[Gear] The New Garmin Swim Only Watch

El Director

Garmin has released a new swim only watch. Here is DC R's review:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/06/garmin-swim-watch-in-depth-review.html?m=1

tunney

Wonder will these ones be actually waterproof

d4r3n

There seems to be a lot in it that I hope they'll backport to the 910XT

Kurt Godel

I used a Garmin Swim for the first time today. No way I'm going to improve or add to a DC Rainmaker review, but FWIW here's my initial thoughts:

Straight out of the box, its very easy and intuitive to set up. It can be worn as a normal watch, doesn't look too big, and the screen is easy to read. Set the time and date, entered my weight, set the pool to 25m, and that's all the set-up required. I didn't notice wearing it while swimming, and it seemed to mark each length correctly. I paused it once, and thought I hit the start button again, but must have missed that, will listen out for the "beep" in future. Reading the display, while easy to read, necessitates bending your arm, and thus interrupting your stroke. Pausing it makes the screen read "Pause", rather than displaying your stopped data, although there is probably a way to scroll and read your paused data.

Seamless synch to Garmin Connect via the Ant+ stick, and a good lot of data and charts which I can measure progress on. I bought this watch to stop me counting laps during the long swims, and to measure the progress over time for the short sessions. I'm very happy with it (early days yet), and glad I didn't fork out for the 910xt. Reckon it will be an invaluable training tool.

tunney

Kurt Godel wrote: »

I used a Garmin Swim for the first time today. No way I'm going to improve or add to a DC Rainmaker review, but FWIW here's my initial thoughts:

Straight out of the box, its very easy and intuitive to set up. It can be worn as a normal watch, doesn't look too big, and the screen is easy to read. Set the time and date, entered my weight, set the pool to 25m, and that's all the set-up required. I didn't notice wearing it while swimming, and it seemed to mark each length correctly. I paused it once, and thought I hit the start button again, but must have missed that, will listen out for the "beep" in future. Reading the display, while easy to read, necessitates bending your arm, and thus interrupting your stroke. Pausing it makes the screen read "Pause", rather than displaying your stopped data, although there is probably a way to scroll and read your paused data.

Seamless synch to Garmin Connect via the Ant+ stick, and a good lot of data and charts which I can measure progress on. I bought this watch to stop me counting laps during the long swims, and to measure the progress over time for the short sessions. I'm very happy with it (early days yet), and glad I didn't fork out for the 910xt. Reckon it will be an invaluable training tool.

just don't try and wear it in the cold outside.

Kurt Godel

tunney wrote: »

just don't try and wear it in the cold outside.

Because of those fogging issues you've been having? I placed it in the fridge earlier for 20 mins, then put it in direct sunlight at a window, didn't get any fogging, crystal clear display. I've worn it outside for a couple of days, in the cold, without issue. Time will tell I suppose- but so far so good.

tunney

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Because of those fogging issues you've been having? I placed it in the fridge earlier for 20 mins, then put it in direct sunlight at a window, didn't get any fogging, crystal clear display. I've worn it outside for a couple of days, in the cold, without issue. Time will tell I suppose- but so far so good.

wear it directly on your wrist (heat from arm warms inside) have screen exposed when cycling/running/walking. Happens everytime for me. (Around 3 degrees celcius)

Kurt Godel

tunney wrote: »

wear it directly on your wrist (heat from arm warms inside) have screen exposed when cycling/running/walking. Happens everytime for me. (Around 3 degrees celcius)

I wore it on tonights run, pretty cold out and left the watch exposed. There weren't any fogging issues. There's a stopwatch function- very basic "start-stop", but it does the job. This was clearly visible with only the smallest amount of ambient street light (I ran backroads without a headtorch). The backlight doesn't seem to function in stopwatch mode, however.

tunney

Kurt Godel wrote: »

I wore it on tonights run, pretty cold out and left the watch exposed. There weren't any fogging issues. There's a stopwatch function- very basic "start-stop", but it does the job. This was clearly visible with only the smallest amount of ambient street light (I ran backroads without a headtorch). The backlight doesn't seem to function in stopwatch mode, however.

Must just be me then.

pgibbo

Mine fogged on my run last Saturday. I could still read the display so not all bad. It's still going back once I get to the Post Office

tunney

pgibbo wrote: »

Mine fogged on my run last Saturday. I could still read the display so not all bad. It's still going back once I get to the Post Office

Garmin 910xt or Garmin Swim?

pgibbo

910xt

tunney

pgibbo wrote: »

910xt

Going to get harder to replicate the problem as the angle of the sun changes and the intensity too.

That being said I have returned 4 Garmin 910xts and 1 Garmin Swim since June. Almost like a hobby now.

sconhome

Go on admit it, you're actually a product tester for Garmin, aren't you?

tunney

amphkingwest wrote: »

Go on admit it, you're actually a product tester for Garmin, aren't you?

