Garmin 910XT Review
Revision as of 13:02, 27 December 2014 by User:Fellrnr (User talk:Fellrnr | contribs)
Revision as of 13:02, 27 December 2014 by User:Fellrnr (User talk:Fellrnr | contribs)
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 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 The 920XT has been replaced by the Garmin 920XT which offers a lot more features, but its release has also dropped the price of the 910XT.
Contents
1 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 speed/cadence sensor and it works with various power sensors.
- The 910XT displays and records 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).
2 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.
3 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.
| This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions.
|
4 Comparison Table
I evaluate running watches in three distinct ways. Firstly, you can use a watch on its own, without any kind of Footpod. This is probably the most common way runners use their watch, but you miss out on a lot. The second rating is with a standard Footpod that is available quite cheaply. These Footpod's can be reasonably accurate once the calibrated, but calibration is a little tedious. The final evaluation is with the Stryd Footpod, which is vastly more accurate than any other type of Footpod, or and more accurate than GPS. The table below looks at the score, and the value for money of each watch for each of the three conditions. (I’ve also tested the Apple Watch 3, but I’ve not included it in these tables as it’s not really a running watch.)
| Review | With Stryd Score | With Stryd Value for money | With Footpod Score | With Footpod Value for money | Without Footpod Score | Without Footpod Value for money | Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 47 | 4.5 | 31 | 3.9 | 23 | 3.4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 47 | 2.9 | 32 | 2.3 | 24 | 1.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 45 | 3.8 | 28 | 3.1 | 24 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 45 | 3.6 | 30 | 3 | 22 | 2.4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 40 | 4.9 | 21 | 3.8 | 17 | 3.8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 39 | 4.4 | 30 | 4.7 | 24 | 4.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 37 | 2.6 | 27 | 2.3 | 23 | 2.1 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 36 | 4 | 19 | 2.9 | 15 | 2.8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 34 | 5.1 | 14 | 3.4 | 10 | 3.3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 34 | 3.9 | 23 | 3.7 | 18 | 3.4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 33 | 2.8 | 26 | 2.8 | 22 | 2.7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 32 | 3.9 | 25 | 4.3 | 21 | 4.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 32 | 3.4 | 29 | 4.1 | 25 | 4.2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 31 | 2.9 | 22 | 2.7 | 18 | 2.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 30 | 4 | 27 | 5.5 | 23 | 5.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 30 | 3.5 | 23 | 3.8 | 19 | 3.8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 235 Review | 28 | 2.9 | 20 | 2.8 | 12 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 27 | 3.8 | 24 | 5.1 | 20 | 5.6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 26 | 3.9 | 26 | 6.1 | 21 | 6.7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 25 | 4.6 | 24 | 8.3 | 18 | 10 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 25 | 4.3 | 15 | 4.5 | 11 | 4.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 25 | 3.8 | 13 | 3.1 | 9 | 2.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 25 | 3.3 | 10 | 2 | 10 | 2.5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 25 | 3.2 | 15 | 2.9 | 11 | 2.7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 24 | 3.3 | 20 | 4.3 | 14 | 3.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 10 | 1 | 20 | 2.5 | 14 | 2 | Leikr ($380) |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 4 | 0.7 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 4 | 0.6 | 6 | 1.6 | 6 | 2.3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.3 | 2 | 0.6 | 2 | 0.9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
The score is the sum of how well each watch can answer the four basic questions (how far, how fast, where are you, what's your cadence), plus some bonus points.
- The "How far you've run" will be based on GPS only for "without Footpod" and "with Standard Footpod", but based on Stryd if supported in the "with Stryd Footpod" table..
- How fast you're running assumes you're using a Footpod if it's supported, otherwise the rating is 0-2 based on GPS accuracy.
- The "Where are you?" is based on various navigation features such as back to start, breadcrumbs, and preloaded maps. For some watches, you have to turn GPS off to get the benefit of Stryd, so those watches have worse "where are you scores" with Stryd than without.
- The cadence score uses 1 point for an internal cadence sensor, 2 points for footpod support, 1 point for support from chest strap cadence, and 1 point for cadence alerts.
- I give 1-2 bonus points for application support, 1-2 bonus points for data upload, 1-2 bonus points for Optical Heart Rate Monitoring, and 0-1 bonus points for battery life.
- Value for money is the score divided by the price (at the time I last updated the table.) Your needs may be different, so you might weight the different aspects of the watches differently, or be basing your decision on different criteria totally. Hopefully this table will give you a good starting point for your decision.
