Garmin has not only made the Forerunner sleeker and lighter than its predecessor, it has also improved the battery life, added a color display, and created an entirely new set of training metrics and features. Despite being nearly similar in size and thickness, the Forerunner weighs an entire ounce less than the prior version, the Forerunner 1.
Further improvements were made to the display which now sports a high resolution and color screen. Battery life is 10 hours while in training mode. This is about average for most GPS watches; however, it does show a slight improvement over the Garmin has created a new set of training aids and tracking metrics with the Forerunner Most notably is the feature set Garmin calls Running Dynamics.
These new metrics record your cadence — the number of foot strides per minute; ground contact — how long each foot stays in contact with the road; and vertical oscillation — how much your torso bounces up and down. A more detailed explanation can be found here ; but the gist is that these metrics are supposed to track your running efficiency: how quickly your feet turnover and how much energy is wasted with up and down movements.
Another new feature is Recovery Adviser. The Forerunner will gauge the intensity of each workout and try to advise how much rest to take before another run. This is displayed on the watch as a countdown and can range from 6 to 96 hours.
Listening to your body might be a better strategy. Skip to content. Huge sports tech deals have begun! Share Share 2. Two Thirds of an Oly Tri Tuesday ». You can click here to Subscribe without commenting Your name: E-mail:. Add a picture.
September 26, at pm 1. July 28, at pm 2. July 29, at pm 3. Very Cool. December 17, at am 4. HRM strap lifespan, etc… Reply. December 31, at pm 5. March 19, at pm 6.
This comment has been removed by the author. March 19, at pm 7. March 20, at am 8. April 28, at am 9. Get the new waterproof Garmin forerunner XT — waterproof to 50m. August 4, at pm September 4, at am September 21, at pm I highly recommend this case — link to aquapac.
Great review on the XT! November 6, at pm January 9, at am February 2, at am Thank you for this tip! I never even thought that s could be used as such! April 18, at pm Thanks and congratulations for your blog contents Rui Marques Reply. April 21, at am Thanks and good luck! Daniel Nanton. May 14, at pm May 17, at am Kel-c Isgreat. May 27, at pm Adnam Manda. June 23, at am Your blog is amazing … about with the Ziploc Fororunner and used under the hood?
September 15, at pm Mark Reply. October 5, at pm Hi Rainmaker, do you think is better to use HRM under the wetsuit during swim? October 27, at am November 23, at pm Do you find your Ziploc bag leaks? Is it relatively safe in there? December 21, at am Niamh Moloney. January 11, at pm Hi DC, Hope all is well and love your page.
March 29, at am I would like to join your blog anyway so please continue sharing with us Reply. June 8, at pm June 22, at am July 8, at pm Acupuncture in Leeds. August 5, at am August 20, at pm March 4, at pm Rainmaker — I just love your blog, keep up the good work with all the posts! March 5, at am April 4, at pm Lake MI Swimmer Reply.
April 5, at am June 11, at am June 24, at am Carlos Vilchez. September 7, at pm Yes, the timer is real, and does keep going even without the GPS aspect working correctly. Veggie Virginia. November 15, at pm November 21, at am January 20, at am January 20, at pm OK, it is a shame as this unit has a lot of nice features. Thanks a lot for your answer! June 2, at am Regards, Reply. June 22, at pm Hence the whole post about putting it in your swimcap to avoid such scenarios.
July 24, at am Just to congratulate you for this excellent post. Check this training I did this morning: link to connect.
August 17, at am With this feature, Garmin has an answer for every excuse- no more, "I could have beaten that time"- where users can race themselves over their previous bests or against other users' times. Here users can quickly and easily log their workouts, track their totals, set goals, share workouts with friends and family and participate in an online fitness community of more than 70 million activities around the world.
Also, users can now create and plan workouts, and even design courses and send it all directly to your XT with the click of a button. Garmin Connect displays metrics such as time, distance, pace, elevation and heart rate. This information is shown through charts, illustrations, reports and a variety of map representations including street, photo, topographic, and elevation maps. Forerunner XT is the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent more than 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users' lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries.
For more about features, pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin's other products and services, go to www. You can see the rubber mount kit here:. Speaking of triathlons — if you happen to have a triathlon bike, you can still use the same rubber mount, except you may have to get creative about where you mount it.
