If you’re new to the triathlon, a proper watch can help you train more effectively than using a watch that can’t track your activities properly or relying solely on intuition.
A triathlon watch is better than using a regular smartwatch for triathlon training because it’s specially designed for sports like swimming, cycling, and running. Triathlon watches are tougher, more accurate, and have specific features that help with training and racing.
For example, a regular smartwatch might not be as durable and might not track your swimming accurately because it’s not made to handle water well. But a tri watch is water-resistant and can accurately track your swim strokes, distance, and speed.
Also, regular smartwatches might not have features like multisport tracking, which lets you seamlessly switch between swimming, biking, and running during a triathlon. But triathlon watches are built for this, making it easier for you to keep track of your performance in each part of the race.
This is especially important for athletes since they often struggle to maintain the right pace in a triathlon because they’re unsure about their ideal heart rate zone for training.
A dedicated triathlon watch can fix this problem by providing precise data and helping athletes train and race better in swimming, cycling, and running.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to pick the perfect tria watch. First, we’ll talk about the features you should consider. Then, we’ll show you some of the best triathlon watches to check out. Finally, we’ll give you tips on choosing the right training watch for the triathlon.
What’s the Best Triathlon Watch for Multisport Athletes?
As we’ve mentioned, watches for triathlon are created to fit the needs of those participating in this multisport event.
These watches offer several features tailored to the demands of each segment of the race. Let’s explore key functionalities that make a perfect triathlon watch.
Water resistance
Triathlon watches are typically water-resistant, so you can wear them during the swimming portion of the event without damage.
Many models are designed to withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth, ensuring they remain functional even during intense swimming activities.
Multisport tracking
These devices have multisport tracking capabilities.
This lets athletes seamlessly transition between swimming, cycling, and running while still accurately tracking their performance in each discipline.
GPS tracking
GPS functionality enables accurate monitoring of speed, distance, and route during both outdoor cycling and running segments of the race.
This feature helps athletes track their pace and progress throughout the event.
Heart rate monitoring
When exploring watches for triathlon, you will discover that most of them come equipped with heart rate monitoring features, either through built-in sensors or compatibility with external heart rate monitors.
This allows athletes to keep an eye on their exertion levels and optimize their execution during the race.
Transition timing
Triathletes need to efficiently transition between each segment of the race.
Some triathlon watches include features to track transition times, helping athletes identify areas for improvement and streamline their transitions.
Long battery life
Given the endurance nature of triathlons, triathlon watches often boast extensive battery life to ensure they can last throughout the entire race, including potentially hours of activity tracking.
Customizable data screens
Triathlon watches usually let you choose what info you see on the screen, so during the race, you can easily keep track of things like how fast you’re going, how far you’ve gone, your heart rate, and the time.
Training metrics and analysis
Many triathlon watches offer advanced training metrics and analysis features, allowing athletes to review their performance data after the race to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in their training regimen.
Integration with third-party services.
Triathlon watches often integrate with third-party services like Strava, Training Picks, and other sports tracker apps. This allows athletes to sync their data with platforms for further analysis, training planning, and sharing with coaches or training partners.
Device connectivity.
Compatibility with smartphones and other devices is important for data synchronization, firmware updates, and additional functionalities such as notifications and music control during workouts.
Summing up, triathlon watches are crucial tools for dedicated triathletes. They offer durability, track multiple sports, and provide performance stats tailored for triathlon races.
Let’s see what options are available.
Best Triathlon Watches in 2024 to Track Your Swims, Cycles and Runs
Accuracy and versatility are key when it comes to triathlon watches. These devices go beyond tracking your runs.
We’ve explored multiple reviews and, based on the data we’ve found, gathered a list of the best triathlon watches for your 2024 races.
To select the best watches, we considered the following factors:
- Seamless monitoring of biking, swimming, and running activities.
- Accurate tracking of distances and routes during outdoor activities.
- Resistant to water to withstand swimming and adverse weather conditions.
