This chunky specimen comes in several variants, and is also known as the TomTom Runner 3. Spark and Runner are basically the same device, with the Runner simply coming in brighter colours. If TomTom was looking for ways to confuse potential buyers, the company found it with this odd naming system. Still, there's much about the Spark 3 that pleases.
The Spark 3 is a chunky device with a D-pad for navigation rather than a touchscreen.
The entry-level Spark 3 costs £119 (inc. VAT) and includes GPS, multisport tracking, and 'route exploration'. At its most sophisticated, this lets you upload running maps in the widely-used GPX format. At its least complex, it lets you set up an 'out and back' route by tracking where you go and then guiding you back to the starting point.
The Spark 3 model with a heart-rate monitor costs £169, or £219 if you also want 3GB of storage for music tracks.
Pay £149 and TomTom adds in 3GB of storage for music tracks, which it will play through Bluetooth headphones. Go to £169 and the bundle includes a heart-rate monitor built into the back of the watch, while £219 buys you both the heart rate monitor and the storage. The full-price £249 includes Bluetooth headphones too.
There aren't too many design changes from the previous Spark model. In fact, this unit fits into the earlier model's strap, so anyone who has a range of straps can still use them. The whole thing is a bit large for my wrist, but it feels quite comfortable to wear.
The user interface is very nicely thought out, and I found it easy to switch between the multitude of options and settings. This is partly down to good menu design, partly to good graphics and use of screen space, and partly down to the D-pad sitting beneath the screen. Yes, this does make the whole thing slightly more chunky than side buttons would, but it's a far superior navigation system compared to multiple side buttons. Thank goodness TomTom shied away from a touchscreen.
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