I think it might be about time for a new toy…
So was just wondering, those who are using garmin foreunner’s either the 201 or 301 do you like them?
I guess my main concern is it looks a pretty big unit to have on your wrist…does it feel awkward or weigh you down after 20km or so?
Also I will probably get a 201 as I already have a hrm …is there any great advantage in haveing it all in one unit, perhaps with comparing data on a computer??
Bump.
I’m curious about this as well.
I’ve been using the 201 version for about 6mos and it’s been great. The unit looks too big for the wrist but after the first use it felt like a simple stopwatch.
Reception was fine and I honestly don’t see a reason why you need to get the 301 version w/the HRM since you already have one.
I’ve really been happy with it…the best price I found was on amazon.com.
I have the 201 and love it. It’s bigger than a watch, but not unreasonable to have on your wrist. If you have it loose, it bumps a bit, but tighten it so it doesn’t move and I barely notice it. My longest run is 15km at the moment and I find it no problem.
I really like the ability to know how far I’m going, see my pace as I run and compare that from run to run, along with how I’m feeling. It gives me a really good feel for what my body is telling me compared to what’s actually happening.
I’d prefer to keep the HRM seperate, as I can use it for things when I wouldn’t want the gps stuff, such as diving etc. and it’s a useful waterproof stopwatch for timing swim training. I know the 201 is waterproof but I just don’t fancy testing it for long periods.
Buy it, you’ll love it, particularly if you’re somewhere you can use something like motion based to upload your data. unfortunately, there are no good maps of this country due to the military restrictions, but I have one of my local area from a friend in the ‘business’ which works for my local runs.
J.
I have a 201 - its is a great piece of technology, but not without fault. I cannot stand to have it on my wrist as it is way too large. I have worn it on my upper arm, but i find it uncomfortable there as well - plus I can’t really read it when its on my upper arm. It might not bother you. I have a polar s625x and I do not have an issue with that - I wore it in my marathon and didn’t even notice it was there. I probably would have chucked the 201 at mile 10. Again, just my opinion.
As far as the functions go - its pretty cool. I do like the pace tool (virtual partner) and its pretty accurate for distance as long as you have a clear shot of the sky. I either toss it on my aerobars or in my jersey pocket and it is good post-workout data to go over. There are some great sites out there to help you map out and use the data (www.gpsvisualizer.com for instance). I find that the software which comes with it to be shoddy. I cannot comment on the new software for the 301 - that might be an improvement, however I sincerely doubt it. Being able to download the data to the PC is useful to me but that is because I like to have all that info handy.
Overall I still like my Polar 625x over the 201. Both have advantages and disadvantages - I recommend getting one from a place with a good return policy and taking it out for a test drive.
Let me know if you have any other questions - i’d be glad to help.
jsargevt
The weight of the unit isn’t an issue, but it does take some getting used to the size. It’s really not that big of deal to me. I’ve religiously used my Forerunner for each outdoor workout since last Sept. (I didn’t want to record 4-5)
I use it for both running and biking.
On the bike, I simply use it as a “bike computer” for distance. More accurate than an “calibrated” bike computer.
On the run, I use it soley as a data capture device…not a real time pacing tool. Occassionally I’ll look at distance, but I already know my routes. As “speed” season begins, I’ll use it to interval/pace workouts. Sure beat doing circles at the track.
As one noted above, the real power of the Forerunner comes from mating it with Motionbased. Do not underestimate this. When I bought the unit, I simply wanted a real-time device (pace/speed/time). Now that I’ve used it, the "cool factor is gone and familiar with the features…the value has come from learning more about myself/workouts. This allows me to go harder and or improve because I now have the REAL data (as opposed to using times from say, a recent race…which I’ve found to be inaccurate).
With that said (data logging rather than real-time), having a 301 would in invaluable to me. (I use the 201) It would be simply (as the magazines have already said) incredible to have everything in one location. Although I will admit my ability to gauge perceived effort has gotten better…
Good luck.
Used 201 for 2 years - it has become an essential and effective training aid.
I have the 301 and like it. the pace function still takes a bit too much time for my taste to adjust to a change of speed, but it is very reliable in general.
I believe however that if you truly want to take advantage of it you need to couple it with the really cool software www.motionbased.com
that is pretty sweet.
Now if we can find a local at each place where there is an IM, we could have an unbelievably accurate description of any Ironman in the world…
the person would just go on the course and put it on motionbased.com as public and everyone with the link could check it out! including the profile.
“Now if we can find a local at each place where there is an IM, we could have an unbelievably accurate description of any Ironman in the world…”
Isn’t that the truth!
Imagine if IMNA could “play” the course at the pre-race meeting to avoid f-ups like IMAZ!!!
