Nike+ SportWatch GPS Running Watch Review
Cheapest retailer – Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk
The Nike + SportWatch GPS is the first GPS running watch to be released by the multinational sports giant, and is quite possibly the most stylish and easy to use GPS running watch on the market.
Nike SportWatch GPS Watch and Foot Pod
Nike have paired up with GPS technology giant TomTom to incorporate a high sensitivity GPS receiver into the watch that not only tracks your distance and speed, but is also used to record your location when running and the calories your burn over a training session.
The real beauty of the Nike GPS watch is how easy it is to use. You are ready to run with two simple button taps and thanks to the TomTom GPS sensor you can pick up satellite reception within seconds. It is no wonder that Nike picked up two Innovation Awards at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
This in- depth Nike+ SportWatch GPS review will explore every feature of the watch in detail as we put the watch through its paces over the course of a few training sessions.
Easy Set-Up – Change any setting from your computer
Unlike other GPS running watches, the Nike+ SportWatch GPS can be set up with as little as three clicks of a mouse. Instead of fiddling around with the watch buttons every time you want to change a workout, user or setting, you can connect the watch up to your computer (using the hidden USB connector in the wrist strap) and can change any of the custom settings in seconds.
When you first plug the watch into your computer using either the hidden USB plug on the watch strap or the supplied usb cable you are taken to the Nike+ running portal. Here you are prompted to download a small program that allows you to change the various settings from your Mac or PC and also upload any of your runs to the Nike + online running community. The download size is tiny, the program installs in seconds and you don’t have to restart your computer, meaning you can be ready to run in seconds.
When setting up the watch for the first time you are first asked for your weight, sex and preferred units. You then have the option to set more advanced features such as intervals, automatic laps and the combination of different statistics that you want to be displayed on the watch when you are running. All of these selections are optional and after the first three choice you are ready to run.
First Run – Ready to run in two clicks
Nike have made recording runs easy with the SportWatch GPS. Holding the main green button for three seconds tells the watch that you are ready to run. It then starts searching for any compatible heart rate monitor or Nike foot pod (supplied in the box) within range and if it finds any sensor it was automatically pair with the device for the duration of your run.
Nike Running Shoe Foot Pod Compartment
If you don’t have a Nike Foot Pod or Polar Heart Rate monitor then you can run with just the watch unit itself and you will still be able to track a wide variety of important training statistics. Having a Heart Rate monitor is obviously essential if you want to be able to track and record your current heart rate, but you can still use the Nike+ SportWatch GPS without one. The Foot Pod is also optional but the benefit of having one of these installed into your trainer is that in the event you lose GPS signal when out running, the watch will automatically continue to keep track of your Pace, Distance and Calories using the foot pod for seamless recording.
Nike+ SportWatch GPS Pairing with the Foot Pod
If you are outdoors then the watch usually locates a GPS signal within seconds and starts counting down the seconds automatically. If you wish to pause your training then you simply click the green button to pause and then hit it again to resume your workout. If you start running before the watch has located a GPS signal then the Food Pod will kick in and will record all of your statistics until a GPS signal is found.
Easily Set-Up Advanced Runs and Interval Sessions.
Using the PC or Mac based Nike Running program you can easily set up advanced interval workouts before you run. You can set the time or distance of each interval and the amount of recovery time allowed as well as setting the number of reps.
This is a great way to structure those all important interval training workouts as the last thing you want to be doing is trying to remember what rep or what distance you are on when you are part way through a tough interval session.
Auto -Lap
A very useful feature of the Nike+ SportWatch GPS is the auto lap feature. Although Auto Lap appears on many other GPS watches, it is an important feature as it lets you keep track of your individual lap performance throughout a race or training session.
You can set the watch to lap at a specific time or distance interval (the most common distance being either a mile or a kilometre). Using the inbuilt TomTom GPS sensor, the watch identifies when you have run the required lap distance and automatically starts a new lap. You are shown a summary of your last lap’s performance before the watch settles down and continues to show your current lap’s details.
