GPS watch with or without HR monitor?

[Jason Snyder]

I have a pretty good REI dividend to spend, and was thinking of getting a GPS wristwatch to use for training. Looking last night it appears there is a big price jump between the basic GPS unit and one that has a HR monitor incorporated with it.

Are the basic ones (100 dollar range) going to fit the bill for running/mountain biking with distances, speed, and elevation?

Which units do you guys use, and why did you choose them?

 

[Ross]

For me personally i went with a basic polar 15 yrs ago, it finally gave up the ghost. I was and still like to keep my heartrate within a certain zone just for time versus actual distance &or elevation gain so i am going to go with another basic unit versus the ones that have all the extras. IMO the extras are nice but not required to achieve the desired effect your looking for which is to get your heart up and keep it there for a sustained period.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I've had a garmin 305 for years and has never let me down. Personally a lot of value in the heart rate monitor. For instance finding out how Copenhagen effected my heart rate finally got me to quit after 23 years.

 

[Lukem]

I picked up a Garmin Forerunner 10 this last winter. For my price range it's been perfect, but I don't really care to use all the extras. Give me rough pace and distance and I can manage the rest. I use Strava, so all the elevation gain, etc., is all post run/ride. I wouldn't mind having HR additionally, but it wasn't a necessity for me. The 10 has done great for me to this point, only complaint would be battery life, but I knew that going in.

 

[Jason Snyder]

I've been looking at the 10, also the 220

http://www.rei.com/product/862949/garmin-forerunner-220-gps-heart-rate-monitor#reviewsTab

 

[snakelk]

Garmin 610 with HRM. Prior to that, a Garmin 305 that never failed me until I forgot to remove it before jumping in a creek for an for a poor-mans ice bath. The 610 might be overkill for some in terms of features and price, but for me it was worth it. I run near daily year round and also wear an HRM consistently. The 610 has a sleeker profile than some of the older models, especially the 305. The touch screen, customizable display, and wireless uploading are all nice features.

The newer 220 looks pretty sweet for that price range. A lot of my runner friends have the 210 and it's a solid unit. The 220 is even better. It's lighter and smaller than my 610 and does pretty much the same things. The 610 has waypoint/favorites capability, but I doubt many people use this.

One thing to consider might be customer service, should you ever need it. I have with Garmin (on my third 610 over the last 3 years) and they've always been excellent and customer oriented. Fast service, and they've stood behind their warranty, and even replaced a 610 I had that was out of the warranty period. The problems I had weren't with the actual GPS watch, but with the band and then corrosion of the charging leads. Garmin addressed the issues promptly each time and I'd rate their customer service at the top.

That Garmin 220 does look nice, and the specs sound great!