My requirement profile for a new clock is always clearly defined. I call myself a ambitious runners, put in about 2500 - 3000 back (training) km and maybe kick in five competitions on (Half marathon / Marathon). And I would like to receive during the run a reliable and reasonable information primarily about my pace and the distance covered, the training as part of the settings may vary slightly (interval) and possibly look a little closer in retrospect the barrels, planning tempo runs, bests evaluate me based on training schedules, or otherwise look for improvement.
At a reasonable price offers me the Forerunner 15 accurately these points and confident so compared to some other tested training watches. And let's face it - 300 to 500 euros for a pace clock whose battery if necessary after two years leaves me in the lurch? For a triathlete or Ultra-runner may be necessary and acceptable, but not for me.
Although located in the entry-level, fascinates the clock in Optics, shape and quality. Of course, only makes plastic on plastic, but in a completely impeccable shape. The bracelet is very airy, the green front application gives the Forerunner with a fresh kick. However, the size of the clock (S) is not designed for thick wrists, which should be considered before buying or checked in next Sport Specialists.
The interaction between traditional activities and a Running Watch Tracker (similar Vivofit) is new to me and I could - to be honest - even without it. This point is likely to apply to most runners, because with a weekly section of 50 - 100 km must I not also perform the daily step consumption in mind my clock. But well, you should not get excited about even supposedly well-intentioned trifles. Every day at midnight the fun begins the way from the beginning, because then, the step counter by automatic back to zero. So it should be noted - already more towards meaningful additional equipment the possible linkage with optional pulse and running sensors, but only in conjunction with the new ANT + function goes.
In simple four-button system is operated, so far there is no need even to look in the manual. After depositing the usual basic settings (age, weight, height, gender, etc.), the training can actually start already. Very functional - via remote green "running key" is a single push of a button is sufficient to start the running recording or to search for the GPS signal. The display is relatively grobpixelig and likely win any beauty contests. But you do not want to, because this sport is the motto. Otherwise, you could also armed with an iPhone to cope with the running track start.
Important at every clock is fast and trouble-free GPS reception. And at every clock countless negative feedback found on this topic. I honestly do not know why. Even when no clock I could find this regard particular strengths or weaknesses. So not even the Forerunner 15 - at least after 60-90 seconds Herumgehopse your doorstep I can always give the virtual launch me. The GPS technology used selectively improves with regular connection to a PC and at known locations, but suffers reversed course under interference, such as in bad weather.
Furthermore, important is the battery performance - a clock that is sweeps the sails just before target inherent part of every runner nightmare. I run without chest / heart rate belt, so I do not know how to use may affect the power management of the Forerunners. In continuous GPS connection a battery charge will last in my case for runs between seven and eight hours. Here the target clientele is sufficiently taken into account and also use in a triathlon race is not an unreasonable burden on the clock. From the water hazard in the initial swimming discipline apart. With long day cycling against the clock will eventually reach their limits. Incidentally, applying the Garmin battery life when using the pure clock as pedometer with up to five weeks performance guarantee. However, if more than one month is not running, probably needs no activity tracker.
In pure run operation I can see little to no weaknesses. The clock does not start even in the rain and adverse weather conditions, the display is always clearly visible, if necessary also be illuminated. Beep signals are available, a built-in vibrating alert, I have not found either, or he's just not there.
Pleasing - an old weakness of the Forerunner 110 has been eliminated. Meanwhile, the clock put back into a fixed charging cradle and not in a little stable clip, durable slip contacts in. After a good hour of charging the battery is full again, at the same time acts as the charger Coupling Station for the PC and for the detection of the clock as a USB device. My distrust of the software solution on the Garmin's own website I have now given up almost entirely since the provided there Training Center really clearly, quickly and easily completely satisfied data analysis and further training plan will allow to optical evaluation using appropriate online maps, which even former SportTracks times of the past. Garmin Connect is here at last the potential of a market leader is available, even if virtual instruments are almost a little too much good.
The actual value of the clock or the material, I can hardly be estimated in a relatively short use. To what extent the rear contacts tend eg to rust, therefore is (still) judgmental in the future. The personal responsibility of the user here is certainly not to be underestimated and appropriate care unavoidable. But - of all my running watch previously used the last few years I have finally separated, because the battery does eventually refused to work. In this respect, the acquisition of a GPS clock is always associated with a certain residual risk, although manufacturers and / or Amazon often respond, at least in my experience, accommodating on warranty and repair requests.
Conclusion: The Forerunner 15 is subject to somewhat the slogan "back to the roots", at the same time a very solid and sufficient equipment. The clock is certainly not a class leader like Suunto and his associates, for everyday use the application and usage is very easy and enjoyable high. And a clock that is fun, ultimately motivates the athletes. Top.
