Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: TheCrownsOwn on 2017-11-23 9:30 AM

Currently I use a Garmin Forerunner 210. Its old...and starting to get glitchy...maybe I'm a conspiracy theorist but every time Garmin sends out a software update it seems to get worse. lol.

so I need to pick a new watch. The Forerunner 210 served me exceptionally well for running and biking, but was awful for OWS's. The statellite simply couldnt lock onto it. I've only had to replace the heart rate strap this year.


Can you recommend a good watch to replace my old Garmin? I like the Garmin brand but not sold completely on it. I need something with a HR chest strap, and a foot pod for those records.

Garmin's website is awful for trying to navigate. And if I dont need to spend $600 bucks on a watch i dont want too. I just need something that will perform like my old 210...but also work in the water.

Can you help me out? Are there other more reasonably priced sports watches out there with the same features?

(One last point: I've read a number of articles in Science journals that HR Monitors from the wrist watch itself can be upto 15% off the accurate HR and chest straps are still the best option..hence why I like that feature.)

Thanks in advance!

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"The smallest minority on Earth is the individual.
Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be
defenders of minorities."
Ayn Rand

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: Burchib on 2017-11-24 1:17 PM

My advice: Garmin Vivoactive HR.
You wont need a chest strap. Also, on amazon you can get a refurbished one for around $170. I think by refurbished it just means maybe someone got one and sent it back. Mine looked new. Both myself and son have them and they are awesome. Will track a ton of stuff if you want it, or you can make easy adjustments to just track what you want to see. It will also track cadence.
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Justified by Grace through Faith in Christ!

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: reecealan on 2017-11-24 8:31 PM

Right now you can get a Garmin 920XT online for $200. Add the HRM for another $100, which you can get at a later time. Great watch all the way around.
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Reece
____________________
Not sure if I can consider myself a triathlete, perhaps just a confused swimmer,
I mean runner, I mean cyclist.....whoah, is that cake?

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: TheCrownsOwn on 2017-11-28 12:35 PM

thanks!

I appreciate the help. I'll def. take a look into both those options.


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"The smallest minority on Earth is the individual.
Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be
defenders of minorities."
Ayn Rand

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: ponderingfox on 2017-11-28 3:16 PM

What are you looking for?  It sounds like you want a tri watch, but may be considering running watches?

The 920 is a great deal. The 735 and 935 have optical HR, as well as work better as smartwatches.

If you don't need optical HR, the 230 can be had for a great deal refurbed on eBay. The 235 can also be found used or refurbed at good prices also.

If you want a new new watch, I'm partial to the Garmin Vivoactive 3 in the current crop of watches.  However, if you want a multisport watch, you'll be staying in the XT and Fenix lineups.

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"Success in any line demands a definite aim."

Dayton Area Sharks - Ohio River Road Runners Club

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: LundyLund on 2017-11-28 3:22 PM

I use the 735 and love it. If you don't want the optical HR, you can get the Tri HR monitor/strap, and it will record your HR data from your swim (although you won't be able to see it until after you're finished).

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Steve
Attacking this day with enthusiasm unknown to mankind. - Coach Jim Harbaugh

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: kloofyroland on 2017-11-29 1:04 PM

Garmin 920xt with run HR strap!
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=^.^=
Roland

"Have faith... stay committed. What you are seeking is also seeking you." -- JR

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: jmhpsu93 on 2017-11-29 3:36 PM

+1 on the 920XT...love mine.

As for the Forerunner 210, is that thing even water-resistant?  It doesn't even have a swim mode (IIRC - I had one).  I'm not surprised it sucked at OWS.

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Mike
https://www.strava.com/athletes/2066322

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: TheCrownsOwn on 2017-11-30 8:14 AM



I am looking for a watch that will track me in an OWS as well as tri's. I looked at the vivoactive, and its only set up for laps in a pool It wont work in an OWS situation.

The 920 is a superb watch...but I cannot find one for $200 that was mentioned above. They are a fairly pricey watch. I like Garmin, but if there is something better on the market I'm interested cost wise. If I have to bite the bullet and get the 920 to get a record of the OWS I will.

This is what my Garmin forerunner gives me now and what I use:

-HR (Chest Strap)
-Foot Pod/Cadence
-Speed
-route taken and distance.
-Input different routines (intervals, etc.)
-Elevation

I really am not interested in all the other bells and whistles out there. I'm not going to the olympics or competing on an pro level. Just another AG er with time on his hands..lol.



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"The smallest minority on Earth is the individual.
Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be
defenders of minorities."
Ayn Rand

RE: Need Help Choosing A Garmin Watch...Or Any Watch for Run/Bike/OWSwim
BY: TheCrownsOwn on 2017-11-30 8:16 AM



Its water proof. Used it at a OWS competition last year. But it can't track in the water..... I want all the same features in my forerunner but the ability to track my OWS's also. Plus the 210 is old...and its starting to glitch. Time to get a new watch.

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"The smallest minority on Earth is the individual.
Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be
defenders of minorities."
Ayn Rand