WatchUSeek Watch Forums banner

Running With The GBD-H1000

37K views 216 replies 43 participants last post by  RandM  
#1 ·
I have been running since 1978. For you Timex fans, that was before the advent of the Ironman. The next breakthrough was the heart monitor then GPS. I remember running with a Timex box strapped to my arm that functioned as a GPS. In short, it sucked.

Garmin changed the game, Suunto jumped in and other companies came and went. Timex never caught up. I used to love Suunto but the Fenix grinds it into the dirt. The simple Apple Watch will meet almost all runners needs.

Casio has a high bar to clear and they did. Before I took the watch out for a run, I went with my youngest daughter for a two mile walk. That gave me plenty of time to tinker with the watch. It is not like anything else on the market and the instructions are non-existent. I can not recommend this enough. Better you screw up a walk that doesn’t count than a run that does. If you are a walker, write one off.

The more I tinkered with the watch, the more I became aware that it had all of the features I needed. Take the time to set the face of the watch so when you are exercising it has the data that is important to you. Read all of the selections since they are all similar. I changed them after my first run. For example, I prefer total distance over lap distance.

The watch performed like a champ. The screen is a little hard to read and I wish you could have 5 fields of data instead of 4 but it is easy changing screens. I did not set vibration so I missed every mile split but that was easily remedied when I was done. After wearing the watch for a while you don’t notice the size or heft.

Besides visibility issues and having not yet figured to delete messages, I am happy with the watch. If you factor in durability and solar charging, the watch is worth the price. Ask any runner who had ever taken a spill, particularly on trails. On my wish list I wish it synced with the Nike app. Overall, I am impressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#2 ·
Mine just arrived yesterday so I've only had time to use it on one run so far and I was equally impressed.

I still need to go in and change the display to show what I want it to display but after my run, it synched up the details to my Strava account seamlessly. The mileage recorded what my RunKeeper app logged perfectly.

The watch fit my 7.5" wrist very comfortably and the size was never an issue (it's more comfortable on the wrist than my Rangeman is). I find the display to be very crisp and very legible, even while on the go.

Like I said, I'm only one day in, but this is definitely a keeper.

Regarding the instructions - the type in the booklet that came with the watch is too small for my eyes but thankfully the instructions are also available online: https://support.casio.com/global/en/wat/manual/3475_en/
 
#12 ·
This guy-
talks a little about cycling. Fair warning, using it doesn't really come up until about 9 minutes in. Sounds like a lot of the calculations (like calories, VO2 max) only work while running, and not running on a treadmill. He also seems to think they may update it, so maybe it will change.
 
#5 ·
You can charge it both ways. During the week I run when it is dark but I would think if I was outside more, I would have to charge it less. I do not know why it would not work on a bike, the satellite maps your motion and the pulse is measured from your wrist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#6 ·
You can charge it both ways. During the week I run when it is dark but I would think if I was outside more, I would have to charge it less. I do not know why it would not work on a bike, the satellite maps your motion and the pulse is measured from your wrist.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Thanks! I've recently taken road cycling a lot more seriously after spending 3 decades on BMX and Mountain bike.

As I hit the big 4, I think I should take heart rate a lot more seriously.

I don't really like most of the offerings by Suunto, Polar and Garmin. And I hate the idea of strapping on an external HRM.

The phone apps + watch combo seems more attractive to me as I always need GPS navigation.

The B1000 Rangeman is an attractive watch IMO but too unwieldy for road cycling.
 
#7 ·
I am a lifelong runner and have been plant based the majority of my adult life. I had a heart attack at 57 running my 25th marathon. At that point they realized I had a prior one that I was unaware of. Take care of yourself, especially your heart.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#10 ·
I run 6 miles 4 times a week and walk 5 the other 3. My wife and youngest daughter were less than a quarter of a mile away and it really traumatized my youngest daughter. Apparently I was dead for 8 minutes. Thank goodness for CPR and dropping dead in front of a building with a defibrillator. I would like to run another half but I will have to measure their responses.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#16 ·
I just received mine this week and did 3 rides on my road bike with it. I have compared it to my cycling computer, both the output of the GPS and heart rate (compared to a chest strap). The output data that I get in Strava is indistinguishable from one another. One thing I do notice is that the speed update interval on the watch screen is a bit long. So if you are slowing down or speeding up the displayed speed is not too accurate. Heart rate is spot on compared to a chest strap while cycling. Legibility of the screen is also very good: I hardly need to move my arm to read it.

That said, some of the software features are not as useful for cycling, like the training plans and VO2max values. Interestingly you get a cadence output while cycling, unfortunately I have no cadence sensor so I can't compare it.
 