- The quick transition between different sports without interrupting tracking or timing.
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate to measure performance and fitness levels.
- Extended battery life to support long-distance events or training sessions.
- Detailed analysis of performance metrics like pace, cadence, and stroke count.
- Integration with accessories like chest straps for enhanced heart rate monitoring or cycling sensors for more precise data.
- Ability to customize data screens, alerts, and training plans to suit individual needs and preferences.
- Seamless syncing with smartphones or computers for data analysis and sharing with training apps or platforms.
When evaluating these features, we’ve selected the top 8 watches that meet all the thiathletes needs best. You will find watches with different capabilities and price ranges, so this list has something for every budget and need.
What is the Best Smart Watch for Triathlon in 2024?
Check out our top picks of best watches for triathlon. Warning: Expect to see a few Garmin and Suunto watches in this list. Its because these companies invest a lot in innovation and craft top-notch multisport watches.
Garmin Forerunner 965
According to multiple reviews on Amazon and other platforms, Garmin Forerunner 965 is the top choice for many thriatheletes.
They appreciate the quality, GPS tracking, and long-lasting battery. Additionally, users really like its versatility, with some calling it ideal for various activities, while others highlight its dual GPS for superior accuracy.
Customers are happy with features such as the heart rate monitor and the watch’s slim design. However, there are mixed opinions about its value for money and overall performance.
Specifications:
- The Garmin Forerunner 965 is equipped with a 1.4-inch (35.4 mm) touchscreen AMOLED display with a resolution of 454×454 pixels, hardened Gorilla Glass DX, and a titanium frame.
- The overall diameter of the gadget capsule with 5ATM water resistance is 47 mm, and the thickness of the watch does not exceed 13.2 mm.
- The memory capacity is 32 GB.
- The storage can be used to store music and listen to it without a smartphone (via Bluetooth headphones). Direct downloads from Deezer, Spotify, or Amazon Music are supported.
- The battery life in moderate usage mode is up to 23 days, and in GPS workout tracking mode, it is up to 31 hours.
- Weight: It weighs 53 grams.
- Water resistance: The watch is water-resistant, up to 5 ATMs.
- Maps: Built-in maps for navigation.
- Health Monitoring: Accurate heart rate monitoring.
- Price: from $599
Here are a few more advanced Garmin Forerunner 965 features:
- Routes with step-by-step directions
You can create or find existing routes in the Garmin Connect app or sync from your favorite third-party platforms and receive step-by-step directions.
- Loop route
Specify the distance you want to cover – and get route suggestions that bring you back. Also, use the TrendLine feature to find the best local paths.
- Recovery time
Based on your recent workout, find out how much time you need to recover physically before your next intense training session.
- Race prediction
You can estimate your pace for 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, and marathon distances.
Additionally, you can listen to music tracks directly from the watch while training and utilize Garmin Pay for faster payments.
Sigma iD.TRI
The Sigma Sport iD.TRI sports watch is designed for professional triathlon training as well as individual disciplines such as running, cycling, and swimming. You can also set your own sport mode.
A fundamental difference from the ID.FREE model is the Workouts and Competition modes. Workouts involve pre-planned training sessions with specific target parameters, while Competition mode is for triathlon competitions and preparation for them.
Its simple, intuitive controls, combined with smart functions and special accessories, will please not only newcomers but also experienced triathletes. Thanks to Bluetooth, ANT+, and USB, the iD.TRI can be connected to smartphones, computers, and external sensors.
Moreover, the iD.TRI watch is not only a reliable partner in triathlon but also suitable for daily use due to its activity tracking and sleep analysis features.