4.1 Score Breakdown without a Footpod
| Review | Score | Value for money6 | How far did you run?1 |
How fast are you running?2 |
Where are you?3 |
What's your cadence?4 |
Bonus Points5 | class="unsortable" |
Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 25 | 4.2 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 24 | 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 24 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 24 | 1.9 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 23 | 5.9 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Epix Review | 23 | 3.4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 23 | 2.1 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 22 | 2.7 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 22 | 2.4 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 21 | 6.7 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 21 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 20 | 5.6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 19 | 3.8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 18 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 18 | 3.4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 18 | 2.5 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 17 | 3.8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 15 | 2.8 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 14 | 3.9 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 14 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 3 | Leikr ($380) |
| Garmin 235 Review | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 11 | 4.9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 11 | 2.7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 10 | 3.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 10 | 2.5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 9 | 2.9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 6 | 2.3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
4.2 Score Breakdown with a Standard Footpod
| Review | Score | Value for money6 | How far did you run?1 |
How fast are you running?2 |
Where are you?3 |
What's your cadence?4 |
Bonus Points5 | class="unsortable" |
Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 32 | 2.3 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Epix Review | 31 | 3.9 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 30 | 4.7 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 30 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 29 | 4.1 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 28 | 3.1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 27 | 5.5 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 27 | 2.3 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 26 | 6.1 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 26 | 2.8 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 25 | 4.3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 24 | 8.3 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 24 | 5.1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 23 | 3.8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 23 | 3.7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 22 | 2.7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 21 | 3.8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 20 | 4.3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 235 Review | 20 | 2.8 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 20 | 2.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Leikr ($380) |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 19 | 2.9 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 15 | 4.5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 15 | 2.9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 14 | 3.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 13 | 3.1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 10 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 6 | 1.6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
4.3 Score Breakdown with a Stryd Footpod
| Review | Score | Value for money6 | How far did you run?1 |
How fast are you running?2 |
Where are you?3 |
What's your cadence?4 |
Bonus Points5 | class="unsortable" |
Price at Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 47 | 4.5 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 47 | 2.9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 45 | 3.8 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 935 Review | 45 | 3.6 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 40 | 4.9 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 10 | 9 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 39 | 4.4 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 10 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 37 | 2.6 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 36 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 34 | 5.1 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 34 | 3.9 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar V800 Review | 33 | 2.8 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 32 | 3.9 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 32 | 3.4 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 6 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 31 | 2.9 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 30 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 30 | 3.5 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 235 Review | 28 | 2.9 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 620 Review | 27 | 3.8 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 26 | 3.9 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 25 | 4.6 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M400 Review | 25 | 4.3 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 225 Review | 25 | 3.8 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 25 | 3.3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Polar M430 Review | 25 | 3.2 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 610 Review | 24 | 3.3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Leikr Review | 10 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Leikr ($380) |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 4 | 0.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 4 | 0.6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Error: Could not parse data from Amazon! |
4.4 Basic Features
|
Review |
Released | GPS Accuracy |
Weight (oz) | Size (CM3) | Display (mm) | Resolution (Pixels) | Waterproofing | Heart Rate Monitor |
Cadence | Data Upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 2015 | 6.2 | 3.0 | 48 | 29 x 21 (609mm2) | 205 x 148 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 2017 | 5.6 | 3.5 | 36 | 30.5 (round) (731mm2) | 240 diameter (45.2K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 2015 | 6.2 | 2.9 | 33 | 30 (round) (726mm2) | 218 diameter (37.3K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 935 Review | 2017 | 5.6 | 1.7 | 24 | 30.5 (round) (731mm2) | 240 diameter (45.2K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 2016 | 4.9 | 1.7 | 19 | 21 x 29 (609mm2) | 148 x 205 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 2014 | 6.6 | 2.2 | 35 | 29 x 21 (609mm2) | 205 x 148 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 2017 | 1.5 | 17 | 30.5 (round) (731mm2) | 240 diameter (45.2K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes | |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 2015 | 5.4 | 1.3 | 13 | 29 x 21 (592mm2) | 205 x 148 (30.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 2017 | 7.8 | 2.0 | 25 | 24 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 2013 | 7.6 | 3.1 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 2014 | 7.9 | 2.9 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 2016 | 7.1 | 2.7 | 38 | 32 (round) (804mm2) | 320 diameter (80.4K total) | Good (100m) | Yes | Internal (Limited Footpod) | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 2014 | 5.7 | 3.2 | 32 | 31 (round) (755mm2) | 70 diameter (3.8K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 2014 | 7.9 | 2.5 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 2013 | 7.6 | 2.5 | 30 | 29 (round) (661mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 235 Review | 2015 | 4.9 | 1.5 | 19 | 31 (round) (755mm2) | 215 diameter (36.