#18 ·
I just received mine this week and did 3 rides on my road bike with it. I have compared it to my cycling computer, both the output of the GPS and heart rate (compared to a chest strap). The output data that I get in Strava is indistinguishable from one another. One thing I do notice is that the speed update interval on the watch screen is a bit long. So if you are slowing down or speeding up the displayed speed is not too accurate. Heart rate is spot on compared to a chest strap while cycling. Legibility of the screen is also very good: I hardly need to move my arm to read it.

That said, some of the software features are not as useful for cycling, like the training plans and VO2max values. Interestingly you get a cadence output while cycling, unfortunately I have no cadence sensor so I can't compare it.
Thank you for the in depth information!!! If I am using Strava, the speed is a bit laggy too. I have a cateye wireless onboard with cadence sensor.
 
#21 ·
I've run 50+ miles since my GBH-1000 arrived earlier this week and all my activities synched up to Strava like they were supposed to... until this morning's long run. For some reason this one didn't synch. I did another short activity this afternoon and that one synched up immediately. Anybody know a way to resync an activity that some how got hung up?
 
#22 ·
I got my GBD-H1000 two weeks ago. I really like it, except that I do indoor activities like elliptical training, and have found that the calorie count appears to be linked to the accelerometer. The calories are grossly under-estimated unless you are physically moving the watch in a running, impactful motion. Given the same heart rate, if I 'shake' the watch one can literally see the calorie count increase when it is moved. Unfortunately, it does not count other smooth movements like the handles of an elliptical as movement, and it certainly doesn't work for cycling. The VO2max in these conditions is grossly off as well.

The marketing on this watch is a little misleading, because it sometimes talks about 'workouts' and shows people working indoors. As far as I can tell, this is strictly an outdoor running watch.

it is a shame, because everything else is so fantastic. The screen is the best inverted screen I have ever seen, and unlike what I expected, has much better contrast than the one on my GPR-B1000. Unlike other inverted LCD screens, this MIP screen has the same contrast regardless of polarization of illumination, really great.

I guess they could add more activities in software updates, but Casio doesn't have a great track record for adding features after a release that I can see.
 
#23 ·
They are going to have to keep up and change or this line will go the way of Tom Tom and other sport watch manufacturers. Casio has the money to improve this instrument and get a foot hold in a very competitive market. This is really their first opportunity to add features.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#25 ·
I’ve been sending feedback on reliability of Strava reporting, the fact the web app sometimes reverts to Japanese, notification improvements on the watch and Bluetooth issues to Casio UK customer services via WhatsApp and they have been very responsive asking for screenshots.

It may not go anywhere however they have assured me all the info is being sent to Tokyo.

Maybe if more reports are logged through customer services updates will come?

Fingers crossed as the hardware is great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#26 ·
It's in their interest to make these thing right.
Because there are many more affordable and better options on the market.
Sill not convinced to be test pilot at my own expense.
I have MS Windows for that and whole bunch of phone apps.
So far as long as you have smartwatch/fitness watch there is little point in going way of the Casio.
As far as sport/fitness/smart parts are of interest.
 
#27 ·
The watch has a lot of competition for a fitness/running watch. However, trail runners, hikers and runners that are hard on watches such as paramedics and jailers need a tough watch and that narrows the field. You also have to pay twice as much for the solar feature.

My days of running Trail Ultras are over, but I could have used this watch. There is a better possibility of me spending a week on a beach somewhere and now I don't need to bring any cords or a more water resistant watch.

As I have said before this watch is not the gold standard but is an incredible first effort.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#31 ·
Just got mine a few days ago. One thing I wish Casio would have done is swapped the Run button with the Sensor. For most of us (right-handers who wear watch on the left side), navigating the menu is awkward . You have to twist your hand and fingers to use the left side buttons, and frequently you're blocking the screen while doing so. It would have been so much easier to do it with right-side buttons - oh well. Other than that, I love the look and feel of the watch. Additional feature wishes: 1) hourly chime, 2) Sunset/Sunrise times, 3) custom screens for Main screen (not just activity screens). Maybe in a future firmware update??
 
#34 ·
Fitness is huge. The overwhelming majority of athletic apparel, running shoes and athletic watches are never used for sustained activity. Kudos to Fitbit for getting inactive citizens to walk 10,000 steps a day. Lifelong runners are a different group. The truth of the matter is you just need good shoes. Wicking shorts and shirts are a close second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#35 ·
Fitness is huge. The overwhelming majority of athletic apparel, running shoes and athletic watches are never used for sustained activity. Kudos to Fitbit for getting inactive citizens to walk 10,000 steps a day. Lifelong runners are a different group. The truth of the matter is you just need good shoes. Wicking shorts and shirts are a close second.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
+1 and water bottles. Mine got kicked, smashed and stolen when i left them on the side of the track.
Hydration is very important. So regular 1l coke variety filled with water works. Cheapest thing.
Depending on how you run your watch needs will be different too.
 
