smartwatch/activity tracker

[IHateMyJob2004]

OK, I've been reading about these for a day now and all I can conclude now is that these things are still in their infancy.

I want something simple. I want this for running. I don't care about much. But I run with my phone. I just need a "remote"
1) I want to be able to control Pandora and Amazon music on my phone
2) I wantot be able to control the violume of my phone
3) I want some sort of Strava integration. I don't care if the phone has it built in and it synchs later but I want to be able to see what the hell is going on with my run on my watch
4) HR monitor

OK, now what watches actually do this? I'm sick of reading reviews that say the watches do everything and there is no "remote control" ability in these things. If that's the case, I guess I don't need a watch.

Thank You.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

UPDATE: Everyone I know personally likes the Garmin line (runners).

So, apparently, the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 235 which many people like allow the control of the phone's music. Not sure how good the integration is but I'm assuming that I have to get the app started on my own and then do the track foreword/backward and volume up/down via the watch. Kinda like what a car controls via Bluetooth.

 

[gorcorps]

I've had a few garmins, not those specifically but I'm familiar enough with their system to recommend them. You're right in that you'll need to start the app from your phone first and then you should have media controls available on the watch. However, I'm not positive you can control the volume... I only remember being able to pause and skip tracks. You might want to confirm with anyone you know that has one of those specific devices if you can actually control the volume or not, I just don't remember that being available on mine.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

I watched a video of the Garmin 235. It does volume and track control.

I like the 235 but I think it was released in 2015. And rumor is that because of the number of garmin offerings that the 245 is never going to come. So if I want a newer version, I need to get a different line entirely. But the thing that sucks about that is that there are no physical buttons for control and a lot of runners like the ForeRunner series because of the buttons. As would I! I can not stand this move to no buttons. it's driven by one thing, reduced manufacturing costs thus increased profits (not usability).

The Garmin site is crazy nice and has a compare tool to compare up to 4 watches/activity trackers. I think I officially want a garmin over a fitbit.

 

[gorcorps]

Are you set on a full color screen? After using both smart watches and fitness bands, I've found that I much prefer the simplicity of just a smart fitness band with black & white screen vs a full blown smartwatch with LCD screen. The battery life is FAR superior... I have an approach S20 right now, and it lasts around 3 weeks per charge, where the smartwatches usually have to get charged every day just like your phone. If you don't mind that option, then maybe check out the forerunner 35.

 

[spacejamz]

I have a Garmin Fenix 5 which I charge about every 10 days (using 24/7 heart rate monitor and using GPS for about three 30 minute runs/week)...the watch is a little pricey though...

 

[spacejamz]

have you check this garmin out?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/garmin...olymer-black-silicone/6257207.p?skuId=6257207

 

[nOOky]

I'm a bit confused as to what you want the watch specifically to do, I'm assuming everything the phone does? You're right, no watch currently does all those things well. I have the Vivoactive 3 shown above, and the GPS accuracy is horrible if you go under tree cover for any amount of time when trail running. If your a road runner with good line of site to satellites then it's probably okay. Most of the functions you describe can be accomplished using a decent set of BT earbuds. I have Jaybird X3's and I can adjust the volume, pause, and go one track back or forward with the buttons on the cord.

I can control the basic music functions from my watch, but really if I'm messing with the music app itself I just whip out my phone. The bottom line right now for an avid runner imho is that you need a watch for fitness/activity and GPS tracking anyway, even if your phone has a GPS app. It just provides better results as far as the data such as HR and elevation data etc. matching up to the actual run track. You need good running headphones that can control the basic functions regardless, who wants to physically press the buttons an the phone when you're running, mine is usually in a Ziploc bag tucked away somewhere. And you need your smart phone to be able to use the music app of your choice, and to sent notifications to the watch if you want that.

I run 90% of the time without music, but I will always have a GPS watch even if I carry my phone. I'm looking at the Fenix 5X Plus right now or the Suunto 9 as I run up to 100 mile trail races, and my faithful old Fenix 2 is dying.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

My friend gave me her old Garmin 620 because she upgraded to the 935. I finally took a look at it a few days ago and it's actually the 920! I need to get that thing charged and figure out how to use it ;-)

I don't know if she gave it to me or I am borrowing it. Frankly, she should sell it on EBay while it has value. But I need to tinker with it at some point.