Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

2009-07-21 8:52 AM

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Hi Everyone,

I got my Garmin Forerunner 310XT yesterday. I was just curious if other have gotten it yet and what they thought about it.

Here's my initial review:

So far so good. It is obviously very similar to the Forerunner 305, which I am replacing with the 310. I did purchase the new heart rate monitor with it, but that is still on back order. The good thing is the old heart rate monitor from the 305 does work with the 310. However, I did my first workouts with it this morning and I do have one complaint. Your current heart rate is displayed in the upper right hand corner of the screen on the 305, but the 310 does not display the heart rate anywhere on the main data screen. I didn't figure this out till after my workout, but if you hit the down arrow, it brings you to a whole new set of data which includes your current BPM heart rate, a heart rate graph, and the number of calories burned. I do like that it shows you this information, but I wish it still displayed your current HR in the upper right hand corner of screen.

Once I completed the workout and brought it over to my computer, it did update my workout info wirelessly without a problem which was sweet! I also liked how it used the same software as the 305 so all my info from the 305 is still viewable/documented. It did recognize that a new device was attempting to upload data to the software, but it simply added in the new data with no problems what so ever.

Unfortunately I will not be swimming with it until tomorrow morning. This will be the real test for me. From the reviews I have read on it, there has been some skepticism on whether it will work properly in the open water. I will post again tomorrow with the results of my swim. If it works well, I will be happy with my purchase. If it doesn't, I will be quite disappointed and consider this a complete waste of money. I did notice that it does not have a "swim" workout type option, which scares me a little. Like the the 305, it just has a "other" workout type option.

I also purchased the quick release kit, which came in about a month ago and I am a fan of. Unlike the quick release kit from the 305, which "snaps" onto the velcro wrist strap and bike mount, the 310's wrist strap is not velcro, it is more of a tradition wrist watch strap like the one that comes already on the 310. However, this quick release does not "snap" into place. Instead, you place the device adjacent to the normal way it wil be facing and then "twist" it into place (if that makes sense). I definitely like this better and seems to be easier than snapping it in on the go.

Thats what I've got so far. Like I said, I'll post some more info on how my swim goes with it tomorrow.

strostertag

2009-07-21 9:05 AM

in reply to: #2298279

Extreme Veteran

597

Fairfax

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Thanks, I've been contemplating getting one but I've been waiting for the reviews.

Though from what I've read, the swimming recording is spotty. The unit cannot record information under water as it cannot get a signal, so unless you swing your arm real high, it's going to have a hard time recording the data consistently.

One question though, I wonder if it will try to draw a line between the points it records. So for example, if it catches a signal at the start, and then again 200 yards in 4:00 later, is it smart enough to connect the two points? I have a Garmin Edge 205, and if it loses signal it just stops recording, it doesn't draw a line between the two points.

2009-07-21 9:46 AM

in reply to: #2298279

Master

1963

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

On the HR display, the 305 (and I would think 310) allows you to change the number of data fields from anywhere between 1 and 4 things and change what is shown in each one. You should be able to display the HR anywhere you want. I changed my 305 screens when I first got it to show what I wanted where I wanted.

As far as swimming, there was a thread in the gear forum where someone posted a map of their OWS with the 310. It actually looked PRETTY good! Not perfect of course, but pretty good overall.

Edited by merlin2375 2009-07-21 9:47 AM

2009-07-21 9:53 AM

in reply to: #2298329

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

That is a very good question Strostertag. I was actually discussing that question with my Dad recently as well. I certainly hope it does have that "intelligence" to recognize the distance covered during the time the signal dropped. I have a feeling it will be able to handle this. I think the 305 has the same capabilities as there are times I will be running/biking at a consistent pace and I will notice that the pace according to the device will be dramatically faster or slower. In the end it seems to even out. I am assuming that this occurs because the connection gets

Obviosly I do not plan to be checking the stats while I'm swimming as much as when I am running or biking, but I will certianly try to keep an eye on this tomorrow.

2009-07-21 10:01 AM

in reply to: #2298466

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Merlin2375, I was familiar with being able to switch what data was viewed on the 305 (by clicking on the arrows) and the 310 does not appear to allow you to change them like the 305 does. The arrows now just switch you between types of data like I mentioned in my first post. If someone knows how to do this and I'm just an idiot, please let me know

2009-07-21 10:18 AM

in reply to: #2298532

Master

1963

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

hockeyhands - 2009-07-21 11:01 AM Merlin2375, I was familiar with being able to switch what data was viewed on the 305 (by clicking on the arrows) and the 310 does not appear to allow you to change them like the 305 does. The arrows now just switch you between types of data like I mentioned in my first post. If someone knows how to do this and I'm just an idiot, please let me know

I don't have one (yet, lol) but the manual seems to indicate it's a similar process to the 305. It's on page 28 of the manual: Mode > Settings > Data Fields

Here is a link to the manual: http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/Forerunner310XT_OwnersManual.pdf

2009-07-21 10:45 AM

in reply to: #2298588

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Very impressive info from a non owner Merlin, lol. Nonetheless, this doesn't work. Yes, you can change the number of fields viewed, it allows up to 4, but your heart rate is not one of the options. It defaultly is set to 3; Time, Pace, and Distance, but the 4th option is the lap number. It appears it wants to keep the heart rate separate which is too bad. But once, if any one else knows otherwise, please let me know. Thanks anyway Merlin!

2009-07-21 11:01 AM

in reply to: #2298279

Master

1963

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Once you pick how many data fields you want, then you simply use the arrows to go over a specific field, hit Enter again, and then it will give you a list of all the different things you can show in that box. One of them should be HR.

Page 29 shows HR - Heart Rate in BPM.

2009-07-21 11:24 AM

in reply to: #2298742

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

You're right Merlin! Thanks for confirming I'm an idiot! Haha, but seriously thanks. That is a key adjustment for me.

2009-07-21 11:49 AM

in reply to: #2298279

Master

1963

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Woo hoo, glad I could help out

Now get us some pics of data from the water

irondreams

2009-07-21 12:14 PM

in reply to: #2298279

Extreme Veteran

580

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Who did you order from -- I am now seeing an August release date at most of the sites I have checked.

ollie3856

2009-07-21 12:25 PM

in reply to: #2298279

Member

182

Bay Area, CA

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

I have had mine for a couple of months or so now, and have done 2 races and a bunch of training with it. Am a huge fan, but can confirm that the GPS recording for the swim is pretty much useless. Check out the recording I got from the Silicon Valley Tri at

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7401128

while some might say 'hey, at least it was 'close' to mapping your route, look closer, it shows me having swum 2.2 miles (it was a 1.25K swim) and that I reached over 55mph

timing was fine, and it's great to be able to get accurate total time/splits right after you finish rather than having to wait for the official results to come in

Edited by ollie3856 2009-07-21 12:26 PM

2009-07-21 12:26 PM

in reply to: #2298961

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

I got it from HDO Sport (http://www.hdosport.com/Garmin-Forerunner-310XT-242.htm). I ordered it back on May 5th and was calling just about every 2 weeks and hearing "its been pushed back another 2 weeks" every time I called. While I was grabbing the link, I did notice that they appear to have some in stock or are at least advertising that so if you want one, I would start there. Nice customer service people over there as well. As I mentioned in my first post, the heart rate monitor is still on back order. When I talked to them last week, they said it would be ready towards then end of the month, but I'll believe that when I get it.

strostertag

2009-07-21 12:33 PM

in reply to: #2298991

Extreme Veteran

597

Fairfax

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

ollie3856 - 2009-07-21 12:25 PM I have had mine for a couple of months or so now, and have done 2 races and a bunch of training with it. Am a huge fan, but can confirm that the GPS recording for the swim is pretty much useless. Check out the recording I got from the Silicon Valley Tri at

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7401128

while some might say 'hey, at least it was 'close' to mapping your route, look closer, it shows me having swum 2.2 miles (it was a 1.25K swim) and that I reached over 55mph

timing was fine, and it's great to be able to get accurate total time/splits right after you finish rather than having to wait for the official results to come in

LOL, and 2115 ft of elevation gain. That's some serious upstream swimming.

kcav

2009-07-21 12:34 PM

in reply to: #2298279

Veteran

214

Barrington, NJ

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

This is at the top of my Xmas list.

ollie3856

2009-07-21 12:51 PM

in reply to: #2299013

Member

182

Bay Area, CA

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

strostertag - 2009-07-21 12:33 PM

timing was fine, and it's great to be able to get accurate total time/splits right after you finish rather than having to wait for the official results to come in

LOL, and 2115 ft of elevation gain. That's some serious upstream swimming.

thanks...I mean my navigation is bad, but that shows me actually getting out of the lake

I just looked at a more recent race, top speed there was over 80mph, I'm getting faster!

ball6135

2009-07-21 12:53 PM

in reply to: #2298279

Extreme Veteran

552

Minnetonka Beach, MN

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

There is another thread on the 310xt going on in the Gear Review section as well...

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=166820&posts=29&start=1

I have had mine for several months now and after some of the early adopter issues, things seem to be working great!!!

A few points for people looking to purchase...

This unit is not designed to work in the swim as a GPS device. Think of it as a stop watch so that you have all data for the entire race if you are in multisport mode. I would actually like to see them have a "swim" option for sport and turn the device into "indoor" mode until you hit "lap" to start T1

Secondly, the screens and the fields are completely customizable. I have my current HR in the same location on EVERY screen... it is always there in the lower right quadrant... Then activate auto-scrolling (I like the medium setting... fast is crazy...). you get to see everything that you could possibly need.

Primary benefits are waterproof (one watch the entire race), ANT+ to read Powermeters etc., and mostly battery life for longer races.

Edited by ball6135 2009-07-21 12:56 PM

2009-07-22 7:40 AM

in reply to: #2299060

Expert

1099

Bedford, NH

Subject: RE: Official thread of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT

So I did my swim this morning and it does not appear that the 310 can accurately calculate your swimming distance

. I did a swim that was around 1.2 miles this morning and the 310 said I did 2.02. When I look at the map after uploading the data it does appear to be pretty similar to my swim, but there's just no way I swam 2 miles in 31:08. My swimming has come a long way in the few months I've been swimming, but not that far, lol.

This is discouraging as it is really difficult to tell how far you have swam in the open water, but as ball6135 says, it is nice to be able to wear it in the water so you can wear it for the entire race and have the customization abilities of it. However, I'm not sure I would spend the extra $260 bucks on this if I could do it over again (I think you can get a 305 for around $140 these days). The 305 does almost everything the 310 does and I was really hoping to get accurate open water swim information.