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Sara R.
Sara R. Sendmail

What kind of Garmin do you guys use?

posted 11 months ago | Report

Like, I've been looking into buying a garmin for quite some time. I am a runner and using that would make things easier. I would prefer to have a GPS-enabled one but I don't know what one to choose. I see many people on here have Garmins and I was wondering, what one do you have or what one would you recommend?

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45 posts

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  • Terri C.
    Terri C. Sendmail

    I use a Garmin Forerunner 310XT - I like it because it easily transitions between bike and running... no good in the water though.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Natalie J.
    Natalie J. Sendmail

    I have a 210 and it works well for me. Pretty easy to upload here to DM, though you will get more details of your run if you also upload to the Garmin site.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Natalie J. said:I have a 210 and it works well for me. Pretty easy to upload here to DM, though you will get more details of your run if you also upload to the Garmin site.

    Yeah, I was looking at the 210. Is it easy to use? I see it has GPS on it and your pace and it times you and all that stuff but is it easy to use, haha?

    posted 11 months ago

  • Cathy Curry S.PRO
    Cathy Curry S. Sendmail

    I can't compare to the others...but I have a 305. I love it. :-)

    posted 11 months ago

  • Dan M.
    Dan M. Sendmail

    610 to replace the aging 305 (DW still uses it) and 500 for the bike.

    The 610 is a huge step up from the 305, smaller, with a vibration alert, touch screen that I haven't had any problems with. The 305 does win (as would the 310 or 910) for multi-sport. Both 305 and 610 interface with all the doodads HRM, footpod, Speed and Cadence. I just prefer the handlebar mount, barometric altitude, and thermometer of the 500 for cycling.

    I suggest the 405/410 as a minimum because of the compatibility with the rest of the accessories, you may never need them, but should you, no upgrade to the head unit is needed.

    posted 11 months ago

  • MichaelPRO
    Michael Sendmail

    610 here. It replaced my 305 which kind of just quit charging and now won't even power on. I love it, but did like the slightly larger display of the 305 a bit more. However the vibration alert almost makes up for it alone since I can't hear the normal beep with my earbuds in.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Michael said:610 here. It replaced my 305 which kind of just quit charging and now won't even power on. I love it, but did like the slightly larger display of the 305 a bit more. However the vibration alert almost makes up for it alone since I can'... read more

    Alright so a lot of people are saying the 610. I was debating between that one and the 210.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Andris D.
    Andris D. Sendmail

    I was in the same situation recently I choose 610 and I'm glad I did!! I was between Nike Tom Tom and harming 610.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Medina
    Medina Sendmail

    so 410 is not that good? I was looking to buy one. :(

    :) I really like 610 but is bit more expensive.

    btw I thought FR 310tx was waterproof and FR 310 was not.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Medina said:so 410 is not that good? I was looking to buy one. :( :) I really like 610 but is bit more expensive. btw I thought FR 310tx was waterproof and FR 310 was not.

    yeah i saw online the 310tx was waterproof lol.
    but yeah the 610 is pretty expensive but if it is better than the 210 then id be willing to pay more but if they are about the same quality than id rather get the 210.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sarah
    Sarah Sendmail

    I have the 305 and love it! It is big enough to see the numbers with just a glance. Has always worked great, but I have had it less than a year! I load everything into the Training Center and use that to track my workouts.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Dan M.
    Dan M. Sendmail
    in reply to what Sara R. said:yeah i saw online the 310tx was waterproof lol. but yeah the 610 is pretty expensive but if it is better than the 210 then id be willing to pay more but if they are about the same quality than id rather get the 210.

    It's not so much quality, but rather features.

    The features that the 610 has that the 210 does not (* 310 also has):
    Auto pause, pauses the timer if you stop or slow to a preset pace*
    Vibration alert*
    Time or Distance alert*
    Virtual partner, set a pace and track distance behind/ahead*
    Advanced workouts, based on pace*
    Virtual racer, save a course and race against that course

    All 3 are "waterproof" with the IPX7 standard, up to 30-minutes, less than 1 meter deep, none have swimming metrics, you have to move up to the 910 for that.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Dan M. said:It's not so much quality, but rather features. The features that the 610 has that the 210 does not (* 310 also has): Auto pause, pauses the timer if you stop or slow to a preset pace* Vibration alert* Time or Distance alert* Virtual partner,... read more

    alright, so between the 610, 210 and 310 which would you all recommend?

    posted 11 months ago

  • MichaelPRO
    Michael Sendmail
    in reply to what Sara R. said:alright, so between the 610, 210 and 310 which would you all recommend?

    Sara, I'd take a look here:

    http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/11/my-2011-sports-technology.html

    There are very detailed reviews on that site for the three models you list. The 210 might do everything you're looking for, but you might see features of the others that you decide you really want.

    My only advice is that if you see something you might want but are wavering due to the cost, think seriously about getting it anyway. Garmins are expensive enough that you want everything on your first purchase instead of regretting what you bought (and possibly looking at purchasing another).

    posted 11 months ago

  • Dan M.
    Dan M. Sendmail
    in reply to what Sara R. said:alright, so between the 610, 210 and 310 which would you all recommend?

