Garmin Forerunner 405CX
Garmin's Forerunner 405 CX is the Cadillac of GPS running watches at $350 as of 2009, it's a bit pricey, but it will do everything you could expect. The sleek wristwatch design is only the beginning of the benefits, as the most notable innovation with the Forerunner 405 is its wireless transfer feature. It automatically uploads your latest workout information whenever your watch comes in proximity to your computer. Add that to the standard distance, pace, heart rate and calories burned measurements, and you've got a do-it-all GPS watch.
Polar RS300X
Polar's RS 300X G1--priced at $249.95 as of 2009--will measure your time, distance and heart rate, and with the optional Flowlink--$54.95 as of 2009, you can also upload your personal workout data to Polar's workout software. Without the Flowlink, the RS 300X stores the information from your last 16 workouts, giving you a good idea of how your workouts are progressing, helping you keep track of your short- and long-term goals.
Garmin Forerunner 101
For the budget conscious, Garmin's Forerunner 101--$100 as of 2009--is a great option. Although bulkier than its sleeker counterparts, the Forerunner 101 is a solid entry into the GPS running watch market. The Forerunner 101 measures your distance, speed, pace and calories burned, and all of it can be uploaded to your computer via USB port. The Forerunner 101 also has an interesting feature--the "Virtual Running Partner" will keep your goal pace while you run and let you know how far ahead or behind you are.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
