Recently, I have been asked a lot about how I like the Nike+ SportWatch. I share my runs on Twitter and post a lot of photos on my Instagram account, so I’m guessing with the holidays just behind us, a lot of runners were looking to upgrade.
So what do I think about it?
I love it. I’m all in with how it works and the way I can interact with it through the app and on my desktop in tracking my miles. But the thing is, I feel I need to provide some additional context as what I am looking for in a watch, might not be in line with what YOU are looking for.
Design
Stellar. Nike nailed it, as they always do with a simple and sleek design. I used to rock “the brick” otherwise known as the Garmin 305. I got this back in 2007 and it had been my go-to watch for 5+ years. It never gave me any issues and worked like charm at all distances, from a 5k to a 50 mile in the rain/mud. Why did I stop using it? Wish I had a better reason other than “wanted something new.” It was a bulky watch and I was looking for something sexy and sleek.
The Nike+ watch is really easy to use with three buttons and huge screen to see the data. You can click through different options like distance, pace, time, etc., pretty standard stuff, but displayed in a user-friendly way (see neon watch in above photo). It was classic Nike simplicity. I really wanted the all-white version, but knew that with the amount of running I do, it would quickly turn into an all-brown version. (that’s me making a joke… please don’t take that literally.)
Left-to-right: (1) Watch in normal non-tracking display. (2) Cycling through options. (3) Reviewing final stats post-activity.
Online Tracking and the App
Here comes the one that you NEED to be aware of. The Nike+ watch only works with the Nike+ App and Nike+ desktop site. That’s right. Your miles and data live within the Nike universe, so if you use other media to track (Daily Mile, Strava, Garmin), it’s not the watch for you. You can however import data from another watch INTO the Nike universe… but it takes a couple steps and isn’t easy to do (it basically involves exporting your “other” data and converting it to a file that Nike can read, and a couple of other steps that doesn’t really justify the time it takes to move a 3 mile Tuesday run… for me).
Tracking Your Current Pace
This one is important, too. As you are running, you can view your “current pace” on the Nike+ watch. Nothing fancy, as most other watches can do it, but I’ve noticed (and this is on my watch, I CANNOT say it is for all) it is off by 15-20 seconds consistently. What does that mean? Let me show you:
Last Monday, I decided to stare at my watch for 3 miles to confirm my hypotheses: “The Nike pace per mile is off by 10-20 seconds, consistently.”
Sample Mile 1: This was mile 3 of an 8 mile run. I ran a route with some slight turns and some incline/declines, but without any stopping points… so it was constant running. Keeping an eye on my watch, the PPM (pace per mile) ranged between 7:09-7:16 for 95% of the mile. I hit 7:24 on a slight incline and when I had to slow for a car, but it never went higher than that.
Overall pace for the mile: 7:40
Sample Mile 2: The following mile was a little more consistent, as my time danced between 7:16-7:30.
Overall pace for the mile: 7:39
Sample Mile 3: Any guess? This one was a little slower, but still ranged between 7:20-7:30.
Overall pace for the mile: 7:41
Conclusions: As you can see, I was in a rhythm and running consistently. The overall mile splits were within seconds of each other and spot on… it felt like a 7:40 pace. Although the watch was showing anywhere from a 7:09-7:30 pace, I never saw a 7:40 time show up and I was not running 7:15 mile for the majority of that first mile. I felt like I ran a consistent 3 miles keeping in a steady pace, which it shows… but tracking the current pace is what seems to be off. I trust the mile splits, not the “current pace.”
TECH SPECS >> Click to enlarge <<
Why do I use it then?
Because I’m never that glued into my current pace. Those three miles sucked because I was staring at my watch every couple steps. I pay attention to the mile splits and adjust based off that because I, and that’s important I, find it more useful.
During training runs, I usually don’t stare too much at my watch. On Saturday I ran 20 miles and looked at my watch for the first time around mile 4… then checked it again every few miles.
During a race, I use it more frequently, usually looking at it at every mile marker. The three things that are the most important to me are tracking total distance, mile splits, and my current overall time and this watch delivers it in a display that I love and can easily move through options/screens if necessary.
And living in the Nike universe? Fine with me. I love the Nike+ app and the interactive features, goals, awards and community are great. It tracks my totals based on day, month, week, year and allows me to compete with other Nike+ users. Since all my miles are tracked through the Nike+ watch, it’s pretty simple for me.