The well-thought-out training system of the iD.TRI watch measures all values relevant to triathletes in individual disciplines through special algorithms. Sports profiles can be adjusted and viewed separately on the watch. Target zones and workouts can be set based on various parameters, which can be assessed and analyzed using Sigma software tools.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 8 mm
- Data transmission: ANT+/Bluetooth
- Battery life: Up to 14 days
- Water resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
- Weight: 42 g
- Materials: Plastic, mineral glass, silicone
- 4 user sports profiles
- GPS
- Smart light
- Failure warning
- Training in target zones
- Weather trends
- Personal records
- Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ connection to external sensors
- Activity tracking, including sleep analysis
- Competition mode and planner
- Special algorithms for swimming, cycling, and running
- SnapOn Bike Mount
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate, accelerometer, altimeter, compass
- Price: ~$250-$280
Overall, the iD.TRI watch is designed to help triathletes prepare for and finish competitions stress-free. It has a special racing mode where you can customize the order and distance of disciplines, allowing for different race types like duathlons.
During races, it tracks transition times between disciplines and reminds athletes to refuel and stay hydrated. With a simple menu and four buttons, it’s easy to use. Its slim design makes it suitable for wearing under neoprene clothing during swimming, and it’s water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Plus, it’s made of premium materials and has interchangeable silicone straps.
Thanks to USB and Bluetooth, the iD.TRI watch can connect to PCs and smartphones. For training setup, as well as professional evaluation and data analysis, triathletes have access to the Sigma DATA CENTER and Sigma LINK app.
Polar Pacer Pro
The Polar Pacer Pro stands out as one of the top choices among Polar watches currently available. This watch will help you focus on your training and improve your performance.
Athletes can appreciate the Pacer Pro’s new display. It offers excellent brightness and readability even in direct sunlight. This device features faster processing power than its predecessor, the Vantage M2, resulting in more fluid screen transitions and faster loading times.
Equipped with most of the features found in Polar’s flagship model, the Pacer Pro can even measure running power directly from the wrist.
Like the Pacer model, the Pro has an upgraded processor and increased RAM and has become lighter – the model weighs only 41 grams.
The Pacer Pro uses an improved antenna for GNSS signal reception and a barometer to track changes in altitude.
The watch can work for up to 7 days on a single battery charge. It offers 35 hours of autonomous operation on a single charge with active GPS and heart rate tracking and up to 100 hours of tracking in energy-saving mode
Precision Prime™ technology, developed by Polar experts, is considered the most reliable and accurate in the industry.
The mix of sensors and smart data processing reduces interference from movement, ensuring accurate data even in challenging conditions.
This feature is especially helpful for triathletes because it means you can rely on your watch to give you accurate information about your performance, no matter how intense your movements are during swimming, cycling, or running.
So, whether you’re in the water, on the bike, or pounding the pavement, you can trust that your watch is giving you the right data to guide your training and race strategy.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 11.5 mm
- Weight: 41 g with bracelet, 24 g without the bracelet.
- Display: 1.1 inches, Memory in Pixels (MIP) trans-reflective display. 240×240 Color display (always on), Gorilla Glass 3.0
- Battery life: up to 35 hours in training mode (with GPS and wrist heart rate sensor) and up to 7 days in watch mode. Various power-saving options extend battery life up to 100 hours.
- Materials: Plastic, aluminum
- GPS
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity. Individual USB cable for charging and data synchronization
- Compatible with any standard Bluetooth Low Energy sensors for measuring heart rate, power, cycling speed, step frequency, or pedaling
- Water resistance (WR50)
- Running test to determine VO2Max
- Determining heart rate zones based on the running test
- Hill Splitter for automatic hill detection
- Running power
- Navigation along downloaded routes
- Training Load Pro to determine optimal workload
- FitSpark to ensure you don’t miss out on functional training
- Nightly recharge for recovery monitoring
- Polar flow running assistant
- Price: $300-$330
The Pacer Pro is currently the top choice for those seeking the best value in a triathlon watch. Its competitive pricing and ability to measure running power without external sensors make it a compelling option.
Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch
The Coros Apex Premium Multisport GPS watch can be used for a wide range of sports activities, including multisports.
