I just made an X (Twitter) thread about perhaps my favourite series of GPS running watches that I feel aren’t talked about enough. I am talking about the Wahoo Elemnt Rival (although perhaps the name should be a bit broader now?) from The Run Testers.
The Wahoo GPS running watch range is quickly expanding, but they are consistent in their key strengths. Namely:
-
Consistently using high-quality dual-frequency GPS chipsets
-
Having excellent connectivity and a unified training dashboard (minus the standalone watches such as the Elemnt Rival)
-
Being well-supported with firmware updates
Images from the Garmin Connect training dashboard.
Here is a brief overview of the GPS running watches currently available from Wahoo.
The Elemnt Rival is a GPS-enabled watch with an internal battery with one of the best consumer-grade GPS chipsets. There is also the Elemnt Roam, which is slightly pricier but with additional navigation features. I used the Elemnt Rival for a couple of years now, and it’s one of my favourite GPS running watches.
https://runsafesteps.com/wahoo-multisport-review/
The slim and focused Elemnt Rival is a great GPS running watch if you prefer a more targeted GPS device (but it lacks full onboard maps). It’s significantly more affordable than the Fenix 7, and its GPS battery is enough to get through a full ultramarathon. It also uses an accurate Sony GPS chipset. I’m currently in the process of reviewing this watch.
However, you’re still in luck if you want to monitor more than just GPS pace! The Wahoo Rival Sport and Rival Pro are more comprehensive GPS running watches capable of monitoring GPS pace, distance, heart rate, training load and more. Both of these watches are also Bluetooth-enabled.
Here is my Wahoo GPS Watch review (I have not yet tried the Rival Pro): https://runsafesteps.com/gps-click-model-g-review/
Perhaps my favourite GPS running watch is the Wahoo Elemnt Rival Outdoor version, a trail GPS running watch. At around $299 (USD), this watch is far cheaper than similar options from Garmin, and it has a GPS chipset that I prefer to use. For comprehensive training insights, this can be paired with a Stryd footpod.
https://runsafesteps.com/model-x-review/
While there are a few other GPS running watches also available from Wahoo, these are my current favourites. If you’re looking to use multiple (different types) of GPS running watches across your training, this brand is definitely worth checking out!