This is a great feature for race day as you can keep track of your performance lap by lap and therefore it is much easier to see if you are keeping to your target pace.
You can also set the Watch to lap evey time you tap the watch. This takes some getting used to as it feels very strange not having to press a button, but a reassuring chime sounds to conform that a new lap has started.
Calorie Counter
A very important metric for any runner is the calorie counter. Ultra marathon runners and part time joggers alike need to keep track of how many calories a run is burning to either calculate the amount of food they need to take on board to carry on training or to see how many calories they have burned for weight loss purposes.
The Nike+ SportWatch GPS watch uses your body weight, pace and distance to calculate how many calories you have burned during your run – allowing you to train towards calorie goals as well as time and distance goals.
Tap Functionality
Any sports watch worth its metal needs a decent back light to enable runners to train in poor light conditions. The Nike GPS watch goes one step further and provides a high power back light with tap activation technology. Instead of holding a button down for an inordinate amount of time like some watches, all it takes to turn on the lights with the Nike GPS watch is a simple tap of the screen. This then activates the light for about ten seconds which is more than ample time for you to check your stats, even when running at speed.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Using a Polar heart rate monitor you can track and record your heart rate on any of your runs. The watch pairs with the heart rate monitor in seconds and then displays your current heart rate when in training mode.
Polar WearLink+ 31 Heart Rate Monitor
Running with the Nike+ SportWatch GPS
When we were field testing the Nike+ SportWatch GPS watch we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to run with.
After the initial setup the watch started to cycle through all of the different statistics that we has specified before the run such as calories, heart rate and pace without a problem and if we wanted to double check a particular metric then we just selected it using the two navigation buttons.
As we set the watch up to Auto-lap after every mile, it chimed to let us know that we has reached the end of a mile and then showed us a summary of the past lap before continuing to record the next lap.
As we have run with GPS watches before we know exactly how far each of our usual running routes is and can count off the miles along each route using various landmarks. The GPS sensor didn’t notify us that it had dropped the signal at any point and it was within 0.1 of the correct distance when we finished our trial run – we would expect nothing less of a TomTom powered device!
The watch was comfortable to wear and not to heavy or bulky like some of the other watches that we have tested which is great news for anyone that really doesn’t like the look or the size of the Garmin Forerunners or the Timex Watches.
NikeRunning.com – An online social network and training portal for runners.
When you buy a GPS watch you don’t just want something that records your run and displays it back to you the moment you finish. What most runners really want is a way to track their training performance and fitness in the long run. Nike seem to have answered their plight with one of the most interactive and unique online training portals that we have ever seen.
No Nike+ SportWatch GPS Review would be worth the paper it is typed on without looking at this fantastic portal in more detail so here we go…
NikeRunning.com – Uploading Your Runs.
Instead of just having all of your runs sitting on your watch you can upload them straight to the Nike Running Portal by plugging the watch into your computer. USB cables are a thing of the past as the Nike GPS watch has an cleverly concealed USB plug that can be hidden inside the watch strap when running and then snapped out quickly and easily when you want to upload your runs.
The actual upload process takes mere seconds and the Nike software has proved to be robust and bug free in all the instances to date when we have used it.
NikeRunning.com – Viewing Your Runs and Trophies
After upload, you are taken to the Nike Running portal automatically and shown your run history. Part of the Nike Running Philosophy is to keep you motivated and we were nicely surprised when a video of an American Athlete popped up to congratulate us on our first 10k run!
NikeRunning.com First Run
Past runs are broken down into the various mile or kilometre stages and you can see your page at each stage of your run.
You can view all of your past runs in calendar format and can zoom to any past run for a closer examination or pace, distance and time.
On the same web page there is a trophy cabinet of which you are awarded when you complete either personal or Nike set goals.
More experienced runners may find the Nike Running portal lacking in detail as there are none of the powerful features of the Garmin Connect portal. If we were conducting a Garmin Forerunner vs Nike+ SportWatch GPS comparison we would have to say that the Garmin Connect portal has more functions such as the ability to play back your routes and split your training sessions up into different events. However, the Nike Running portal is perfect for anyone who needs the essential statistics as moments glance.