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 620 Review | 2013 | 7.1 | 1.5 | 20 | 25.4 (round) (507mm2) | 180 diameter (25.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 2011 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 49 | 33 x 20 (660mm2) | 160 x 100 (16K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Footpod/Alert | Yes |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 2009 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 63 | 33 x 20 (660mm2) | 160 x 100 (16K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 225 Review | 2015 | 6.2 | 1.5 | 24 | 25.4 (round) (507mm2) | 180 diameter (25.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 2015 | 6.0 | 2.2 | 30 | 22 x 25 (550mm2) | 144 x 168 (24.2K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Polar V800 Review | 2014 | 8.0 | 2.8 | 31 | 23 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (30m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Polar M430 Review | 2017 | 7.2 | 2.0 | 24 | 23 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (50m) | Yes (+OHRM) | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Polar M400 Review | 2014 | 6.6 | 2.0 | 24 | 23 x 23 (529mm2) | 128 x 128 (16.4K total) | Good (30m) | Yes | Internal/Footpod | Yes |
| Garmin 610 Review | 2011 | 7.3 | 2.5 | 41 | 25.4 (round) (507mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Fair (IPX7) | Yes | Footpod/Alert | Yes |
| Leikr Review | 2013 | 7.3 | 2.4 | 25 | 41 x 31 (1271mm2) | 206 x 148 (76.8K total) | Fair (IPX6) | Yes | Footpod | Limited |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 2015 | 4.4 | 1.7 | 24 | 28 x 22 (616mm2) | 128 x 96 (12.3K total) | Good (50m) | Yes | Limited Internal | Limited |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 2015 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 28 | 28 (round) (616mm2) | 128 diameter (12.9K total) | Good (50m) | OHRM Only) | Limited Internal | Limited |
| Garmin 10 Review | 2012 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 33 | 25 x 24 (600mm2) | 55 x 32 (1.8K total) | Good (50m) | No | No | Yes |
|
Review |
Battery Life (hr) |
Tested Battery Life (hr) |
Extended Battery Life (hr) |
Charge On The Run? | Training Effect |
HRV | GPS cache | Sensors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | 24 | 17.6 | 50 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | 20 | 23 | 35 | Yes, but can't be worn | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth/Ant+ |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | 20 | 22 | 50 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | Yes | No | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin 935 Review | 24 | 24.5 | 60 | Yes, but can't be worn | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth/Ant+ |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | 13 | 13 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | No | No | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 920XT Review | 24 | 19 | 40 | No (terminates) | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 13 | 13 | No | Yes | Bluetooth/Ant+ | |||
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | No | No | Yes | Ant+ |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | 10 | 11 | 30 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | 15 | 50 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | 20 | 100 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth | |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | 18 | 17 | 26 | Yes, but can't be worn | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | 15 | 50 | Yes (with USB=Garmin) | Yes | No | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | 10 | 10.5 | 100 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | 8 | 7.3 | 25 | Yes | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ |
| Garmin 235 Review | 11 | 11 | Yes, but no optical HR | Yes | No | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 620 Review | 10 | 10 | No (resets) | Yes | Record | Yes | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 910XT Review | 20 | 20 | Yes, but no display | Yes | Record | No | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 310XT Review | 20 | 20 | Yes, but no display | No | No | No | Ant+ | |
| Garmin 225 Review | 10 | 11 | 10 | No (resets) | No | No | Yes | Ant+ |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | 8 | 6.3 | 8 | No (resets) | No | No | Yes | Bluetooth HR |
| Polar V800 Review | 13 | 24 | 50 | No (terminates) | Yes | Display | Predictive | Bluetooth |
| Polar M430 Review | 8 | 8 | 8 | No | No | No | Yes | Bluetooth |
| Polar M400 Review | 8 | 8 | Yes, but can't be worn | No | No | No | Bluetooth | |
| Garmin 610 Review | 8 | 8 | Yes, but no display | Yes | Record | No | Ant+ | |
| Leikr Review | 5 | 6.5 | 5 | Yes, but can't be worn | No | No | Yes (few hours) | Ant+ |
| Epson SF-510 Review | 30 | 30 | 30 | No | No | No | Yes (few hours) | Bluetooth HR |
| Epson SF-810 Review | 20 | 26 | 20 | No | No | No | Yes (few hours) | None |
| Garmin 10 Review | 5 | 5 | No | No | No | No | None |
|
Review |
Color Maps | Breadcrumbs | Courses | To Waypoint | Compass | Reverse course | Beeline to start | Connect IQ | Altimeter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Epix Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 5X Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 3 Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin 935 Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive HR Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin 920XT Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Garmin Vivoactive Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Suunto Spartan Trainer Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Suunto Ambit2 Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Suunto Spartan Ultra Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Fenix 2 Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Suunto Ambit3 Run Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Suunto Ambit2 R Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Garmin 235 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Garmin 620 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Garmin 910XT Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Garmin 310XT Review | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Garmin 225 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| TomTom Cardio Runner Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Polar V800 Review | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Polar M430 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Polar M400 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Garmin 610 Review | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Leikr Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Epson SF-510 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Epson SF-810 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Garmin 10 Review | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
For "navigation":
- Color Maps gives you full color maps, rather like a smart phone, with roads and paths marked out.
- Track Outline is a display of where you've run, rather like a breadcrumb trail. If there are maps, the outline is superimposed otherwise this is just the outline on its own without any context.
- Course Outline is an outline of a route that can be downloaded. I've found this useful during ultras or in unfamiliar cities where I've needed to know where to go.
- Back To Start is a simple arrow point to your starting point, so it won't help you backtrack.
- Back To Waypoint returns you to a previously marked location using a simple arrow to point.
- Compass. A magnetic compass can help you orient yourself or the map. Without a magnetic compass you have to be moving for the GPS to give you a sense of direction.
(Older Reviews: Polar RC3 GPS, Soleus 1.0, Motorola Motoactv.)