#36 ·
I'm now a week further in using it and have cycled 169 km with this watch.

The bad:

- I've had (only) one run that did not sync to Strava. When I was saving it, I was at the edge of my wifi reception, therefore the connection may have been interrupted. From now on I will press save when I'm inside the house.
- I've had no VO2max results and this may not be possible to get while cycling. Personally I really don't like running, so I have no real use for the current implementation of the training status and a lot of the analysis.
- There is no hourly chime! Say what? This is a Casio signature feature and I miss it a lot.
- The messaging feature does not always mark messages as 'read', but this may be an iOS issue.

The good:
- I'm very impressed by the solar charging. When I got the watch I left the heart rate monitor running 24/7 to drain the battery. With training for an average of about 40 minutes per day it went from 5 bars to low (=1 bar) in 4 days (first bar was gone quite quick). Then I switched off the continuous heart rate and charged it in the sun until it just flipped over to 3 bars (took about 6 hours of full sunlight in the Netherlands). I've been using it since Sunday and did about 4 hours of GPS logging and it is still at 3 bars. It has been sunny ever since I received the watch 1,5 week ago, and I have been outside a lot, but I did not take it off my wrist to charge. Let's see how it holds up in the coming rainy week (and hope I can get enough cycling time).
- Heart-rate measuring is spot-on
- The display legibility is awesome, in a league of its own if you ask me. Don't worry about it being a negative display.
- Build quality is superb, I especially like the buttons which are 'clicky' and feel completely different from my other g-shocks. The grippy texture is also nice.
- It's beautiful
 
#38 ·
I'm now a week further in using it and have cycled 169 km with this watch.

The bad:

- I've had (only) one run that did not sync to Strava. When I was saving it, I was at the edge of my wifi reception, therefore the connection may have been interrupted. From now on I will press save when I'm inside the house.
- I've had no VO2max results and this may not be possible to get while cycling. Personally I really don't like running, so I have no real use for the current implementation of the training status and a lot of the analysis.
- There is no hourly chime! Say what? This is a Casio signature feature and I miss it a lot.
- The messaging feature does not always mark messages as 'read', but this may be an iOS issue.

The good:
- I'm very impressed by the solar charging. When I got the watch I left the heart rate monitor running 24/7 to drain the battery. With training for an average of about 40 minutes per day it went from 5 bars to low (=1 bar) in 4 days (first bar was gone quite quick). Then I switched off the continuous heart rate and charged it in the sun until it just flipped over to 3 bars (took about 6 hours of full sunlight in the Netherlands). I've been using it since Sunday and did about 4 hours of GPS logging and it is still at 3 bars. It has been sunny ever since I received the watch 1,5 week ago, and I have been outside a lot, but I did not take it off my wrist to charge. Let's see how it holds up in the coming rainy week (and hope I can get enough cycling time).
- Heart-rate measuring is spot-on
- The display legibility is awesome, in a league of its own if you ask me. Don't worry about it being a negative display.
- Build quality is superb, I especially like the buttons which are 'clicky' and feel completely different from my other g-shocks. The grippy texture is also nice.
- It's beautiful
Thank you, I physically can not run (at least nothing anyone would call running). However, I cycle and, at work, I walk quite a bit. Yes, I walk with a cane, I prefer to call it a walking stick, or, to my dog, my dog smacker. Really, it's carbon fibre, so there isn't enough mass to smack him. However, there is enough to push on his chest if he tries to walk ahead of me, it has also worked to hold loose dogs at a distance.

Back to the point, I am not a runner. I want measurements for walking, cycling, and sleep data. It seems that this isn't what I am looking for.
 
#37 ·
It all started with the GBD-100 that I got ~10 days ago as an every-day-carry and running watch. A few days later, I couldn't help it and ordered the GBD-H1000 as well. Pros and cons on both sides, and I am still undecided which one to keep. The GBD-H1000 is beautiful, but it's also bulky. If you put the GBD-100 on, you barely notice it's there. On the other hand, I really like looking at the GBD-H1000. The GBD-100 accelerometer is surprisingly accurate (~0.3-0.5 km off on my 10 km track compared to GPS accuracy) and is sufficient for me. I am running 2-3 times a day for recreational purposes, so tracking is not strictly required. I find the GBD-H1000 features nice gimmicks but I am also a fan of simplicity.

