Español It seems like only yesterday that TomTom introduced us to Runner 2 (or Spark, same watch but focused on a different market), with the new LifeQ optical pulse sensor and the possibility to play music via Bluetooth. This was one year ago, during the IFA fair in Berlin.
Well, today and in the same place, TomTom has renewed it with the TomTom Runner 3 -which will also have a Spark 3 version- and has been accompanied by a more "country" version called TomTom Adventurer.
The most important novelty in both is the route navigation and some aesthetic changes, so without further delay we are going to unpack both models so you can get to know them better.
Content
TomTom Runner 3 - Spark 3
Before I start commenting on the TomTom Runner 3, I want to clarify the differences between this and the TomTom Spark 3. They are the same watch, the only thing that changes are the colors of the straps and the "packing" of the product.
The Runner 3 is focused on runners, while the Spark 3 targets the fitness market (yoga, crossfit, etc.) But it's just a marketing move because, I repeat, both watches are exactly the same, with the same performance and the same sports modes.
Well, once we have that point clarified and, to paraphrase one of the most important figures of the 20th century: "What's new, old man?". Navigation.
That's right, now TomTom Runner 3 allows you to navigate routes in GPX, that is, routes that you download from the Internet (Wikiloc is a good place to find them or create them), to send you a friend or to facilitate the organization of a race. Or to repeat a route made another day.
The route will be added to the clock via the MySports website, although there will be no TomTom-specific online utility to create it (at least for the time being). But frankly, it is not necessary as the options available today are varied and of high quality, it is better that TomTom focuses its resources on other tasks.
In addition, if you have not loaded any routes, the back to home function is available, so you can go out to explore the terrain on the mountain and, when you have passed the same place three times and confirm that you are lost, ask the watch to guide you on your way back. To help with navigation, we also have a compass to help you find your way around. This last point is what makes Runner 2 and Spark unable to receive the update with the new navigation functions.
The other new feature of the Runner 3 is a new collection of slightly thinner straps with a different design. These straps are also compatible with previous models, so you can aesthetically upgrade your Runner 2.
The rest of the features are the same as in Runner 2 and you can check them out in the test I did at the timeActivity monitor: activity monitor, versions with optical pulse sensor or integrated music player (or both), various sport modes (including swimming in the pool), swimming profile for the pool, etc.
TomTom Adventurer
The TomTom Adventurer explores a new market segment for TomTom, that of mountain sports. And I don't just mean trail racing, but also other sports such as hiking, skiing or snowboarding.
Of course, the Adventurer also has route navigation just like the TomTom Runner 3; but it adds two key details to the use you want to make it much more interesting: barometric altimeter and longer battery life (up to 10 hours of use).
And why do you specify the new ski or snowboard modes? Because thanks to the barometric altimeter, the TomTom Adventurer is able to identify when we take a lift to stop the activity and give us precise data of our days in the snow. Although they are not the first to offer this function, as both the Garmin Fenix 3 like the Garmin Vivoactive HR already have sports profiles that work similarly.
In addition to stopping the recording of the activity automatically when you finish the descent, it will also indicate speeds, slope, track length, etc.
TomTom Runner 3 and TomTom Adventurer, availability and price
You can now book the TomTom Runner 3 / Spark 3 and TomTom Adventurer via the TomTom websiteAs with the previous models, there are four different versions, depending on what they include:
- TomTom Runner 3 / Spark 3 – 129€
- TomTom Runner 3 / Spark 3 Music with Bluetooth headset – 179€
- TomTom Runner 3 / Spark 3 Cardio (with optical pulse sensor) – 199€
- TomTom Runner 3 / Spark 3 Cardio + Music – 249€
The TomTom Adventurer is only available as a single version with an optical pulse sensor and music playback capability:
- TomTom Adventurer – 299€
- Update
It is now also possible to buy the new TomTom Runner 3 through Amazon.
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B01I5F62JY&tag=c1mes-21
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B01HZPJH1U&tag=c1mes-21
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B01HZPJH3S&tag=c1mes-21
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B01HZPJLWU&tag=c1mes-21
And also the TomTom Adventurer
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B01LZ7SWMZ&tag=c1mes-21
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B01M1571VZ&tag=c1mes-21
My opinion
I have mixed feelings. I think that for the recent buyer of a Runner 2 it is a stab in the back to find now a "new" model with route navigation capability, and at the same price as the previous one. But the only thing we have the right to do is to kick ourselves, because in the end we know how consumer electronics works lately: small changes from year to year for almost similar products. It happens with telephony, with televisions and of course, sports watches should not be less.