I’ll be down in Madtown sometime in May and will record Moo (but not the swim)
201 is GREAT on open roads. Not so good for trails. You really need a CLEAR view of the sky. Even when it claims to have a lock in the woods, the distance and speed is off. Only will get worse as more leaves appear. But on the road, it has been accurate down to the meter on routes that I’ve laid out with my meter wheel.
Still use my 720 for HR + Altitude. GPS altitude readings are notoriously innacurate with consumer grade GPS. The combination gives an unbeatable map of what you’ve done during your workout.
I’ve had one for 3 mos and for the most part like it. I don’t find it too big and prefer to have the HRM separate. My issue is problems with loss of signal. It seems like if I run anywhere that there are phone/power lines (which seems like alot of places), I lose the signal which is moderately annoying. My 2 cents.
Have been using the 301 for about 5 months. I was a polar user before but I think there is a huge advantage to having both of these capabilities in 1 unit.
To answer some other questions…
I wear mine on my forearm. There it is easily viewable and not annoying like when worn on the wrist.
I am also a huge fan of MotionBased. www.motionbased.com I am using the 301 for running, riding, and open-water swims. Motionbased gives me a complete journal of all these activities with excruciating detail. Much better than the included software, Garmin Training Center. The people at MotionBased are also very customer oriented.
Overall, the 301 + MotionBased is invaluable to my training.
I’ve been using the 301 for three months now and I’d give it a 7/10. First, the good - having a real time measure of distance makes running easier for me. The pace feature is neat if used sparingly (more on that in a second). Pairing it with motionbased.com is really cool. It’s pretty customizable.
Now the bad - I’ll echo other’s comments that its too big although comfort-wise I don’t have a problem. The signal drops out inexplicably sometimes and occassionally it takes too long for it to pick up a signal at the beginning of a workout. Sometimes I might run about half a mile before it starts measuring for instance. Usually its quite accurate although yesterday for reasons beyond me, it added about 3 miles to my run on an out-and-back course. The pacing tool doesn’t seem accurate. Now this is all anecdotal, but it seems to start out telling me I’m running faster than I think and ends telling me I’m running slower than I think. Not just a few seconds per mile here or there, but 1-2 minutes. That’s why I think its helpful but only used sparingly. That’s my $.02.
Tom
I have been using the 201 for a while and love it. I use www.TopoFusion.com to map and 3d render my workouts from .25m resolution satellite photos. Really really cool.
Yeah it looks big but I really can’t even tell I have it on from a weight perspective.
This is probably the most effective tool I have used to track my workouts.
Yes you do need a clear view of the sky, but that is the case with ANY GPS device. I have had really good luck with it.
I’ve been using the 201 for about 9 months. I love it. The size and weight are not an issue at all for me. In fact, I like the huge display so much now that I find it hard to look at a normal bike computer or watch. The only drawback of the size is that you can’t wear it as a regular watch without looking like a total Fred.
I just got a 301. The first time you put it on your wrist it is huge but once you get over the look it does not feel akward. It doesn’t weigh much more than the polar watches and the strap secures it nicely.
I decided on the 301 so I could get all of the integrated data. I wanted to be able to display all of the workout data in one place. I didn’t want to have to look at separate files to review a workout.
Now if we can find a local at each place where there is an IM, we could have an unbelievably accurate description of any Ironman in the world…
I think that would be cool but after seeing the person who uploaded their file to motionbased.com log over 4400’ of climbing I wonder how useful this device is for tracking elevation data. Or maybe this is a limitation of motionbased? I don’t think the IMAZ course is 4000’+ of climbing no matter how small you make your ruler.
I guess I’m a little confused. If elevation accuracy on 301 is +/-10ft (and I don’t know if it is) then every time you take a reading you could easily gain or lose 10’? Shouldn’t the motionbased maps have better data and just override all that noise?
I’m really interested in this device but I think elevation data is fairly important.
ot
GPS elevation is still not there in terms of accuracy. Devices that are WAAS enabled are better but still not perfect. I have heard grumblings that MotionBased is going to link to USGS data. Which I think would be a huge improvement. Until then GPS elevation accuracy is going to be limited.
J
Wow, thanks guys, this forum is awesome. Ask a question before you go to bed in little old New Zealand and before your wake up you get 17 very imformative replies.
I appreciate the comments regarding the polar 625, i’m going to try and borrow one for a play before I make a final decision.
Regarding the gps limitations, i’m not too worried, I have a garmin etrex and get a pretty good signal in most of my training areas.
One final question on the forerunner 201, I would probably get it mail order for the USA as there way over priced in NZ…is the charger dual voltage or only 110V??
TopoFusion can either use the elevation data that you get from your GPS or it will automatically download USGS data from topomaps for a more accurate rendering.