Running Watch Reviews » Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 210 Review

brentdriggers — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:34:08 +0000

A running watch is often seen by people as a complicated piece of equipment. That is a major reason people shy away from a high end running watch. However, the Garmin Forerunner® 210 does away with this issue by offering the usual Garmin accuracy and precision time keeping, while providing you with a very easy to use and intuitive interface to set it up.

Garmin Forerunner 210 GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $249.99

One of the best features of the Garmin Forerunner® 210 is its ease of set up. Through it, even beginners or first time running trainers will be able to immediately benefit from this excellent watch. After charging the watch and booting it up, you will be presented with a set of questions that would help you fine tune your watch. After this initial configuration, you can now immediately take it out and do your runs. With this kind of set up, even the amateur runners and the beginners can use it without any kind of hassle.

The Garmin Forerunner® 210 is not just catered to the amateur or novice users but has functions that are made for the advanced and experienced runners. The set up may be made easy for beginners but this running watch is actually powerful enough to satisfy the needs of the more advanced runners. You will be pleased with the Heart rate monitor, auto lap, interval training, and the heart rate based calorie computation capabilities that are innately stored in this running watch. With all of these features the Garmin Forerunner® 210 is truly a perfect gadget for those who want more functionality in their running watches.

Aside from the internal capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner® 210, this excellent running watch is also aided by a variety of external items. First off, this watch is compatible with the Garmin Training Center software. This software is brilliant for being able to properly track your progress throughout your training. You would be able to transfer the data gathered by your running watch during your training to the software for proper analysis and training suggestions. Also, the Forerunner 210 is compatible for use with Garmin Connect™. Garmin Connect™ is an online community where you would be able to upload your training data so that you can share and compare them with runners from all over the world. These external features definitely join the running watch in helping you in significantly improving your run times.

With all of these, the Garmin Forerunner® 210 should be one of the running watches on your mind if you are looking for an easy to use yet fully featured running watch.

Buy/More Info

Share and Enjoy:

Womens Garmin FR60 HRM Monitors

Running Watch Reviews — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:11:37 +0000

People who train in running or other sports know tracking heart rate is important for training. The Garmin Women’s FR60 Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) understands this and allows people who own the Garmin FR60 sports watch to gain a full heart rate monitor function.

Garmin FR60 Lilac Fitness Watch (Includes Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $129.99

Amazon Price: $93.00

Now training intensity, difficulty and other factors would be much easier with the help of the Garmin FR60 HRM.

The Garmin FR60 Heart Rate monitor works with the FR60 sport watch to enable you to track your time, heart rate, and calories. It would even boost your training program by using all these data and giving you a Virtual Partner to compete with.

Runners who are looking to augment the functionality of their Garmin FR60 sport watch are going to be pleased with the benefits of getting a Garmin FR60 Heart Rate monitor.

Buy/More Info

Share and Enjoy:

Garmin FR60 Mens Black Fitness Watch Includes Heart Rate Monitor USB ANT Stick and Foot Pod

Running Watch Reviews — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:43:48 +0000

Garmin FR60 Black Fitness Watch Bundle (Includes Foot Pod, Heart Rate Monitor, and USB ANT Stick)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $199.99

Amazon Price: $113.70

The Garmin FR60 Men’s Black Fitness Watch helps people make the most out of their workouts.

People who train in running or other sports know that heart rate tracking is important in training. The Garmin FR60 Mens Black Fitness Watch with included Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) understands this and allows people to use a sports watch with full heart rate monitor functions.

With the help of the watch, finding out your training intensity, difficulty and other factors would be much easier.

The Garmin FR60 Mens Black Fitness Watch works with the Heart Rate monitor and Foot POD watch to enable you to track your time, heart rate, and calories. It would even boost your training program by using all these data and giving you a Virtual Partner to compete with.

Runners who are looking to add more intensity to their training would be pleased with the benefits of getting a Garmin FR60 Mens Black Fitness Watch.

What’s in the Box
FR60, heart rate monitor , USB ANT Stick, quick start manual

Buy/More Info

Share and Enjoy:

Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009

Running Watch Reviews — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:40:06 +0000

The Garmin Forerunner series of GPS running watches is one of the top choices when it comes to training equipment for the ultimate edge.

The combination of style, durability, and functionality places the Garmin Forerunner at the top of the list as a preferred running watch among elite athletes around the world!

