The RunSense watch from Epson offers a number of features, including a heart rate monitor for which you don’t need a chest strap.I have a Polar heart rate monitor watch with chest strap. And I never wear it. Why? Because when you need as much support as I do (I’m still nursing!), a chest strap is just another thing to chafe.
That’s why I’m intrigued by this watch by Espon. Also because … Meb wears it – and ever since I “Beat Meb” (running a half marathon faster than his full marathon time) he’s kind of my hero. I mean, that dude is not only an amazing runner, but smart and just a nice guy. I’ve requested a sample for a Run Oregon blogger to do a wear-test, but until then, here’s the info so you can look into it on your own!
(The following is taken from a press release.)
Epson America, Inc. today announced that its Runsense TM GPS watches for runners of all levels are now available through Epson.com. The watches are shipping in three models including the Runsense SF-510, SF-710 and SF-810. Depending on the model, the watch can provide up to 35 measurements including elapsed time, stride length, distance, pace, laps, intervals, speed and many more. The watches are also water resistant up to 50 meters, so the Runsense watch can be used in any weather conditions or terrain.
Key Features Include
- Built-in optical heart rate monitor (SF-810 only)
- Smart stride sensor
- Long battery life (20 hours for SF-810 with GPS and heart rate sensors on; 30 hours for SF-710 and SF-510 with GPS on)
- Accurate Epson GPS sensor
- Compact lightweight design
- Analyze and evaluate runs with the Epson Runsense View portal
- Smartphone app for simple product set up and fast GPS connection
- Distance, Pace, Speed, Intervals, Laps, Ascent and more
- Set distance or time goals to receive respective time or distance estimates depending on real-time progress
- Water resistant to 5 atm/50 meters
- Assignable tap function to switch screens, turn on light or set laps
- Vibration alert (available on SF-710 and SF-810)
- Indoor Mode for training without GPS
- Store up to 400 laps of information without needing to sync
- Bluetooth 4.0 connection to smart devices
- Connection to PC via USB
“Epson’s Runsense is the ideal GPS watch for keeping me on track with real-time data on my pace, heart rate and distance,” said Meb Keflezighi, Olympic silver medalist and winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon, the first American male champion since 1983. “I use the Runsense GPS watch every day during my training, and it is a great companion as I work towards the Olympic Trials in 2016.”
Users can download their workouts, stats and measurements either via Epson’s Runsense View portal or the Run Connect mobile app available on iOS and Android . For a faster initial GPS connection, runners can enable AGPS (Assisted GPS) through the app to download GPS satellite data directly to the watch. Runsense is also compatible with popular mobile apps such as MapMyRun, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and Strava.
“Epson has leveraged world class technologies to develop some incredibly accurate and innovative GPS running watches,” said Randy Bergstedt, Group Product Manager, Epson Active. “We are proud to have an athlete of Meb Keflezighi’s caliber on our team, training for the next Olympics with the Runsense SF-810.”
Runsense is available in three different models including the SF-510, SF-710 and SF-810 with an MSRP of $249, $279 and $349 respectively. The SF-510 incorporates tap and smart stride sensor technology, ideal for those looking to improve their stride and getting detailed information on their runs. In addition to the smart stride technology, the SF-710 and SF-810 feature highly customizable interval, pace and lap training features, total ascent/decent data and gradient for advanced performance driven runners. Finally, the SF-810 also includes convenient and comfortable heart rate monitoring at the wrist – no chest strap required. For more information or to purchase the Runsense SF-510, SF-710 or SF-810, please visit: www.epson.com/runsense.