I also use a REAL calendar to track my miles. Yep. A pen on paper in squares on a calendar. I actually reference that more often than the app. I’m old school that way and can absorb it better in a more tangible way.
Would I recommend it?
When people ask me what I think, I’m always honest, but feel that I needed to clarify the “downsides” that it might pose for others. It’s like the family that loves their two-sweater hatchback. Great for them, but terrible for a family of 4 with a dog. I think once I get to a point where I’m looking to qualify for something, like say, I don’t know, Boston… then the current pace would be extremely important. Until then, I’m digging the watch I have.
The best way to figure out what watch works best for you is to determine what YOUR needs are and find a watch that meets them. This isn’t a comparison post. I’m not saying that X watch is better than X watch or that X brand is a more reliable product. My needs are pretty simple and even a basic watch would fulfill those needs… but there is one thing that I want, and that’s the SEXY. And Nike knows how to deliver on that front, watch, app, feel and all.
What watch do you use?
What is important to you on your watch?
I currently use a Garmin 405CX and I am considering upgrading to the Suunto Ambit 2 S in white… Much like you I want a watch that looks good (which in my opinion the 405CX does not!) as well as functional… The one thing holding me back is, like the Nike, I believe the Suunto is only able to work with the Movescount software. Would love to hear from anyone that has the Ambit 2 S or has an informed opinion on them.
Awesome. I love my Nike+ watch. I don’t stare down at my watch while running as I don’t want to focus all of my attention on pace etc…I love how easy it is to use, I love the clean look, and I do enjoy their website. It works for me :)
I got the Garmin 620 for Christmas. I love it, but I love it because of the screen, with my avg. pace as well as my real time pace, miles and time. I had the Nike +, but it just didn’t give me what I need. That being said, watches are like running shoes, there is one out there for everyone. Thanks for the good honest review.
Thanks for the review! I find that my Garmin 410 is off with the current pace, but usually in the other direction – showing me slower than the mile splits. I prefer the error to be that way! Does this watch need the shoe pod or is it an independent GPS?
I love this review! Thank you for being honest. I was looking at this for a while, but just didn’t think the Nike watch could provide what the Garmin or other watches could provide based on what I needed!
I use the Nike + and have thought the same about pace. Thanks for confirming that! I love the look of the watch and am a huge fan of the app, not so much of the website. My favorite thing about the watch us it’s simplicity. Very easy to use, not overdone.
I’ve noticed the same thing, that current pace is pretty fluxuable. I still use it, I just note to myself that if the pace seems wrong, it probably IS wrong, and glance at it again in 30 seconds. Even despite that, I love my Nike+. Have you used the footpod with the treadmill much? (I haven’t. I don’t have any of my treamill miles logged on the site :( ) I used it once, and it said my pace was MUCH faster than seemed possible, so I’m a little hesitant to keep using it/messing up my averages.
I did not even notice the thing about the current pace. Then again I don’t check it that often because I find that it distracts me. I still love the watch, so much better than the Garmin, because of the whole Nike communities.
You can actually import Nike Plus data into Dailymile. They have it built-in for syncing. Also, I had several instances where the Nike Plus website failed to update correctly after uploading my runs. Last week it did not add up the run mileage and only showed the total mileage as from being from one run only – even though I had more. Last year it failed a few times to update the fastest or longest runs. Their support answers quickly, but often does not go the extra mile. I also wish the stats were more detailed and sophisticated.
It sounds like I am complaining, but I am not. I bought my Nike Plus watch in late August and use it on all my runs. I like the size and the ease of use. Definitely cannot beat the price tag compared to other watches. It is a solid product and so far I have been enjoying it quite a bit.
Great recap .. I have the Nike+ watch too and noticed right away the same thing with pace being off vs. my Garmin (so much so I once wore both of them on one arm on a 3 mile run to compare). So, since I can get kind of crazy about pace when “training” on the road I use my Garmin for road running and my Nike for trails .. since for me trails are not about time just distance. I love both of my watches for what I use them for :)! Happy running!
Thanks for the review! I have a Garmin right now, but have been toying with the idea of getting a Nike+ watch instead since I usually use the Nike site to track my miles. Like you I love the community and the awards.
Thanks for posting this. Before I bought my Garmin, I really, really, really wanted this one for the “sexy” factor. Although I went with the Garmin, I still love the look of this one!