So far, the GBD-H1000 is slightly ahead, because it's beautiful and has a better build quality. Wish it was less bulky but well, but I will probably get used to that on my runs. I will sleep over it one more day and then return one or the other tomorrow.
 
#40 ·
I've had mine for just over a week. I've logged 10 runs and 81.85 miles. My thoughts a week in:

THE BAD:
  • I've had two runs using the GBD-H1000 that didn't post to Strava. Thankfully I had my phone with me on the run and was also tracking them using the RunKeeper app (I like some of the features that RunKeeper offers to give audio queues when doing interval training) so I could download the GPX files from RunKeeper and upload them into Strava, but I lost all of my HR data on those runs. However, the runs still show up in the Move app history. Casio should have an option to manually "push" the run data to Strava from the web version of the Move app, or they should allow the ability to download the GPX data with HR information included.
  • For some reason, none of my runs show any caloric information or VO2max calculations. I understand that these figures wouldn't be exact anyway, but I'd still like to see them as I imagine they would probably be consistently inaccurate in the same directions across my runs so I could factor that into my own decision making.
  • The time it takes to acquire a GPS signal can be a bit long, as in 2+ minutes.
  • Generally, my Casio-tracked mileage seems spot on with other apps I've used or when I map out my run on ESRI's ArcMap (anything that's off by a few hundredths of a mile on a 8+ mile run, I chalk up to me cutting around corners and turns when I run) but I did have one run that for some reason just didn't track the first 3+ miles of the run.
  • No matter what I set my autolap distance to, it always starts a new lap at 0.8 miles (this is pretty damn annoying).

I'm not yet going to lay all the blame on Casio for the VO2/Calories and autolap problems because it's entirely possible I've messed something up in the settings on the app.

THE GOOD:
  • I haven't changed my initial assessment of how readable the watch is, even when moving along at a pretty good clip, I can glance down and pretty easily see the time or whichever of the three lines of data I want on the training face. Far and away the easiest to read watch I've ever worn.
  • The watch is super comfortable, especially for the size... and it looks nice as well.
  • The buttons are very easy to push while running and I agree with a previous poster who said they give a nice "click" relative to other G-Shocks and this is a nice feature when I'm running as it's reassuring to know that whatever I pressed, registered.
  • Other than the slow time to acquire a GPS signal and the one run that missed a few miles, I'm still really happy with the GPS accuracy

All this said, curiosty got the best of me and I ordered a Garmin Fenix 6Pro Sapphire and that should be here tomorrow or Saturday. :-d
 
#47 ·
I realize that there are only a handful of trail runners and hikers reading this column but the watch is perfect for that. I would take at least one spill every other trail run. On one I trashed a 910xt that Garmin repaired. It is also handy for someone who works in a harsh environment. I believe by the second or third generation, it will go toe to toe with anything.

To each their own. I hated the Fitbit Versa, my daughter did not like it as much as her Apple Watch and I gave it to someone in my office who adores it. If you read my initial post there was a time when people ran with analog watches. This is definitely a first world discussion.

Enjoy every outing. One day there will be no more. Time, which binds all of us, waits for no man or woman.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
#51 ·
I realize that there are only a handful of trail runners and hikers reading this column but the watch is perfect for that. I would take at least one spill every other trail run. On one I trashed a 910xt that Garmin repaired. It is also handy for someone who works in a harsh environment. I believe by the second or third generation, it will go toe to toe with anything.

To each their own. I hated the Fitbit Versa, my daughter did not like it as much as her Apple Watch and I gave it to someone in my office who adores it. If you read my initial post there was a time when people ran with analog watches. This is definitely a first world discussion.

Enjoy every outing. One day there will be no more. Time, which binds all of us, waits for no man or woman.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
If i jog for just a recreation and i am not pushing anything, analog watch it totally fine. Ruining for 30 min is as ok as running for 30 min 05 sec.
I loved Timex Ironamn for it lapping function and how you see your pace by keeping eye on time on the current lap. GPS was fine for non lapped runs or trails.
I totally agree for trail ruining where you run across uneven terrain on 50 cm wide track G-Shock is fine idea. I also hope Casio will improve on it and make it less bombastic in size.
For majority of people i run along with on the track 50% use phone, another 40+ something split between fitbit band/Apple watch and rest spit between regular watches and whatever you fancy.
Fellow i would expect to see with Casio is burly and have wrists to carry it. But i have seen that fellow with Garmin.
So far phones winning this one.
Also considering women are big chunk of fitness trackers/watches customers. Both Casio models are lost on them.