Nike Running.com – Nike Maps
Once uploaded, you can view your runs on the NikeMaps secion of NikeRunning.com. Here you can superimpose your GPS tracked runs on a staelite map or something called a heat map. The heat map is something that Nike have created using all of the combined GPS data that their users have uploaded and displays the most popular paths and places to run when you have used the map view to zoom into any given area.
Nike Heat Maps
If you are stuck for places to run you can view the Heat Map to see popular routes in your area and can plot your own route to plan what distnce and location your next run could be.
The world’s more popular routes (according to NikeRunning.com) are also displayed on the map and of you ever run one of these routes using the Nike+ SportWatch GPS then you are awarded a virtual trophie for your troubles!
NikeRunning.com – Running Schedules & Planning Your Runs
Nike don’t just give you an advanced GPS watch and then rinse their hands of you; they offer you tailored running programs for distances such as 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and even the full marathon, that you can download to your watch and follow using prompts. You can even choose a training program for sport specific fitness such as soccer.
Once you enrol in a program Nike set out your training plan in an easy to understand and decipher calendar that tells you exactly how far you need to run in each session and on what day.
NikeRunning Half Marathon Training Plan
Once your watch is connected up to your computer, the goal is downloaded to the unit and the watch then prompts you to start running on the various days that are dictated by the chosen running schedule.
These training programs can be customised depending on your level of fitness and you can cancel the training plans at any time.
If you don’t want to enrol in Nike’s prescribed training programs then you can create your own plans, or simply run whenever you wan without employing any of the schedules. You can plan runs using the easy to understand calendar and every time you upload a run it is counted towards your goal total. Nike will periodically reward you with trophies and motivational videos to keep you on track – something which users of the Nike+ Iphone App will be familiar with.
Battery Life
Out of the box the watch needs a full charge which takes about an hour. At the time of writing this Nike+ SportWatch GPS review we had taken the watch outdoors for three test runs and the battery monitor that is displayed on the watch face wasn’t even partially depleted. Already the battery life of the watch has beaten any of the Garmin Forerunner or Timex GPS watches that we have run with as their batteries need charging after every few runs to prevent the GPS receiver from cutting out.
When you press the Green button on the watch to enter ‘training mode,’ you are given the option to turn the GPS sensor on or off as well as the heart rate monitor and/or the foot pod connection. If you want to prolong the battery life of the Sportwatch GPS then turning the receiver off when training will drastically improve its running time (which is officially 9 hours according to the manual).
I am assuming that the GPS receiver is not activated when the watch is in its normal watch mode, as this is the only way that I can see how the battery life doesn’t diminish at a much faster rate that is currently apparent.
Looks and Aesthetics
The first thing that hits you when you set eyes on the Nike+ SportWatch GPS is how stylish it is. Everything from the way the watch is packaged to the way your running stats are displayed on the watch face reeks of Nikes distinct simple and bold design style.
Nikes partnership with Apple seems to have become more then strategic, as unpacking the GPS watch is like unpacking an Ipod or Iphone. There is no annoying plastic to cut your way though and Nike have used every inch of space within the box to hide some essential part of the watch such as the foot pod or USB charger.
Nike SportsWatch GPS Watch
Even if saving the environment isn’t high on Nikes priority list then environmentally conscientious runners will be happy to know that all of the packaging can be recycled and there are no countless useless foreign language manuals that other GPS Watch packaging sometimes contains.
Nike have clearly placed a lot of time and effort into the design of the SportWatch GPS watch as it fits nicely on the wrist and can be adjusted for a wide range of wrist sizes. The wrist band is made of rubber and not plastic, which means there is more give in the material and therefore the watch is much more comfortable to wear.
Black and green is the colour of choice for the new Nike+ SportWatch GPS which sounds like a strange choice of colours for a sports watch, but the colours seem to work together surprisingly well and also are in-line with some of the Nike 2011 running apparel ranges.
