[G-Shock Review] GBD-800-8ER — Introvert Sports Trainer

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The Ultimate Guide to All G-SHOCKs — composed by Experts

The development of the sports direction of the G-Shock watch was not long in coming: after the first GBA-800, the Japanese almost instantly showed the world a version in digital format called GBD-800. A fully digital format is always a more informative look and more convenient use of functions. Like it or not, I will try to understand the detailed review of the model GBD-800-8ER on the Casio fans blog.

The GBD-800 series belongs to the very fresh Q-SQUAD division. The family has not yet taken root deeply [there are only two series], but the perspective of the direction is visible for the first ten years so accurately. Why do I think so? And you look at the growing popularity of all sorts of smart bracelets [cheap Chinese brands including] that people use even far from sports. Now, add the enormous popularity of sports and get a huge niche of highly specialized sports gadgets.

The GBD-800-8ER closes the most basic needs of a modern “seated man”: counting steps using a fairly accurate three-axis accelerometer sensor [here we check the accuracy of the pedometer], monitoring daytime activity, a variety of timer programming options for tempo workouts [where strict accounting is required time]. Naturally, this is a new milestone in the development of the Casio sports watch, which the Japanese have first forgotten, and today they are trying to resume the status quo.

I can not say that GBD-800-8ER are ideal in terms of opportunities for the 21st century, but they also have a lot of advantages, which the introvert will really like. We’ll talk about them a little lower, but now let’s dive into the stylistic component of the novelty in more detail.

The GBD-800-8ER model is very similar to our usual perception of the G-Shock brand: the watch is fully digital with multiple information output on the main display, a functional round window, a sporty appearance, pleasant dimensions for sports, and nothing at all hints at the representative of the new era. Only if you look closely can you find the compact Bluetooth label on a thin panel above the main indices. The G-Shock Connected application does not leave my phone, which means I have out of habit clamped the “Mode” button in the hope of fast synchronization as it was in the GMW-B5000D. Nothing has happened…

It turns out that another button “Start” is responsible for this in GBD-800. No, I did not go through different options and did not even look for instructions, but just looked at the application. To do this, you just need to select a new series and you immediately see the basic settings of this module [even without synchronization]. Which once again confirms the usability of even very functional watches without studying such inconvenient instructions. What is that, and this moment I am very impressed.

So, I switch to synchronization mode and what we see …

The watch immediately identified the wrong time zone and offered to update it. Why not, I do not want to delve into the subtleties of the settings, I want to immediately perfect the clock. It is done. The application does not immediately take you to the settings mode, first you need to familiarize yourself with the basic sports opportunities:

Explanation of the stopwatch, where each kilometer has its own plan.

Timer operation in special intensity zones.

Simulation of the route in 3D format (works only in conjunction with the phone, since there is no GPS in the clock).

Card of your activity: everything is recorded in the database of the phone (and hours including, but not all).

For proper operation of the pedometer and calorie counter, you need to specify your personal parameters: weight, height, date of birth, etc.

Pay attention to “Target Steps” – this is the daily activity setting, which by default works on 10 000 steps. This value easily changes right up to 50,000. So everything is in your legs … When activating the “Activity Map Display”, you should understand the need for a phone in training, because without it the map will not work. All, we send the settings to the phone and the clock already knows about your existence.

The first screen of the phone makes a summary of your daily activity: the number of steps, the number of calories, your level to achieve your daily goal. When you click on the inscription “All Activity” you see a calendar of your achievements [in relation to the steps].

Every day is recorded in the calendar, so those who like statistics can sleep peacefully. Further I went deep into work of the timer. Yes, I have already reviewed this point in detail in the review for the GBA-800 series, but I was interested to see how it works in digital format [on the clock] + to find out nothing has changed.

So, the setup process is absolutely identical: choose the zone of intensity of your work [light, heavy, medium load] and set the duration of work in this zone. On the clock, this zone is displayed as a number from 1 to 5, so you must remember that for example “3” is a red zone, which means there must be an increase in speed [if we talk about running].

The timer is displayed on the main dial, and the current time is transferred to the panel below. Very handy if you want to fix the current time and do a workout. The timer number [this is also considered to be your programmed workout] is displayed on the very top bar. In general, everything is very logical and structured.

