New garmins

opus

Replacements for the 210 & 610 according to DCR's site, I like the wifi addition to the 620 but seeing as it's a good bit lighter am wondering what the battery will be like...



http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/09/garmins-running-watches.html

MisterDrak

Sh1t, just got a new 610 last week !

BeepBeep67

opus wrote: »

Replacements for the 210 & 610 according to DCR's site, I like the wifi addition to the 620 but seeing as it's a good bit lighter am wondering what the battery will be like...

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/09/garmins-running-watches.html

Says 10hrs (not final) in the review

Krusty_Clown

Hallelujah... USB uploads instead of ANT+. It's funny how taking something away is often considered an upgrade! Looks good, but sadly won't be on my shopping list for another 4/5 years.

overpronator

220 looks like it will have just about everything most runners would really need. I wonder how much north of 200 quid that one will cost?

sconhome

I like the features of the HRM-run.

A lot of the advanced HR features and recovery are similar to what Polar have been offering for the past while, but they look so much better here in Garmin.

I'm impressed!!

Technique

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCgYr-8ffNY

rom

amphkingwest wrote: »

I like the features of the HRM-run.

A lot of the advanced HR features and recovery are similar to what Polar have been offering for the past while, but they look so much better here in Garmin.

I'm impressed!!

amphking boards discount ?

sconhome

rom wrote: »

amphking boards discount ?

It'd be nice if it could be swung alright. (put me down for one of those!)

You all know the Irish bar for pricing is already relatively high on these things, but as soon as I get prices confirmed & can work something out I will.

sconhome

Technique wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCgYr-8ffNY

Changes everything.

Oh, Polar, Polar, Polar you fell asleep.

opus

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Says 10hrs (not final) in the review

Like for laptops I never believe the published figures so I'd guess ~8-9h or so. The combo of HRM/footpod looks good & the 620 has some impressive features but think I'll be sticking with my 310 for the next while.

sconhome

amphkingwest wrote: »

Changes everything.

Oh, Polar, Polar, Polar you fell asleep.

Nope I was wrong, new Polar product announced today

Polar Loop

www.polarloop.com

Garmin are quaking in their boots

plodder

WiFi uploads are a huge improvement though. Makes those awful Ant usb sticks redundant at last.

Krusty_Clown

amphkingwest wrote: »

Nope I was wrong, new Polar product announced today

Polar Loop

www.polarloop.com

Garmin are quaking in their boots

*shudder*.

nerraw1111

These watches sound fantastic. I still use the 305 and have no real reason up update. I’m almost sold on the 220.

The polar bracelet looks hideous.

mithril

The biggest problem I have had with all Garmin watches -and I now have bought 3 over the years - is the quality of the heart rate monitor. Not sure why they struggle so badly with a basic task of producing accurate data when Polar have managed it for years.
Will be interesting to see whether they have finally fixed this with their new strap. Otherwise, building advanced analytics for VO2 calculation etc. on top of a very shaky foundation is not going to add much value.

I need the long battery life and the map functionality for ultra running so will be waiting for the successor to the 910XT (expected in the Spring) before even considering an upgrade.

antomagoo

I'll be holding off upgrading from the 305. A lot of nice features on both watches

sconhome

mithril wrote: »

The biggest problem I have had with all Garmin watches -and I now have bought 3 over the years - is the quality of the heart rate monitor. Not sure why they struggle so badly with a basic task of producing accurate data when Polar have managed it for years.
Will be interesting to see whether they have finally fixed this with their new strap. Otherwise, building advanced analytics for VO2 calculation etc. on top of a very shaky foundation is not going to add much value.

Looking at these watches my gut feeling is that they (Garmin) have upped their game dramatically. To the point that Garmin is just the name on the box, they don't even look like something the Garmin designers would concieve of.

I would think through buy-outs and aquisitions there is now enough technical specialisation in the product components to put the issues of old behind them.

I agree re the HR strap especially, its attrocious & uncomfortable to boot, fingers crossed it's as good as expected.

