The Kingfisher training crew recently received the Soleus GPS 3.0 watch, courtesy of Soleus Running SG's generosity to trial. These experienced Kingfisher trainers have used a number of other training computers and heart-rate monitors, and were eager to take this new kid on the block for some test drives. We brought it for a number of runs on both road
and trails, in the city as well as park connectors, from distances of 8km-25km
over a period of one month. What follow
are findings based on initial trials and feedback from our trainers, with some areas required for further
testing and feedback for improvements by the manufacturer.
The Soleus GPS 3.0 watch comes with all the functionality
of Heart-Rate Monitor (HRM) and a GPS function (without the need for an
additional arm-pouch like in some other GPS watches) at an affordable price.
Looks
The Soleus GPS score well in the looks department with a simple black/yellow
strip that gives the sporty look, yet able to wear it out as a causal timepiece
for non-running activities too. The
Soleus watch is pretty light and of compact size compared with other GPS
watches, although it could be even slimmer and best to come with a wider range
of colours. The watch strap fits rather
snugly and wraps around the wrist very well.
Configuring the watch was rather straightforward, with
just a few user settings (gender, weight, age, etc) to deal with. However, the familiar data view settings
found in some of the other popular brands were absent here. Then this is a no-frills watch with important readings such as time, distance, pace and speed sufficiently covered,
including simple calorie calculations.
Detection of the GPS signal was rather spiffy (within a
minute) and the function worked well both in the city as well as trails. This is comparable if not faster than the
higher-end GPS watches that we have previously used. Tracking of the entire run, up to 25km was
correct with the signals maintained throughout.
The Lap interval marks are quite easy to use and there is
an auto lap feature which can be set.
The lap display shows the distance covered and current time for that
lap. These were certainly put to good use during our track and interval training sessions.
Use as a regular watch
Because of the lightweight and
small size of the watch, it is a good proposition to be used as a normal watch,
which will display basic functions like time zones, day of week, date and
time. The watch supports up to five
audible alarms, which can then be configured against the different time zones
you’ve set (you can set up to two time zones).
Display
The Indiglo-style backlight that displays for
12seconds upon activation is bright enough, and the contrast can be adjusted to
give a darker tone to the text for clarity.
Battery Life
The Soleus GPS uses a USB charging
cable that you’ll plug into an existing USB port of a computer or wall
adaptor. The charging is pretty fast even with the computer USB
connection, just that the initial ‘bite’ of the cable to the watch needs some
getting used to.
With a 8hr battery life with the GPS on, the watch does
have good ‘stamina’ to last at least a marathon. The battery in idle state is able to last for
many days without charging, much better than some of the high-end GPS watches we have used.
Download & Analysis
The watch comes with a USB charge
cable which will double up as a data download function.
The software to capture downloads
with run data and mapped locations can be downloaded free from the Soleuswebsite. However, the transfer of data
to the computer takes a while to get activated occasionally.
But once the downloading get underway, the data is downloaded quickly
and presented in minute detail for analysis on the computer.
The software display gives summary information of my runs,
activities including pace graphs and heart rate zones information shown in
graphical form. Data points of 1-second
recording interval are shown, very fine information presented in a chart. There are tabs with many other information
shown, including manually or automatically recorded lap information.
There is a mapping to both Google Map and MapMyRun showing
the routes and distances that I have covered during the workouts. Once it is in MapMyRun format, elevation data
can be analysed as well.
Settings for the watch can also be done via the software
interface and then updated to the watch when it syncs.
Initial Conclusions
Overall, the Soleus 3.0 GPS
functions well as a reasonably-priced GPS watch with HRM function. Although there are a few nice-to-have features
that are missing, we can see more enhancements to be added on as we get increased
user feedback.
The watch is
aesthetically nice for both sports-related activities and casual wear,
lessening the requirement for a separate timepiece. The GPS unit being integrated into the watch
without a separate piece reduces any additional baggage to the runner, to run
freely.
The ease of use and reduced
functionality offers smooth transition for first-time and new users to such
training computer watches.
At a price of
$369 retail, this is a good value running watch with full functionality of HRM
and GPS, a worthy contender in the growing range of running watches in the
market.
