I know a lot of you guys like this model, so how is it in everyday use:
Can you race with it? It seems kinda big…
How much of a problem is battery life?
How flexible is the training software? (e.g., with Polar 625SX you can’t separate your bike and run mileage…)
Quote from a guy at our group run one night…“that thing got email too?” Heheh. I’ve got the Timex system but will probably break down soon and get the 301.
I have the 201 and find its everyday use is great. It is super light. I wear it in some races, a lot of training, and don’t even notice it when running and biking. The display is easy to read and control. Typical battery life is ~13 hours. In terms of software, it plugs into a pc and downloads xml data files which can be imported into several different brands of software. Seems like a lot of people use motionbased for full-on performance tracking. Topofusion is nice if you want to look at your rides and runs with satellite photos or 3d render them. If you workout in areas with a clear view of sky, I doubt you will regret owning it. However it isn’t totally waterproof when swimming. With the 301 adding the hr data, it packs a heck of a lot of functionality.
I have it and LOVE it. The data it gives me for training is great. No guessing on my open area training runs. Beware of the forest runs though. The battery life is a measley 12-13 hours typical but it is so cool. You can always use the navigation feature to see how far you are from the start, WITH DIRECTIONS!!
Thanks for responding, once again demonstrating just how valuable this forum is!!
“However it isn’t totally waterproof when swimming.”
Hello?
Please elucidate! This sounds like a MAJOR drawback… I was concerned about the short battery life (how long does it take to recharge and how difficult/inconvenient is that, since it would have to be done at the very least once a week) but how can you race in it if it isn’t waterproof, and what happens if it gets wet (total destruction, loss of data, minor inconvenience?)
It is only water resistant for up to 45’ or so I believe, which means if you race an IM with it, you gotta be darn fast!
Again, thanks for the info.
So if you’re in the water for 45:01, does it need to dry out afterwards, or is it fried? And does that shrink to 25:00 after two years use? I only do Oly and Half, and I’m usually out on a half in <30:00, so I should be OK. I do the occasional 2.4, but don’t need all the data if it’s only a swim event. What I really like about the Garmin is run pacing in real time.
I’m tempted to buy one, but tempted to wait a year and see if they don’t waterproof it for real…
Most folks that swim put it in a ziplock bag for added security and then place under the swimcap. I haven’t swam with mine…but would imagine the data would be bad if worn on the wrst during swimming.
As for battery life…I just toss my on the charger/pc cables every night after I’m done (while it uploads to MB). I’ve forgot to recharge it a few times and was screwed. If/when the battery does go out during a workout, that activity is just stopped (not lost).
Perhaps the 13 hour battery life correspondes to the elitist IM cut-off?
I have the 201, but will be getting the 301 if/when price drops a lil bit more…
I looked at both the 201 and 301. Decided to go for the 201. First off the 301 is way too expensive and in its first year out. I preferred to let them work out any bugs, waterproof it and let the price drop a bit.
The 201 is more or less like the 301 without the HR function.
You can separate running and biking. Before you start a session, just change the setting from pace to mph in the setup menu.
I’ve had no problems with the 201. The cheapest I found it was on amazon.com
Yeah I wouldn’t use it swimming without putting in a bag or something like others have suggested. Usually if electronics get wet when they are off, you just let it dry and you should be ok, but if they get wet when they are ON then it usually fries it. Now, using it in the rain or something like that, I wouldn’t worry…
Dennis,
Right now on Amazon.com the 201 is $110.61 and the 301 is $245.97 with free shipping. I was looking at the 301 but $135 more for the HRM when my Timex works just fine was is too much for me.
Dave
So far it sounds almost perfect. Can it seperate bike and run in a tri or brick? Can you move things around or keep a separate diary with the training software (like you CAN’T with Polar).
I’m gun-shy after buying the Polar 625SX (the SX stands for SUX) and don’t need to throw away $300 (±) on another device that won’t do what I want.
You can get the 301 from www.tvnav.com for $215 + shipping.
I have it and love it. I haven’t tried swimming with it but I have seen a few people who have just worn it under there swim cap and it has been fine. Someone posted there tracking of IMAZ a while ago. You shouldn’t have any water in your cap anyway. Garmin has a beta release that has a multisport function so you can go from swim to bike to run with the touch of a button.
Even better, $225 shipped at TVNav.com. Yes they are a legitimate dealer.
That’s not cool! I had just talked myself out of the 301 and now you show me a better price. You just cost me $105.
Thanks for the link.
Dave
CE,
I just ordered the 301 at www.tvnav.com. Total was $244 with bike mount and 2nd day air shipping. The internet, credit cards and free time are a dangerious combination. I will let you know how it works or you can join us for a ride in Livermore and check it out.
Dave
Muahahaha. Glad I could help. Enjoy!
I’m not sure if it’s for sale yet, but Garmin just introduced a new mounting system for the Forerunner series. It was designed for triathletes looking to maximize transtition times without fumbling around with the GPS device.
We have a prototype in our office and it’s awesome – a lot sleeker than the standard setup. Check it out…
Quick Release Mount - http://clarque.typepad.com/mblog/2005/05/quick_release_m.html
Cousin Elwood,
I have had mine about a month and it works fairly well. The HR and MPH spike occasionally, but software corrects and it doesn’t affect the averages much. No problem having it on the wrist and running. Very cool during speed work to see the changes in speed and HR. Realtively easy to use also, especially compared to a HAC4 and Polar I tried. I will use it for IRONMAN GE with a ziploc under my swim cap. As far as battery life 13 is enough for me.
Here is a shot using the standard software of a half marathon I did in Seoul today. Weather was sunny and about 200 degrees so no comments from the peanut gallery about my time.
Barefoot
Heat and humidity? What’s the big deal. I lived in Chicago for 8 years and had my best marathon (2:38) on a day that went into the mid 90s, although admittedly it didn’t hit 90 until after I’d finished!
Thanks for your input. Questions, looking at your chart:
1- Can you take out the spikes a la Polar’s error correction?
2- Where is the altitude graph? I find it (on my 625SX) one of the most useful bits of info.