[Edit: December 2011] The Big Nike Sportwatch GPS Update
Earlier this week NIke released their much awaited big firmware update which aims to solve some of the little problems that the watch suffers from and also makes a few improvements. In no particular order, the watch has been updated as follows:
- Improved mapping accuracy (so your maps look even better)
- Improved instant (current) pace
- Enhanced Quickstart feature.
- Stopwatch not has 50 laps
- An Alarm can now be set on the watch
- The time can now be set from the watch.
NIke GPS Watch Firmware Update
The Nike+ GPS watch is one of the easiest to use, most reliable and most stylish GPS watches that we have ever had the pleasure of running with at RunTheLine.com. The watch can be set up in a matter of minutes and makes viewing pace, distance, heart rate and calories both simple and effortless.
The Nike SportWatch GPS is Stylish and Simple To Use
The Nike Running online portal is one of the best features about the Nike+ SportWatch GPS as you can sign up to training programs created by Nike coaches. The watch will then remind you to run on the days dictated by the training program and will also tell you how far you need to run in each session. It also remembers your personal best times and distances and congratulates you when you set a new fastest time or longest distance. The portal also acts as a powerful reporting tool where you can view and track all of your past runs, share them with friends and set new fitness goals.
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Hi Ross, thanks for the review. I have just ordered my watch on the Sweat Shop online store so hopefully should be running with it by next weekend – Cant wait!
Stan
Hi Stan
Glad to be of service
Let me know how you find running with the watch and either post your feedback here or email me.
Ross
Does it have the option of tracking speed and well as pace? Thanks.
@ Andrew – As far as I am aware you can only track Current Pace and there is no option to track speed either on the watch itself or when you upload your runs for review on the Nike+ website. Maybe this is something that Nike will be adding in future firmware updates but at the moment you can only track current pace and then briefly view you average lap pace at the end of a lap or split.
What an awesome review! Still a bit confused on the sensor. Will the watch track everything like calories, miles, etc. sans the sensor?
Hi Ralph, The watch is supplied with a Nike Foot Pod which takes over the recording of Distance, Speed and Calories when the GPS signal is lost. If you want to be able to track and view your current heart rate then you need to purchase a Polar WearLink heart rate monitor as otherwise you will only be able to track Time, Distance, Pace and Calories.
If you want to continue to wear this as a watch when not running, can you turn off the GPS (or does it turn itself off) to preserve battery life? If so, how long does battery last without GPS running?
Nice review but did I understand you correctly that you can’t view average pace while you are running? That would be a total deal breaker for me as that’s how I narrow in on how I’m doing vs my race (or training) goal overall. My Garmin 310XT let’s me look at that and 11 other metrics of my choosing on three screens during my run. Hmmmm
Jeff – You can turn the GPS on or off when you put the watch into training mode (holding down the green button) which lets you conserve battery when you are not training. I charged the watch fully on Friday and after three runs the battery indicator hasn’t moved even a small amount. I am guessing that the watch automatically turns off the GPS sensor when the watch is not in training mode as I cant think of any watch whose battery would have lasted this long with the GPS sensor continually engaged!
Greg – I have checked and double checked for an option to view average pace when running but with no luck. You can see current pace when running and then an average pace figure momentarily after each lap but not during. Maybe Nike will release a firmware update that lets you see average pace at a future date but at the moment this isn’t a feature.
I ordered mine on the Nike website on the release date (01/04) and as yet it hadn’t even been shipped from the warehouse. Nike claim to deliver within 3-5 business days, however this appears to not be the case. I cancelled my Nike order, and bought it from my local Running store. Be warned.
I have just checked with Nike and they have completely sold out of watches on their online store and couldn’t tell me when they are expecting to have some more available.
I know that there are a number of running stores that had some stock over the weekend so if anyone is struggling to get their hands on one then they might be the next place to check.
As it is water resistant to 5atm can I swim with it? Does resistant mean waterproof, c.f. diving watches, or do I risk damaging it if i take it in the shower or pool? KR steve
I ordered mine on Thur. as soon as I received the email from Nike, received it on Monday, tried it today and I like it. I cant see the Garmin forerunner when I am out running, many times have to stop to read it. Nike has eliminated that for me, it looks awesome and I am happy i bought it.