But it gives you an idea on the options there:. Despite the very protective looking metallic design, the Garmin Forerunner is actually only waterproofed to IPX7 standards. This means that it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The Garmin manual on page 39 warns against explicitly this task:. For example, I plunked it down in my bathtub for just under 10 minutes — and it came out just fine and dandy:. Also, for more fun with IPX7 bathtub immersion of expensive gadgets, see this post. At the moment, the only entrant into that category is the Tanita BC scale.
This scale measures your weight, body fat and hydration levels and then wirelessly transmits it to the waiting Garmin FR Within about seconds the scale completes the reading and transmits it back to the watch, where it appears on the screen:.
In addition to appearing on the FR screen, it then transmits that data to Garmin Connect the next time you upload data from your watch. The two products together offer a fairly seamless way of gathering the data and tracking it within Garmin Connect.
Incredibly quick. While the number of gyms that have this equipment is incredibly small, it is pretty cool if you happen to stumble on it. Additionally, I spent some time at a local Gym using the FR to play with equipment there. For more information, see that post.
There are a number of accessories that can be purchased with the FR to extend its functionality. The footpod allows you to gather pace, distance and cadence data while both indoors or outdoors.
The foot pod easily snaps right onto your shoelaces in a matter of a few seconds. Pretty impressive. Garmin introduced a slightly new heart rate strap with the Edge — and that same strap has been carried through to the FR, FR and now the FR And based on my testing over the past 6 months — it does a pretty good job of this.
However, be aware — there are still two older more common types out there, which compared, look like this:. You can also pickup the premium version individually. The pairing process only takes a second though and simply requires you to confirm the pairing on both the computer PC or Mac and the watch:.
Additionally, this same avenue is used for firmware updates — which occur usually a few times per year for most Garmin watches. This allows them to deliver both bug fixes and feature enhancements.
Whether that be a run, a bike ride…or even flying in a plane. If a Garmin created it — then you can pretty much see it on Garmin Connect. From here you can then scroll down and drill into many different metrics such as pace, heart rate, elevation and cadence:. In addition to the overview of each activity you can replay the activity, as if it were a short video:.
The site also includes a larger calendar view that you can use to track your activities over time. From here you can also switch to list view, if you just want a simple list of all your activities. Garmin Connect has a number of other easy to use features such as setting up goals, tracking health information as you saw in the Tanita Scale section earlier and creating reports. In general Garmin Connect is targeted towards more casual users, whereas some of the next products I discuss are focused towards those wanting more analysis capabilities.
Training Peaks is one of the largest 3rd party software options. They have two versions, one is free and one is subscription based. Regardless of whether you pay, the entirety of Training Peaks is a website except the device agent software you can install to upload files.
I use Training Peaks as my primary method of tracking my training efforts. The major reason for TP over Garmin Connect is the advanced analytics. I was able to simply select the watch from the right-side dropdown and it automatically grabbed the. TCX and. FIT files, for backwards compatibility with older applications.
Another non-Garmin option is SportTracks. SportTracks is a Windows only client application that allows you incredibly in depth analysis of your workouts. Perhaps one of the biggest strengths though of SportTracks is the ability to allow community developers to extend the application with plug-ins.
Because the FR exports out both. FIT files, SportTracks has no problem consuming these files today:. Once imported, the files act just like any other activity within SportTracks — allowing you to slice and dice the data as you see fit:. The FR represents an update to the previous generation running focused FR and FR — but omits the troublesome touch bezel that both of those watches had. With the FR maintaining that smaller form factor and moving to a much cleaner touch screen interface — it makes for a very compelling running watch.
When comparing the FR though to other running focused watches like the FR and FR though, you see a dramatic difference in features and functionality. The FR and FR watches are designed for folks that want a simplified GPS-based running experience that essentially just tells you how far, how fast, how long.
Whereas the FR aims to offer advanced features like workouts, intervals and heavily customizable data fields. To me perhaps one of the biggest yet least noted features is the re-inclusion of 1-second recording mode.
This has been a huge pain point for many Garmin users since it was removed after the FR back some years ago now. If you want a crossover device, than go with the FRXT. Over time this comparison chart has slowly grown. Your best bet is to simply click it and view it in all its full screen glory. You can download it here. As always, thanks for reading, I appreciate it. If you have any questions — feel free to post them below, I try to answer as often as possible.
