Running watch recommendation

[EdT]

Have a Garmin forerunner 50.. Straps broken can't replace. So am opportunity to upgrade.
Need watch to handle pyramid intervals.
I use map my run at the moment. Is gps a real benefit or a gimmick?
And one that CAN have a strap replacement if it fails once day

[soad]

Best running watch to buy in 2015:
http://www.t3.com/features/best-running-watch

[Willy Nilly]

I use an old (it is now) Garmin 305 and probably won't get more out of a newer version. The GPS is very useful for giving a much more accurate measure of how far you have run and what I find far more useful is that it tells me what my pace is, this has been very useful for training because I decide what pace I want to run a race at for a PB then hang on for grim death...

[addey]

www.dcrainmaker.com is the best resource for running watch reviews. One of the running magazines (possibly runners world) had a grouptest this month too.

I'm very happy with my Polar M400 but not sure how programmable the intervals are if you are trying to set up pyramids. You can do custom workouts in polarflow (online) then upload to the watch

edited to add - not sure if the straps are replaceable on the Polar, they seem to be very much integrated to the watch. I had a Suunto previously that the straps were replaceable so might be worth looking at their range

Edited by addey on Sunday 3rd May 17:31