Steve – 5ATM means that the watch is water resistant to roughly 40m (from what I can see from a quick Google). I will get in contact with Nike and see if they can give me an official verdict on whether the watch can be used for swimming or not.
Hosie – Glad you are getting on well with your SPortWatch GPS. Let me know if you have any specific feedback and I will update the main review if it needs changing.
Your reviews seems biased. Reading it, I just see you stretching for positives. Is it really more convenient to have to plug my watch into my computer just to change a setting rather than “fiddling around with watch buttons”. Watch buttons only take a few clicks in any watch if you know what you’re doing. When you say “most reliable”, I’m not sure what you’re basing that on. From every review I’ve read online (runners world UK and other webistes and even on Nike Store website) and a friend who was a tester it’s been stated the GPS is not reliable and not as accurate as other watches. In fact, two people on the Nike store say they’re returning theirs because of this and because not much other useful data is displayed. You also can’t even look at most data on the fly and have to upload it to your computer first (which you seem to prefer rather than fiddling with watch buttons”) which to me is not every helpful on a long run.
I agree it’s a cool looking watch and you probably got a free one, but I don’t think your review is very honest to the average runner and seems very biased towards nike. Even when you try to weigh both companies you say, “More experienced runners may find the Nike Running portal lacking in detail as there are none of the powerful features of the Garmin Connect portal. If we were conducting a Garmin Forerunner vs Nike+ SportWatch GPS comparison we would have to say that the Garmin Connect portal has more functions such as the ability to play back your run and split your training sessions up into different events. However, the Nike Running portal is perfect for anyone who needs the essential statistics as moments glance.”
You say Garmin is better but Nike Running portal is perfect for those wanting essential statistics when Nike doesn’t really have all the essential info.
Your review is also very riddled with spelling errors “as moments glance” and the computer “promotes you to” (I think you mean prompts) and my first reaction was to think it was translated from another language. We consumers rely on good honest reviews so please spend some more time being balanced and unbiased and some time revising your posts.
Hi John,
Thank you for your feedback.
I have read your comments and I am sorry that you have found my review to be biased, but I can assure you that this review is un-sponsored, independent and is based on my own opinion formed from many years of running with GPS watches. Nike haven’t been kind enough to send me a free SportWatch GPS this time and in the instances where I am given free products, I make sure to mention this fact in the article. 4000 runners a day read this website and not only do I appreciate every single visit but I hope that the vast majority of visitors find my reviews constructive, well informed and valuable in terms of finding out information about the wide range of running products and services out there.
The point I made about how easy it is to set up the watch and change the various settings comes from my years of running with a Garmin 405 and 410. The internet is littered with reviews about how difficult it is to change the settings on these two watches and anyone that has run with them for a lengthy period of time will have found that their touch sensitive bezels can be an absolute nightmare at times – especially in the rain or extreme temperatures. Having a watch that you can plug into your computer to change settings like the Nike+ GPS SportWatch I believe is a great feature, especially as you can be making changes whilst uploading your run data to NIkeRunning.com for added time saving.
I am glad that you agree with my point that more experienced runners may find the watch lacking when it comes to some of the more advanced features that we are used to seeing with other GPS watches. The Garmin Connect Portal has a large amount of different functionality that more experienced runners may find useful as they tend to be the runners that want to analyse their sessions in more detail. The NikeRunning portal is targeted at a completely different audience and has a largely different set of features that the Garmin Connect Portal does not exhibit. I wouldn’t be able to say which portal is ‘better’ as each portal has its pros and cons. I think that the vast majority of runners will find the NikeRunning website more fun and motivational than Garmin’s more statistics focused website, but more experienced runners may find the former lacking in detail.
Thank you for your view that the NikeRunning portal is perfect for runners just wanting to see the basics, as you can see this is something that I agree with and have already stressed in my review:
“… However, the Nike Running portal is perfect for anyone who needs the essential statistics at a moments glance.”