Hopefully you found this review useful. By doing so, you not only support the site and all the work I do here — but you also get a sweet discount. Additionally, you can also use Amazon to purchase the unit or accessories though, no discount on either from Amazon. Or, anything else you pickup on Amazon helps support the site as well socks, laundry detergent, cowbells. And as you can see, I mix and match accessories based on compatibility — so if a compatible accessory is available at a lower price below, you can grab that instead.
These guides are all listed on this page here. Thanks for reading! And lastly, if you felt this review was useful — I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked. If you would like a profile picture, simply register at Gravatar , which works here on DCR and across the web. Subscribe me to the newsletter. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can click here to Subscribe without commenting.
The calculation of calories burnt on FR how accurate is it? I was out running 41 min 5min was walking and calculation from the watch was calories, sounds little high! Check out this post that explains how it works, and some of the settings you may need to correct to get it back in line:.
However, given that will probably bring a replacement XT? This website is brilliant and really helped me make my choice. What has been your experience using your Garmin watches in very cold weather. I was running this morning with my , the outside temperatures was C and with wind-chill it was closer to C. Towards the end of my 45 min run, the screen blanked out. I pressed the power button and the screen came back on. I finished my run about 2 minutes later. When I got inside I had no trouble uploading my data.
Afterwards I immediately hooked up my watch to the charger. I am assuming if I continue in very cold weather I probably need to keep the watch completely covered? Thanks Just for the record…I hate winter. But Garmin connect only show the new plan, can I deleted all trainings plans on the watch?
Your opening photo of a on the pavement was somewhat prophetic. Unfortunately I left it on the hood of my Jeep Wrangler. I read your review of the and ordered a replacement a few minutes ago. The was a good friend on 3, miles of running and my first two marathons. My has been doing great for the first few months, but for the last 3 weeks or so when I go outside and turn the unit on, it locates satellites and I start my run.
Well, it is always off at the beginning and I can tell it is wrong because my distance is off by about. When I upload my run into Garmin connect my starting point is always about 1 street away from where I live. It catches up after about. Now you are set to send new items to the watch. Hi Ray, awesome reviews, I am a big Garmin fan and seek your advice. I recently bought a Virb Elite and also about to buy a watch to train with.
Does the Forerunner pair with the Virb? If not is there a Garmin watch that looks just as good as the and can act as a remote control? Someone help me? I have one forerunning Check out this post for how to get it to your iPhone. That however, does happen automatically as soon as within range. I heard that the firsts produced had two issues: the wristbands broke easily and they were not totally water resistant as advertised.
It seems that those problems were corrected later. I bought one last january and after 10 months the back part got rusty, so the Garmin replaced it for a refurbished one. This model is a little bit different, since the back part has a black sticker with the ID number on it, which I do not recall on the defective device. Somehow it seems that this could be an older Do you know how can I tell if this model is one of the firsts that were produced or if it is one of the new ones?
Strange HR now it have happen 2 times, HR at like when im running hard more likely I thank you for your reviews. One of this monitors is of course the Forerunner The part that is in contact with the upper part of my wrist is becoming like rusted. It looks like the silver color of the metal is going. Is this something I should worry about. It sounds like you have a metal-backed FR This applies even if out of warranty period.
I also have the problem with the metal cover and corrosion, but I could live with that. Untill now that is! Lucky for me it happened after and not during this training. I litteraly saw it falling. I contacted Garmin customer service in Belgium. Garmin will fix the problem, only if I pay them 95 euros. Ok if I broke things myself, but, as well as the corrosion on the back, I consider this as a quality problem!
The watch is rather expensive to buy and I did not expect this poor hardware quality!! The software and features are great and I like running with the watch, but the building quality is poor and the reaction of customer service to it was very dissapointing;. Question about the HRM. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the problem? New Battery? Check out this post: link to dcrainmaker.
New to the and excited about its capabilities. I guess I was wrong. Thanks a bunch! Great review of the watch! I went for a When I got home and checked the data on each the showed I burned calories and the showed calories!
My age, height, and weight data are correctly entered into each, and are the same in each. Which one should I believe? Looking at the numbers, it looks an awful lot like the FR was in running mode, and not cycling mode.