And no, your Runner 2 or Spark cannot receive this update because there are small differences in the hardware, such as the compass. Because I understand that, although it is not specified in the features, it is magnetic
But when I look at the prices again and see that we can access a GPS watch with navigation, activity monitor and easy to use for just over £100, I can't help but be surprised. Until now this was a feature reserved for far superior models. TomTom makes it available to everyone in an access range watch. My sincere congratulations.
As for the Adventurer, the price scale is very interesting. For only 50 euros more (compared to the Runner 3 with the same features) we have an altimeter, a larger battery and specific modes for snow sports. Although at this point we have already entered more rugged terrain, a sector dominated by other brands with more roots in the sector, such as Suunto. And that is because today we can get an Ambit3 Peak for the same amount of money.
Obviously the Peak has no optical sensor, no music playback and no winter sports profiles; but these are not features that the classic mountain runner will take advantage of (especially music playback).
Despite this, it is always good that competition increases. The more products there are in a sector, the more dynamic it will be for the sector and the more the brands will have to make an effort to surprise us with their successive renovations. We will be the end users the main beneficiaries.
And with that... thanks for reading!
Hello, Eduardo.
First of all, congratulations for the blog. It is very useful for all the athletes who live this passion to the fullest 🙂
I'm telling you: I want to renew my sports watch and for weeks I've been reading up on all your device tests. They've been great for me to decide on the model! I've finally opted for the TomTom Runner2/Spark2 Cardio Music for a simple reason: I want to forget about the mobile phone and it's the only one that has a 131mm wrist strap, like mine (brands don't think much of girls!) Otherwise, I would have taken the Vivoactive HR. And when I had decided on the model... TomTom goes and introduces the Runner3/Spark3! Gr! Here comes my question: Is it certain that apart from the new GPX route navigation option the new models are identical in function to the previous ones (Runner2/Spark2)?
I'm asking you because, as TomTom usually does, the Runner2/Spark2 are going to be lowered in price. 50 euros per model. In fact, there are already sites that have lowered them and if they are identical (except for route navigation) it's worth it to get a Runner2 Cardio Music for a better price :))
You say!
Thank you very much!
Yes, navigation is the only change from 2.
Garmin also had versions of the Forerunner 25 with a shorter strap, but it's true that with the 35 they've limited themselves to one watch size.
Thank you very much for responding, Eduardo! Well, I already have a new watch 😉 I keep reading you.
Hi Eduardo. I just discovered your blog and I wanted to congratulate you. It is very useful for those who are initiated in this world, which although simple at first sight, is very complex from the inside.
Having said that, I wanted to transfer a practice to you. Recently I was given the Garmin Forerunner 25 (with heart band). But I wanted to know if it would be smart to evaluate the option of changing it for this TomTom Runner 3 (basic version)
Thank you very much.
It's a pretty personal choice. Garmin is easier to use and has better connectivity to the smartphone. The TomTom on the other hand wins in navigation. For a beginner's level either one will satisfy you completely.
I've had the Runner 2 for about 5 months now and I'm very happy with it, this Runner 3 is not an innovation worthy of "upgrading" your device (by upgrading I mean buying the 3), and now I guess the Runner 2 will drop in price as the original Runner already did.
I think TomTom is doing things right, the watch is pretty good, obviously has its shortcomings, but for a not very demanding athlete goes luxury. That if, the application (at least on Android) and its synchronization with the mobile gives many problems, hopefully focus on improving it and poder make a more "social" app Strava type or others.
Good morning, Eduardo!
I have read several reviews of your sports watches and my sincere congratulations. You do it better than the brands themselves.
Here's my question:
I practice several sports although none at a professional level: running, swimming, some biking, snowboarding, splitboarding, trailrunning...also paddle surfing and hiking...Focusing on the sports I practice I have come to the conclusion that I want one with an altimeter that measures my snow sessions. I have a mountain gps (Garmin Etrex 30) but I want a watch for the day to day.
I'm asking the watch to have a daily activity monitor and a built-in pulse meter...