Selecting a Garmin Forerunner product depends on the athlete’s budget, kind of training, and how advanced one wants their training to get.

That said, let’s take a look at our top 3 Garmin Forerunner Watches.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver & Sportswatch

Garmin Forerunner 205

For beginners or entry level training, Garmin offers a Forerunner model that is perfect for them, the Garmin FR 205.

On its own, the slightly more affordable Garmin FR205 is a GPS powered fitness watch plus workout tool that tracks your total training time, and calories burned.

The FR 205 also lets you create multi sport workouts. Multi Sport Workouts allows you to seamlessly transition between sports without having to reset the unit. This is a perfect setting for training for triathlons or any other event that combines many disciplines.

If you are feeling a bit more advanced, and want more training data to analyze, the Garmin FR 205 can use its ANT+ seamless wireless feature to connect with other accessories.

It can connect with devices like the wireless foot pod for you to be able to track more data such as distance, speed and pace.

Buy/More Info

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin also offers more feature rich products if you consider yourself a bit more of an advanced runner.

In the Garmin Forerunner® 305, runners would get more details and more advanced features than the entry level Garmin models.

The Forerunner 305 is also capable of the basic features that the Garmin FR 205 has – PLUS, it packs more functionality such as a digital coded heart rate monitor and heart rate zones.! It even has built in multiple sport profiles for running, biking and other sports.

What separates the Garmin Forerunner 305 from entry level models is that it already has a built in heart rate monitor that previous models needed additional accessories for.

This makes accessing the data much simpler and more intuitive for users.

Buy/More Info

Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS Receiver With Heart-Rate Monitor (ADVANCED)

Garmin Forerunner 405

For even more advanced training, Garmin rolls out the Garmin Forerunner 405.

One of the more advanced GPS enabled training watches; it packs the monitoring of your training time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate but also adds more functionality and style to the device.

The first thing that you would notice in the Forerunner 405 is its more compact design. This makes it more lightweight and more comfortable to wear when you are training.

The next improvement is that it seamlessly connects to the Satellites for tracking your data. GPS uplink is much quicker than the entry level or mid range models. The Garmin 405 connects to satellites in 4-5 seconds as compared with the minute or 2 in other models.

Lastly, the Garmin 405 supports Wireless data upload. When you connect the USB “ant stick “to your computer, the Garmin would automatically send your workout data from the watch to your PC.

This makes it much easier to maintain and keep track of your training records.

Buy/More Info

Again, before purchasing a GPS running watch, it would be important for you to know what kind of training you want to have. Are you aiming for a simple stroll in the park, a morning leisure run or perhaps an intense training regiment fit for triathletes?

No matter what training path you choose however, it seems that there is a specific Garmin Forerunner series running watch that is fit for you.

Share and Enjoy:

Garmin 010 00679 05 Forerunner 50 Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick

Running Watch Reviews — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:41:25 +0000

Garmin 010-00679-05 Forerunner 50 Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $106.65

Amazon Price: $129.95

Improve your training efficiency becomes easier with the Garmin 010 00679 05 Forerunner 50 Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick. The package includes Forerunner 50 watch, USB ANT Stick, Heart rate monitor, Owner’s Manual

Nowadays, simply increasing exercise load is not enough to ensure that you are getting the best workout possible. You would need to be able to find the proper data to ensure that your training matches your body’s needs. The Garmin Forerunner 50 provides you with the necessary tools to do just that.

The Forerunner 50 is equipped to record all kinds of training data such as training time, pace, distance, lap pace, lap time, lap distance, calories and average heart rates. This allows you to gain an idea on how well or how poor you are doing in your training, no matter if it’s running, cycling, or any other fitness activity!

All the data that the Forerunner 50 gathers can then be transferred to your computer through the USB ANT stick connection. Now you would be able to analyze your data, or even compare your training program with others online.

Best of all, the Garmin Forerunner 50 can be modified to suit your needs. It has a whole host of accessories that are sold separately such as a foot pod or a speed sensor to much any kind of training that you have

Buy/More Info

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Garmin 50
This is a good entry level HR/watch, very pleased with it. If needed I can add other features, like bike sensor

2 Stars Works great until the battery dies…
Pros:

*Easily the most inexpensive HR monitor that transmits workout data to computer.

*Very comfortable as a casual watch — very light, great band.

*Great display – easy to read.

*Easy to use.

