Hi all,

I am in search for a basic, simple, budget and compact GPS watch. I posted a similar thread almost 2 years ago, but haven't been able to find what I am looking for. I currently own the Ultrasport GPS NavRun 500 which is perfect for me, but the software it comes with is no longer supported and has issues.

The things I am looking on a GPS watch are:
- Simple and basic with no touch screen (no smartwatch and no fancy features such as heart rate measurements, sleep measurements, steps counting, etc)
- Compact
- Waterproof
- Great battery life
- GPS functionality to track my sessions (distance, speed, duration)
- Affordable (less than 120 USD)

Any recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

-Mike

Garmin Instinct? I can't remember if the Forerunner has "no fancy features"....

Garmin Forerunner 735xt basic easy lightweight I paid $300 I think a few years ago very reliable, I think you can download kiting apps but they don't all work so well I just record as a swim. Previously had a forerunner 910xt lasted me 5-6 years before water finally got in.

Thank you both for the replies.

They both seem close to what I am looking for, but the issue I see with both is battery. They both seem relatively advanced (even though they are among the most basic ones in the market) resulting in a maximum of 2 weeks battery life (no GPS running) before charging is required. The Ultrasport GPS NavRun 500 can go for more than 2 months without charging (no GPS running) is required.

Any other suggestions for even more basic GPS watches? :)

-Mike

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espana23 said..
Thank you both for the replies.

They both seem close to what I am looking for, but the issue I see with both is battery. They both seem relatively advanced (even though they are among the most basic ones in the market) resulting in a maximum of 2 weeks battery life (no GPS running) before charging is required. The Ultrasport GPS NavRun 500 can go for more than 2 months without charging (no GPS running) is required.

Any other suggestions for even more basic GPS watches? :)

-Mike

You're not going to avoid the battery problem, and tiny batteries charge quickly anyway. So long as I can get through a session without the battery dying on me, I don't care how long it lasts outside that.

Select to expand quote

espana23 said..
Thank you both for the replies.

They both seem close to what I am looking for, but the issue I see with both is battery. They both seem relatively advanced (even though they are among the most basic ones in the market) resulting in a maximum of 2 weeks battery life (no GPS running) before charging is required. The Ultrasport GPS NavRun 500 can go for more than 2 months without charging (no GPS running) is required.

Any other suggestions for even more basic GPS watches? :)

-Mike

Well.... the battery life is dependant on the watch mode of operation. Garmin software allows you to specify it to use basically almost no power. For example, my Fenix 7x Solar normally lasts 29 days with everything turned " On" , but if I use even the basic power saver mode it's 88 days, if it's in the sun thanks to the solar then more like 150 plus days....

Just depends how much you want to use it.

You can get fantastic sailing apps on them now ;), but $120 you are asking a lot for a little.

If you just want a GPS logger you can buy those baggage tracking devices... but I'd questions what's the point. Like asking for a horse and cart to get to work instead of taking the bus

Have a look at Sail Racer or Sail Racer Lite for Garmin Watches to get some idea of what they can offer

the charging is a no brainer, you charge your phone everyday? Only you need the special clip. An usually after a session my watch recharges in a few minutes.

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Peahi said..
the charging is a no brainer, you charge your phone everyday? Only you need the special clip. An usually after a session my watch recharges in a few minutes.

Can get enough charge into a watch for a whole couple-hour session if I charge on the way there... and I'm only about 15 minutes away from my spot I don't get the angst over battery life either.

I highly recommend any of the Amazfit / Miofit watches - like the Stratos II, III or the T-Rex Pro.
They are way cheaper than Garmin and Suunto, but have built in GPS, are super water tight up to 20m and connect and auto-sync with the Zepp app on my phone (Android) to Strava, etc.
Never had a problem with them.
Shame they don't give out jump readings, but they can be side-loaded with apps if need be and custom roms, if that's your thing.

I use Polar 400 and 430. Bought those used for almost nothing and there are super reliable. You can download all your stats via BT.
Doing that instead of buying new stuff I can contribute to help our planet.
There are a lot of great devices that end in landfills just for human stupidity....so sad.

Hope this helps