My two clearest options are: Garmin vivoactive HR and now the Tomtom Adventurer, which seems to be the choice that best suits my needs (lamusica is not indispensable but it is a plus)...now...my birthday is coming up and my girlfriend wants to give it to me but on October 12th we are going to Indonesia on a trip and I would like to take it with me...
Do you know if the Tomtom Adventurer will be on the market? Between the two devices... which one do you recommend personally?
Thank you very much, we will make the purchase through your links.
Greetings
The Adventurer will begin shipping throughout October, but without any fixed date. The Runner 3 will be available before that date, but the top model will take a little longer.
So it seems to me that if you want it to take to Indonesia (travel envy 😉 ), you'll have to opt for the Vivoactive HR.
Thank you for your answer,
Having an Etrex 30 I could fix my trip with it...Do you think it's worth waiting for the tomtom adventurer because of the technical differences between one and the other?? apart from the design of the garmin it's not to my liking and the orange tomtom looks quite nice.
Man, the Etrex is far superior in navigation to any other watch. The navigation performance of the TomTom is far inferior. You have two options, either take the Vivoactive HR with you on the road or buy the Adventurer on the way back.
By the way, the Vivoactive HR can also have its strap changed.
Hello again, Eduardo,
I was sure that I would get the Garmin Vivoactive HR but I saw that the TOMTOM Runner 3 was released on Friday so I'm going to give it a week's time to see if they release the TOMTOM Adventurer... By the way, it would be good if you included a purchase link for this watch as well since, apart from mine, I also have to buy one of these for my sister in the next few weeks.
Thanks again for your information
TomTom links are already included, thanks ;-).
Hello again, Eduardo.
I've been doing some time to see if the tomtom adventurer was available ...since it's not, I've been comparing features and what made me decide on the tomtom was the possibility to load routes (music is less important). But I've seen that the garmin vivoactive hr has the possibility to load routes also thanks to the dwmap application...now my decision seems clear. How do you know both? Do you prefer garmin? Apart from the music, do you see any other advantage or disadvantage to the tomtom adventurer over the garmin ?
Thanks again for your help.
dwmap I've never used it, although I've read good reviews, but I don't know to what extent you can depend on the routes it creates.
Garmin has a better online platform for activity analysis and a lot of integration with the mobile phone, there is no doubt about it, besides being cheaper. The TomTom has an interesting option for long routes where it saves some battery power (up to 24hr) without compromising much on track quality, but apart from that its features are very similar.
Hi Eduardo, if you had to choose between the tomtom runner 3 cardio and the garmin vivoactive hr, which one would you buy?
If I were not to make use of navigation, I prefer the better mobile integration of Vivoactive HR as well as the possibilities of Connect IQ.
thank you very much eduardo
Hi Eduardo, thank you for the great work you are doing with your page.
I'm looking to buy a sports watch, I just want it for hiking, mountaineering or whatever you usually call it for the peaks of Europe, surroundings and the like. My uncertainty was between the Phoenix 3, the Ambit 3 peak and now this adventure. Really the functions I want are the GPS, the integrated pulse meter and to indicate the evolution of the weather.
You could help me settle on one of the three. Thank you very much.
The TomTom has a barometer, but it won't give you any information about storms or drops in air pressure. The Peak and Fenix 3 do, but of course the Suunto has no optical sensor.
With those three functions the only one that has what you ask for is the Fenix 3 HR.
Hi Eduardo, first of all congratulations for the blog, it's helping me personally to make my decision. Regarding the new Tomtom watches, the adventurer has the possibility to connect cadence and speed sensors and chest band via Bluetooth smart? so I understand that both the runner 3 and the spark 3 do have it? and I'll ask you another question, the garmin forerunner 235 or the vivoactive hr would have the possibility to connect these Bluetooth sensors. I already have the sensors bought and I would like to be able to use them.
Thank you very much.
In fact, you can use your Bluetooth sensors on your TomTom, but not with Garmin, which only supports ANT+ sensors.
Hi, I am new here. I have a tomtom multisport that I bought a year ago. I notice that the battery no longer lasts without using any function or 4 days ... I'm thinking of buying a spark. I don't know if I should go for the spark cardio which is now discounted for 140 euros approx. or buy the new spark 3 basic (129) I don't know if it's worth going for the more modern one or stay with the old one. We are talking that the spark basic is now at 100 euros. Best regards and your blog is great,
The main difference is the navigation. If you are not going to use it with the cheapest one you will have the same features.
