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).
this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2023
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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?
No, you're right, it would cancel out much of the point. The companion app to the smartphone wouldn't have access to your data, but Strava would, since that's the point of the app.
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.)
Garmin Forerunner 965. I track heart rate, pace, distance, time, etc. The map and offline Spotify features have been useful abroad. It's nice being able to check notifications on my watch without pulling my phone out. I'm always impressed when I wake up feeling like shit and the watch tells me I had a crap night's sleep.
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.
Garmin Forerunner 45 does it for me. Not too many bells and whistes and decent battery life.
Garmin forerunner 255
I have used Garmin 245 for years and it is completely worth the money. Plus they keep adding new features via software updates.
I have a Garmin Vivoactive 3, it's not fancy but it gives me the basic info I need and is relatively accurate.
A bit late but still... I run with a smartwatch. I have the basic model of the Garmin instinct 2, which you can get for slightly over 200€ usually. Maybe on sale even cheaper. I am really happy with it. It's durable hast a decent battery life and I like the kinda old school look.
I use it mostly to stay within certain effort levels (heartrate zones) during training. Before getting it I tracked some runs with a chest strap and noted thet I tend to run in very high heartrate zones. The watch helped to control that and get a better feeling for what I am doing. With that knowledge my training became way more effective and fun.
And of course to track my mileage in general and during long 'free' runs.
Garmin Tactic Delta. I used to have the Forerunner 245 and it was great but I scratched the face too easily in daily use so I upgraded.
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.
I run with a watch that tells me the time.