Finding Your Fit: A Guide to Choosing the Best GPS Watch

Looking to take your training to the next level with a new GPS watch but overwhelmed by all the options? This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect GPS fitness watch tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Whether you’re a runner looking to accurately track pace and distance, a cyclist interested in monitoring elevation and route mapping, or a casual athlete aiming to get better insight into your workouts, a GPS watch can prove an invaluable training partner. With so many great options on the market now packed full of cutting edge features, choosing the right GPS watch has become both exciting – and challenging!

This comprehensive guide will shed light on the top GPS watches available today, provide helpful tips for choosing the right features and settings for your unique needs, and answer some frequently asked questions many have about harnessing the power of GPS tracking on your wrist. Let’s get started!

Top GPS Watches for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts

Fitness watches with built-in GPS have come a long way over the years. Now many models on the market offer much more than just the ability to accurately track your pace, distance, and route when outdoors. Today’s GPS watches also provide advanced run metrics, multisport tracking, extended battery life, and smartphone integration to pull in notifications and sync data.

With so many great options to choose from, here are 5 of the top GPS fitness watches that offer cutting edge features to take your training to the next level.

1. Garmin Forerunner 945

When it comes to GPS fitness watches, Garmin’s Forerunner line has long been a favorite for runners and multi-sport athletes. The Forerunner 945 impresses with its comprehensive activity tracking, long battery life, and extensive data metrics.

This watch uses multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) to provide more accurate tracking even in challenging conditions. It shines for runners with features like cadence alerts, VO2 max estimation, training load focus, and advanced dynamics when paired with the HRM-Run monitor. The Forerunner 945 provides in-depth analysis for runners wanting to up their game.

Other key features include:

• Built-in sports apps for running, biking, swimming, yoga, and more
• Contactless payments with Garmin Pay
• Music storage for 500 songs
• Smart notifications for texts, emails, and alerts
• Up to 2 weeks battery life in smartwatch mode

With its rugged yet stylish look and stellar performance, the Forerunner 945 hits the sweet spot for serious runners and triathletes.

2. Coros Apex Pro

Boasting an impressive battery life up to 40 hours in GPS mode, the Coros Apex Pro is ideal for endurance athletes who need extended runtime. This multisport watch is loaded with features to optimize training and recovery.

Standout functions include:

• Dual frequency GPS for accurate tracking
• NFC payments
• Night mode with wrist-based heart rate
• Training load analysis and recovery time
• Running power meter compatibility
• Up to 240 hours in UltraMax battery saver mode

Weighing only 53 grams, the Apex Pro delivers powerful performance in a lightweight package built for comfort. The durable titanium bezel and sapphire glass lens ensure this watch can withstand tough training. And it covers all the basics like open water and pool swimming modes, multisport tracking, and intuitive data displays.

3. Polar Vantage V2

Trusted for its accuracy, the Polar Vantage V2 offers triathletes and multisport athletes an excellent array of performance monitoring tools. This GPS watch tracks all the key metrics and helps optimize recovery to support hard training.

Key features:

• 130+ sport modes with wrist-based heart rate
• Training load pro to indicate high or low strain
• Hill splitter gives incline metrics for runs
• FuelWise fueling assistant for long workouts
• Sleep plus stages sleep tracking
• FitSpark daily training guide
• Up to 40 hours GPS and 100 hours training mode battery life

With the ability to track running power on the wrist when paired with the Polar Run sensor, this watch provides key insight into form and technique. The Vantage V2 also stands out with its test-based ultra run mode for events over 26.2 miles. A great option for endurance athletes seeking holistic training tools.

4. Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD-F21HR

A rough and rugged outdoor GPS watch, the Casio Pro Trek WSD-F21HR excels for hikers, climbers, and explorers who need durable performance. This watch is MIL-STD-810 compliant for resistance to shock, vibration, temperature extremes and other rough conditions.