At least for today, obviously the one that will receive updates, if any, will be the new model.
Hello, Eduardo.
First of all, I apologize for the ignorance, but I'm very new to this subject.
I'm looking to buy my first watch of this style and, after reading your article, the only question I have is whether to choose version 2 or 3.
Reading your comments, I understand that if the option to download routes is not primordial for me, and being this practically the only novelty, it would be more advisable for me to go to version 2, right? In terms of performance, GPS and autonomy I understand that there is no difference, right?
Thank you very much.
Greetings.
The GPS chipset has been changed, but the previous one already had a very good performance. If this is your first watch with the Runner 2 you will be well served. In the links of the Runner 2 test you can see the prices from Amazon, which right now are quite good: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/tomtom-runner-2-spark-prueba/#Comprar_TomTom_Runner_2
Thank you very much, Eduardo.
Actually, I'm looking at Amazon and right now the difference is only 20 euros so I'll think about it.
Last questions:
With a tight wrist circumference of 16.5 cm size S, do I do well?
I see that you don't have an altimeter and I'm going to start participating in trails. In the statistics tables that the mobile or computer application will provide me with later, will it include the data on the height reached, accumulated, etc.?
And the last one, I promise, sorry. In the new version can you use it to swim in the sea or do you still have the option of swimming without GPS only for pools?
Thank you very much in advance.
Greetings
For this wrist, both size S and L fit correctly, and you will be able to see corrected height data after synchronizing the activity, but not during the activity.
As for swimming, only in the pool, it has no open water swimming mode.
Thank you very much again.
Well, nothing, it's time to save a little and go for it.
As soon as I try it, I'll share the experience in case it helps someone.
Greetings!
Hi Eduardo! Mine is a very silly question but I have no idea... I want to give away the Tom Tom runner 3, and I don't know if the headphones have to be the same brand or will be compatible with others you already have.
Thank you, and sorry! Your blog has been very useful to me!
In principle, all Bluetooth headsets should be compatible, but technology is capricious and there may always be a model that doesn't connect. But it doesn't have to be TomTom.
They have this compatibility list, but there are hardly any models: http://es.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/21232/~/compatibilidad-de-los-auriculares-con-su-reloj-con-m%C3%BAsica-con-gps
But that said, any Bluetooth headset should be compatible.
Hi, Eduardo.
I already have the TomTom Runner 3 and I would like to give my opinion on the subject of navigation, I think there are at least 3 aspects that need to be improved:
- It doesn't warn you when you stray off the route. You have to keep an eye on the screen all the time. If you are cycling or running on some difficult terrain it is not usual.
- I would add more zoom levels, when you get lost, in the enlarged screen you do not see the path and in the general screen it is not well appreciated where you are.
- Once you start an activity, it does not let you change to another of the routes you have loaded on the watch.
Let's hope that in some update they get better.
Greetings and thanks
Thank you, David, for your opinion.
Hey, Eduardo. Do you know if Runner 3 supports interval training along with pulse zones yet? If not, which watch with a built-in heart rate monitor supports it? Thank you very much.
The best option for scheduling workouts is Garmin through Garmin Connect. Check out Forerunner 235: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/garmin-forerunner-230-235-analisis/
Thank you very much, Eduardo.
One more thing. Being multisport, does it have a triathlon function?
Thank you again.
No, neither the TomTom nor the Garmin 235 has a multisport mode that can switch between sports.
Hi, Eduardo.
Does runner 3 have a triathlon mode?
Thank you.
No, it doesn't have a multisport mode
All right, thanks. Sorry to double it, but I thought it didn't happen.
Greetings,
Hello good afternoon, could you inform me about the autonomy of TomTom Runner 3, both with the option of optical sensor and pulse meter plugged in and the option to turn off (using it day to day as normal clock).
And I have the same doubt about Garmin Forerunner35.
Could you help me with that aspect of both watches?
Thank you
I haven't had a chance to try out Runner 3 yet (I'm still waiting for TomTom to provide me with a unit), but you can check out some of the Runner 2's range data in its corresponding test: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/tomtom-runner-2-spark-prueba/
Forerunner 35 has a longer range.