Since that calorie expenditure would align most closely to running. Which mode was it in? Okay, happened again today. I insured the was changed to Cycling. I rode Today I set my my data recording to 1 second intervals. I just finished reading through every single comment to this review — I really enjoy knowing everything single little thing about the devices I use! Before using the garmin app which I quite enjoy I was using the nike app for Iphone which I find very user friendly and I really like it.
I have been asking myself if there is any way of uploading my garmin data to nike webpage so I can link both accounts. Maybe it is impossible, but if there is an answer I know I will find it here. Could you please help me? I have had the now for over 6 months. The only way to get it into low energy mode without it vibrating and counting down is you just touch the screen until it gets to the clock.
I have never timed it, but it goes quite quick and with none of the vibrates and beeps. It you leave it on one of the data field screens it will beep and vibrate and start counting down from Then it beeps every 10 seconds or so until it shuts down. It takes like 5 minutes for it to shutdown, but again if you move over to the clock screen it happens quite fast.
The easiest way is just to wait. Then go to setup and turn off the foot pod and then turn off the HRM. Since the owners manual for the Garmin says that the watch contains chemicals known to cause cancer; how can I safely use it without possibly getting cancer?
Is there a proper way of using the watch in an explanation for this scenario published on another reliable source like a website I can look at? Changes made from version 2. Do you think that the new features on the justify the diifference in price, or is the more than adequate for most? I do tend to do a lot of my training on a treadmill at this time of year, and need to have a watch that will let me easily integrate that into my statistics. First thank you for the analysis of this product.
What would you recommend me? I am a runner I do all kinds of workouts farleck, short runs, long, for time intervals. It really is about comparing the two models and decide which one best fits your needs. Check out the charts also that compares the units. Hi Jay, quick question on the Garmin Connect platform and the Sometimes the value shown does not make sense average: 8. I opened a ticket to their Support, and the reply was that they are working on a new version of the site. My fear is that the watch is actually collecting these info in a wrong way.
Are you using the new Garmin Express? Would just like to point out that the VIP? For Garmin, simply tell them to escalate to a manager. Thanks for your advice! After contacting Garmin directly it became clear that it was a misunderstanding. The watch will be fixed at no cost after all, a big thanks for your help!
Bit of a blast from the past but I see no reason to stop using my FR so…;- Anyway, is anyone aware of a tool out there to create a. Hi, I would like to know if for cycling you have the GPS speed on the watch or is it absolutly necessary to buy the optional garmin measurer? If there is the speed coming from the gps, is it accurate?
Thank you! Most people buy the sensor if they want to track cadence, or track distance indoors. Thanks a lot for this review. Your reviews are always great tools for me. One question, is the virtual racer running a real time race, or an average.
In other words, is the racer going to run the same pace the whole time, or will it slow down when I slowed down when I recorded the race. I would really appreciate your response. Thanks again! About 12 months ago I took it back for a band replacement as the metal insert between the strap and body of the watch had popped out.
They replaced it easily enough and I continued to be in love with my watch. But the relationship is now not such a happy one. The watch just stopped working completely a couple of weeks ago and nothing will get it to start up again.
Which I am mightily unhappy about. Considering the cost of the unit to begin with. Mostly because up until now I had really liked the watch and the functions it offers. I came here to see what other watches are comparable and if I should buy a different Garmin model this time but the whole thing has put me off Garmin a bit to be honest. I had the same experience as you the touchscreen stopped working, which meant that the watch was useless.
Customer Service call centre in the Phillipines were extremely lacking and frustrating. Would not buy Garmin again. Worst watch ever!!! Impossible to use even simple features without having to resort to multiple attempts. Lay-out is counter-intuitive. Finger nail touch screen is a bit of a diva.
I bought this watch about 18 months ago. It is way overkill for what I do. But my issues are: 1. Magnetic charger does not always engage. So when I am ready to take it off the charger, it might still be low on battery. Have to really wiggle it to make sure it connects. If this is low profile, I would hate to see high profile watches. Very bulky. The strap loses connection with my body anytime I flex forward. I have used Polar in the past and have never had this problem.
Very frustrating. The GPS takes as long as minutes to locate the satellite outside. Again, very frustrating. It is very easy to bump the screen during any kind of workout and make unwanted changes in your settings.
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