Krusty_Clown

amphkingwest wrote: »

Looking at these watches my gut feeling is that they (Garmin) have upped their game dramatically. To the point that Garmin is just the name on the box, they don't even look like something the Garmin designers would concieve of.

I would think through buy-outs and aquisitions there is now enough technical specialisation in the product components to put the issues of old behind them.

I agree re the HR strap especially, its attrocious & uncomfortable to boot, fingers crossed it's as good as expected.

Apart from the poor HRM though, the other issue is the poor standard of QA/testing. The first 6-8 months after official product release should realistically be called a beta-period. The more features they add, the more they stand to get wrong. Take a look at the Garmin forums for the first 2-3 months after a product release. It's an absolute horror-show. But yeah, the FR10 seems to have come from left-field in terms of Garmin design, and they seem to be continuing that trend.

The colour screen is an interesting addition and something they could probably do more with (maps, heart rate, target pace zones, etc.). Reminds me of the Leikr Kickstarter project.

lway

overpronator wrote: »

220 looks like it will have just about everything most runners would really need. I wonder how much north of 200 quid that one will cost?

He lists the General price as $249 which is ~€187 but that's before the distributors add their profit to it.

One thing I dont see listed in the FR220 Available Data Fields is Current Pace, something I always have displayed on my 210 though it does say Speed. Wonder if these are the same thing .

He does say later that there is nothing missing from the 220 that was on the 210, so i'll wait for the in-depth review first. Hopefully the waterproofing will eliminate the fogging that happens from time to time on my 210.

plodder

lway wrote: »

He lists the General price as $249 which is ~€187 but that's before the distributors add their profit to it.

One thing I dont see listed in the FR220 Available Data Fields is Current Pace, something I always have displayed on my 210 though it does say Speed. Wonder if these are the same thing .

He does say later that there is nothing missing from the 220 that was on the 210, so i'll wait for the in-depth review first. Hopefully the waterproofing will eliminate the fogging that happens from time to time on my 210.

Current pace is just "Pace" I think. It's interesting that the 13 fields on the 220 would cover everything I would want. Even my 410 has way more than I'd ever use and I couldn't see myself having much use for fields like "Vertical Oscillation" but maybe someone who is really working on technique would.

Looking at the wifi upload again, it's going to be interesting to see how that works exactly. Potentially (and I'm sure sooner or later watches will do this) it could mean being able to upload directly from the watch to a site like Strava or Garmin connect without needing a PC or device in between. Might be very handy when away from home.

rom

I am on my third 610 due to rust. Great watch other than that.

tHE vAGGABOND

I am on my third 610 due to rust. Great watch other than that.

Yup, the strap on mine is falling apart and the back of it is really badly rusted to the point that I think the charging connectors are hard to engage...

rom

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Yup, the strap on mine is falling apart and the back of it is really badly rusted to the point that I think the charging connectors are hard to engage...

Ring them up and they will replace with a newer designed one. I just got it last week for free out of warranty.

Krusty_Clown

That sounds a bit crap... Clearly not tested in Irish weather conditions.. Must be using different materials on my 910, as it's spotless (though it's water-proof, which might explain why they'd use different materials).

statss

+1 I got a replacement strap for my 610 sent out to me with no hassle at all.

rom

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

That sounds a bit crap... Clearly not tested in Irish weather conditions.. Must be using different materials on my 910, as it's spotless (though it's water-proof, which might explain why they'd use different materials).

They told me I should wipe it down after use ?

average_runner

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Apart from the poor HRM though, the other issue is the poor standard of QA/testing. The first 6-8 months after official product release should realistically be called a beta-period. The more features they add, the more they stand to get wrong. Take a look at the Garmin forums for the first 2-3 months after a product release. It's an absolute horror-show. But yeah, the FR10 seems to have come from left-field in terms of Garmin design, and they seem to be continuing that trend.

The colour screen is an interesting addition and something they could probably do more with (maps, heart rate, target pace zones, etc.). Reminds me of the Leikr Kickstarter project.

