Seeking Smart Watch Recommendation

Looking for an Android compatabile smart watch for my son, but I don't know anything about them. Needs to be something that easily uploads to Strava for running and riding. Doesn't need bells and whistles beyond that. Closeouts/previous year models preferred to save $$$. Any recommendations?

 

I have the fitbit Versa which I paid around $200 for but I believe they have a light version now which would be cheaper. The one I have doesn't have GPS built in though. Works pretty well with Strava too.

 

Thanks... but wondering how it works with Strava if it doesn't have GPS built in?

 

GPS comes from your phone.

 

If it were for you I’d recommend thinking about how much you really need and would use a smart watch. Im sure your son is set on the idea but I hear a lot of people say they really don’t get much out of theirs.

Is the phone still going with him on rides/runs/etc.? A bit redundant to have the watch for instant viewing if you have a phone in your pocket/pack as well. A big screen watch on my arm while riding or running, no thanks. Wahoo HR monitor and Wahoo bike computer do it for me, even before I had the Element my phone was just fine. But, I digress since we live in a world of must haves versus useful haves. Maybe I just wasn’t cutout to be Dick Tracey.


Maybe this will help since I was mostly pessimistic in my response:

https://www.androidcentral.com/best-android-smartwatch

 

I'll take the other side...

I argued with my wife for two years about getting one. She had an Apple Watch through work since the day they were released. Eventually, she just bought me one and told me to wear it... Yes, Dear. After two days, I was hooked- Apple Watch series 3.

Better battery life than my bike computer, and much better heart rate data on the fly- averages, zones, percentages, etc... It actually saved my bacon during VQ, when I was blowing myself up on Black Star, and didn't even realize it...

After my crash on Kokopelli, the thing that hurt the most? The shattered watch...

 

My co worker has an Apple watch. They're constantly glancing at it, and I'm always asking "do you have to be somewhere" ? I'm thinking they're checking time. They say, no, just emails and texts coming through. It's f'in annoying as hell.

I say either go work on that or pay attention to what we're currently working on. My opinion is that tech has taken over, which is why my phone is often not with me. I haven't even used Strava in months.

Rant over...

( Although I do get the attraction, the days of pay phones was kinda nice. . Oh crap, I don't have a dime!!!)

 

Not a very good salesman, are ya? Haha

I still shy away for the simple reason of something bulky on my wrist.

 

I'm pulled in both directions on this...

On the one hand (wrist?) it'd be less complicated than carrying the phone. Unless I need to actually use the phone and the watch won't cooperate. On the other hand (wrist?) the Garmin has to be in front of me so I can keep an eye on the heart rate. Having to look at my wrist while I'm climbing would kinda suck, I'd think.

But then, I'm a special case and not representative of the general MTB population.

 

The visibility on the watch is better than on the Wahoo for my eyes, but with the watch I get an audible beep (or wrist vibration in silent mode) whenever the heart rate changes zone- either up or down. No need to look anywhere...

We've derailed the thread!

I don't know of any Android compatible devices. I'm in the other camp...

 

This is good stuff! Let me clarify: I'm looking for a smartwatch to supplant a phone, specifically for his training and racing in high school cross-country. She doesn't carry a phone when he's running, and therefore doesn't log it it on Strava or anywhere else. I'm looking for a basic , inexpensive smartwatch that will record GPS without a phone tethered , then upload to Strava. Telling the time would be a bonus!

 

Since I'm not an Apple devotee, and I have a Samsung S9.... https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/wearables/smartwatches/

 

This one sounds good, reviews are ok.
https://www.costco.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Active-Smartwatch-40mm---Black.product.100487443.html
$189.99 if your a member.

 

Suz uses a Garmin Vivo Sport or something like that. It does record GPS, then sends it to Garmin Connect/Strava. Small size, not too expensive.

 

I have a Garmin Forerunner 25 collecting dust in a drawer if you want to give it a shot. It records GPS and will upload to Strava/Garmin Connect via Bluetooth and your phone. I know that it has a run/hike feature. I’ll have to check if it records cycling as well. I don’t have a use for it anymore since I have an Apple Watch, which like @Faust29, I wasn’t really interested in until I received it as a gift and now I really like it. If you’re interested, PM me your address and I’ll toss it in the mail.

 

This one comes highly recommended:

 

Another sweet IMTB hook up!

 

My kids rock the IMTB cast-offs!

Run/hike is what he needs most, as he usually has a phone while riding. This looks to work out great!

 

Awesome. I was going to recommend a Garmin as well. The Garmin Connect app has a lot of bells and whistles. I still wear my Garmin Vivoactive HR from Spring 2016.

 

I bought Cathy a Garmin VivoActive and it has done a really good job!
In fact... I'm wearing it right now! I stole it from her as I did a great job of losing my brand new Garmin Edge 520 Plus.
She prefers to use her iPhone now that she understand the STRAVA App on it. I like the watch!
Grabs the GPS satellites really fast and super simple to use.

 

Ouch.

A leash works wonders. I learned that after I lost my GoPro in Oregon...

 

Replacement on a slow boat from ...somewhere.

 

I actually just ordered an Amazfit Stratos to replace my Vivoactive HR. Hopefully it works out well. Losing Garmin Connect is a kick in the nuts. Years of health stats logged.

 

You should be able to export them.

 

I like my Garmin Fenix 5 but it is not "basic, inexpensive smartwatch"
It might be a bit bulky for running. No problem on the bike.

Ever since my 520 stopped communicating with my phone I have been using my watch for a quick way to upload data to Garmin connect (from there directly to Strava and TP).