Epson Runsense SF-810 Fully Reviewed for Quality
The Epson Runsense SF-810 is the top of the line in the Runsense series, yet is still an affordable lightweight watch promoted by runners. It features GPS and heart rate monitoring functions and is designed to maximize your running routine. It measures heart rate and other analytical statistics from the convenience of your wrist, which helps you track, evaluate and increase overall run performance.
The Runsense automatically records your speed, length of stride, GPS location and heart rate levels via the sensor on the backside of the watch. The philosophy is that by computing all this raw data and analyzing it through the free Run Connect mobile app on a routine basis, you’ll ultimately become an improved runner.
Keep reading our in-depth Epson Runsense SF-810 review to find out if it is worth the investment.
- GPS is excellent in correctness of distance
- Heart rate monitor is highly accurate
- The price is right, now that it has decreased
- Long battery life - 20 hours with GPS or 2 weeks standard watch mode.
- Easy to use App and software
- Watch face is easy to view
- Water resistant to 50m
- Hard to configure watch using the buttons
- Charging station is a beast
- Reports of unreliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Software is deficient
- Weak watchband
Activities
While the Runsense SF-810 is capable of tracking stats for a variety of activities such as running, biking, hiking, or general cardiovascular training it is suited best for runners. The Runsense SF-810 is waterproof to 50m and can be used during swimming, but the GPS and heart rate features will be inaccurate if they work at all.
Basic Features
GPS tracking- Track the route, altitude, and distance of your run via the highly accurate sensor that locates the nearest satellite.
Track pace, distance, and altitude- The Smart Stride sensor ensures correct data, even where the GPS signal may not be obtainable.
Programmable lap timer- Set and record time for running laps, so you can improve your speed.
The power you can count on – The 810 has a 20-hour battery life with GPS and heart rate monitoring in active mode.
Advanced Features
Supports common running apps- easily transfer your data to Strava™ MapMyRun and Runkeeper.
Customize your LCD Display- program and view real-time data with a two-line or three-line display.
Counting of calories- build extra inspiration by identifying the amount of calories burned during your run.
Tap feature with vibration alerts— use the tap function to perform assigned tasks effortlessly.
Accuracy
The Runsense 810 acquired heart rate quickly and the reported data was very accurate, but during intense running drills, it regularly showed a discrepancy of 5-10 BPM. Overall the Runsense 810 had a better than average calculation when compared to other heart rate monitors.
The big issue with the SF-810 was not the accuracy of the GPS data, the one feature these watches are purchased for, which is highly accurate, but with the amount of wasted time waiting to acquire the GPS signal. Despite the connecting time to a satellite, there was a noticeable distinction in time and accuracy of tracking compared to more expensive GPS watches. It typically was less than a tenth of a mile off even during longer runs, which is a far superior margin of error for a GPS device.
Connectivity
The Runsense View Portal allows you to store your training data online and offers a suite of analysis tools. The Dashboard View in the Run Connect app is, however, poorly mobile-optimized. You are able to see a calendar with the dates you trained, as well as results from each session, including heart rate, a map of your route, elevation and your pace. However, on most smartphones, the icons and script is small and challenging to read sometimes. Plus the Bluetooth capability is lackluster at best. It’s better to connect through your computer after you get home.
To connect at home, you get to tackle the block of a charger. However, I essentially liked it if I was at home. The watch fastens in the charger securely and you never have to work it around to get a read like some other watches that come with a charging clip. But, if you are traveling, the extra mass tends to be a bit of a nuisance.
Apps
The Epson Runsense SF-810 is compatible with the free Run Connect mobile app, but it is pretty basic in design. It is, however, easy to transfer and analyze your data through other favorite running apps such as Strava™ Runkeeper or MapMyRun. This has been recommending in more than a few reviews.
Comfort
Style
That said, what runners sacrifice in a quality appearance, they will benefit from the compact and lightweight feeling during longer outings. At just 52g the Runsense is barely perceptible on your wrist, which makes it ideal for runners or sporting around town for casual activities.
Durability
On the favorable side, the Runsense SF-810 is waterproof to 5ATM (50m). After a couple of outings in light showers; it held up well and should manage fine if you're out competing during a thunderstorm.
Face
Band
Sizes Available
Ease of Use
Once you have it set up, though, the watch functions without much effort. It works equally well whether you’re outside or on a treadmill. The app that ties into the Epson Runsense SF-810 is essential and a lackluster, but it’s compatible with other running apps, which improves things significantly. In general, it’s well made, easy to use once it is set up and can assist you in becoming a better runner, but does have some weaknesses.
The display has a low-resolution dot-matrix design and can be difficult to read in dim light or bright sunlight, and the amount of data crowded on the smaller screen could be a challenge when running at a good pace.
Power Source
The one upside to the beast of a charger is that the watch does clip securely in place, ensuring the watch gets a strong charge unlike some of the clip chargers.
Not sure if syncing using Bluetooth would be faster for data transfer, but it would be careful not to have to travel with a large chunk of plastic to charge my lightweight running watch.
Price
Accessories
Key Features
• Heart Rate Monitor. Allows you to comfortably and accurately measure and display your heart rate levels on your wrist without the need for a chest strap
• Tailorable LCD display. View data in real-time with a one, two or three-line display
• Supports current running apps. Effortlessly transfer your data to MapMyRun or Strava™
• Longer battery life. 20-hour battery life with GPS and heart rate monitoring turned on
• Tap functions and vibration alerts. Easy to use tap feature to perform assigned tasks and alerts to keep you aware of your predetermined goals.
Bottom Line
Comparatively though, the Runsense SF-810 is an affordable way to monitor your fitness training and helps you run harder and train smarter by automatically measuring your cadence and stride length. Log more training miles by setting your target pace then choosing between alerts to stay within your set pace, scheduled distance and target heart rate, so you maximize your running miles.
So, for the athlete that is contemplating working hard and is looking for a straight forward no frills watch to take back control of their health and running abilities, the Epson Runsense SF-810 is a solid choice to help attain your goals.