Garmin running watches for other sports

MeanderingMammal

I've reached the stage where tracking using my phone just isn't cutting it any more so I'm thinking about a Garmin watch. Given that I also cycle my preference would be to use one device, rather than buying both a watch and a cycle computer.

At the moment I can't justify the cost of a 910xt, and the Forerunner 620 is stretching it a bit in terms of what it offers over the 220. So my options become the Forerunner 220 or 310xt.

Clearly the 310xt is a bit out of date in terms of its innards, which is one of the arguments against the 910xt as well, and the 220 seems to give me more useful data from a running perspective.

In terms of training objectives, I cycle as cross training and don't have any real intent to get into either duathlon or triathlon.

I'm struggling to frame a question here other than ask if anyone has any thoughts on the relative merits? Equally, is there something compelling about either the 620 or the 910xt that justify an additional £100-£150?

Thanks

SteveTries

I don't think you can do better than checking out the reviews by dcrainmaker on his website. Very comprehensive. I found it useful in making my choice. When I was on there a couple weeks ago he had just launched a mid year round up, by price range. This might help you out.

Good luck.

MeanderingMammal

From the dcrainmaker reviews it looks like the 620 has had a software update to account for cycling, which is a pretty compelling argument for the extra spend, although it'll need a speed/ cadence monitorfor the road bike.

Interestingly that's not referred to on the Garmin site.

SteveTries

I have the 310xt which I use primarily for running but can quickly be switched to cycling (which I do once per week) and works just fine. You merely hold down the [mode] button for a couple seconds.

What I love about the 310 is that you can show 1,2, 3 or 4 different data items on the screen at once during your workout. In addition you can set up multiple screens and scroll through them with a single button press. I haven't counted, but it looks like there are 100 different data fields to choose from.

Each sport mode lets you set up screens specific to that sport, which is very handy as you may well want to monitor quite different things depending upon the sport.

ZenInTexas

I have the 310XT and it works great for all my triathlon training and racing needs. The 910 is very nice but if you're on a budget the 310 is perfectly fine. It works for open water swimming but not pool, that's about the only drawback. I use it mainly for running and biking.

TheBrolympus

Clearly the 310xt is a bit out of date in terms of its innards, which is one of the arguments against the 910xt as well, and the 220 seems to give me more useful data from a running perspective.

The 310 and 910 maybe "out of date" from a tech perspective but most technology is the day after it's release.

These watches are rock solid and do multi-sport really well. The 910 will give you more bells and whistles (swim stats, virtual racer, etc.) that you probably won't use unless you are doing triathlons. The reason I went with the 910 was the Barometric altimeter. It gives a little better elevation data.

You can use the running watches for cycling but the biggest complaint is that there isn't a "cycling" mode so when you get on your bike you have to change the settings from Pace to Speed. With the new fancy watches that keep track of PRs, you will kill all your PRs when you are on the bike.

KeithAngilly

Clearly the 310xt is a bit out of date in terms of its innards, which is one of the arguments against the 910xt as well, and the 220 seems to give me more useful data from a running perspective.

The 310 and 910 maybe "out of date" from a tech perspective but most technology is the day after it's release.

These watches are rock solid and do multi-sport really well. The 910 will give you more bells and whistles (swim stats, virtual racer, etc.) that you probably won't use unless you are doing triathlons. The reason I went with the 910 was the Barometric altimeter. It gives a little better elevation data.

You can use the running watches for cycling but the biggest complaint is that there isn't a "cycling" mode so when you get on your bike you have to change the settings from Pace to Speed. With the new fancy watches that keep track of PRs, you will kill all your PRs when you are on the bike.

+1 I have both watches and I haven't regretted owning them or felt like I needed more features.

MeanderingMammal

The 310 and 910 maybe "out of date" from a tech perspective but most technology is the day after it's release.

My concern about the 310 is that as a 5year old design it'll be on the end of its product lifecycle, so I'm cautious about buying a device that's unlikely to see any more evolution.

Mind you, at the moment it's £140, so almost in the consumable range.

SteveTries

the only thing I wish the 310xt had was direct uploading to garmin connect. It's not a big deal to have to:
1)plug in the ANT stick into the USB port and then
2) fire up Garmin Express and
3) click [sync]

But it is a manual step and I'd rather not have to do it.

Otherwise its great. Nothing wrong with the innards and the absence of a colour display seems to equate to longer battery life.
From reading review the touch screen on newer models can be problematic, so I'll be sticking with the 310 for a while yet.

Also....LOVE the big screen. 4 data items that I can see clearly at a glance.

TheBrolympus

the only thing I wish the 310xt had was direct uploading to garmin connect. It's not a big deal to have to:
1)plug in the ANT stick into the USB port and then
2) fire up Garmin Express and
3) click [sync]

But it is a manual step and I'd rather not have to do it.

1) Leave the ANT stick plugged in
2) Leave Garmin Express running
3) Leave watch on desk and Garmin Express will auto load.

I throw my watch on my desk and by the time I get back from the bathroom or kitchen it has synced.

SteveTries

Good thinking. Thanks.

sarahc001

If you're looking at the 620, check out the garmin fenix 2. Same price, with plenty of added features. Downside is it's a little big, but it will truly last you though wherever you decide to take your running and cycling...the 620 is great and lightweight but just doesn't have the battery life I needed. The VO2max data is are try cool feature, though (and not available on the 220, IIRC.)