Hey ST-ers…need some advice.
I’m looking to get my first GPS watch and have a few options that I’m considering but don’t know what the “right” direction is. I’ve never had one before (obviously) and have been using standard Timex wrist watches and Cateye bike computers until now. So, I’ve never had many metrics beyond time, speed, distance, and cadence. I’ve been pouring over the dcrainmaker reviews and have narrowed it down to a few options:
- TomTom Multisport
- Used 910 (or better to wait for the replacement next year since the 910 is “old technology” now?)
- Fenix 2
I realize the TomTom isn’t really on the same playing field that the other two are, but I figure the size and simplicity of it given where I’m coming from makes it worth considering. I do like how the 910/Fenix have the capability to do a true multisport mode whereas the TomTom requires stopping and restarting new activities…not sure if I’m fast enough for that time difference to really affect my racing though. It seems like anyone who has a 910 loves it, so if anything I might be leaning in that direction.
Any thoughts or advice would be great!
The Fenix is not very good in multisport right now. Loses ANT connections after openwater swim (known bug). The Fenix2 also doesn’t have bike profiles which for me is a major PITA.
I have the 910 also and right now I still race with the 910. If the Fenix gets some stuff together I think it could be just as good if not better. I do like some features about the Fenix2 better but I’m not ready to race with it yet
I have the TomTom. I went this route because for $300 you get all the peripherals (speed/cadence for the bike, HR, bike mount, etc.). Here are the goods and bads after using it since December.
Good -
Easy and small enought to wear everyday (vs. the 910 which looks like a laptop on your wrist)Easy to readHas all the basic features you need for run, bike, and swimCostPicks up GPS and BT accessories very easilyTreadmill mode is pretty accurateWebsite is user friendlyCustomer service is very helpfulBad -
Unless you can finish a Full IRON in under 10 hours the battery will not last (that is not me by the way), so this watch is out for the longer Tri’sLight does not work when your hands are wet from sweat or waterPool distances are a joke. They are never correct. I usually keep it on the laps mode in a 25 yard pool. I can swim a quick 100 (4 laps) and it will say 3 laps completed. Which is crazy considering I started at the same end of the pool as I finished so 3 is not even possible. Its almost like it falls asleep during some of my laps. I guess I do swim early in the morning. Maybe it needs a cup of coffee before the workout. Even stranger when I download and transfer to TP the yards are always crazy. This morning I did about 2300 yards and the TP says I did 2013. No clue how it got that yardage, but that is daily. I tried to go to their help desk and all they say is make sure I have the latest update on the watchThe two piece function on the watch and band is a bit cumbersome. I used to just strap my watch to my workout bag. however, i did this with the Tom tom and the watch fell off the band. Thank goodness I found it my trunk. If you loose it, your SOL. Yes no multi sport, but you already know that. My last 1/2IM, it really was not that big of a deal since it picks up GPS pretty quick
Overall, the watch is good for shorter tri’s, and for someone who is not that concerned about the pool distances. I must admit I am now considering selling the TomTom set up and asking for either the 910 or the Fenix2 for Father’s Day. I need to do something because I have next full in November.
Hope this helps.
I went old school, 310XT…on Amazon for $180, I just can’t pay $350 for a watch, hell, I am freaking out of $180 for a watch.
310 is a geat watch, it was my first tri watch. Only word of caution. Dont get it repaired from a Canadian on Ebay. He screwed me. Live and learn.
I’m also now considering the Suunto Ambit 2S given the price and size (smaller than 910 and Fenix2). I went to my local REI and tried on the 910 and Fenix2 last night but totally forgot about the Ambit, so I might go back to see how that fits tonight.
Does anyone have any thoughts/experience with the Ambit 2S?
I would like something that is reliable for pool swimming since my brain goes to sleep and I lose track of laps ALL the time (even when doing 100’s…so weird)
Sure, the 910 is getting old, but its replacement is still most likely a year out.
Check out the polar v800. It is the hot new multisport watch. If you’d like to stick with garmin, get a 310 and a swim for about $300. The swim is much better in the pool than the 910, and on race day, you can put the 310 in your swim cap. It’ll track much better than the 910 on your wrist.
I have the Ambit 2S and like it. In fact I was going to sell and get the Fenix 2 but have decided now to keep the Ambit given the bugs in the garmin. Initially the indoor swim mode was very inconsistent but the most recent firmware update helped out quite a bit. I haven’t calibrated the accelerometer yet for treadmill use without the footpod, but apparenty that feature was also added. My only complaint is the process for uploading files to Training Peaks, which requires an export and subsequent import of the limited file. However Suunto recently announced direct upload to strava, so maybe TP isn’t far behind (fingers crossed).