Next stopwatch on the list. I like it more, because it is well suited for cross-country training which I am a fan.

You can set the duration of the interval up to 10 times and the clock will notify about it every time. For example, we program the first interval for 20 minutes [warm up], the second for 30 [acceleration] and the third for 20 minutes [hitch]. As a result, you receive alarm alerts after 20, 30, 20 minutes.

Naturally, this is a very primitive decision, anyone can fix more advanced options.

I won’t be writing about world time for a long time, everything has been clear for a long time – we’ll select a city and a different time zone, and two formats will be displayed simultaneously in the same mode.

By the way, this time you will not find the WT [World Time] mode in your watch, only DT [aka Dual Time]. For some reason, the Japanese decided to give up this name due to the availability of only one time zone at a time [while in hours with advanced world time you can switch between time zones in different countries]. Absolutely uncritical moment, I even like double time more. It is quite enough for pleasant work, taking into account the two time zones [and this need is extremely rare].

In the “Utility” tab, the settings for 5 alarms and the ability to turn on an hourly alarm alert were hidden. Alarm clocks work a little clumsy – once at one time. There is no sequence by type in a week, in a month, or on a specific date. Perhaps this setting is not needed by anyone, because it is easier to use reminders on the phone.

Let’s go back to the current time display mode. It would seem that the usual mode, why write something about it, but no. He is clearly sharpened by a pedometer, since the main information on the clock screen works precisely for him. Under the current time information about the number of steps [for today] is displayed, and the upper window shows your activity as a graph.

I was immediately very surprised, because I could not find such a favorite “date” and “day of the week” and I had already started writing an angry reaction. Having rechecked own doubts, the text should be removed. It turns out that the Japanese made two kinds of the current time mode: sport and normal. My default was sport, where all the information contained data about daily activity, but switching to normal mode [pressing a large button under the 6-hour position] immediately returned me to such a favorite regular format. So the main thing is not to panic)).

As you already understood [or not], the lower large round button [sewn into the watch case] is not responsible for the backlight. It is also a bit strange because of the stereotypical perception of G-Shock-s [where this button is usually responsible for the backlight], but you have to get used to the new standards.

Its main field of work implies: switching to the sports visual view of the main dial [it was talked about earlier] in the current time mode, resetting the circles or displaying split time in the stopwatch mode, resetting the timer or autostart in the timer mode, clamping for 2 seconds in the double time mode makes a “swipe” or “castling” of two time zones [the current goes to the bottom, while from the bottom of the dial moves to the main position], in alarm mode it is responsible for switching between “ON / OFF”. So the button turned out very functional.

The “Start” button was also surprised. I never thought that I would describe the operation of the buttons, but the GBD-800 series was not that simple anymore. So, look at the screen below …

The button can launch three modes. The first press corrects the time with your phone [the Bluetooth icon flickers], the second press with a duration of 2 seconds synchronizes with the phone so that you can control the clock from the application, the third press [for 5 seconds] activates the phone search function.

The strap is sharpened by sport. This is evidenced by large gaps for the “tooth” of the fastener and rather thin tails [so as not to soar the wrist].

I can not praise the presence of additional arms around the inside of the case. Well, a very convenient solution, especially for sports, where minimal inconvenience can be a serious problem.

“Specifications of GBD-800”]

  • Case / bezel material: Resin
  • Resin Band
  • Shock Resistant
  • Mineral Glass
  • 200-meter water resistance
  • LED backlight (Super Illuminator)
  • Auto light switch, selectable illumination duration (1.5 seconds or 3 seconds), afterglow
  • Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth®)
  • Step count using a 3-axis acceleration sensor: 0 to 999,999 step count display range
  • Step Goal Progress Display (step count goal setting range: 1,000 to 50,000, 1,000-step increments)
  • Step Count Graph: Hourly step count for the past 7 hours on a 6-level graph
  • Step indicator
  • Power Saving: Auto sensor sleep state entry after fixed period of non-activity
  • Dual time (Home time swapping)
  • 1/100-second stopwatch
  • Measuring capacity:
  • 00’00”00~59’59”99 (for the first 60 minutes)
  • 1:00’00~23:59’59 (after 60 minutes)
  • Measuring unit:
  • 1/100 second (for the first 60 minutes)
  • 1 second (after 60 minutes)
  • Recorded data: Up to 200 records (measurement start month, date, lap/split times)
  • Target Time alarm up to 10 Target Time settings
  • Countdown timer
  • Timer for interval measurement (up to five time settings)
  • Measuring unit: 1 second
  • Input range: 00’00” to 60’00” (1-second increments)
  • Others: Auto-repeat (number of repeats settable from 1 to 20), auto-start
  • 5 daily alarms
  • Hourly time signal
  • Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
  • 12/24-hour format
  • Button operation tone on/off
  • Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, year, month, date, day
  • Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no mobile link function)
  • Approx. battery life: 3 years on CR2025
  • Size of case : 54.1×48.6×15.5mm
  • Total weight : 59g

