Asics AG01 GPS Running Watch Review

For us runners- time is always of the essence. And what better way to keep track of your progress than a running watch. Takbo.ph reviews one of the newest running watch on the market- the Asics AG01 GPS. Here is what you will get from this PhP 7,950 watch.

 Asics AG01 Unboxing

When I unboxed the AG01, the first thing that caught my eye was its clear crystal display with very fluid characters. Its strap reaches up to a diameter of three-inches which can fit on any wrist. As for me, I have the arms of a slim high schooler (runs in the family), but it still fit comfortably.

(The Asics AG01 with its charger/ USB connector)

Surrounding the AG01 are five buttons namely- LIGHT for illumination and night mode (will be explained later), MODE for choosing the function you need, START/STOP for starting and stopping running mode functions, LAP and SAVE for recording your workout and the VIEW button which acts as the confirmation button and accesses the GPS function.

Key Functions of the AG01

I played around it exploring the buttons and other functions that were indicated in its manual. The buttons were easy to access and is very responsive which translates to less distraction on the road if you want to change its display depending on the information you need.

Two key features that runners will love about this watch are the CHRONO MODE which allows you to enter the runners menu where you can check your current pace, distance traveled, speed, the amount of time you were running and get this even the amount of calories you burned.

According to Asics, these vital runners information are measured through a global positioning system (GPS) function inside the watch that actively monitors the runner’s location and motion. The Asics AG01 can go up to ten hours when using the GPS function before it runs dry. Worry not; this watch is rechargeable through a clip-like charging device (shown above).

Top running features

Next up there is the RUN DATA mode, which allows you to view your recent running data so you can review them and help you, set new goals. Your data can also be viewed on a downloadable tool from Asics where your data is rendered on a 2D map (like that you see in Google Maps). Using this function will help you further visualize your running experience if you connect the watch on your desktop or laptop with the Asics tool installed.

Runners who prefer running at night will also love this watch thanks to its night mode function where the whole LCD screen is illuminated with a green light. You can choose to keep it lit at all times during the run or on short gaps that last around 10 seconds (if you tap the light button).

(The star indicates in night mode)

This watch also comes with other modes: CLOCK mode which displays your time and date, TIMER which has a countdown function, ALARM mode which can be used to set a reminder or wake you up on the morning and the SETTING MODE which stores your display preference.

Testing the Asics AG01

(You can also change this to pounds or lbs)

Now that all the explaining is done, it’s time to check how this baby does on the road or any running terrain for that matter. First I entered my weight which is 56 kilograms (told you I was slim), which will be the basis of how many calories I will burn. I did my pre-run warm ups and my warm up run, which is just a low tempo run from Quirino LRT station to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. From there I turned the GPS (via an easy two button tap) and started recording.

My plan was simply to go to Quirino Grandstand and do some laps around its grounds and come back to CCP to warm down. My schedule for that day was to cover at least 7-kilometers of ground at a pace I am semi-comfortable with (about 6 to 7 min/ km) judging on how I performed on my last weekend run at Takbo.ph Run Fest 2015. About a minute into the run, I checked and the watch was already recording my pace and the distance I cover. Do note that you can have two stats displayed at anytime and tapping the view button can switch the running information.

Performance during the run

The display was very responsive and changes a few seconds or so, I also tried to dash sometimes just to see if it will really react according to my speed and it did. I sometimes changed the display just to check if the other data are also recorded fine and I was not disappointed. Calories burned responded to your speed and you can also check how much time you are running. I continued running straight along Roxas Boulevard/Manila Bay walk.

During the run I noticed two things, first the Asics AG01 was comfortable to wear and does not really irritate you as you do you swing your arms, and second the buttons are easy to push when you are changing the running information you want to see. The display was also constantly clear and minimally reflects light ensuring that you can see the information on real time.

I stuck to the 6 to 7 min/km pace, slowing down sometimes and run around the Quirino Grandstand grounds. It was July 17 and marks the end of Ramadan. I saw many of our Muslim countrymen who went to celebrate with their family. It somehow lightened the mood of the run seeing that they are taking selfies and picnicking despite the cloudy weather.

When I have lapped enough times to meet the 5-kilometer queue, I then began running towards CCP. I was still checking the watch, from time to time, just to make sure I was meeting the pace. After another 2-kilometers or so I reached CCP with a little above 45 minutes time for the whole run and covered 7.55 kilometers.

 Asics AG01 Colors

I got the WHITE colored Asics GPS watch but here are other colors you can choose from:

Asics AG01 specs

Conclusion

Overall, it was a satisfying run and the Asics AG01 helped me understand some of my running patterns and gave me reliable data which can help me better my runs. It was comfortable to wear as your everyday watch without losing its identity as a sports watch. The GPS function was good and data was responsive with immediate feedback that helps you decide whether to increase, maintain or decrease your tempo. Night illumination is more than acceptable and the screen is big enough not to miss any vital information- especially the time. Can’t wait to try it out on an actual race.