The TomTom Runner 3 largely known as the TomTom Spark 3 is a descendant of the TomTom Spark. The manufacturer appears to have largely borrowed the same formula only changing a few features including tracking and design. TomTom Spark 3 offers multiple sports tracking, GPS, heart rate sensor, and round the clock activity tracking. More importantly, it remains to be the only committed GPS running watch that allows for music streaming without a phone.
The Design
Spark 3’s design closely resembles that of its predecessor. It comes with a similar removable watch module, and a back built optical heart rate sensor. Moreover, it uses a similar charger. However, the design of its strap has changed. Although the look is the same, TomTom has thrown a few colors into the mix. Also, the strap’s inner side is more textured and softer. You will now be able to wear it round the clock without worrying about sweat on the inside. The change in the strap’s design together with more colors to choose from makes the TomTom Spark 3 more impressive.
Sports Tracking
Tracking hasn’t changed much. TomTom Spark 3 comes with seven sports modes together with a stopwatch option that offers similar metrics as the predecessor. Additionally, it includes sleep and activity tracking. Pressing left on the big physical button will take you to daily and weekly breakdowns of calories, steps, active minutes and distance covered. When it comes to running, the TomTom Spark 3 is a fantastic performer. You will be impressed by its training modes, and instant GPS signals pick up. On average, its GPS pick-up takes only one minute. Most importantly, the TomTom Spark 3 is still easy to setup and begin running.
Route Exploration
The best thing about the TomTom Spark 3 is its route exploration feature. The watch maps out your routes on its screen every time you go for big runs. This makes things easier for you when navigating your way home. Additionally, you can easily add routes to the TomTom Spark 3. All this is made possible by its compass, which is unavailable on its predecessor. First, calibrate the compass if you want to use this feature. This is done through the sensor section in the settings. The good news is that calibrating the compass is easy allowing you to get to running.
Heart Rate Training
Its heart rate tracking closely resembles that of the TomTom Spark. It records heart rate data as you are tracking. However, you can as well participate zone based heart rate training, allowing you to work in Speed, Sprint, Fat Burn, Endure, Custom or Easy Zones. Comparing its heart rate tracking ability against that of other watches confirms its reliability. Just like the original Spark, the Spark 3 comes with some of the best optical heart rate trackers. However, it is not completely perfect as you will see odd outages perhaps two times in every two hours.
Music Playback
The likes of Polar and Garmin continue to overlook the feature of music streaming without a phone from a watch. TomTom introduced this feature with the original Spark, and not much has changed with the Spark 3. It still comes with storage of 3GB. Moreover, it is now slicker and can scan playlists available on your computer. You are required to pair the watch with Bluetooth headphones when tracks are on. If you like running with music, you will love the Spark 3. You have the freedom not to carry your smartphone along.
App
The Spark 3 still has a MySport web app. The app provides similar data as the smartphone app but comes with a few extras. It allows you to view all your activities including heart rate graphs, splits, stride rate, pace details and mapped running routes. The web app allows you to upload watch trails, which can’t be done on the mobile app. Additionally, you can upload your race collection such as running 10ks in one hour. The Spark 3’s overall experience is much more streamlined compared to Garmin Connect or even the Polar Flow.
Battery Life
The original Spark has a tracking mode battery life of up to 11 hours. Expect the same with the Spark 3. The watch is perfectly equipped for long marathons or for running more than one hour every day for a whole week. However, that kind of performance greatly depends on the number of sensors you turn on. The heart rate sensor is a well-known battery drainer. The Spark 3 will get you through an entire week comfortably, but when compared to a Polar or Garmin watch, which are similarly priced, the Spark 3 lacks a little when it comes to stamina and standby modes.
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Conclusion
Don’t expect much change on the Spark 3. However, for the very first time, TomTom has included route exploration using a compass sensor. This will make finding your way home easier. Additionally, you will be in a position to discover new running trails. Although the Spark 3 doesn’t receive similar attention like Polar and Garmin’s running watches, it is proving to be a serious rival.