    Running only and NOT using the treadmill indoors 210, it's a little limited, but will get the job done.

    Running or cycling 610, following a training plan that includes intervals, this is a great watch.

    Multi-sport races (duathlons or triathlons) the 310xt.

    Best bang for the buck the 310xt, pretty much the same features as the 610, for the price of the 210. However big and cannot be worn as a sport watch.

    You will be pleased with any of these. I loved my 305, until I got my 610, the 610 just fits my needs better.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Dan M. said:Running only and NOT using the treadmill indoors 210, it's a little limited, but will get the job done. Running or cycling 610, following a training plan that includes intervals, this is a great watch. Multi-sport races (duathlons or triath... read more

    I only run outdoors, that's all I will need the watch for. So 210 or 610?

    posted 11 months ago

  • Medina
    Medina Sendmail

    I only run outside, sometimes indoor too but if i'd had the money i'ld get the 610 instead 210. In my opinion i would not get 210 again thats my personal opinion. I just dont like the design. I agree with michael, garmins are expensive. I was going to get 410 but i'll wait and save 100 dollars more for the 610. And thats my two cents :) see ya.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Medina said:I only run outside, sometimes indoor too but if i'd had the money i'ld get the 610 instead 210. In my opinion i would not get 210 again thats my personal opinion. I just dont like the design. I agree with michael, garmins are expensive... read more

    Thank you :)

    posted 11 months ago

  • James
    James Sendmail

    If it's not too late to chime in. I have a 410 and like it a lot. So much information that you can display (maybe too much). You can customize it to show exactly what you want. If money was no object I would have bought the 610, but as a cost compromise the 410 is great. (Where I looked 210 was more expensive as well which is why I didn't get that. I also think that the 410 is more customizable than the 210.)
    Some people complain about the bezel on the 410. It's not perfect, but I nearly always set up my fields that I want to see before heading out, and then lock it so I can't accidentally press it, or something else.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what James said:If it's not too late to chime in. I have a 410 and like it a lot. So much information that you can display (maybe too much). You can customize it to show exactly what you want. If money was no object I would have bought the 610, but as a co... read more

    alright, thanks. Now Im stuck in between the 410 and the 610 hahaha

    posted 11 months ago

  • Angela L.
    Angela L. Sendmail

    Just to throw a wrench in, I have the 405 CX and I LOVE it. One perk is the size difference between the older models and the 405CX. It is much smaller and considering I have tiny wrists, that was a huge plus. Some people don't like the touch bezel but I just lock it and actually enjoy that feature. Mine was flaky for a while but it turned out it was the software which they upgraded since. The battery time is pretty good if you turn the GPS off when you aren't using it. Does everything I want it to and more!

    The 610 has a nice look to it and the touch screen seems cool (along with the vibration feature) but I really love my 405CX and with the price difference, I would reccomend it definitely! The 610 is really awesome but its soooo expensive!

    By the way, Amazon sells the 405cx for $190 and it includes the heart rate monitor (which I find amazingly helpful for running and other activities!) By the way, I couldn't find any major differences between the 405CX and the 410 so you may way to research that if it boils down to it!

    Good luck deciding!
    ~Ang

    posted 11 months ago

  • Medina
    Medina Sendmail

    The 410 at costco.com is at $199 :)

    posted 11 months ago

  • David B.PRO
    David B. Sendmail

    I have a 405 and have used it for a year without any issues. I believe it is no longer available by retail, but the 410 is. The 410 is basically the same device with a few of the 405 bugs eliminated (although I haven't had any problems.)

    posted 11 months ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    Me- I use a 405 for running and a Garmin Edge 500 for my bike.

    Here's the deal:
    305. big, ugly, very functional. used to be cheap and the best deal out there- now, they're hard to find. I'd pass on these.

    201: Great packaging (i.e. it's small), but minimal features. it records your run, but if you want to know anything about your run, other than distance and time-you need to upload the file. you cannot program individual screens with your choice of variables.

    405. touch bezel, fully featured. That means you can upload custom workouts, interval sessions, program multiple screens to show you whatever you want, virtual partner- a great watch. Downside- if you run in the rain or are really sweaty, the touch bezel doesn't work so well. These are the best deals out there right now- about $150 I think?
    405cx. same as the 405 but blue and with a more accurate calorie counter
    410 same as the 405, but the touch bezel works in the rain. a major improvement.

    305xt their first waterproof triathlon watch. fully featured, larger, long battery life, was pricey, now coming down.

    610 touch screen running watch. all the features of the 405/410 plus a few, like vibrating alerts. rather expensive.

    910xt the ultimate in triathlon watches. swim, bike, run. better swimming features than the 310xt.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Medina
    Medina Sendmail

    So morey and everybody else, between 610 and 410 or 405cx??? which one would you all get???????????? Like sara, i am also looking to buy one

    posted 11 months ago | edited 11 months ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail
    in reply to what Medina said:So morey and everybody else, between 610 and 410 or 405cx??? which one would you all get???????????? Like sara, i am also looking to buy one

    610 > 410 > 405

    the 610 is the best, both in features and usability, but it still seems to be going for $350 vs $200 or less for the 410. I personally really like the touch bezel on the 405, but I live in the desert and don't sweat much- so It works for me. I certainly understand the issues with it. The 410 has pretty much solved that issue. So- check on the prices and make your decision.