Garmin should probably take the approach of having a user group testing, where a certain group of runners will test the product for 6 months.

lway

statss wrote: »

+1 I got a replacement strap for my 610 sent out to me with no hassle at all.

Do they do this for Garmin 110 as well ? I know two people whose 110 strap broke lately so i've stopped wearing my 210 as much during the day, or is the 610 strap easier to replace (the 110 and 210 strap and watch body is all one unit). Is it eay to swap out the internals yourself, i'd imagine not if the unit is supposed to be waterproof (or showerproof in the case of the 110/210).

ThisRegard

average_runner wrote: »

Garmin should probably take the approach of having a user group testing, where a certain group of runners will test the product for 6 months.

I think they do, I remember reading a big article on their facility in the US somewhere which had a load of photos of the facility itself as well as mentions of the local running loops that the employees use for testing, it was probably posted here sometime actually.

edit: here it is, surprisingly easy to find for a change
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/04/scenes-garmin-headquarters.html

It does have this comment though

It’s probably notable that if the weather hadn’t decided to cooperate, Garmin employees still can workout. Downstairs in the basement of the building is a full gym:

So they're both wusses and miss out on vital bad weather testing.

statss

lway wrote: »

Do they do this for Garmin 110 as well ? I know two people whose 110 strap broke lately so i've stopped wearing my 210 as much during the day, or is the 610 strap easier to replace (the 110 and 210 strap and watch body is all one unit). Is it eay to swap out the internals yourself, i'd imagine not if the unit is supposed to be waterproof (or showerproof in the case of the 110/210).

dunno about other models, but the 610 was easy to swap out.

email is product.support@garmin.com if you want to get in touch with them.

Krusty_Clown

ThisRegard wrote: »

So they're both wusses and miss out on vital bad weather testing.

Hmm... They road-test BMWs on Irish roads... You'd imagine they could fire over a few Garmin watches! I wouldn't mind helping them out.. Feels like I've been beta-testing their products for years anyway!

copacetic

Missed this up until now, think will get the 220 when available.

Key features for me that make it a no brainer-

1) Bluetooth - for me the idea that when you get back from a run the run will just upload itself to connect via phone is ideal. No finding laptop and turning on PC to do it anymore. May not be the same for all but 99% of the time now I haven't got a PC on at home, but 100% of the time I have a tablet or phone within hand reach.
(If they fix up their app to have a full tablet version with connect all the better)

2) proper waterproofing. Annoying that they will leave swim options out but nice to be able to pretty much make it a full time sports watch.

Otherwise it is actually a little big for my liking, I prefer the size of the 10 series, but they make good use of the screen. I'd probably prefer a 10 series with the above two features really.

The cadence/oscillation features of the 620 with hrm are interesting, but I mostly don't bother with hrm anyway.

Anyone have any key features that 620 has over 220? I'm not seeing anything that I would use.

Krusty_Clown

copacetic wrote: »

Anyone have any key features that 620 has over 220? I'm not seeing anything that I would use.

If you're not planning on using the HRM functionality, then no, not really. Personally, I'd welcome the HR and Vo2max data, as well as the direct Wifi connectivity (just so I wouldn't have to connect it through an intermediary device).

copacetic

Think the 220 has the wifi also?

I have nothing against the extra data, but know I'd spend the extra and the hrm would end up same place they 405 one is, I.e I have no idea cos only used it a few times!

Van.Bosch

i have a Garmin 405 - am i correct in thinking that the 220 is the newer version of it?

Thanks

Mr.Fred

Any word on when these are being released I'm planning on picking up a garmin at the end of the month.

Krusty_Clown

Van.Bosch wrote: »

i have a Garmin 405 - am i correct in thinking that the 220 is the newer version of it?

Thanks

No, but it sounds like it would be a good substitute. The 405 was followed by the 405cx, and then the 410, all pretty much identical. Not sure if they'll continue the series any further, but it sounds like the 220 does everything the 405 does, and more.

rom

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Any word on when these are being released I'm planning on picking up a garmin at the end of the month.