Thank you again for your opinion, it is good to hear from other runners who are as passionate as me about running and the latest running products.
Spelling is not my strong point so thank you for spell checking my review for me. These reviews are more a labour of love than anything else, which means that I just want to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) the moment I try the products out, but 2000 words and three hours later I’m just eager to publish my work. My reviews definitely won’t be winning any literacy prizes but I hope they succeed (at least in part) in getting my message across.
Happy running!
Ross
How easy is is to see the digits on he watch face when running? I have run with a Forerunner 60 before and had problems reading the watch when running at speed. Thanks
“A very important metric for any runner is the calorie counter. (…)”
Are you serious?
It is a nice looking watch, but your review does not mention _anything_ about it showing heart rate zones which _is_ very important to every serious training runner.
Great review Ross. I am really enjoying my SportsWatch after years with a Garmin 205. The big weakness is lack of average run and lap pace. As you say this should be a firmware update but strangely my miCoach Pacer also has this issue. A patent issue? You can set “short” laps to get idea of pace. The momentary pace displayed is quite useless. Also when on auto laps there is no way to tap and log a manual lap. For example half marathon split in a marathon. I have several posts on my blog about the SportsWatch including initial analysis of accuracy on wheel measured certified course.
http://samwinebaum.blogspot.com/2011/04/first-review-nikesportwatch-gps.html
Sam recently posted..How NikeSportsWatch GPS calibrates foot sensor automatically using GPS
Just got my Nike watch. If it had a customizable 4-field screen, avg. pace, and more and better lap stats, I would keep it; it linked to satellites so quickly here in NYC and looks great.
That said, the online interface is “busy” and silly and the pace measurements are inexact.
I hope Garmin makes a thinner running watch, or Nike upgrades this GPS watch so that serious runners can use it.
I really dig the look of the watch and am extremely interested in the Sportswatch to replace my Garmin 205, but like other people in the comments have said, apparently there is a lack of average pace displayed while you’re running, and you cannot manual make laps?
If one is a doing a speedwork session (let’s say 4×400 meters), can they pause the timer and hit lap after the first 400 to record the time, then resume time and press lap after the second 400 to have the time of the second 400 while the total distance reads .5mi?
And how likely is it that the average pace displayed WILL come in a firmware update, and not in a totally new watch? I know Garmin is either not capable of doing firmware updates or simply doesn’t add new features to their watches. Is Nike different somehow? I am not familiar with their technology. Is it likely they would be able to and be willing to add more features to the Sportswatch GPS via a firmware update?
I feel like my 205 is bulky but it has a few key things I wish were on the Sportswatch. But I’m having a hard time deciding if I should pull the trigger or not!
Funny, when I see reviews for most GPS watches, I always see statements that suggest that “experienced” or “real” runners want stats on heart rate, calories and every other metric that might be available. While I’m not yet a sub-3:00 marathoner, most people that I know that I consider really fast (sub 3:00 marathon, sub :18 5k, etc.) either don’t even use a GPS device, or only use it for pace. For me…current lap pace and total distance is all I want. It sounds like you can’t get current lap pace on this watch. I find that really hard to believe. Can this be true?
Jeff,
Experienced runners do rely on their own sense of pace. that said, GPS is an excellent way to help train your body to hit paces and distances. This watch has a pace metric, but it is your current pace, an incredibly inexact and useless stat.
This watch is pretty but “dumb”.
No way it was designed by a runner.
A shame.
Hello,
This is to everyone that has posted thus far.
I am a runner who is looking to buy my first gps watch. I have read so many reviews, but it seems that most watches come up short. Is there one that any of you can personally recommend? For instance what do the majority of you currently use? Do like what you use?
I would love to get this Nike watch, but recent reviews have made me question the device’s accuracy and pace issues. According to the above article Ross says that the gps is rather accurate. However, i read a recent review from a guy on the Nike site write that the gps accuracy did not match the distance to his Garmin ( the Garmin’s distance matched his car’s pedometer).