Key features include:

• Dual layer display with monochrome and color LCD
• Offline maps with color tracking to mark path
• Location memory records up to 200 points
• Mountain area trekking modes with altitude and barometer graphs
• 50m water resistance
• Up to 4 days battery life, 16 hours with GPS

Designed to withstand the elements, this ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) watch has all the sensors needed for hiking and outdoor sports. The WSD-F21HR uses both GPS and GLONASS to track your route even when off the grid. Rugged athletes will love this watch!

5. Fitbit Sense

For those desiring a fitness watch packed with smart features, the Fitbit Sense has continuous GPS, heart health monitoring, stress tracking, and much more.

Highlights include:

• GPS and GLONASS for pace and distance
• Active zone minutes based on heart rate zones
• EDA scan app detects electrodermal activity for stress
• ECG app assesses heart rhythm
• Skin temperature sensor for health trends
• Up to 6 days battery life
• Alexa and Google Assistant integration

While not as fully featured for sports as some models, the Fitbit Sense offers excellent everyday health tracking in a slim and sleek smartwatch design. The robust Fitbit app lets you monitor wellness data and receive a “Daily Readiness” score based on activity, sleep and heart metrics. A great option for casual users wanting a daily GPS watch with strong health focus.

Choosing the Right GPS Watch: Key Factors to Consider

With so many great GPS watches now available from reputable brands like Garmin, Coros, Polar, and more, it can be tricky to determine which model fits your needs and budget best. Here are some key factors to consider when picking your perfect GPS fitness watch:

Determine the Types of Activities and Data You Want to Track

• First, make a list of the various sports and exercise types you want to track with GPS. Do you need detailed run metrics like cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation? Or cycling tools like power and grade? Listing your goals and “must have” features will help narrow the choices.
• Consider what data points are most important to monitor in your workouts. Do you want basic time, distance, pace and route maps? Or more advanced metrics like heart rate zones, VO2 Max, training load focus, recovery time, etc?
• Features like onboard maps, music storage,Garmin Pay contactless payments may also appeal for convenience during activities. Knowing the key workout statistics you want will guide you toward the most suitable GPS watches.

Determine Your Budget

GPS watches span a wide range of prices from around $150 to $500+ for high-end models designed for professional athletes. Here’s an overview of general features at different price points:

• Under $200 – Basic GPS tracking of pace, distance. Heart rate monitoring. Basic sports modes and smartphone notifications. Low to moderate battery life. Plastic cases.
• $200 to $350 – Multi-sport tracking, wrist-based heart rate, training analysis features like VO2 max, load focus, recovery advisors. Metal/composite cases. Up to 1 week battery life. Music storage on some models.
• $350 to $500 – Advanced metrics like running power, ground contact time, vertical ratio. Detailed topographic maps, niche sport modes. Extended battery life up to 2 weeks. Premium materials like sapphire lenses. Solar charging capabilities.
• $500+ – Specialized pro-level data and analysis like lactate threshold, muscle oxygen levels, severe weather alerts. Ultra long battery life for expeditions. Rugged build for extreme conditions. Touchscreen and WiFi connectivity.

Consider Style and Comfort

Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing a GPS watch you find visually appealing and comfortable for all-day wear.

• The size of the watch case and total weight matters for comfort during workouts and daily wear. Larger cases with big bright displays have benefits but can feel bulky.
• Match band material like metal, rubber, nylon, etc to activities. Breathable bands keep you cooler and drier during sports. Leather or metal bands provide a stylish look outside training.
• Big color LCD displays make data easy to read quickly, while monochrome screens provide longer battery life.
• For swimming and water sports, make sure the watch has a high water rating of at least 50 meters.

Check Software and App Reviews

Ease of use with the watch software itself along with the companion mobile app should factor into your choice.

• Look for intuitive menus, quick access to data screens and customization options on the watch interface.
• Seek apps praised for smooth syncing, data analysis tools and an overall great user experience. You want a watch and app that make tracking activities a pleasure, not a chore!

Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Fitness Watches

For those new to using GPS tracking in a fitness watch, you probably have lots of questions about getting started and using these devices to their full potential. Here are answers to some of the key frequently asked questions.

How accurate is the GPS tracking on fitness watches?

The best fitness watches today now use multiple global navigational satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS and Galileo to enhance accuracy. Under ideal conditions with a strong signal, these watches can track to within 10-15 feet of your actual running or cycling path. Obstructions like dense tree cover or city buildings weaken the signal, decreasing accuracy. Phone-based GPS is less precise for activity tracking than onboard watch GPS, since phones lack a strong receiver chip.

How long does it take a GPS watch to get a signal lock?

Most quality GPS watches will lock onto satellites within just a few seconds outdoors with direct line of sight to the sky. Acquiring a signal takes longer if you are in dense woods or surrounded by tall buildings. Watches initialize best when standing still outside prior to starting an activity. Be patient for 30-60 seconds for fastest signal acquisition.

What is the impact of using GPS on a fitness watch’s battery life?

GPS tracking is battery intensive, so utilizing it significantly decreases battery life versus just using the watch in smartwatch mode without GPS. For example, a watch that gets 7 days of regular use may only last 10-15 hours with continuous GPS activity tracking. Newer watches offer intelligent battery modes to maximize GPS runtime. Disabling the always-on display and limiting smartphone notifications also helps prolong GPS battery life.

Can I use GPS on my fitness watch without having my phone nearby?

Absolutely! A key benefit of onboard GPS in a watch is the ability to track your route, pace and distance even without your phone. This allows leaving phones behind safely at home or in the car during activities. GPS watches don’t require a phone connection to utilize GPS satellite tracking. Though, you may need the phone app later to sync recorded data.

Do I need a SIM card for my GPS watch to work properly?

You do not need a cellular plan or SIM card for basic GPS functionality on your fitness watch. Non-cellular watches use GPS satellites alone to track your movement during activities. However, a SIM card enables transmitting data in real-time and standalone functionality for calls/texts when a phone isn’t present. Keep in mind cellular service drains battery quicker.

What special features should I look for in a GPS watch for hiking or outdoor sports?

For adventurers and outdoor athletes, key features that come in handy include:

• ABC sensors like altimeter, barometer and compass
• Topographical and navigational maps
• Location memory to record checkpoints or save desired routes/waypoints
• Trail run mode with specialized data like grade, vertical descent and adjustable map views
• Rugged, waterproof build to withstand elements

How waterproof are GPS fitness watches?

Most quality GPS watches provide water resistance up to 50 meters, meaning they can be used for lap swimming, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and other water activities. Some triathlon watches even offer quick release bands for fast transitions. For deep diving, look for watches with 100+ meters of water resistance and dedicated dive computer modes. Always check the water rating before use.

How long do GPS-enabled fitness watches normally last?

While heavy use of GPS affects battery lifespan over time, most GPS watches have an operational lifespan of 3-4 years before significant battery deterioration. Some tactics to extend the lifespan further include:

• Recharging more frequently instead of letting battery drain completely
• Avoiding exposing watch to extreme hot or cold temps
• Turning off GPS when not needed
• Keeping firmware updated for optimal performance
• Taking good care to avoid damage/shock to the watch

Conclusion

Thanks to remarkable technological advances, GPS fitness watches have become incredibly powerful tools for athletes, runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. They make tracking your workouts and overall health a breeze while providing detailed statistics and feedback to take your performance to new levels. By determining your needs, budget and preferences outlined in this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect GPS watch matched to your unique training style and goals.

Whether you’re logging your daily runs or training for your first triathlon, a GPS watch offers immense value through accuracy, convenience and the satisfaction of quantifying your fitness. So strap on that new GPS watch, get moving and watch both your performance and passion grow.