I've done product tester for a major brand but its not Garmin

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

tunney wrote: »

I've done product tester for a major brand but its not Garmin

Testing McDonalds happy meals and a very good tester he was as well. Took the job very seriously.

Thats why we call him McChunky.

Kurt Godel

"SWOLF"- a garmin function such that f(SWOLF)=average{time in seconds for length+number of strokes taken}.

Anyone got an idea on the usefulness of using this as an indicator of progression?

sconhome

As you get faster per length if you stroke count is the same your SWOLF will decrease.

If you are getting faster and SWOLF remains constant then you are not as efficient with your stroke.

I'm enjoying using the one I have and while getting the hang of the different menus takes a bit of playing around, the drill interval and rest timers are handy tools.

shotgunmcos

Kurt Godel wrote: »

"SWOLF"- a garmin function such that f(SWOLF)=average{time in seconds for length+number of strokes taken}.

Anyone got an idea on the usefulness of using this as an indicator of progression?

Its useful to a point.

A SWOLF of 70 for your first 100 is clearly better than 72 for the next yes? However, what if you kicked harder off the wall on the second 100s and also glided into the wall from 4m?

Of all the metrics, I tend to use the efficiency index

bryangiggsy

Carmelo Bitter Stratum wrote: »

Testing McDonalds happy meals and a very good tester he was as well. Took the job

that made me chuckle. one up jb.

tunney

Refund back for Garmin Swim.

Garmin 910xt number FIVE in the post to me.

Fecking ridiculous, I'd avoid all Garmin products from here on

tunney

910xt number five arrived this morning from Garmin Europe.

Fogged up 4 minutes into a 50 minute run and remained fogged for 35 minutes.

FOR FVCKS SAKE.................................... HUMIDTY CONTROLLED MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT

BennyMul

tunney wrote: »

910xt number five arrived this morning from Garmin Europe.

Fogged up 4 minutes into a 50 minute run and remained fogged for 35 minutes.

FOR FVCKS SAKE.................................... HUMIDTY CONTROLLED MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT

Have you removed your self from the equation, I know it should not make a difference unless you have your own climate, or your skin is so cold it drops the dew point.

tunney

BennyMul wrote: »

Have you removed your self from the equation, I know it should not make a difference unless you have your own climate, or your skin is so cold it drops the dew point.

Do you have a 910xt? if so whats the serial number - what to see if its the case that > x is good < x is bad.

No I've not tried that. I could try warming it over a base layer tomorrow but I'm loosing patience.

BennyMul

tunney wrote: »

Do you have a 910xt? if so whats the serial number - what to see if its the case that > x is good < x is bad.

No I've not tried that. I could try warming it over a base layer tomorrow but I'm loosing patience.

Nope Im still on the 310xt, was considering moving to one, but you have put me off,
I do know a person would be a long shot in causing condensation but it is worth removing it from the equtation, as I would find it hard to believe that if there are "good" batches you would not have got 1 at this stage.

tunney

BennyMul wrote: »

Nope Im still on the 310xt, was considering moving to one, but you have put me off,
I do know a person would be a long shot in causing condensation but it is worth removing it from the equtation, as I would find it hard to believe that if there are "good" batches you would not have got 1 at this stage.

all the serial numbers are similar for mine.

all around 02HL 08xxxx

tunney

tunney wrote: »

all the serial numbers are similar for mine.

all around 02HL 08xxxx

#1 2HL052086
#2 2HL089826
#3 2HL089806
#4 2HL099333
#5 2HL083106

sconhome

BennyMul wrote: »

Nope Im still on the 310xt, was considering moving to one, but you have put me off,
I do know a person would be a long shot in causing condensation but it is worth removing it from the equtation, as I would find it hard to believe that if there are "good" batches you would not have got 1 at this stage.

Its happened with one I wore for a trial. So its not unique to tunney alone.

BennyMul

amphkingwest wrote: »

Its happened with one I wore for a trial. So its not unique to tunney alone.

I was not questioning Tunney, I was questioning the "good batch" if there is such a thing, before I buy the 910 or the swim version,

Kurt Godel

Garmin Swim 2JM016598 works a treat.

Are you a heavy breather tunney?

sconhome

BennyMul wrote: »

I was not questioning Tunney, I was questioning the "good batch" if there is such a thing, before I buy the 910 or the swim version,

I've had no problems with the swim.

Other than it consistently telling me my 100m times are rubbish

pgibbo

910XT 2HL015004 returned today. It only fogged once and the fogging wasn't major as I could still read the display. However, the fact that it hangs or crashes every other swim drove me soft so it has been returned.