    If you listen to headphones and prefer the vibration alert capability of the 610- that's one of the deciding feature differences, other than the touch screen vs bezel.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Marlene
    Marlene Sendmail

    hi i got garmin 305 works great i just love it!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Medina said:So morey and everybody else, between 610 and 410 or 405cx??? which one would you all get???????????? Like sara, i am also looking to buy one

    Have you decided? Sorry I'm so late. I think I have my mind set on the 610, even though it's more expensive.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Medina
    Medina Sendmail
    in reply to what Sara R. said:Have you decided? Sorry I'm so late. I think I have my mind set on the 610, even though it's more expensive.

    I think i would go for the 410. When are you planning to get it?

    posted 11 months ago

  • David S.
    David S. Sendmail

    I have the 410m it's a bargain because people didn't like the bezel but once you start to run you lock the bezel by pressing both side buttons together, the side buttons are the start/pause stop buttons so its fine in my eyes. Not suitable for swimming though, good luck deciding.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail
    in reply to what Medina said:I think i would go for the 410. When are you planning to get it?

    I plan on getting it before I go off to a running camp which is the 2nd week of august, so sometime in July probably.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Medina
    Medina Sendmail

    Cool!!!!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Bo A.PRO
    Bo A. Sendmail

    310XT... Like it very much.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Eden R.
    Eden R. Sendmail

    To consult senior predecessors, or go to Google search, the experience of many friends, for you to choose.

    Welcome to my website: http://www.likerunningshoes.com/nike-air-max-shoes.html

    posted 11 months ago

  • Christine C.
    Christine C. Sendmail

    I love using the Garmin FR 610 where as I previously used my iPhone with the Nike+GPS app and foot pod. I find that I can change settings easily on the 610 with the touch screen even when I am in the middle of a run and I like making use of the vibration alerts for distance and run/walk intervals.

    posted 11 months ago

  • John M.
    John M. Sendmail

    I use the Garmin 210, love it.

    posted 11 months ago

  • David B.PRO
    David B. Sendmail

    I'm not sure if you've purchased your Garmin yet or not. Morey had a pretty good summary of all the Garmins in his post. The best value, the most Garmin for your money, is clearly the 410. So if you're looking for value, that's the one for you. The 610 has more features, like the touch screen and the vibrating alert, but is about $150 more than the 410. So if you're looking for the most features, that's your choice. I have a 405 (the 410 wasn't available when I purchased it), which does all I need it to do. My dream Garmin however, is the 610. I just struggle with spending that kind of money on something I want when something less expensive will meet my needs. I hope all these comments help!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Michael G.PRO
    Michael G. Sendmail

    I tried them all and got down to the 210 vs 610 also. I skipped the 405/410 series since they are the worst reviewed unit in the Garmin line-up and probably no coincidence that they are always on sale. The 210 will do 90% of what most people need in an easy to use package. FOR ME the money jump to the 610 was worth it for the extra features. The vibration alerts and always on light (for night running) are huge deals. I like being able to display 16 different datas points on four customizable screens. It also records R-R HR data for integration into Firstbeat Athlete for many more useful measurements.

    posted 11 months ago | edited 11 months ago

  • Jog M Up
    Jog M Up Sendmail

    i'm a nike guy, so i bought the nike+ sportwatch. it had issues at first, but nike was ALWAYS there with a human tech support person. it uses tom tom gps and it also has a shoe sensor for when gps loses signals. forest, indoors, etc. i think best buy has it at 169 down from 199. the HR monitor is extra, but i rarely use that anyway.
    have fun choosing & have fun in august at camp! (which camp?)

    posted 11 months ago

  • Brian S.
    Brian S. Sendmail

    I have a dinosaur 205 that I got before the Chicago Marathon back in '08. Can't kill it since I'd love a newer one. 5 marathons, a Ragnar and tons of 5Ks, 10ks, halfs, etc, and has never let me down. Can take it when i travel and it's always been reliable with pace and distance for me. Are they perfect? no, but we're not training for the Olympics either. You'll love it.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Ron Ivan G.
    Ron Ivan G. Sendmail

    i have the 305 and its very good. functional and all. its also cheap. got mine for a steal. :D

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sara R.
    Sara R. Sendmail

    Thanks everyone! I think I am going to go with the 410 since it's cheaper and has all features that I need.

    posted 11 months ago

  • John G.PRO
    John G. Sendmail

    I have the forerunner 405 and I absolutely love it. Can find them for under 200 on line.

    posted 11 months ago

  • David B.PRO
    David B. Sendmail

    Did you get your 410?

    posted 2 months ago

  • Marc F.
    Marc F. Sendmail

    garmin forerunner 10, great watch with just the basics (pace, time, calories) and none of the fancy stuff

    posted about 1 month ago

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