This is a fantastic entry-level++ GPS running watch. It has a very good design throughout from one of the leading suppliers.
Positives: It’s a great bit of running kit and when coupled with a Polar HRM/chest strap you will have pretty much all your running needs met. The assisted GPS is generally good by industry standards as is the activity ‘load’ tracker. Smartphone notifications will probably be up and running by the time you read this. At times, the price has been hovering around GBP100 (without HRM).
Negatives: It will be a world-beater if ever an optical HR device is integrated into the watch. The only problem with the activity tracking is that ‘proper’ sleep tracking can’t be ascertained from a motion sensor, which is what Polar and many other vendors have to do without optical HR as a chest strap is impractical.
Comments: I like the watch and would certainly recommend it; from the looks to the using of it. The interface is intuitive and some of the features are novel. Polar’s concept of tracking your daily ‘load’ rather than your activity and number of steps is ‘correct’ and useful for anyone who does the occasional sporty thing…or indeed LOTS of sporty things. Comfy, accurate enough and keenly priced.
Alternatives: This link covers some alternatives.
Detailed Review: This link covers my detailed review of the Polar M400.
More: Winner of Jan 2016 Issue of 220 Triathlon RUNNING WATCH. 2nd was the optical Epson SF-810B
Last Updated on 17 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