Thanks for the future insight,
Jordan
As for a recommendation, I haven’t used the nike GPS watch, but my older Garmin is a nightmare for usability. It has a ton of features, but I really just wanted to hit go and stop. Plus, it’s one of the few devices I’ve had that would lose charge while plugged into the PC. Very frustrating. I think they fixed that on subsequent units. The Garmin website and software is also lacking. You can edit your data, which is a plus when you accidentally leave your watch on. But it’s not very usable and I have trouble uploading data all the time. I found when I used nike+ the website and nike software was more reliable and more motivational.
If you’re a serious competitor, I would say maybe the Garmin 310xt, which is very large but doesn’t have the flaky bezel. If you’re just running for fitness like me, a lower end Garmin (I think 110 is the newest) or maybe this Nike watch or smartphone app. I have a Garmin 305 right now, but between it losing charge while ‘charging’ (i.e. it charges then loses charge if you leave it on) and the flipping Garmin website, I’m getting the Nike. The Garmin desktop software was reliable but quite old, again, not an issue for serious competitors that just want to look at numbers.
Just tried running with Garmin and Nike on.
Track was 6.2 miles exactly.
Gamin 6.198
Nike 5.9
That says it all.
@Leekim, basically you are saying what several are saying: The Nike watch is grossly inaccurate? Logically it is not surprising as Garmin has been in this business for so long. Their watch is super-accurate. That we all know from using. I like the look of the Nike, but accuracy is absolutely necessary. What strange is that the Nike+ GPS on iPhone is very accurate and even runs when there is no GPS signal anymore. But maybe this is not Nike’s problem but TomTom? if you have iPhone I recommend $1.99 Nike+, why spend $200 for something not accurate?
@ Leekim, I have been running with the Nike GPS watch for a week or so now and haven’t been getting anything like the margin of error you seem to be getting. I would try using the watch on the same track again (making sure that you are just using the GPS and not the foot pod) otherwise send the unit back to Nike as you must have a faulty unit. I know GPS’s are inaccurate but even my tom tom Sat Nav is more accurate than that!
Keep us updated with your findings!
@mjw 149, thanks for your insight. I appreciate it. I agree that the higher level gamins can be confusing … Garmin is coming out with the new 610 which is a glass touch screen. It may fix some past problems that the others had, but probably contains way too much info for me though as i am a runner who just needs pace, time, distance, and maybe current pace.
So do you think I’m better off with a 110 or this Nike watch ?? both are around the same price
Thanks again,
Jordan
@ Ross, how do like the way the pace is displayed on the Nike gps? I heard some complaints about it. (current vs average and their display times)
Also, is this watch fully functional without the sensor? I do not wear Nike’s when I run… another running site was saying how the two combined (sensor and gps) may create the best accuracy??
Thanks for your help,
Jordan J.
@Ross, yes, I agree very strange. But I used again different track with a second runner, similar results. Very strange, Garmin is still very accurate, Nike watches are way off. So that is two watches. I will send mine back and report back. We will have both to compare.
My other half has bought one and it doesn’t seem to have a lot of the features/functions that my Garmin has. He says that the screen that scrolls down doesn’t stay on for long so it is diffiult to see the pace etc. Why doesn’t it have a split screen like the Garmin? Does anyone know if there is a way to get it to beep after every mile? Can it auto pause when you stop running like the Garmin?
@ Lee Kim, What model of Garmin do you use??
Jordan
Hi there
Do you know if this watch has a date function and also the ability to change timezones? I’d love it as my main watch in addition to my light training watch.
I was wondering what happens when a gps signal is lost and you don’t have the foot sensor?? Say for example you run 1 mile, the signal is dropped for another mile, and it is picked up again and you run another mile. So, my question is, will the watch calculate the mile that was missed and say you ran 3 miles or will it just be 2. I’ve come to love the nike+ software and i love seeing new runs added for me and it would seriously bug me if i wasn’t uploading accurate mileage. Thanks
the NIKE gps watch does NOT sync with the new mac book pros 2011…Nike dropped the ball on this release and it’s been a pain in the backside trying to fix it. DO NOT BUY THIS WATCH IF YOU WANT TO SYNC ON YOUR MAC….IT DOES NOT WORK.