Cons:

*HR signal is not compatible with fitness equipment (doesn’t send live signal to elliptical/stairmaster/treadmill), like Polar and Nike are.

*Once the battery dies, you are in trouble. Took to jeweler as recommended in manual, but they wouldn’t touch it because they didn’t sell that model. They said they could send it off, but would cost appx $25 (for a $50 watch???). Replaced the battery myself, but you cannot do this without breaking a plastic covering inside. Since replacing the battery, I got it to work for a day, but it has since shut down. By taking it apart and putting back together (not as easy as it sounds), I’m able to make functional for about an hour before it goes out again. This is after using this for about 6 months.

4 Stars Works great!
The watch works great. No problems getting the heart rate monitor to sync with the watch. I had a bit of a problem getting the software to download from the Garmin website…but not a big deal in the end. The heart rate monitor works great and is not as uncomfortable as I thought it would be. Great product!

1 Star Get your money’s worth and don’t buy this product
Even with my engineering background and Ph.D. I found this watch confusing. The button setup lacks logic and during a race chances are that you will waste a lot of time on trying to just simply toggle between and your running time and HR. In addition, the HR sensor is not reliable, as is the USB connection. So, without a doubt I’m staying with my old Nike C6 for my 10K and 5K training and racing.

5 Stars Garmin Forerunner 50 Sports Watch
I was so impressed with the watch and price that I had to get one for my running friend.

Buy/More Info

Share and Enjoy:

Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Enabled Sports Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:50:15 +0000

Garmin Forerunner 310XT Waterproof Running GPS With USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $399.99

Amazon Price: $349.99

Finally, a GPS-enabled training device that isn’t afraid of the water. The rugged Forerunner 310XT is the triathlete’s indispensable training tool a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star SWINNIMG GPS signals don’t penetrate WATER
OK, so I don’t own one of these units. I am researching and thinking of buying something. It occurred to me, with all the complaints about swimming accuracy, that I should mention something:

Electromagnetic signals (ie. GPS signals) DO NOT EASILY PENETRATE WATER. Just ask the Navy. Any water other than distilled water has some conductivity, especially salt water. It acts as a Farady shield – the GPS signal hits a conductor (water) and creates a current in the conductor. The resistance of the conductor will dissipate the energy of the signal. BASIC ELECTROMAGNETISM. This is how your microwave keeps the EM radiation inside from getting out and cooking you – by using a conductor shield to trap it.

I am surprised Garmin claims they have a GPS unit that will work under water. Call the Navy! They would love a way to communicate with submarines without having to use sonar, which gets them in a lot of trouble by disrupting marine life. The reason they use sonar is that ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS DON’T TRAVEL WELL UNDER WATER!

The GPS accuracy while swimming will be based on how far you plunge the watch under water, the type of water, etc. The device might work better if you strap it to your head! Just my two cents.

5 Stars 310XT is most everything Garmin says it is
I felt compelled to write a review, because I am disturbed with what some other reviewers are publishing. This is the best watch of it’s kind I have owned, and as long as a purchaser understands what it does, and it’s limitations, I think they will be more than satisfied. It may be that this watch will not meet their needs, but it should not be a cause to deliver a poor rating.

I have owned the Forerunner 305, the 201, the Timex GPS and a Polar, so I have years of experience. Since I do triathlons, I was most looking forward to the waterproof controls, and 20 hour battery. The charger is a bit funky design, but for me it seems to work just fine. My battery has been lasting at least 16 hours–I haven’t tested it further before recharging. One issue that I had with the 305 also, though: the watch should be TURNED OFF while you are charging. If not, as soon as you disconnect the charger, since the watch is ON, it will start “discharging” (as it does normally while it is on. I have been caught several times with a depleted battery on my 305 because of this quirk–I think the watches should be programmed to automatically turn themselves off when the charger is connected).

I have used the new watch swimming, biking and running and hiking, and I am pleased with the performance for each sport. One reviewer pointed out that there should be a “swim” mode–I agree, but I think Garmin may have avoided that mode because the GPS does not work well in the water. Several reviewers complained about that, however Garmin does write on their website AND in their manual that the GPS does not work well in the water (I don’t know that I would blame that on Garmin–probably the technology is just not there yet–besides, GPS signals do not penetrate water.) In fact, I did NOT get an accurate GPS distance reading for open water swimming, but it did map my COURSE correctly, albeit with a lot of zig-zags (I know I can’t swim in a straight line, but I am not THAT bad).