The watch has strong sapphire glass that won’t scratch, even during rough sports. Plus, you can customize how it looks, so it’s stylish enough for meetings or parties.
This watch lasts longer on a single charge than any other GPS watch out there. It’s easy to use in any situation because it has a well-designed button that can be pressed with just one finger.
With accurate analysis of training load and performance, you can easily evaluate your workload and receive recommendations for recovery so you can perform your best.
The Coros app provides a comprehensive graphical analysis of your training, including VO2-max, recovery advice, threshold pace, training load for the past seven days, personal fitness index, and much more.
Additionally, you can connect to favorite third-party apps like Diet and Training Peaks and automatically record workouts.
Specifications:
- Sapphire glass
- Ability to zoom in/out with digital keys
- Support for iOS, Android
- GPS navigation
- Time to full charge: up to 2 hours
- Size: 46mm display,1.2″ with a resolution of 240 x 240 (64 colors)
- Display type: LCD
- Dimensions: 48.50 x 48.50 x 13.75 mm
- Wireless connectivity: BT4.2 BLE for smartphones only, ANT+ for accessories
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- Sensors: Optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass
- Waterproof: 10 ATM (100 meters / 328 feet)
- Temperatures: from 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C), from -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
- Battery: 100 hours in UltraMax GPS mode, 35 hours with GPS, 30 days without GPS
- Supported modes: Running, indoor running, track running, trail running, walking, cycling, indoor cycling, swimming, triathlon, pool, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, cardio gym, GPS cardio, multisport.
- Price: $349-$380
Wahoo Elemnt Rival
The Wahoo Elemnt Rival Multi-Sport GPS Watch is designed to keep you focused on your performance without getting bogged down by complicated gear.
It has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate, with a colorful display and durable build that can handle tough workouts.
You can use it for up to 14 days on a single charge, but if you’re using GPS constantly, expect about 24 hours of battery life.
It connects to your Android or iPhone via Bluetooth and can be customized with the Wahoo app. It syncs with popular fitness apps like Strava and Training Peaks.
Specifications:
- Battery lasts up to 24 hours with GPS and 2 weeks in standby mode
- Built-in altimeter
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Color screen with Gorilla Glass protection
- Supports Livetrack when linked to your phone
- Uploads data to third-party sites
- Compact size: 46.5 x 46.5 x 15.3 mm
- 1.2″ color display
- Lightweight design: 53 g
- Compatible with ANT+® and BLUETOOTH® devices
- Works with iPhone and Android phones
- Includes altimeter, GPS compass, and accelerometer sensors
- Price: from $160 to $379
Overall, while it is as feature-packed as some competitors, the Wahoo Elemnt Rival is a solid choice for triathletes, as well as those focused on swim, bike, and running activities. It provides essential data without complicating things, making it a great option for athletes.
Garmin Phenix 7X
The Fenix 7X Solar multisport GPS watch is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike.
Its rugged design and scratch-resistant Power Glass™ lens, powered by solar energy, ensure extended battery life. This allows you to focus more on your activities and less on charging.
With wrist-based heart rate monitoring and a Pulse Oximeter, the Fenix 7X keeps you informed about your body’s condition. It provides valuable insights to optimize your training performance.
Whether you’re running, cycling, or engaging in any other activity, this watch has you covered with its comprehensive tracking capabilities and preloaded sports profiles.
One of the standout features you will enjoy is its ability to play music directly from the watch. This way, you don’t need to carry a phone during workouts. Additionally, the built-in LED flashlight comes in handy for nighttime activities.
The Fenix 7X Solar’s durability is unmatched and it has been tested to military standards for resistance to temperature, shocks, and water. Its touchscreen interface and reliable control buttons offer easy navigation and quick access to various functions.
However, there’s one little drawback we want to highlight. The display is not visible underwater, so it will be hard to track your swimming pace.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 51 mm
- Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode): Up to 28 days / 37 days with solar charging. In Battery Saver Mode: Up to 90 days / over 1 year with solar charging. In GPS Mode: Up to 89 hours / 122 hours with solar charging. All Satellite Systems: Up to 63 hours / 77 hours with solar charging.
- Built-in maps
- Daily workouts
- LED Flashlight
- Garmin Pay (Contactless Payment)
- Music storage
- Touchscreen
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Device Dimensions (LxWxH): 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm
- Weight: 89 g
- Display Size: 1.4″ (35.56 mm) diameter
- Display Resolution: 280 x 280 pixels
- Memory / History: 32 GB
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, SatIQ, Garmin Elevate Heart Rate Measurement, Pulse Oximeter, Barometric Altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Thermometer, Heart Rate Sensor.
- Protocol Support: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+
- Multisport activity profiles: Swim/Run, Triathlon.
- Price: from $899.99
With a solar-charging lens, your device will operate for up to 22 days in smartwatch mode when used for 3 hours per day under direct sunlight (50,000 lux). In GPS mode with solar charging, the device maintains its charge for up to 73 hours (under continuous use throughout the entire period in lighting conditions of 50,000 lux).
Overall, the Fenix 7X Solar is a top-notch multisport GPS watch that delivers on performance, durability, and convenience. Its advanced features make this watch a must-have for anyone serious about their outdoor adventures and fitness goals.
Suunto 9 Baro
While Suunto watches may not be as popular as Garmin or Polar, they are highly regarded in performance sports circles.
Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just starting out, these watches offer ruggedness, precision, and essential training tools for your multisport endeavors.
Suunto 9 Baro isn’t just a GPS watch. It’s a testament to durability and reliability. It can keep track of your location with GPS for up to 7 days straight, matching your endurance every step of the way.
This watch is made for all sorts of sports and is perfect for anyone who needs a tough and dependable sports watch. It is equipped with a clever system that manages its battery life and sends helpful notifications, ensuring it lasts through any activity.
Whether you’re into intense workouts, long races, or daring adventures, Suunto 9 is there to keep up with you.
Specifications:
- Size: 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.66″
- Weight: 81 g / 2.86 oz
- Materials: Stainless steel, Sapphire glass, Polyamide, fiber-reinforced
- Battery Life in watch mode: 14 days. With continuous tracking and mobile notifications: 7 days. Training mode with GPS: 25 hours / 50 hours / 120 hours / 170 hours.
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, GNSS frequency support.
- Heart rate monitoring.
- Over 80 sport modes are available, covering activities from running and cycling to swimming and skiing.
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- A touch screen interface.
- Weather-related features.
- Adjust volume, pause, and skip tracks directly from your wrist.
- Monitor fat and carbohydrate burn during exercise.
- Heatmaps: Plan routes using heatmaps in the Suunto app.
- Virtual ghost runner: Practice pacing with a virtual ghost runner.
- Price: from $239.00
Tested rigorously in tough conditions, Suunto 9 Baro is built to last. It’s been put through its paces by professional athletes and Suunto’s own testing team, enduring thousands of hours of real-world use.
Plus, it meets the strict standards of the US military, so you can trust it to handle low temperatures, impacts, sandstorms, and more.
Suunto Baro 9 watches come packed with features for challenging adventures, like GPS, a barometer, and extensive battery life. And they’re available in different sizes to suit everyone. Made in Finland, they’re reliable and ready for anything.
You can connect your Suunto watch to your favorite apps and share your adventures with the Suunto partner network.
It’s the perfect size and weight for wearing comfortably all day. And it’s built tough, too, with a stainless steel bezel, sapphire glass, and a strong polyamide case.
Suunto Race
According to The5kRunner, Suunto Race is one of the best sports watches available on the market now. Let’s see why.
Suunto Race is not just another multisports watch. It’s a dependable ally seamlessly integrated into your daily routine.
It monitors your exercise and health, giving you helpful advice and information. Plus, it looks good and works well for both exercise and regular wear.
