I was drawn to the Soleus family of GPS watches because they cost significantly less than most others on the market. The new editions this year -- the GPS 2.0 and 3.0 -- build on the features of the GPS 1.0. Both new watches include a few added features -- most notably data upload on both and a heart rate monitor on the 3.0 -- that their 1.0 little brother doesn't have.
But, would they be a good, inexpensive alternative to their more pricey market buddies ... or just a cheap watch?
Soleus sent us a 2.0 to test, and as soon as it arrived I threw it on my wrist -- without reading the directions -- and ran away.
The 2.0 is so simple to use that I set up my runner profile while I was waiting for my buddies to show up. All it cares about is your gender, age, height and weight. Simple, right? All are customizable right on the watch.
My only real complaint about the watch's interface is that the button to turn on the GPS sticks out on the side (it's the orange button). Every time I put it down, I accidentally activate the GPS (which means a dead battery when I want to use it).
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The one setting I forgot to change initially was the unit preference. I did my first couple runs in kilometers -- not a big deal, but the splits really threw me for a loop. When I finally remembered to change this setting ahead of time -- instead of mid-run -- the "enter" button wouldn't work. Press. Press. Press press press press. Nothing.
Soleus sent me a new one, explaining that the pin in the button on my original watch was out of alignment. This happens, they said, and I shrugged it off.
Aside from that glitch, the 2.0 has been a breeze to use. The display is clear and easy to read -- though on the small side, so it takes a longer glance to read. The upside to the more compact display (the whole kit is only 2 ounces) is this watch fits my girlie wrists better than any other because the face of the watch is built up in height, instead of in width.
The 2.0 will give you read outs for distance and pace, up to five interval timers and will track your calories burned. It's also water resistant to 3 ATMs. For $149, what more could you need?
GPS: I wore this with a couple other watches (Garmin's Forerunner 310XT and 610) on several runs, and it was just as accurate as the more expensive Garmins. It didn't seem to have too much trouble with tree cover or tall buildings.
Battery: Eight hours, when I can manage to not accidentally turn the GPS on.
Upload: The biggest downside is the company's new data upload software. Strike No. 1: It's hard drive-based and PC-only. Strike No. 2: It's extremely primitive. Strike No. 3: It's can be glitchy. To be fair, this is brand new, so it'll be nice to see how it evolves over time. Right now it'll get the basics done (if you're on a PC) but doesn't have many bells and whistles. Our friends at Soleus say there is a Mac version in the works, but there's no timeline for release just yet.
soleusmap copy
The verdict? This is a great watch if you're on a tight budget. For now, I'd go with the GPS 1.0 ($99) and save yourself $50. Later, when the quality of the upload software matches the watch, then go for the 2.0. Until then, just log your runs the old-fashioned way: With pen and paper.If you must have a heart rate monitor, then go for the GPS 3.0.
Buy them online at www.soleusrunning.com for $99-$199.
Sara Davidson is an ultrarunner and our resident women's gear destroyer.
