The GPS Watch LabThe GPS Watch Lab
Ravi Menon

Ravi Menon

GNSS accuracy testing (multi-band, multipath), sampling integrity, antenna performance

4Articles
2Categories

About

Hardware-minded trail runner who builds test loops and publishes open GPX datasets comparing drift, lock times, and smoothing.

Core Beliefs

If a watch can't hold a line under canopy, it's decoration.

Background

A squall erased the ridgeline on a winter traverse. With visibility gone, we looped back to the last solid fix and followed the cleanest breadcrumb through scrub. The dual-frequency unit held a tight line; the others wandered. That auditability—track over hype—got us off the shoulder before dark.

Perspective

I rank watches by off-grid track fidelity and positional stability.

Author Articles

Best Budget GPS Watch: Reliable Off-Grid Tracking

Best Budget GPS Watch: Reliable Off-Grid Tracking

RTK-verified forest tests on 17 sub-$250 models identify the few that maintain reliable tracks under heavy canopy and spell out the specs that matter - dual-frequency GNSS, multi-constellation support, and cold-verified battery life - for trustworthy off-grid navigation.

3rd Oct•
Best GPS Running Watches That Hold Course in Canyons

Best GPS Running Watches That Hold Course in Canyons

Field-tested guidance on GPS running watches that keep accurate tracks in slot canyons. Compare GNSS drift, battery endurance, and offline navigation to choose a reliable backtracking companion.

3rd Oct•
Garmin Forerunner vs Fenix: Which Tracks True Off-Grid?

Garmin Forerunner vs Fenix: Which Tracks True Off-Grid?

Protocol-driven tests under canopy, canyons, and cold compare GNSS accuracy, battery life, and durability, showing the Fenix 8 Pro Solar as the more dependable off-grid pick while the lighter Forerunner 970 matches accuracy for shorter missions.

3rd Oct•
Best Training Watch for Triathletes: Real GPS Accuracy Tested

Best Training Watch for Triathletes: Real GPS Accuracy Tested

Ground-truthed GNSS testing across 372 km reveals which triathlon watches stay accurate under canopy and through chaotic transitions. Learn the metrics that matter - canopy precision, transition timing, real battery performance, wet-hand control, and sensor continuity - with COROS Pace 3 leading overall.

3rd Oct•