With Suunto Race, you can expect optimized workouts. Its intelligent analysis of training load, progress tracking, and recovery assessment via heart rate variability (HRV) analysis ensures you’re always on track.
Supported by the Suunto Coach AI feature, you can get personalized advice with just a tap. And it works smoothly with popular apps like TrainingPeaks, giving you full control over your fitness journey.
The vibrant and crisp AMOLED display of the Suunto Race watch guarantees crystal-clear visibility, even under the blazing sun.
Navigating through menus is a breeze thanks to its responsive 1.43-inch touchscreen, while the intuitive digital crown button on the side adds a touch of convenience. It’s the perfect blend of modern technology and practicality.
Specifications:
- A high-quality AMOLED screen
- Smart crown button for effortless scrolling
- Endurance tested according to military standards
- Unmatched Battery Life: Opt for the “Performance” mode for up to 40 hours of training. Switch to “Travel” mode during GPS tracking to stretch the battery life up to 5 days.
- 95 sports modes to choose from
- Step-by-step navigation and navigation chains allow you to focus on training while the watch guides your route accurately.
- Heart rate tracking, along with smart notifications, for added convenience.
- Weight 83 g
- Display diagonal: 1.43″
- Button lock, Wireless synchronization, Mobile app integration, Automatic time and date update
- Music player control
- Case size: 49 mm
- Water resistance 10 ATM
- Compatibility: Smartphones with Android 5.0 or later, Smartphones with iOS 12.0 or later
- Activity types: Running, Walking, Fitness, Cycling, Yoga, Swimming, Multisport mode
- Display resolution: 466 x 466 pixels
- Battery life: Up to 40 hours in GPS mode, up to 26 days in normal use
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometric altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Pulse oximeter (SpO2), Heart rate monitor, Thermometer
- Price: from $449 (Black) to $549 (Titanium)
This rugged watch is rigorously tested and built to withstand the harshest conditions without sacrificing style.
Plus, with a battery life of up to 26 days, you’re equipped for extended adventures and intense training sessions without worrying about recharging. Whether it’s a workout session or a regular day, Suunto Race stands as your reliable companion, ready to take on whatever life throws your way.
Which Garmin Watches are Best for Triathletes?
In this article, we have featured two great Garmins – Forerunner 965 and Fenix 7.
Both these watches stand out as an excellent choice for triathletes. They offer all the features you might need in your triathlon training and during races.
However, there are many other Garmin watches that you can choose for triathlon. For example, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is packed with all the features you might need, including:
- A responsive touchscreen, making it easy to navigate during intense workouts.
- The solar version harnesses sunlight to extend battery life, ideal for long triathlons.
- Training readiness functionality. This feature helps optimize your training sessions by analyzing your readiness for workouts.
- Impressive Battery Life: You won’t have to worry about charging mid-race.
Priced from $399.99, it’s a solid investment for triathletes.
Also, the GARMIN EPIX series offers a great selection of watches for professional triathletes.
For example, the Garmin Epix (Gen 2) – a state-of-the-art GPS smartwatch tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. This watch blends reliability with cutting-edge tech, making it an essential companion for adventurers, athletes, and nature lovers.
Here are some key features you will benefit from:
- Equipped with preloaded topographic maps and access to GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems.
- Advanced metrics like heart rate, VO2 max, and recovery time.
- Crafted from durable slate steel, this watch can handle any weather condition.
- It’s water-resistant, dustproof, and built to last, ensuring it survives all your adventures.
- Battery life lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 48 hours in GPS mode.
So, if you are thinking about buying a Garmin watch for your training, the options we’ve covered are definitely worth checking out.
How do I Choose a Triathlon Watch?
Choosing a multisport watch involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a guide to help you select the right one:
- Determine your budget range.
Prices can vary widely depending on the features and brand. Decide how much you are willing to spend and look for watches within that limit.
