watch you are choosing is good. You just have to make sure that the stated features will work for you. It is important to have an accurate as well as reliable tactical watch; because there may be a time your survival may depend on its effectiveness.

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Best GPS Running Watch for Fitness 2017 – Reviews and Guides

Runners need to have as much data available to them as possible to help them build their stamina and speed. Using the best GPS running watch helps runners understand their patterns so they can improve for their next race. Ever since the first GPS watch was released to the public, there have been plenty of brands and models that have made it difficult for runners to know what watch is best for them. We have analyzed the options and decided what watches are the best for runners of all types from the fastest marathon runners to those who enjoy a casual 5K as well as runners who prefer trails to pavement. Fortunately, there is something for everyone.

There are several reasons to buy a GPS running watch, so it is important to understand exactly what you want to know about your running experiences. Are you interested in knowing your heart rate? Do you want to keep track of your mileage and the terrain you cross? Do you want to know your speed? What is your budget? All of these considerations and more can help determine exactly what you should look for in a watch.

Best GPS Running Watch

Why should you use a running watch?

This question is not as ridiculous as it sounds. In today’s world, smartphones are perfectly good options for learning about your running trends. However, carrying a smartphone can be rather uncomfortable to carry or to wear. Yes, you can get the apps you want on your smartphone, but they are limited in the information they provide. You will not get information about anything other than splits, time, and distance.

But, if you invest in the best GPS running watch, you can get real-time information about your vital signs and so much more. Wearing a lightweight watch is much more comfortable, especially on long, hot runs. It is also easy to cover a watch on a rainy day, too. You do not have to grab the watch to learn your statistics while running and you’ll never have to take your watch out of a pouch or armband to change settings. A great GPS watch offers more convenience that any smart phone when it comes to managing your runs.

In fact, see for yourself here.

What to spend on a GPS running watch?

When you begin to shop for a GPS running watch, it is a good idea to understand how to find one that fits into your budget. Fortunately, there are watches that fit nearly every budget. At the low end, there are running watches that sell for around $50. At the high end, you can spend over $300. A good entry-level running watch usually can be found for about $100 and at this price you usually get the basic features that you need. If you are in the market for a watch that tracks more than running, you can find phenomenal technological tools for well over $600.

If you are trying to stay under $150, then you should expect to find a comfortable and compact watch. They usually come with a few features, but they tend not to have a GPS. You usually have to wear your smartphone and the watch at the same time.

If you are trying to stay between $200 and $300, you will find watches that have a GPS system and several other apps that track vital signs like heart rate. You should be able to run without your smartphone attached to you.

If you are willing to spend more than $300, then you will get a fantastic piece of fitness technology. They will have coaching apps that offer assistance during the run and after the run to help you maximize your recovery time, your oxygen use, and your muscle fatigue.

Best GPS Running Watch

What features do you need?

Those will vary from person to person. But, these are a few of the ones that you can consider.

Most people want to track their distances, so choosing a GPS running watch with a GPS is a must-have feature. Otherwise, you will have to be tethered to your phone to see how far you run.

Some people really appreciate being able to see their heart rate and some running watches have an optical heart rate feature. Other watches require users to use a chest strap to feed data into the watch. Some watches have built-in training plans and interval sessions, so all you need to do is decide if you want to do this on your own or have your phone do it for you. The best GPS running watches will help improve runners’ forms, by looking at cadence and vertical oscillation.

Lastly, some watches will also give information about recovery and rest – this is actually a welcome feature for runners who spend very little time taking care of themselves post run.

Unfortunately, the one feature that many runners like – music – is rarely an option on running watches. This means that many runners still carry their smartphones with them. But, watch manufacturers are taking notice of this need, so they are providing storage for runners to include their favorite beats. Pairing this with Bluetooth headphones makes for a very comfortable and motivational run.

Another important feature to consider is the life of the running watch’s battery. If you are an ultramarathon runner, there are very few watches that have battery lives that will last for that many hours. However, most of them have a battery that will last up to five hours – which is usually enough for runners in a traditional marathon. Just remember to charge your watch on a regular basis.

