Soleus Running Watch: What Do You Think?

GPS Watches for runners
If you are a distance runner you know how important it is to log your mileage and to know how accurate you actually are. I have a friend that runs (without a device) and says he does "x" amount of miles but when I run the same loop, my GPS says something different. That's why I think every runner should be able to track their runs with a GPS watch. I recently received the Soleus watch to try out. 

When I first received the watch in the mail I was excited to try it out just as I am with any new product. I noticed something different on this watch where the USB gets plugged in. On many watches the USB connects to the back of the watch.
Running watch with USB
 On this particular one you had to snap off part of the strap where you connect the USB. Well as soon as I saw this I thought it was going to be a problem.  And of course it was. I didn't unsnap it right and it broke. Luckily the company was nice enough to send a replacement watch to me. 

When I did receive the replacement watch I was extra careful with unsnapping the strap. I even made someone else do it a few times to show me how it was done before I attempted it myself. 

Now it was time to set it up. I have another GPS watch and I don't remember having trouble setting that one up (but then again it has been quite sometime). There was minimal directions that came with the Soleus so I thought what better place to go to then the Internet.  I watched a few tutorials on how to set up the watch but they were either going too fast or didn't explain what you needed to know. 

I decided to take it to a running store so they could help me. Of course they set it up in no time and I was good to go.

A great thing I like about this watch is that you can see all your functions on one screen, miles, pace, and distance. You can even set it up for what you want to see the most, so you can make that the biggest in the middle of the screen. I even ran once at night and I had no problems with the screen being well lit. 
The strap length is very generous on this watch. I had the strap on the tightest part of the watch and it was still very loose on me.
Other than having to be very careful when disconnecting the strap to access the USB, I'd say I'd give this watch a thumbs up!  At half the price of a Garmin Forerunner, I'd say that this watch is a good deal for all the functions it can perform.    -L

What type of GPS watch do you use? Did you find it hard to set it up?  -L

*I was sent this complimentary watch to test out but I did not receive any further compensation to write this post.

31 comments:

  1. I use a Garmin and I really couldn't be without it. Not only is it nice to have a log of all the miles, I find it motivating seeing the miles add up too.

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    1. I agree. I love uploading it to my pc to see the progress I make.

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  2. I use the Garmin 620, and I love it. But I could definitely see how it would make sense to get something like this if you don't want to spend as much on a watch. As long as it does the basics, that's all you really need!

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    1. Yep. I am very simple. No need for bells and whistles here.

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  3. I have a Garmin Forerunner 10 and I'd be lost without it!

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    1. So do I and I love it as well. Always fun to try something new out though. You never know if you like something until you try it.

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  4. I use Garmin watches. This one looks interesting!!!

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    1. Besides the USB, It has alot of similar features as a Garmin.

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  5. I use the Nike one (every official name for it I know) and love it. It tells me all the basics that I need to know.

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    1. I had the Nike plus I used years ago but I found that it wasn't very accurate. Maybe they have done some updates since I've used it.

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  6. I'd worry I'd lose the piece that snaps off while the watch is charging. My old fit bit had a band that came off while it was charging and my cats stole it a couple times and hid it. I swear they think it's a game to hide little pieces like that.

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    1. Oh no. I'd worry about that too. You definitely have to put that piece in a safe place while the other part is charging.

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  7. I use a timex ironman watch right now. Very cool how you plug it in!

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    1. Time Ironman sounds serious! That would probably be way hard for me to try to set up something like that.

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  8. I am always so nervous to try new things...but that watch is super cute!
    My Nike watch makes me nervous where I have to snap the end of the watch to plug into the computer. I think they need to come up with a better plan then these things in the watches...I guess its nice not needing a cord though.
    I've never seen this watch before - I'm intrigued to learn more though.
    Did you think it was accurate?

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    1. Yes I thought it was accurate. Once you get the hang of how to unsnap it, it's really not that bad. I guess that's why they do that so you don't have to always look for the cord. But instead you have to make sure you don't lose that other piece.

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  9. I had a Soleus a few years back and thought it was hard to set up. I am currently loving my Tom Tom multisport watch.

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    1. I was very thankful of my friend at the running store that helped me set it up. Glad you found one that works for you.

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  10. That's scary to think how easily you broke the strap of the watch off. It makes me wonder how reliable the watch will be over time.

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    1. I was really surprised how easy it broke off too. You have to just be extra careful. But now that I know which way to unsnap it, I haven't had a problem since.

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  11. I have not uploaded any of my runs yet but I'm sure there is a way to do it. I love the color of this one too.

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  12. Thanks for the review! My first Garmin lasted 5 years & was still working when I replaced it earlier this year, so I just went for another Garmin since I know how long they last, and I'm rough with it too. That's so nice that they sent you a new one after it snapped off.

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    1. Yes I was very greatful that they sent me a new one.

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  13. I've had a Garmin 110 for years. Very simple to set up. I do like the color of that watch. But, I'm not sure I would like snapping off the band just to charge it up. That's an odd design.

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    1. I thought so too. But once someone showed me how to do it correctly. I got the hang of it.

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  14. I do love the color on this, that is for sure!
    It is odd you have to take it apart to charge it, but not so much of a hassle that it would detour me from wanting to try it.
    I have been using a Garmin Forerunner for years, and I mean years I had mine on pre-order when they first came out with them, LOL I love it, but I am starting to notice that the battery charge isn't quite as long, mine seems to last for about 5 hours for sure, but not much more than that anymore. So I am assuming in the next few years I will have to search for a replacement.
    I do love reviews like this though, it's great to see whats new on the market!

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  15. I like how it turns into a USB. One less cord to have laying around and potentially lose!

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  16. Interesting idea with the USB being in the strap. Does Soleus have their own software that files get uploaded to where you can analyze your pace or splits?

    I have a Garmin and while they are pricey my Forerunner 920XT has a lot of really neat features I love, like live tracking via Bluetooth.

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  17. I have a Garmin Forerunner 10 (I wanted to try a cheaper watch to make sure I wanted a GPS before I splurged). Last week my computer stopped recognizing it when I plugged it in post-run. Frustrating! But before that it was fine...

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  18. I use a Garmin and love it. I just received this watch to review as well and haven't had the chance to get it out of the box yet. Glad I read this so now I know to be careful with the band and USB!!

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  19. I have an old Garmin (5 years now) and it's falling apart! (Literally - I have taped the strap together, as well as it shorting out when it rains). So I'm in the market for a new GPS - thanks for this review!

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