Good morning, Eduardo,
I plan to acquire for this Christmas a basic pulsometer, only for running, I have a polar tape that I use regularly and I want to continue with it because it does not bother me and I think it fulfills its purpose very well.
I am in doubt between the Polar M400 and the TomTom Runner 3.
Thank you very much for your help and congratulations on your website, as it is being of great help to me.
The Polar tape... is it Bluetooth? If so, it would work with both the M400 and the Runner 3.
When it comes to choosing between the Polar and the TomTom, if you value the navigation possibilities the choice is clear: TomTom Runner 3.
If the tape is H7.
About scheduled training, what do you mean by interval training?
The clock is basically going to be for running floor running between three/four days a week and I would like to do intervals at least one day a week.
The TomTom doesn't allow that?
You can use that sensor with either watch.
Yes, the Polar has a slightly more advanced interval training mode, plus you can program it from your computer (which your TomTom does not allow).
Good morning, first of all I have a great article, very useful for people like me who want to give a gps watch as a present this Christmas and are a little lost. One question: the tomtom runner 3 cardio has an altimeter? it shows you the height you reach when you go on a mountain route for example? thanks!
Runner 3 doesn't have an altimeter, the Adventurer would.
Hi, I am delighted with all these clarifications, but one last one... I was thinking of giving my husband the Spark 3 Music. But now that I see the Adventurer, I like it better.
The adventurer is suitable for triathlon?
No, neither the Runner 3 nor the Adventurer are suitable for triathlon.
Thanks, so I have to go to spark 3 music, right?
Because do you know how the Polar V800 works or if the superior V900 is planned to come out?
No, also, TomTom watches even though they support swimming, cycling and running do not have a multisport profile or record swimming in open water.
The V800 with the offers of these days has been a very interesting option, just like the Ambit3 Sport. The V800 will receive a replacement soon, but details are not yet known.
Hello, I am thinking of buying a gps watch, I already have a geonaute and I am very disappointed, I find it comfortable to measure the pulse without the belt but I do not want to spend a lot, it would be for running, some visit to the pool and very occasional bike, is the TomTom runner 3 the adecuando? 9 would you take a Garmin or the famous Polar M 400? The budget should not exceed 200€(I will try).
For that use and with optical sensor would be the Runner 2/3 or the Vivoactive HR.
You have several options in the remaining Black Friday offers: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/black-friday-2016/
The Polar M400 is not suitable for swimming pools
hello, because finally I haven't decided yet, I can't find videos of the operation of the tomtom runner 3 cardio and the 230/235 is so nice without talking about the 735xt but it is remarkably out of budget
Good morning, I wanted to ask you a question. I would like to know your opinion about the Tom Tom adventurer for my usual activity: hiking in the mountains (without great pretensions) and swimming in the pool and in the sea, also skiing.
Thank you very much.
I am still waiting to receive a unit from TomTom for poder to test, both the Adventurer and the Runner 3. But "on paper", the Adventurer is good for what you are asking for except for open water swimming, which is not supported by TomTom.
Take a look at the offer that is still in force for the Fenix 3 HR, it would serve you for all activities (including open water swimming) and right now with the offer it is in the same budget: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/black-friday-2016/
Good morning, Eduardo,
I'm determined to get the TomTom Adventurer, it's already available on Amazon at 267,50€, which I think is a good price... if you update the post with the purchase option, I'll go for it and I'll collaborate with you 🙂
Greetings!
Thanks Ramon for reminding me. You already have it updated ;-).
Anyway, you can always click on the Amazon banner that you can find on the right side of the page (if you enter from your computer) or at the bottom (if you enter with your mobile phone). That way it will work, whatever you buy.
Thank you! 🙂
Good morning,
My girlfriend got confused when she gave me the tomtom and instead of the spark 3, she bought the spark but for less money. I'm not a professional racer but I go out for a run in a quiet way from time to time. Except for the downloaded routes from the internet and the turn back if you get lost, it's worth the change for more price?
Thank you very much and congratulations on the tests.
But one thing to keep in mind is that, in principle, the model that will receive the updates will be the new one (Runner 3).
Well. Just thank you for your work and your information in the first place. Great help you're giving us.
I'm looking for a GPS unit that has an altimeter, barometer and heart rate monitor with an optical sensor that I can use for running, cycling and accompanying me when I go to the mountains. The market is so wide that it's hard to decide. Help me choose.