Reviews of 10 Best GPS Running Watch on the Market 2017

1.  Garmin Forerunner 230 GPS Watch – Best for Running

[img_products img_code=”81MrFNoOoHL” alt=”Garmin Forerunner 230″ code=”B016PAPI3W”]

There are several good GPS running watches to meet the needs of different types of runners. When it comes to regular old running, the Garmin Forerunner 230 is a great choice. This mid-range GPS watch has a large face that makes it easy to read while running. This watch keeps track of distance, heart rate, pace, time, and vertical oscillation (VO2). As a Garmin device, it works with the Garmin Connect app so you can track your run live and control your music, too. If you are a casual runner, the watch also tracks your daily steps as well as how many calories you burn and how you sleep.

This watch has a long battery life that provides 5 weeks when used as a watch or 16 hours while running and training. The watch also has audio prompting that you can use with your smartphone. You can also use smart notifications while you are not running. It will keep track of your activity as you move through your day.

Pros:

  • Wide face is easy to read.
  • Long battery life.
  • Can access music.
  • Works in the water.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Requires smartphone pairing.
  • Buttons can shut off watch while sleeping.
  • Screen is not backlit, so it can be difficult to read in low light.
  • No heart-rate monitor.

2. Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch – Best for General Fitness

[img_products img_code=”81x55jTAbsL” alt=”Garmin Forerunner 235″ code=”B0160BC1FO”]

If you are simply looking for a watch to help you with your overall fitness, the Garmin Forerunner 235 is a great choice. This watch does include a heart-rate sensor that works as long as you are wearing the watch. The screen is 31mm in diameter, making it one of the larger ones on the market, today. If you use the watch as a watch, the battery will last for 12 weeks, but it will only last for 12 hours in training mode. This watch also includes audio prompts through a smartphone and you can also get notifications through your smartphone. The only thing this watch doesn’t do is pace you virtually. Otherwise, it does have features like sleep monitoring, recovery advice, advanced workouts, and more. You will be able to see your improvement in all aspects of your life, from your workouts, your daily steps, and your sleep cycle.

Pros:

  • Plethora of features.
  • Large color screen.
  • Lightweight: 1.6 ounces.
  • Smart notifications.
  • Heart rate monitor.

Cons:

  • Needs a smartphone for audio prompts.
  • No virtual pacing.
  • Expensive.

3. Garmin Forerunner 920XT GPS Watch – Best for Triathletes

[img_products img_code=”71kmfRWh6mL” alt=”Garmin Forerunner 920XT” code=”B00O4EXVX6″]

As an early leader in the market for personal GPS devices, Garmin continues to develop high quality products for people who compete in triathlons. The Garmin Forerunner 920XT is designed for triathletes who spend their time running, swimming, and bicycling. This GPS watch provides information about running form along with information about the trails, including speed, distance, grade, and ascents and descents. If you pair it with a heart rate monitor, you can learn about that important vital, too. One of the most appreciated aspects of this watch is the race prediction feature. It does this for both running and cycling. For the swimming part of the competition, this watch is compatible with wet suits. It is sleek, so is does not add draft to your strokes. The watch will not only gather stats about running and cycling, but it also gathers metrics about swimming, including stroke counts, rates, and distance as well as SWOLF scores. You can keep track of your drills, even the kicking drills.

Pros:

  • Features for all aspects of triathlons.
  • Comfortable enough to wear everyday.
  • Easy-to-read screen.
  • Sleek enough to use in competitive swimming.

Cons:

  • Does not monitor heart rate.
  • Expensive – at the high end of the price range.
  • Calibrating elevation can be complicated.

4. Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS Watch – Best for Multisport Athletes

[img_products img_code=”81%2BI4Iiv6JL” alt=”Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch” code=”B01BKUB6BA”]

This phenomenal little watch has features that help you not only improve your running and fitness, but your golf game, too. It includes a heart rate monitor so you do not need to wear a chest strap. The colorful touchscreen makes it easy to change settings and you can even add customized faces and apps with the Connect IQ store. If you use the watch as a watch, the battery will last for 8 days and it will work for 13 hours if you use the built-in GPS. For added benefit, it is also water-resistant. Along with tracking your golf game, you can also track your running, cycling, and intensity training. If you are an avid golfer, you will be happy to know that there are 40,000 different golf course maps that can be added to this watch. It also will keep track of your intensity while skiing, rowing, SUP-ing, or any other sports that benefit from using a GPS.

Pros:

  • Great watch for golfers.
  • Heart-rate monitor included in the watch.
  • Long battery life.
  • Waterproof.
  • GPS included.
  • Fair price.

Cons:

  • Watch scratches easily.
  • Numbers on the screen are small.
  • Bluetooth can be inconsistent.

5. Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR GPS Watch – Best for Trail Runners and Hikers

[img_products img_code=”51Lw4%2BCSQ8L” alt=”Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit” code=”B00LVN3R3W”]

The Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR is a good choice for people who enjoy getting their exercise on the trails. This watch is designed to provide information about the environment, with highly accurate altitude measurements as well as weather information for safety purposes. It also has a robust navigation system. Along with the GPS system, the watch includes a compass, altimeter, and barometer. The battery will work for 200 hours. The Suunto Ambit3 will connect to your smartphone so you can see what you are doing on the trails and you can even create a movie of your hike. Suunto has several different accessories that can be used to mount the watch on your bike or to monitor heart rate.

Pros:

  • Excellent for using on a trails.
  • Included features allow you to analyze your time on the trails.
  • Accurate measurements.
  • Plenty of battery life.
  • Included GPS.

Cons:

  • Difficulty connecting to all computers.
  • No heart-rate monitor.
  • Requires Internet access to use all features.

6. Garmin Forerunner 630 GPS Watch – Best for Tracking Recovery

[img_products img_code=”81LQNXj-AdL” alt=”Garmin Forerunner 630″ code=”B016VC1PZE”]

If you are a runner or other type of athlete who does not spend much time worrying about your recovery, this is a good watch for you. Recovery is an important part of physical activity because your muscles and vital organs require time to return to homeostasis. The Garmin Forerunner 630 is designed to let you see what your body is doing post-workout. Unfortunately, this watch does not come with a heart-rate monitor, but one can be added via a chest strap. The watch does monitor your running dynamics, by analyzing stride length, vertical ratio and oscillation, as well as contact time and balance. It also looks at your physiological measurements like lactate threshold, VO2 max, performance conditions, and it predicts race time. The battery life is long-lasting and it does have the option to place a new battery in it while exercising. It accepts notifications from smartphones, too. It will also update your statistics wirelessly to your Garmin apps on your smartphone or computer.

Pros:

  • Colorful screen with easy-to-read numbers.
  • Apps at the Connect IQ store.
  • Provides a stress score.
  • Provides details stats about fitness.

Cons:

  • No heart-rate monitor.
  • Expensive.
  • Dim backlight.

7. Polar V800 Sports GPS Watch – Best for High-End Data

[img_products img_code=”81ZIXmFR0PL” alt=”Polar V800 GPS Sports Watch” code=”B00JSO9UD2″]

This watch has all the bells and whistles. No, it won’t whistle for you, but it does practically everything else. The Polar V800 includes a built-in GPS and a heart rate sensor that you can use even while swimming. It can also be paired with Bluetooth running and cycling sensors to increase the amount of information you want during your training. You can create customized profiles to use with your various activities and sports so you can better your performance in all of them. It also tracks your activities throughout the day, including your sleeping so you can see how everything you do affects your body. The watch is waterproof to 30 meters, so you can use it to keep track of your time and speed in the pool, too. You can use the smart coaching feature to stay motivated during your outings.