It was Nov 2 but now that had gone to Mid-Nov. There is a discount code for this site dcrainmaker http://www.clevertraining.com/p-9029-garmin-forerunner-620.aspx

nerraw1111

What is the best site for ordering the new garmins?

Krusty_Clown

copacetic wrote: »

Think the 220 has the wifi also?

Upload and share your activities to Garmin Connect using your home Wi-Fi (620 only) or USB connection or connect anywhere with a Bluetooth low energy-compatible smartphone and Garmin Connect Mobile. Post your PRs to your favorite social networks so everyone knows you are a force to be reckoned with.

From here, no wifi on the 220. Not really a big issue, but a small time-saver when you are at home (and one less failure point). I daresay that if you were travelling, connecting it to hotel wifi would probably be a pain in the a$$, and you'd be better off uploading via bluetooth to a phone/tablet anyway(just picturing what a pain it would be to enter an SSID/Security key on the watch).

Also worth mentioning, that the 620 is touch screen, while the 220 is not. In my view, that a plus point in favour of the 220.

Krusty_Clown

nerraw1111 wrote: »

What is the best site for ordering the new garmins?

It's probably a little premature to think in terms of ordering, but this UK site includes them in their stock list for December delivery. I reckon there's a very good chance that any delivery date will probably slip by 4-6 weeks, if the 910 is anything to go by. Also, they're pretty expensive, particularly when compared to US prices.

620: £360 / $450
220: £250 / $299

If you could order the Forerunner 220 to the US and get it shipped, it's a pretty good price (€218). It's €295 from the UK site. Just expect lots and lots of bugs for the first 6-9 months of release.

overpronator

The Garmin 610 is 199stg on amazon with the HRM. Would this still be a higher end watch than the 220? From what I can tell they are very similar but the 220 has bluetooth uploading and no touchscreen. Like you I'm put off a little by the touchscreen on the 610 but dont fancy a buggy watch (220) for the next 6-12 months.

Krusty_Clown

overpronator wrote: »

The Garmin 610 is 199stg on amazon with the HRM. Would this still be a higher end watch than the 220? From what I can tell they are very similar but the 220 has bluetooth uploading and no touchscreen. Like you I'm put off a little by the touchscreen on the 610 but dont fancy a buggy watch (220) for the next 6-12 months.

Hard to say, as they have slightly different feature sets. Have you looked at DCRainmaker's preview of the 220/620? It also includes the 610, for comparison purposes, so you can do a feature comparison. Preview. Search for the words: COMPARISON TABLES

Some key differences:
610 supports cycle cadence sensor
220 supports indoor tracking with in-built accelerometer
610 has virtual partner
610 features back to start functionality
610 integrates with ANT+ sensors/equipment
220 will read satellite data from Bluetooth devices (possible quicker acquisition)
220 will send workouts via mobile/BT
220 may possibly have longer battery life (2 hours)

sconhome

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Any word on when these are being released I'm planning on picking up a garmin at the end of the month.

We have been told that they will be available at the end of October.

Its a bit similar to the situation with the FR10 that was released last year. Retaillers had little or no information of launch dates or prices in the run up to their availability.

I'd expect that the prices will be very much the same in terms of comparison with UK and EU as the FR10 were (ie little or no difference).

average_runner

So is it worth while buying the 220 when in USA in a few weeks?

rom

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/10/garmin-tactix-review.html

Nice

overpronator

Amazon reporting a release date of April 2014 for the 620 and Jan 1 2014 for the 220

copacetic

A lot of sites in US have 220 shipping middle of November and both listed on wiggle etc which would usual mean they are due very soon.

sconhome

Although look at how long the Vector took to get to market. Garmin seem to be very good at overpromising / underdelivering on their launch dates.

copacetic

True, but since a few preview samples are out there you would assume they announced and release them to get things going for holiday market. Would have to be serious issues with supply to wait until jan to launch them..