Are transitions a part of the multisport mode now? I read a comment on Ray’s site that a recent update included transition times into multisport mode, but can anyone confirm that? Not sure if that’s a deal-breaker for me or not, but certainly a “nice to have” function.
The V800 certainly seems like a great option, but I’m a little concerned about their lack of clarity on the swim functions. Plus the Ambit 2S is at $290 on Amazon today…
I went old school, 310XT…on Amazon for $180, I just can’t pay $350 for a watch, hell, I am freaking out of $180 for a watch.
this^^^ The 310XT is still a very capable watch for multi sport…two years and counting and only had to do a full hard reset once. You can find killer deals as well!!! The 910 hasn’t dropped in price at all since its release…I guess when the new Garmin multi comes out, then I will be shopping for the 910 discounted!
I LOVE my garmin 910xt. Garmin connect is a very good site, so don’t overlook where you actually work with your data. also use the garmin vivofit & edge bike computer so no matter what sport all my data is in one place…
Are transitions a part of the multisport mode now? I read a comment on Ray’s site that a recent update included transition times into multisport mode, but can anyone confirm that? Not sure if that’s a deal-breaker for me or not, but certainly a “nice to have” function.
I haven’t looked since the update. However you can create “transition” as one of the 10 sports modes and include it between the swim/bike and bike/run in the multi sport mode since that is completely customized to what you want as multi sport. I used it that way for a sprint having the transition only use the stopwatch and it worked fine.
Others have commented on the 310xt which is apples and oranges since it doesn’t do indoor swimming or outdoor very we’ll for that matter. I have one that is now a bike computer on mrs bankers roadie. The only comparable multi sport watches are the 910,or fenix 2. Maybe the polar 800 but that isn’t looking very promising swim wise either.
This… My 910 is a workhorse and stable. It just works, no complaints.
I LOVE my garmin 910xt. Garmin connect is a very good site, so don’t overlook where you actually work with your data. also use the garmin vivofit & edge bike computer so no matter what sport all my data is in one place…
I’ve got my eyes on a used 910xt…or should I wait for the new “910” next year? I’ve gone this long without one, what’s the harm in waiting another year? (says the inner voice of reason) Just don’t know if the 910xt is getting a little long in the tooth and I’ll regret not waiting?
i’ve found garmin to be hit or miss with new models. The touch bezel was the worst idea in history of sports watches. So newer isn’t necessarily better. If it were me the only reason id wait for a refresh is to get the older model for cheaper 
Still torn on what to do here. Folks at REI talked me out of the Ambit 2S saying that they see more returns for Suunto relative to Garmin watches. There seems to be lots of negativity out there about 910xt with regards to returning watches and elevation issues (I’d probably buy used so I’m not sure how the return policy would work there?). TomTom seems to be more of an untested/unproven device with some glaring shortfalls. And last, but not least, the V800 has the whole unknown commodity related to the swimming capabilities.
In the end it’s probably worth waiting until next year to see how the Polar and “new 910xt” shape up?
I’ve got an Ambit2. The last update makes some cool changes, which the new sport model has, such as auto calibration of the foot pod, etc… I like it a lot.
Downsides: It misses laps in the pool every now and again. The GPS receiver and strap fit a smaller wrist than mine, so I have to get it in a good position for it to be comfortable.
Movescount is quite good. It now uploads to Strava, if that’s important to you. Handily, you can turn that off if it’s not.
How does Movescount compare with Garmin Connect from an analytics/presentation standpoint? I guess since ‘everyone’ has a Garmin that’s really the only site I’ve really seen second hand.
How does Movescount compare with Garmin Connect from an analytics/presentation standpoint? I guess since ‘everyone’ has a Garmin that’s really the only site I’ve really seen second hand.
While I’ve not tried the updated version of GarminConnect, I will say that I really like MovesCount. The ability to overlay fields comparing, say heartrate to temperature to pace/speed provides a nice visual cue as to how things went in a workout and/or race. As for REI seeing more returns on Suunto devices…can’t really say. I do know that, for some, the learning curve on a Suunto may be a bit different, as the watch itself works differently than does a Garmin. Personally, I prefer the Suunto layout & how things work. For me, it’s just a much better product, and I’ve been a user for a little over three years, now – started with a t3d, then a t6d (still my preferred race watch), and now an Ambit1 (just can’t convince myself that the Ambit2 offers anything more that I truly need).
All of that said, MovesCount appears to be down for maintenance or something today, so this is me making a sad face about that:
Good luck in your decision.