Pros:

  • Monitors several aspects of training.
  • Tracks daily activities.
  • Integrated GPS and barometer.
  • Several accessories can be added.
  • Waterproof.
  • Long battery life.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Doesn’t connect to Android phones.
  • Silicone watch band is complicated.

8. Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch – Best for Adventurers

[img_products img_code=”41OZfobseJL” alt=”Garmin fenix 3 GPS Watch” code=”B00RY1YWSO”]

Adventurers who are off the grid on a regular basis need something stronger than the typical GPS. The Garmin Fenix 3 (pronounced like Phoenix) will get you where you need to go and bring you back, too. It has an EXO antenna that allows you to pair it with GLONASS and EPO to get your GPS position quickly and accurately. It has a large 1.2” diameter display that is easy to read in bright sunlight. If you use the watch as a watch, the battery lasts for 6 weeks. When used as a trainer, it will last 20 hours and in its special “UltraTrac” mode, it will last for 50 hours. It offers several metrics that allow users to keep track of fitness and form, including a heart monitor, VO2 estimator, running speed, cadence, swimming strokes, skiing speed, and so much more. It will work as a remote for VIRB cameras. It is rated for swimming at 100 meters.

Pros:

  • Features for running, swimming, and skiing.
  • Advanced metrics.
  • Better-than-average GPS.
  • Durable watch.
  • Long battery life.
  • Easy-to-read display.

Cons:

  • It is expensive.
  • Watch band can easily break.
  • Can be heavy on the wrist
  • Fonts are narrow

9. Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch – Best for Companion App

[img_products img_code=”61NjouCKL0L” alt=”Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch” code=”B00N2BWF6Q”]

This watch comes from the brand that is most recognizable in this industry: Fitbit. The Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch is designed to help users monitor their daily activities and their sleep. It pairs with over 100 smartphones to deliver information and to receive notifications. You can track your workouts and learn about your activities, like steps taken, floors climbed, and so much more. The FitBit Surge will even wake you up each day with a gentle and silent alarm. It also records heart rate and your GPS position. The watch has a long battery life with a 7-day battery as a watch and 10-hours with GPS running.

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Easily pairs with most smartphones.
  • Records activities and sleep.
  • Quiet alarm.
  • Big watch and top model from Fitbit.

Cons:

  • Big watch.
  • Must pair with a smartphone.
  • Band can be irritating to the skin.

10. Polar M400 GPS Sports Watch – Best for a Budget

[img_products img_code=”81Ae3qHiMVL” alt=”Polar M400 GPS Smart Sports Watch” code=”B00NPZ7WNU”]

You don’t have to spent hundreds of dollars to learn about your fitness statistics. The Polar M400 GPS Sports Watch is an extremely affordable fitness tracker with a GPS system. This watch will track the basic necessities, like steps, calories, sleep, and distance covered. It will track all of this information all day and all night. On top of all of those benefits, it is also waterproof so you can use it in the sun and the rain. The Polar M400 syncs with the Polar Flow app so you can track and record your data. It lets you know when you haven’t been very active and it will build a customized running program for you.

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Includes a GPS.
  • Tracks and records your daily metrics.
  • Can use with a variety of sports.

Cons:

  • Takes a long time to sync with computer or phone.
  • Only syncs with iPhones.
  • No vibration alerts.

In Conclusion: The Clear Winner

There are many outstanding watches that help athletes learn more about their training and races. Most of the watches will work on their own during training activities or actual races, but they all will work well with smartphones and computers so users can add apps and store information. Some of the watches are designed to be used for only one activity, while others can be used for things as varied as golfing and kayaking. Of these watches, the best GPS running watch is the Garmin Vivoactive HR. This watching includes a heart-rate monitor, which is an important piece of technology that helps keep athletes safe. It also includes a variety of features that can be used with several activities, not just running. The watch also has a fair price, especially for the features that it includes. It’s 13-hour battery life while the GPS system is on is one of the longest in the industry. You can’t go wrong using the Garmin Vivoactive HR throughout your day.