Like its younger sibling, the New Balance GPS Runner, the NX980 GPS Trainer has raised the bar for budget GPS watches. The NX980 is for runners who want basic GPS tracking with a heart rate monitor at a budget-friendly price.
See what others are saying about the New Balance NX980 GPS Trainer
The NX980 is very similar to the NX950 GPS Runner. It 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 a total of 12 hours in exercise mode. That’s 4 hours longer than the Garmin Forerunner 15. Additionally, the NX980 can download workouts to a computer to save and analyze.
But what really sets the NX980 GPS Trainer 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.
Because of the NX980 GPS Trainer’s low cost, it lacks more advanced features like elevation tracking, virtual partner training aids, and advanced workouts.
- Simple, easy to use
- A GPS watch at a low price
- Features include interval workouts and the ability to download workouts to a computer
- Included heart rate montior
- Not compatible with accessories like a foot pod
- It’s not waterproof — don’t take it swimming
The NX980 GPS Trainer 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.
FEATURES
Hardware
Battery-life: 12 hours exercise mode
Water-resistant to 50 meters
Data Tracking
Time, Distance, and Speed/Pace
Calories
Workout History
Stores 99 laps
Workout History
Stores 99 laps
Alerts & General Features
Auto lap
Screen customization with two activity profiles
Training Aids
Interval workouts
Syncing
Download workouts to a computer
Accessories
Heart rate monitor
Other Functions
Time of day
Date
Alarms
Stopwatch