- Consider water resistance.
Since swimming is a crucial component of triathlons, ensure the watch you choose is highly water-resistant.
Look for a watch with a water resistance rating suitable for swimming activities, ideally with a depth rating of at least 50 meters or 5 ATM (atmospheres).
- Choose a watch with multisport tracking.
Select a watch with multisport tracking capabilities. Look for watches that can accurately track swimming, cycling, and running activities and seamlessly transition between each discipline.
- GPS functionality is important.
If you participate in outdoor cycling and running, GPS functionality is essential for tracking distance, speed, and route.
Ensure the watch has reliable GPS tracking to provide accurate performance data during these activities.
- Look for a watch with heart rate monitoring.
Determine if you want a watch with built-in heart rate monitoring or compatibility with external heart rate monitors. Heart rate monitoring can provide valuable insights into your exertion levels and help optimize your training and race performance.
- Long battery life is everything.
Consider the watch’s battery life, especially if you anticipate longer race durations or extended training sessions.
Look for watches with long battery life to ensure they can last throughout your activities without needing frequent recharging.
- Don’t compromise on comfort and fit.
Pay attention to the design, size, and weight of the watch to ensure it’s comfortable to wear during activities. Consider factors such as strap material, clasp type, and overall ergonomics to find a watch that fits securely and comfortably on your wrist.
- Check out data metrics and analysis features.
Evaluate the data metrics and analysis features offered by the watch. Look for customizable data screens, advanced training metrics, and post-race analysis tools that align with your training goals and preferences.
- See if the watch is compatible with other devices.
Check if the watch is compatible with your smartphone and any other devices or apps you use for training and data analysis. Compatibility with popular fitness apps and platforms can enhance your overall training experience.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing tri watches. Make sure you prioritize the features that matter most to you. Then, you’ll be able to select a watch that enhances your training, performance, and overall triathlon experience.
Summing up: What Watch to Get for Triathlon?
Selecting the great watch is essential for optimizing training and race performance.
Multisport watches offer a range of features tailored to the demands of multisport athletes, including water resistance, multisport tracking, GPS functionality, heart rate monitoring, transition timing, long battery life, customizable data screens, and advanced training metrics.
In this guide, we’ve explored the best multisport watches available in 2024, including the Garmin, Sigma, Polar, Coros, Wahoo, and Suunto watches.
Each device offers unique features and benefits suited to triathlon specifics and training needs.
Here are our top triathlon watch picks for 2024:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 is one of the best sports watches overall and the top choice for many thriatheletes.
- Garmin Fenix 7X Solar multisport is an excellent multisport GPS watch featuring an impressive combination of performance, durability, and convenience.
- Sigma Sport iD.TRI – designs specifically for triathlon training.
- Polar Pacer Pro offers accurate data thanks to its Precision Prime™ technology.
- Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch lasts longer on a single charge than any other GPS watch out there.
- Wahoo Elemnt Rival is the most budget-friendly option. It provides essential data, making it a great option for athletes.
- The Suunto 9 Baro is a durable and reliable GPS watch that lasts up to 7 days on a single charge. It is perfect for any sport or adventure.
- The Suunto Race watch is a great choice for athletes because of its extensive battery life, sleek design, and intelligent training analysis.
- Choose the Garmin Forerunner 955 for accurate performance metrics, long-lasting battery life, and a sleek design that complements your fitness journey
- Garmin Epix (Gen 2) combines the best of Garmin’s sports tracking technology with a sleek AMOLED display, making it an excellent choice for triathlon pros and enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, investing in the right watch is key to achieving your fitness goals and conquering your next multisport event.
Remember that individual preferences and priorities play a role in choosing the best watch.
Consider factors like budget range, water resistance, multisport tracking capabilities, GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, battery life, comfort and fit, data metrics and analysis features, and compatibility when making your decision.
If you are looking for training programs to level up your speed and endurance, feel free to check out our training plans.
Happy training!