What a waste of £180 watch that doesn’t sync out of the box.
I even went into NIKE town to get the firmware updated….did it work later that day….No..
Nike = Fail
Hi,
Does anyone know if this watch can measure distance in metres for speed sessions?
Thanks!
@ Faye – You can set up intervals by either time or distance using either option on the watch itself or the section in the computer based Nike Running program. The distance units can be changed from Imperial to metric (or vice versa) again using either the watch or the program.
@ John – I had no idea that the Nike watch has problems syncing with the new MacBook pro. I am sure it is just a matter of time before Nike come up with a fix for this and I have emailed NIke asking for an update. Keep you posted.
I have had the Nike + GPS watch now for 3 weeks. I like the large display but am finding the current pace readout very inaccurate. I used it for the Boston Marathon yesterday and if I hadn’t had a paceband on combined with my elapsed time, I wouldn’t have been able to figure out if I was on track. The pace said I was running about a minute faster than what I really was. When I uploaded my results after, it said my pace ranged anywhere from a 5:35 minute mile to an 11:00 minute mile when I know I am usually around and 8-8:30 minute mile in a long run. Has anyone else experienced this?
What type of display is it?
Hi lets compare
nike gps watch is like iphone4
garmin and polar are blackberry
this can identify the differnce for u…….
@ Emre – So what watch is the Windows Phone then :-p
Is the Nike+ SportWatch Gps ‘tap for a lap’ ability any use at all?! I mean how fast would you have to be running for hitting a lap button becomes a problem. We need to give Bolt one of these things to try out lol
I’ve just bought one from the Nike UK site. Arrived in 3 days (express delivery) and I’m hoping to try it later today. Just one caution for people thinking of buying one – the strap is very very short. I’m only just on the last holes of the bracelet and I would say my wrists are normal for an adult. Does anybody else think the strap is very short?
I bought this watch a couple of weeks ago after previously having the garmin 405cx and have just run a marathon with it.
Here are my thoughts::
Buttons and display are very intuitive compared to garmin
Quicker at picking up signal when starting off.
Battery life much longer.
Unlike the 405cx it is not full of features you will never use
A huge problem is the lack of an average pace. This is a really serious problem as the current pace fluctuates constantly by about 1-2 minutes making it impossible to accurately predict your average pace from the watch alone. On a marathon you have to instead look at the time and distances markers and make a mental calculation in your head – not something you expect to have to do if you are wearing an expensive running watch!
The other point I would make is considering the lack of features it would be nice if the watch was a bit smaller as it is a bit bulky to use as a normal watch compared to something like a gamin 110.
In terms of a recommendation I would probably advise against buying this model unless it is updated to include average pace.
Dear Ross,
Whaz can I see on the display when running and is this a always on or do I have to tap the backlight? Any update on the firmware upgrade for average and (important for me) speed?
hello guys
Anyone know an online store where you get it?? I want one
I live in sapin!!!
I have not found any so far, thanks
Best regards
Hey guys, there has been no word from Nike about updating the firmware o include Average Pace as of yet but if such an update is in the pipe line, I will make sure that you all know as soon as I do!
@ Coen – The screen is always on but you can activate a backlight with just one tap.
@ Jordi – Have you tried the Nike Online store yet? They seem to have lots of stock at the moment (they ran out during the first few days that the Nike SportWatch GPS went on sale). Otherwise I have you tried your local running store?
Hi Ross. Great site and thanks for spending the time on the review and comments: it’s great to see a positive forum happening.
Was there any word from Nike on Nike+ support for Mac OSX 10.6 (if indeed that’s problem)?
no matter how much I charge I can not get the battery to last longer than 4hrs 20mins when I gofor a run ?
Do you have to use the little Nike+ sensor with the watch? If no, does it still have all the same features? Thanks