Thank you again.
With those conditions there's not much to choose from: Garmin Fenix 3 and TomTom Adventurer. Also Garmin Vivoactive HR, but it's less mountain-oriented like the other two.
Hi Eduardo, I recently discovered your blog and I wanted to congratulate you in advance as it is allowing me to discover many things (that I could not even imagine would have to be taken into account...) - I am simply amazed at the amount of precise and clear information that you offer, despite which, I still have doubts when it comes to choosing.
I'm a newcomer in the world of running, but I'm already starting to get the hang of it (I've been running for some time, and I'm about to start using technology), and since the right dates are approaching, I'm thinking of adding a GPS heart rate monitor to my menu. My big doubt is between the Garmin Forerunner 230 (always the best option for you) and TomTom Runner 3 (cardio). I'm a Garmin user (I have an S4 to play golf) and I'm fully satisfied, but I think that for an insider, the Tom Tom Tom can be more complete and comfortable, although I'm afraid of the sensor (as you've mentioned on occasion, it's still a little developed, with a lot of room for improvement...)
Thank you very much.
Since you play golf and are a Garmin user... my proposal is that you combine everything into one and get a Vivoactive HR. Keep an eye on it because I think it's a good opportunity to have a watch for everything.
Thanks Eduardo, but I don't want to stop using my Garmin s4 (which cost me a fortune...) I understand that you recommend it for being multifunctional, for me still being a beginner in the world of running, and for being in the same price range, right?
That said, thank you very much.
Even if you don't want to use it for golf, I still recommend it in your usage profile
Hi Eduardo, last week the day finally arrived, and following your recommendations I chose the Vivoactive HR. After charging it, it took quite a while to pair it with my android device, but once it was done, the synchronizations were done conveniently. After a little less than 72 working, the connectivity with the device was lost, and from then on, a real ordeal until this moment. I returned the acquired device and they replaced a new unit (indicating that it was quite strange, but that maybe there could be some problem with the bluetooth antenna). Yesterday afternoon, I tried again with the new device and although the pairing was faster, the synchronization with my mobile through Gramin Connect, is hanging again and again...(trying with my partner's mobile, the synchronization is fluid) Before returning it, I wanted to tell you in case it is something that rings a bell, since apparently my mobile is totally compatible with the Vivoactive HR.
I had thought about changing the model and go directly to the Polar V600 (thinking that maybe it will give me less problems), but the truth is that I do not dare anymore, because obviously the problem is in the relationship of the device with my mobile.
As always, grateful in advance for your attention.
A salute,
I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about that phone
Eduardo, https://www.wileyfox.com/es/sky?gclid=Cj0KEQiA56_FBRDYpqGa2p_e1MgBEiQAVEZ6-zav1YiQaXsakKSAZ_1NliGBel_i5ugrJIW3oKvcEw0aAguO8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
Does it sound like there might be a problem with the phone being incompatible with the specifications it has? (Does it sound like it has happened with other models?)
Do you think if I go to the Polar V600 the chances of success will be higher because of having Android Wear or not?
Thank you,
Honestly... no idea
Hello, good morning.
I've been looking at your reviews and I find them very interesting.
I'm looking for a watch for my partner that has GPS and a pulse meter, if it also has better music (so I don't have to wear anything else) and if it can be used for cycling too, because he likes it too.
He goes out running with nothing, he prepares marathons (he wants to go under 4h), but he does not use training plans, routes, nor is he interested in knowing his daily activity, etc.
I'm hesitating between the forerunner of garmin 235 but I don't know if it's too much of a watch (he's not interested in the smartwatch part). It's interesting that it can be adapted to cycling
Do you know if Tomtom runner 3 can provide cycling information?
What watch would you recommend? At the moment I doubt forerunner 235, tom tom runner 2 or 3 or vivotech, but I haven't looked at other brands like suunto or polar...
(budget 250 euros approx)
If you want it with music then the TomTom is the only option. It is perfect for cycling, you can see all the details of the Runner 2 in its test: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/tomtom-runner-2-spark-prueba/
Runner 3 is the same, except that it adds route tracking.
First of all, congratulations for your blog. A year ago and a half ago they gave me the garmin 225, now they want to give me the tom tom spark 3.
graicas
Well, apart from the possibility of having navigation routes, you won't have many more differences... Unless you make many routes, I don't think it's worth the change.
