Post by WinterIsComing on Jun 1, 2014 13:20:47 GMT -5
I am just getting into running and am training for a half in late fall / early winter. I have been thinking of getting a watch to help me track pace, distance, etc. Any recommendation on which watch to get? I have been looking at the Garmin 10, 110, 210, and 310. Should I just go basic and cheap now? Or will I soon wish I had gotten a better one?
I got a 10 a year ago, and just upgraded to the 220 with HRM last week. I wish I'd just bought one with an HRM to start, but I don't know if that's a concern for you. I love that the 220 vibrates the alerts as well as beeping; I mostly missed the beep from the 10. Otherwise, I don't know how much I'm really going to use all the cool features of the 220.
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
Post by spunkypenguin on Jun 1, 2014 15:19:41 GMT -5
I started out with the 110 w/ HRM. I loved it - it did what I needed it to do. It died in February and I replaced it with the 210. I like the 210 even more. I like being able to switch it to metric and set-up my whole track run on it. I also like that I can see my splits right on the watch b/c I'm pretty lazy and typically only connect it to upload once a week or so.
I use mine everyday. I use the HRM on indoor mode when I lift or go to spin class.
Post by bluedaisyus on Jun 1, 2014 15:30:23 GMT -5
The 15 is out now, too, you might look into that as well. It's a little more than the 10 but not a lot, and it's compatible with accessories like HRMs and footpods that you could add later if you wanted. It's also supposed to act more like an activity monitor when you're not actively using it for running.
I opted for the 220 when I was looking because it had some extra features I wanted. I'm glad I did, but the 15 seems like it's added some things that would have made the decision much more difficult for me (especially at half the price).
Post by chitownbelle on Jun 1, 2014 15:34:10 GMT -5
I use a Garmin Forerunner 305. It's huge, but has a ton of options and works great for me, so I don't mind it at all. If you think you'll utilize a good watch and will continue to run, invest in a higher quality watch instead of wasting money on a basic/cheaper version that you'll just want to upgrade anyway.
Post by bostonmichelle on Jun 1, 2014 19:57:13 GMT -5
I went with the 220. It had all the features I wanted and more. I now use the workout setting a lot as well for tempo runs. I like that I can see my pace quickly and I can adjust when I get my splits during runs. I'm probably going to invest in a HRM later this year as well and knew that buying the watch.
I have the 410. I have really small wrists so I honestly liked that it came with additional wrist bands and was on sale at Costco. Otherwise I still don't know half of it's potential But it has carried me through 9 halfs, a full, a countless other races without missing a beat. I have yet to use the heart rate monitor it came with.
Post by WinterIsComing on Jun 1, 2014 22:01:04 GMT -5
Thanks everyone this is all great information! I think it might be better to get a slightly better one now in case I continue running - which I hope I do.
I have the 410. I have really small wrists so I honestly liked that it came with additional wrist bands and was on sale at Costco. Otherwise I still don't know half of it's potential But it has carried me through 9 halfs, a full, a countless other races without missing a beat. I have yet to use the heart rate monitor it came with.
Hmm, interesting - I have super small wrist too so I may look at the 410. Thanks!
I passed on the 10 because it doesn't do HR, and I wanted that feature. I got the 210, which is very similar to the 110 but is compatible with a footpod and a couple other features.
Now I use it less because I have a 910xt for tri's, but I did really like the 210 for running and will continue to use it sometimes for running-only days since it's not as bulky.
I got a 10 a year ago, and just upgraded to the 220 with HRM last week. I wish I'd just bought one with an HRM to start, but I don't know if that's a concern for you. I love that the 220 vibrates the alerts as well as beeping; I mostly missed the beep from the 10. Otherwise, I don't know how much I'm really going to use all the cool features of the 220.
Haha, this would have been my EXACT response. So, ditto.
The 10 is great for beginners, but I did notice that I had to charge it between runs or the battery wouldn't last. Especially once I started doing longer runs- if I did 10+ miles one day, the battery would be low during the following day's run.
Also, I was surprised at how much of a difference there was in getting a signal with the 10 vs. 220. The 220 takes seconds.