Changes

From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
Jump to: navigation, search

Garmin 920XT

2 bytes removed, 12:52, 20 January 2015
no edit summary
The Garmin 920XT is an update to the 910XT, adding many of the features from the Garmin 620 while shrinking in size to become far less bulky than its predecessor. It's a large watch, but I found it comfortable even on my tiny wrists. Its [[GPS Accuracy]] is disappointing, and using the Russian GLONASS satellites makes this worse. However, the 920XT is the first of several watches in the Garmin range to support the revolutionary [[Connect IQ]]. This will allow the 920XT to run application, much like a smartphone.
* The 920XT is a great device for casual runners. Its clear display, real buttons, and rich functionality make it an attractive option if you can afford it. The [[Connect IQ]] extensibility adds some potential future proofing.
* For marathon runners the 920XT lacks a critical feature; an accurate display of current pace. While I don't expect most casual runners will be as concerned by the lack of accurate current pace, this is critical to many marathon training programs, and to effective marathon pacing strategy. The only way I found of getting accurate current pace is to use the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]].
* For ultramarathon running the battery life of the 920XT makes it a strong candidate. See [[Shoes#Watches for Ultrarunning| Watches for Ultrarunning]] for more details.
=GPS Accuracy=
The [[GPS Accuracy]] for the 920XT is middling; it's not the worst I've seen, but it's far from the best. Determining if it's good enough for you will depend on your usage.
* The 920XT will give you a reasonable estimate of how far you've run and your overall average pace. The level of error will depend on your route; on straight lines it will be remarkably accurate (as will any other GPS watch), but on a twisty course like the one I run on, it is out by around 0.5 miles on a 20 mile run. That's enough to mess up your marathon training.
* Sadly GPS is not accurate enough to give you a useful reading of current pace. For that you need the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]]. Those devices will allow you to get your current pace from the footpod while using GPS for everything else. Of course, it's quite likely that [[Connect IQ]] will allow this to be added to the 920XT.
* I've tested the 920XT with and without GLONASS enabled, and surprisingly the accuracy is worse with GLONASS. In theory, GLONASS (the Russian equivalent to GPS) should improve accuracy, but that does not appear to be the case.
If you want better [[GPS Accuracy]] than the 920XT, then the [[Polar V800]] is by far the best I've tested.

Navigation menu