Great review! I’m a long-time Nike+ fan – I started using the Nike+ foot pods with my nano over 5 yrs ago, then upgraded to an ipod touch and continued to use the foot pods. I then started using Nike+GPS on my iPhone when I upgraded to that and LOVE it! Dailymile actually can import Nike + data.
I have used the Nike+ watch for 3 years now. I like most things about it, but I find that the distances are off by about .5k. I have had to do a hard reset twice before and it doesn’t really seem to clear it up. I now add .5k to my training distances to ensure I am actually running the required amount for that day. Also, I have to use the pod on my shoe as the GPS doesn’t pick up in my tree-lined neighbourhood.
This is a great review! Thanks :)
I love my Nike watch, it’s the only one I’ve owned though. I wear it with the shoe pod and maybe the current pace setting works better with that. (not sure if you use it). Also, it does sync data with Map My Run and Daily Mile. I use them both. :-)
Great post! I am in the market for a watch, it’s between this, TomTom, Timex and Garmin. I’ve been running with my trusty and outdated Timex Ironman since ’07. But even though I am about to modernize my wrist, like you I am a miles-on-squares guy. Starting to do that again, makes a difference I agree! Mark aka @Marathoner
Awesome. I love the look of this watch. I only recently got a Polar GPS and HRM watch. Before that? Didn’t really use anything other than my bajillion year old Timex.
Uh oh, being consistently off would be a deal breaker for me.
Love your honesty. Happy New Year to you B.
Have used Nike + and Garmin 410. Had nothing but problems with the Nike! I think Nick Symmonds explained it best that running is an after thought to Nike. They make more $ on other sports but running can make them something so why not get out of it what they can. Garmin on the other hand only does GPS/navigation. They are innovative in the tech. and know the business. Garmin wins in my book hands down!
I’ve used the Nike+ for about 5 years now. Just upgraded to the HRM and love getting that data as well. I CAN sync with DailyMile, but no other media. The only time I have trouble is with the shoe-pod which I use on TM runs. It stops linking (battery thing?) or the pace is really off!
Great review. I’ve owned this watch since my 405cx took a perm vacation a year ago. I ran Boston with it, and frankly, it burned me on pace. I was happy to read your test on its lag there. I love the way it looks and it’s a good watch but the pacing accuracy in a race is troublesome. I bought the 610 this past summer for that reason. Thanks for this write-up!
Thanks for the review! I find that my Garmin fails to upload my run or battery doesn’t charge fully or my kids have unplugged it from PC. Look forward to upgrade.
I recently purchased the relatively new Garmin Forerunner 220. This watch is not as advanced as the 620, which measures vertical oscillation, cadence, and ground contact with a premium heart rate monitor.
The 220 has a built in accelerometer and will measure cadence – which is a great addition to the watch. You can also download workouts from Garmin Connect and upload your workouts wirelessly through your smartphone via Bluetooth. Personal records, vibration alerts, and a full color screen make this a great watch for $250.
I’ve been having pace issues with my Nike+, glad to know that I’m not alone. It’s difficult to pace myself with this watch, sometimes it’s too fast and sometimes it’s too slow…still love it though!
II have enjoyed using the Nike+ Sport Watch…WHEN IT WORKS!!! About four months ago, my Nike+ stopped connecting to the Nike+ site. I called Nike support and they were extremely helpful and very friendly and supportive. After attempting several tries, they determined that they would replace the watch. Within a week I had a new Nike+ Sport Watch and I was off and running (pardon the pun!). About three weeks ago, I was getting the same error message (Code 52, or something) again that my watch was not connecting. I downloaded the Nike+ software again and it seemed to fix the problem. Then it returned about a week later…so I downloaded the software again. After a couple of plug and unplugs, with and without the cord, it seems to work. Then last week I went out for an 8 miler…well the watchg would not sync until about a mile into the run (and I walk 5 minutes to warm up)…so I lost a mile of my workouts. Then this morning, it would not sync throughout the entire run (I did a 3 miler before work). As I was cooling down it synced and said it was ready! I was “ready” to throw it in the garbage. I will call Nike again tomorrow and try to get this resolved AGAIN! Most likely they will need to send me another new watch. So this will be the third one I have had if they do. As I said, I do really like the watch, I like to use it, it serves the purpose I bought it for! But the quality of the watch leaves a great deal to be desired!
Hi. I am from Spain and I have the same problem with the pace. It is faster in the watch than in the total time!!!
For km, the error is about 10 seconds for 5’/km. How can we fix it?