Activity Ben Drew

New Balance NX950 GPS Runner

With advanced features and a long battery life, the NX950 GPS Runner has raised the bar for budget GPS watches. For runners who want basic GPS tracking at a wallet-friendly price, the NX950 is one of the best options available today.

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The NX950 GPS Runner tracks time, distance, speed/pace, and calories. It has auto lap that can be specified for certain distances and it can store up to 99 laps. It comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts an amazing 12 hours in exercise mode – 4 hours longer than most GPS watches in this price range and 7 hours longer than the Garmin Forerunner 10. Additionally, the NX950 will download workouts to a computer to save and analyze. 52581-main-6-700px

But what really sets the NX950 GPS Runner apart from other budget GPS watches is its interval training aid. Normally found on more expensive models, the interval feature allows up to 6 interval workouts, based on time or distance, to be programmed on the watch. Visual and audible alerts signal when to start and stop each rep. If you are following a run/walk training plan, intervals can be programmed to repeat continuously, creating easy reminders to switch between running and walking.

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Because of the NX950 GPS Runner’s low cost, it lacks heart rate monitor compatibility and doesn’t have more advanced features like elevation tracking, virtual partner training aids, or advanced workouts.

When compared to the Garmin Forerunner 10, the NX950 costs less, but still has many similar features. And considering that the Forerunner 10 has a measly 5 hour battery life vs. the NX950’s 12 hours – and that the NX950 has a two year warranty vs. the Forerunner 10’s one year warranty — the New Balance NX950 GPS Runner might be the best budget GPS watch available today!

PROS:

Simple, easy to use
A GPS watch at a low price
Features include interval workouts and the ability to download workouts to a computer

CONS:

Not compatible with accessories like a heart rate monitor and foot pod
It’s not waterproof – don’t take it swimming

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS WATCH

Runners

The NX950 GPS Runner is a watch that does the basics well, plus it has a few extra features thrown in for good measure. It’s a great watch for runners who primarily want to track time, distance, and pace.

Cyclists

We recommend this watch for casual cyclists who only want to monitor their speed and distance. It’s missing features useful for advanced cyclists or triathletes.