BTH

pgibbo wrote: »

910XT 2HL015004 returned today. It only fogged once and the fogging wasn't major as I could still read the display. However, the fact that it hangs or crashes every other swim drove me soft so it has been returned.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 910 was unveiled at Kona last year, and hit shelves here around Christmas?? So this product has been on the market for a year, and is still boll*x? Cracking job from Garmin right there. I'll be hanging onto my 310 until she dies, and praying that doesn't happen for some time!

tunney

BTH wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 910 was unveiled at Kona last year, and hit shelves here around Christmas?? So this product has been on the market for a year, and is still boll*x? Cracking job from Garmin right there. I'll be hanging onto my 310 until she dies, and praying that doesn't happen for some time!

yes.

sconhome

pgibbo wrote: »

910XT 2HL015004 returned today. It only fogged once and the fogging wasn't major as I could still read the display. However, the fact that it hangs or crashes every other swim drove me soft so it has been returned.

Are you sending it to Garmin UK / Europe or back to base?

Larry Brent

910xt 2HL057948 - has not once fogged in 6 months use mainly running, odd cycle and pool swim, been out in temps ranging from -10 to 40degrees, in daylight and darkness. Great watch. Bought on amazon.ca

shotgunmcos

Mine fogged properly for the first time the other night. Had it on my wrist indoor s for a few mins. Then hit the road in circa 2-3 degrees and raining. Screen fogged completely but ok again after a few minutes. No biggie. Pretty poor fault for a 400 euro "swim" capable watch! Still a great piece of kit. Fault not enough to have me send it back 5 times. Santa wishlist has a Casio Protrek which of lands, I can see being used for runs over the Garmin :rolleyes:

tunney

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Mine fogged properly for the first time the other night. Had it on my wrist indoor s for a few mins. Then hit the road in circa 2-3 degrees and raining. Screen fogged completely but ok again after a few minutes. No biggie. Pretty poor fault for a 400 euro "swim" capable watch! Still a great piece of kit. Fault not enough to have me send it back 5 times. Santa wishlist has a Casio Protrek which of lands, I can see being used for runs over the Garmin :rolleyes:

They did in two ways.

One is changes from hot to cold. It's shockingly bad but you can live with it. The watch will cool down and the fogging dissipate, just as you experienced.

The second way is direct sunlight. No temperature changes and it does not clear until you move into the shade. All my watches have gone back for this.

The last three hours of a seven hit ride were unreadable because of this.

Today's 50 minute run had four minutes of clear screen. I want to read my screen when i want.

On a sunny cool day around noon or your watch outside with the screen facing the sun. I bet you that you can't read the screen after ten minutes.

I've a long email from someone else higher up in garmin but I'm not talking yet. Once i have my refund then I'll tell them

In my life owned 8 garmins.

One 310xt that wouldn't hold the time when turned off. Swapped out.

One 310xt that i regret selling.

One garmin swim that i returned after a day add it fogged up walking to the shops.

Five 910xts, none of them fit for purpose. To be clear i could, at this stage, tolerate a few minutes of giving sure to temperature change but not hours of fogging due to sunlight.

pgibbo

amphkingwest wrote: »

Are you sending it to Garmin UK / Europe or back to base?

Posted to Southampton.

@BTH - I bought mine back in February and it was fine until around June timeframe. I just didn't get off my ar$e to send it back sooner. I did however upgrade to all the latest software releases and did a master reset. It worked fine for a few swims and then the hanging started again.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

My 910 is great, just saying!

tunney

Carmelo Bitter Stratum wrote: »

My 910 is great, just saying!

1:4x for the 100s
1:27 for the 100s

Just saying

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

tunney wrote: »

1:4x for the 100s
1:27 for the 100s

Just saying

4.08 w/kg
3.55 w/kg

Just saying

tunney

Carmelo Bitter Stratum wrote: »

4.08 w/kg
3.55 w/kg

Just saying

5 foot 10
5 foot 2

Just saying

sconhome

tunney wrote: »

5 foot 10
5 foot 2

Just saying

So now we know who can pee higher :rolleyes:

tunney

I emailed Garmin Support yesterday to tell them that their replacement was no better than any of my other failed units and that it fogged up after 4 minutes and remained fogged for 35 minutes in my 50 minute run. Seemingly not being able to read a screen is "expected"

"As stated condensation can occur on devices and it does appear to have cleared after the temperature regulated, as opposed to previously when it was lasting for hours, so although it can be an annoyance would appear to be working. I will be happy to book this in for a replacement again, but we are only able to replace it with a like for like model, as we did previously."

tunney

My response to this helpful email

"I am sure if I went cycling with this unit for a few hours it would then remain fogged for hours. The fogging didn't disappear because of "temperature regulation" it disappeared because I moved out of the sunlight and into some woods. Avoiding sunlight is not a feasible option really.

At this stage I am unsure as to what to do. I don't believe that the 910xt, as a result of the manufacturing process, is of merchantable quality and I don't believe that I will ever get one that is fit for purpose."

peter kern

garmin return the money pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

peter from sunny Ireland