View source for Garmin 910XT

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Garmin 910XT Review}}
The {{Garmin 910XT}} is an update to the [[Garmin 310XT]] with extra features, but it's more expensive. Probably the most useful feature for most runners is the calculation of [[Firstbeat| Training Effect]], and the altimeter. The 920XT has been replaced by the [[Garmin 920XT]] which offers a lot more features, but its release has also dropped the price of the 910XT. 
[[File:Garmin-910xt.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 910XT]]
=Garmin 910XT Pros=
* A great feature is the ability to use the optional [[Footpod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 910XT, 910XT and Garmin 610 can do this. 
* The 910XT has good [[GPS Accuracy]], and is better than many more recent devices. 
* When the 910XT starts up in the same location as the last run it will acquire satellites quickly, though if you've travelled 100s of miles/Km then it can take quite a few minutes. 
* The larger size allows for a larger display that's easy to read, even with four data items displayed. 
* The 910XT will display the route you've run, though it does not have any built in maps. You can also upload courses and display them which is great for trail ultramarathons. 
* There are several optional extras for the 910XT, including a [[Footpod]] and heart rate strap. For cyclists there is also a [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Speed-Cadence-Bike-Sensor/dp/B000BFNOT8 speed/cadence sensor] and it works with various power sensors. 
* The 910XT displays and records [[Firstbeat| Training Effect]], an indicator of how hard or effective a training session is. 
* The 910XT can record swimming, but it does this with an accelerometer rather than GPS. You have to tell the 910XT how long the pool is, but it will detect each lap, as well as your stroke. 
* The 910XT has a barometric altimeter, which is far more accurate at recording altitude changes than GPS.
* The 910XT will not display [[Heart Rate Variability]] but it is possible for it to record [[Heart Rate Variability]] for later analysis. This recording can be enabled from the firstbeat.com ATHELTE software (there's a free trial). 
=Garmin 910XT Cons=
* Some people find the 910XT to be rather large, and it is much larger than a normal watch. 
* The battery life is good for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most people. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races will find this a problem, though it is possible to recharge it while in use. 
* For races where the GPS track is not important, you can extend the battery life by turning off the GPS receiver and use the [[Footpod]]. After 24 hours of running I still have most of the battery left.  If you're running on a reasonable smooth surface, the [[Footpod]] is often more accurate than GPS. 
* The biggest downside for most people over the 310XT is the price, which is significantly more than the 310XT.
=What's Missing=
While I don't consider these missing features as 'cons', it's worth understanding the features that are missing compared with other watches. 
* '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Most of the time, even GPS watches without satellite pre-cache will locate the GPS signal quite quickly provided you've not traveled far from the position of the watch was last used. However, those times when you have traveled, a GPS watch without satellite pre-cache can take several minutes to locate the GPS signal. This can be remarkably annoying when you're freezing cold and wanting to start your run to warm up.
* '''Downloadable Apps'''. Smart watches have got is used to the idea of a device that can be extended with new functionality, and this concept is being introduced to running watches.
* '''Extended battery life'''. Some porches can extend the battery life by turning the GPS reception off for short periods. This can dramatically reduce GPS accuracy, but it's a useful trade-off for some ultramarathons.
* '''Graphs'''. Instead of simply displaying a numeric value for things like heart rate, some watches will display a graph of the value over time, giving you a sense of how things are progressing.
* '''Running Dynamics'''. Some of the newer Garmin watches can show and record Vertical Oscillation (VO) and Ground Contact Time (GCT). 
* '''Alerts'''. Some watches will alert you when a metric is out of range. The alert for [[Cadence]] is really useful and one of my favorite features. 
* '''WiFi/Bluetooth Uploads'''. While the automatic upload of workouts via WiFi or Bluetooth to a Smartphone is nice, the upload will typically only go to the manufacturers web site. 
* '''Web Configuration'''. Some watches allow you to setup the configuration via a web site, and then download your changes. This is vastly easier than fiddling with the watch. 
{{BuyAmazon|AZID=B005SPCJ74|AZN=Garmin 910XT}}
=Comparison Table=
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}