The biking portion works great. The Garmin matches pretty closely with the distance measured on my bike computer (I don’t have the Garmin bike sensor–I want that and the quick-release mount for my next birthday). Of course it also tracks speed, altitude, heart rate, etc. (I used the heart monitor strap from my 305).

Running works well also, basically same as biking although I do set up the display screens differently.

Other, useful new features I have noticed:

1. The watch locks onto satellites more quickly than my 305

2. The watch vibrates, although I wonder how this affects battery life. For instance it vibrates every lap (if I set it) so I know I have completed an autolap without having to look at the watch.

3. The software is more refined (lots of small fixes. For instance the settings function lets me know what sport mode I am in–although I think this could still be made easier and less confusing. And the time zone can be put on automatic–I always wondered why they couldn’t do this before–the watch knows where it is for gosh sakes. And there are extra custom screens if you want them–statistic hounds take note.)

4. Wireless data upload. Very nice! Their new “Garmin Connect” site is also pretty useful, and the data can be uploaded directly to the Internet.

5. The 310XT is not much smaller or lighter than the 305 (according to the specs), but it FEELS MUCH smaller and lighter.

6. There is a progress bar for the battery charging. I would like to be able to see how much time is LEFT in my battery–I wish Garmin would add this.

In summary, I think this is far and away the best GPS watch Garmin has made, and is especially appropriate for triathletes (despite the swimming issue). You DO need to become accustomed to using the watch. Although I do not think it is hard to use, you SHOULD read the manual. At least you do not have to keep RE-reading the manual like I do for some other gadgets. I do think this watch is way overpriced, but I am a gadget freak, and I’m sure the price will come down over time, like it did for the 305 (which is a great deal, now, btw, if you don’t need a 20 hour battery-life and a waterproof stopwatch

5 Stars garmin 310XT
ran a marathon with my new garmin and every thing was perfect except the distance calculation. the marathon splits ended up being .2 mile off at the end. so the mile alert was always a little early at each mile, therefore my av. pace was also a little off. my old 305 did the same thing, so i am disappointed that the 310XT wasn’t better. this watch is very user friendly.

5 Stars runner
It’s the first gps so i’m not able to do comparison but this product in my opinion is excellent.

5 Stars Great Watch
I had been using the 201 for the last 4 years and just upgraded. It is much smaller and is much more accurate. I have also taken it hiking in Colorado and it never lost the signal even under the trees.

Buy/More Info

Share and Enjoy:

Garmin Forerunner 110

Running Watch Reviews — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:37:47 +0000

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: Varies based on product options

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

Garmin is proud to introduce it’s latest model- the Forerunner 110. This latest addition to the Forerunner line is Garmin’s easiest watch for tracking training! You simply press start and begin your workout. The Forerunner 110 can also track your heartrate, and is GPS enabled so that you can track how far and fast you’re going. This is the perfect watch for people who are just getting into the sport of running.

Best Features of the Forerunner 110:

Quick satellite fix
Clear display
Waterproof
Only shows the information you need
Uses buttons instead of bezel controls
USB instead of wireless connection
Easy to use

What Comes in the Box:

Forerunner 110 (men’s red)
AC charger
Heart rate monitor
Owner’s manual

User Reviews:

“The buttons on the watch work really well, and were easy to learn – I don’t want to think about how to use them while I’m running, and after the first couple of times using it I don’t have to. They feel responsive and solid. I’ve run in the rain and had no problems with moisture damage.”
“The Garmin 110 is an outstanding GPS watch for anyone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of the more advanced models. This is also the first GPS watch that is small and light enough to be worn day-to-day and actually looks like a watch.”
“I’ve had my Garmin 110 for about a week. It has all the features I could need. It is easy to use and compact. I’m able to monitor current mile pace, distance and overall time. The other reviews are very harsh. I’m a first time GPS user and I’ll never go back to running without it. It has motivated me to speed up my pace and it is fun to see your progress on the Garmin Connect website. I have not yet tried the heart rate monitor”
“Bottom line: this watch gives you a lot of useful information, and even more when you download it to the Garmin Connect site. Unlike other Garmin watches, it doesn’t give some extra cycling information and the heart rate monitor doesn’t work in the pool, so it’s really a watch for runners, not triathletes. But for semi-serious to very serious runners, it gives you everything you need, without the bells and whistles–and the headaches–of the 405.”

Share and Enjoy: