Does anyone have experience with the Garmin Forerunner 225?
This watch has the integrated optical heart rate function – no HRM strap required.
I have had many Garmin watches over the years and this is the very first one that I am unhappy about.
Frankly, this watch sucks…the HR function is consistently erratic. It is just a giant pain in the neck to run or train with it.
Constantly erratic readings, jumps around, very low then very high, requires constant fiddling.
Can it be pilot error? Appreciate any guidance.
Unless the sensor is sealed perfectly against your skin, light may be getting in and throwing the numbers. As much as I like new technology, the tried and true chest heart rate monitor is perfect.
Unless the sensor is sealed perfectly against your skin, light may be getting in and throwing the numbers. As much as I like new technology, the tried and true chest heart rate monitor is perfect.
+1 to this. I have a MIO strap (which Garmin uses the exact same sensor licensed from MIO) and you have to keep it cranked down pretty tight on the wrist or any light leakage can throw it off. I’ve also had good luck with throwing it on the underside of my wrist if I’ve having trouble with it on top. Might not be as convenient when you’re trying to keep an eye on the watch.
Thanks, I agree with that.
When it does work , it is when I REALLY crank down on the strap.
Thanks, I agree with that.
When it does work , it is when I REALLY crank down on the strap.
So, what’s the problem? You clearly know the situations that it works in so just use it that way.
Thanks, I agree with that.
When it does work , it is when I REALLY crank down on the strap.
So, what’s the problem? You clearly know the situations that it works in so just use it that way.
He may loose a hand…
I was considering the 225, but headed the warnings that you need a “cushy” wrist for it to work and went with the Scosche and a 220 (on sale).
No regrets so far.
Just got one of these for my wife for X-Mas - $199 at EMS with coupon. She hates a chest strap - just hope it works for her. She isn’t a real fast runner, and not as picky, so think it may be ok.
Thanks for posting this.
How’s the GPS? Also, are you wearing it up the wrist? Think I’ve read that doing that makes a difference. Thinking about getting one myself.
Just got one of these for my wife for X-Mas - $199 at EMS with coupon.
What coupon? Available to anyone?
I was in the market for a heart rate monitor earlier in the year and was looking for the best I could find. technology advances were pointing towards built in HRM as the new bling. Away with those pesky straps…!
However, After reading alot of mixed reviews I came across a trend which after a while effectively convinced me that the new technology is not quite there yet and that nothing on the market could match the consistency of the strap.
I will see if I can find a link - there was one review which covered a lot of these watches etc. outlining the faults in the technology. No doubt built in HRM’s are the future, but it appears that they still need to be fine tuned.
/edit: In the end I bought the Suunto Quest, but in hindsight I should have bought the Suunto Armbit2 (or better).
/edit ok i give up, cant find that all encompassing review - buts its out there! …somewhere.
/edit bored, so here is the dcrainmaker review of the 225. http://www.dcrainmaker.com/...25-depth-review.html interestingly enough in reply to a question he branded the 225 as a “trial watch”. pretty much sums it up. alot done, more to do.
/edit after my current watch I will need a watch that has a battery life greater then 10 hours. Thats two years away though and by then hopefully we will have seen more advances in technology.
/edit finally. dcr :“If you want to do a triathlon I wouldn’t recommend the FR225/230/235/630. Instead I’d go for a triathlon watch, like the FR910XT, FR920XT, or Fenix3 series.”
The GPS and functionality of multiple data screens and alerts are excellent.
(As they are on all the Garmins I have used.)
I wish the HRM function on the 225 worked better for me.
Maybe it is my wrist physiology…who knows.
I would say that it isn’t the most convenient HRM, because you can’t strap it on a bike or treadmill or lay it on the mat in the gym while you do planks, etc.
It stays on your wrist…which means you have to turn your wrist every time you want to see your HR; for example on a bike. So it is really a strictly running watch.
In the end , I contacted Running Warehouse and they gave me a full refund even after 6 months.
Great store, I get all my running shoes from them: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/
Ferdia summed it up very well. I agree.
I personally have a hard time with chest straps - forward, backward, wet, dry, whatever. Optical may not be perfect, but I assume it will be better for me!