The GBD-800’s [Super Illuminator] backlight perfectly illuminates the entire dial.

You definitely will not have problems reading the information. Such simple settings as automatic activation depending on the viewing angle [is very convenient when running at night] and a response time of up to 3 seconds will be just the way for sports fans [and not only].

Eh, I would also like to write about the presence of a solar panel, but no. The clock is a regular battery, which should last 3 years.

Conclusion

Why did I write the phrase “for introverts” at the very beginning of the review? No, these are not empty words in relation to the GBD-800-8ER model. The fact is that Casio have created a really really powerful [from a functional point of view] sports gadget. It can be used in many sports, ranging from slats and ending with krosfit. But he is not friends with top-end sports applications [Strava, TrainingPeaks and others], does not support the heart rate monitor and does not have accurate GPS. So, the clock is not created for “boasting” in the social world [although there is an opportunity to share daytime activities, but this is not the format and not everyone will be able to decipher]. This is a kind of lamp example of the use of a personal trainer, where only you, your sport and signaling alerts are present, in clearly defined periods of time, whose values ​​only you understand. Agree, now there is not enough sports for yourself, and not for someone. As the owner of the GBD-800, you will be one-on-one with your own thoughts and trainer settings from the clock. And yes, a fully digital watch is at times more convenient in presenting information in comparison with the ana-diji format [if sport is important to you in the first place].

Read Quick News on GBD-800:

All News on GBD-800 →

Firstly published, but we carefully translated into English.

Some FAQ moments about G-Shock GBD-800 Series


What is 200 Water resistance?

G-Shock GBD-800 is suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not suitable for diving.


What is Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth(R)) ?

Wireless function link with mobile phones that support Bluetooth®.


What is G-SHOCK Connected App?

This is the basic application for connecting and communicating with a Bluetooth(R) v4.0 enabled CASIO watch. Pairing your watch with a smartphone enables use of a variety of different Mobile Link functions that greatly enhance the smartphone experience. The G-SHOCK Connected app also simplifies certain watch operations by letting you perform them on your phone screen.


GBD-800 Profile
Average Amazon Price: $100 (yes, we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from our links to Amazon)
Year of first release: 2018
Lineup: G-SQUAD (A new sports line that supports your active life by managing your daily exercise using your watch and smartphone. All watches are equipped with health and fitness support functions, include a 3-axis accelerometer that keeps track of step count, a Multi-Timer that lets you create up to 20 timer combinations of five timers each, memory for up to 200 lap records, and with the help of the phone app, a calorie-use counter. Ideal for interval training for running, gym activities and other sports.) All G-Shock G-Squad Watches →
Best for: Military, Army and Police UseRunning and SwimmingSports and Gym, Top in G-Shock Lookbooks
The most distinctive specs:
200-meter water resistance (good for swimming but not for deep diving)
G-SHOCK Connected App (you may manage all watch settings through your phone)
Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth(R)) (for time sync with your phone data)
Stopwatch with Target Time alarm (lap/split display switching, up to 10 Target Times, 200 lap time records)
Interval timer with up to five time settings (Auto repeat up to 20 times, skip, auto start, alert sound)
Step count (A built-in 3-axis acceleration sensor begins counting steps the moment you start to walk.)
Other colors and full specs: GBD-800 Wiki Page
Only Limited Editions: GBD-800 Limited Editions

G-Shock GBD-800 Rating System

Size★★★
Weight★★★★
Functions★★★★
Materials★★★★★
Battery Years★★★
Price★★★★★

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