Hi Eduardo, I've been thinking about sharing the vertical suunto as it has all the features I'm interested in but for my 14cm wrist it's huge. Until now I had the old multisport tomtom and I'm thinking of buying the new one which already has a barometer. But I have a couple of doubts: the first is if it has the option of following tracks and the second is that I've been told that although it doesn't have an open water swimming mode it can be put in free mode and it has a good measurement of what you swim. Do you know if that's true? (in the old one it didn't measure well and I've been told that it has been improved) Although I can sacrifice the triathlon mode, for me it's important to know the distance swum. Thanks a lot in advance!
No, for open water swimming you need specific swimming mode, the normal mode is not suitable.
Stay tuned these days for news from the ESC, because there will be something that will interest you...
Thank you so much Eduardo!!! Good thing I didn't buy it, I'm going to wait for the new Garmin, let's see if it comes out soon!!! 🙂
Hi Eduardo, Congratulations on the blog, you learn a lot.
I'm interested in buying a watch with gps, pulse meter and that you can enter routes or tracks. I'm tired of carrying my mobile on my bracelet. Seen the Tomtom Runner 3 Cardio has these 3 essential features. I usually run at most 2 hours and do routes of 4 to 6 hours. What do you think of the choice or if you recommend another brand or models. I'm for a budget of 200-250 euros, but if I save something, much better. A greeting
With the budget you have, the Runner 3 is certainly not the best option, it's the only one, at least if you want the optical pulse sensor.
If your requirements are basic, it's perfectly valid.
Thank you for your answer, Eduardo.
Good afternoon, I have been given the tomtom runner 3 cardio and I wanted to know how I can go back to the beginning if I don't have any route saved. Or maybe that back to the beginning only works if I load a route previously? is that I am very interested in that option and I don't know very well how it works. Thanks in advance and great your blog!
I'm waiting to receive the clock (it should arrive this week). Once it's broken I could tell you how to do it.
Hi Eduardo! One question: I understand that the feedback you receive is based on comparing the current exercise with a previous one. I don't really understand if you can set distance and time as your goal (both things) and I also don't understand if the feedback then tells you, for example, every kilometer if you are falling behind or if you are doing well with your goal. Thank you very much
I don't know what you mean by feedback. Anyway, take a look at the Runner 2 testbecause the training features are the same.
Thank you for your answer. By feedback I mean give you voice or vibration feedback or through the screen how your performance is doing vs. a target when you start an activity like running. With my time and distance question I would like to know if you can select both targets at once or if you can only select one of the 2 targets. Thanks again. Very interesting your blog!
No, you can only select one target
Good afternoon, congratulations for your blog, I am immersed in a sea of doubts, in kings I have been given the Polar M400 and I see that it had a multisport mode, great I said! but I get a disappointment when in the pool does not count the lengths, I see that it also has open water swimming but I wonder if it will work well, or simply time measurement as if it were a stopwatch, I do spinning, elliptical, some weights, but because of an injury I have right now I can not run nor I think I can in the future, at most a pig trot. Now I see the tomtom spark 3 with music and I do not know if to change it, for a little more money. What do you think? Thank you very much in advance.
If you're going to use it to swim the TomTom is obviously a better choice. The M400 can't handle it
Hi Eduardo, I'm looking for a watch with GPS and an optical pulsometer. Although running is what I do most, I don't want to leave aside other sports I do such as mtb, gym (cardio, bodybuilding ,etc.), swimming, football and paddle. My maximum budget is 200 euros, so I'm between the Garmin fr35 or this TomTom 3 cardio. Which one would you recommend I buy?
Thank you in advance and congratulations for your very well done website 😉
Bearing in mind that you also swim, that leaves out the Forerunner 35. In that price range, with an optical sensor and the possibility of recording swimming, the TomTom is the only option available.
hello, I am lately decided between the garmin forerunner 735xt and the tomtom runner3, the doubt is the price is very different, are the benefits so superior? in that you would get more out of the garmin? that if it is by connection with the mobile because it does not worry me because to see the warnings of watsapp on the mobile and etc already reaches me, thanks.
These are two very different products. The TomTom is simpler, but more limited. It already depends on the level of data and information you're looking for.