My daughter has started running (cross country style) and I am looking for a GPS watch as she has questions about how far, pace, etc.

I am looking at a base model Garmin or Suunto, and I really do not know what I am looking at. She doesn't need a smartwatch, just a running/exercise watch. I found the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, but I have no idea if those are the right ones to be looking at.

So if anyone has some insight or a used watch (they would like to sell) that would help, please let me know. My email is in my profile, and I will be watching this thread.

I think a base model from any of the large manufacturers would be fine - Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Polar. I previously liked Garmin but have switched to Coros and am liking the Coros ecosystem a little better with regard to visuals and software updates. I've found the accuracy and battery life of my Coros watches to be on par with Garmin.

Thank you both for the feedback. You confirmed and answered a lot. My fear was buying a base moel and in 3 months needing a better one. Sounds like a base model will work for quite a while.

I just got the Forerunner 55. It's great.

The base models are the way to go! Garmin charges a premium for features that 90% of people will never use on the higher end models.

Base watch should last 4-5 Years minimum. Garmin 55 or Coros Pace series is the way to go. A discounted Garmin 255 would also be a nice choice.

You might also consider the Suunto Race S, if she doesn't need music loaded on the watch itself.

https://www.suunto.com/en-us/Products/Sports-Watches/suunto-race-s/suunto-race-s-titanium-courtney/?CMPID=google%7Csearch-b%7Cperformance%7Cnam%7Cus%7Csuunto%20race%20s%7Ce%7C745440895135%7Cm%7C%7C%7C&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADft9jKkdMW4-zy8ln1kSOY8e0pFu&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2ZfABhDBARIsAHFTxGz_qcoZJtRgOMGKx5eS-IH323k0PUS_YhlzHgBdfPBIqwgFM3SA6-8aApuqEALw_wcB

Only Garmin feature to consider is music (probably won't be on base models). Didn't think I would really like it at first. But you can sync Spotify to Garmin, pair it to BT headphones, and no more phone on the run.

Game changer for me personally. I use it daily.

I'd go with the Garmin Forerunner 55, solid starter watch for runners, easy to use, and gives all the basics like distance, pace, and splits. Suunto 9 Peak Pro is nice but kinda overkill for a beginner and way pricier. My niece uses the 55 for cross country and loves it.

wcb said:

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Only Garmin feature to consider is music (probably won't be on base models). Didn't think I would really like it at first. But you can sync Spotify to Garmin, pair it to BT headphones, and no more phone on the run.

Game changer for me personally. I use it daily.

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I have the 645, but not the music model. I got it because the chrome bezel and the customizable face allow it to look pseudo-dressy, so I no longer needed my citizen eco-drive.

wcb said:

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Only Garmin feature to consider is music (probably won't be on base models). Didn't think I would really like it at first. But you can sync Spotify to Garmin, pair it to BT headphones, and no more phone on the run.

Game changer for me personally. I use it daily.

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the only thing to be aware of here is in order to sync with spotify, you need the paid subscription with spotify.

you can manually load music on the the watch and still listen via the watch, but its not as simple.

AggieOO said:

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wcb said:

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Only Garmin feature to consider is music (probably won't be on base models). Didn't think I would really like it at first. But you can sync Spotify to Garmin, pair it to BT headphones, and no more phone on the run.

Game changer for me personally. I use it daily.

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the only thing to be aware of here is in order to sync with spotify, you need the paid subscription with spotify.

you can manually load music on the the watch and still listen via the watch, but its not as simple.

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Yeah I have a fenix 6 but I've not managed to get any music on it in the years I've had it because I don't have a Spotify account and all of my actual mp3s are in a laptop in the bottom of a drawer. Not nearly as su.ple as just dragging them over.