Comments on: Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS Watch Review

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:49:25 +0000

Hello, I wonder if maybe you know how much the battery life changes after you have used the clock a while, maybe a year? From the beginning it says up to 20 hours, maybe this won´t be true after using it. I am thinking about buying a used one but I really want the battery to be able to at least last the ironman time, well maybe maxiumum 15 hours or so. What do you think?

Regards Daniel

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:10:04 +0000

Gotta chime in on the 910xt. As a triathlete, it’s basically indispensable and there aren’t really any other options for a swim/bike/run GPS. That being said, it’s been plagued by elevation problems. TONS of forums clogged with reports of elevation readings off by 60,000 feet, most likely caused by faulty barometers. To their credit, Garmin has been really responsive and has been quick to fix or replace, even if out of warranty. I’m on my second unit after an elevation issue and am in the process of returning that unit for the same issue. It will be my third one in less than two years. Not the kind of durability you’d hope to see in a product that runs $400-$500.

By: John M.

John M. — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 18:20:34 +0000

I have this watch, and only bought it because they lowered the price to around $200 around the time the 620 came out. I have been pretty happy with it, especially the battery. I only charge it about once per week with running 40-50 miles. I still like the accuracy of my 305 the best. I have had problems with the heart rate chest strap, as I haven’t been able to wear it without major chafing, no matter how I adjust it. Anyone else have a solution to this? I have thought about putting a piece of foam mousepad behind it to fill in the space between it and my bony chest….

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 17:55:56 +0000

In reply to John. Because reviews are generally for people who do not already have the device. Best time for reviews is when a product is new, or when a price drop is about to occur because a product is being replaced. Haven't heard about a replacement for the 910XT, but I suspect it's due, though I have read not to expect anything this year.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 17:54:20 +0000

In reply to Jamoosh. The large screen is definitely a plus, loved that about the 205 as well. Nowadays prefer not swapping watches though so there are tradeoffs. Won't be long before we have screens the size of 910XT in thin form factors I suspect.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 17:52:15 +0000

In reply to Brad Patterson.

Just put up a post on accuracy in the 620: https://runblogger.com/2014/03/garmin-forerunner-620-watch-gps-accuracy-issues.html

Short answer, I have seen some strange recordings, but only on about 10% of my runs.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:29:12 +0000

In reply to Pete Meighan. I plan to look at this. FWIW, DC Rainmaker has not reported issues with accuracy on his unit, and in comments on his site seems to suggest that it may be an issue with a subset of units.

By: Pete Meighan

Pete Meighan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 00:53:04 +0000

In reply to Brad Patterson.

Brad. Thanks for posting that link. The results make the 620 GPS capabilities look woefully inadequate compared to other models. I have a 620, and have had some issues with accuracy (particularly on a 400M track). I did some digging today, and I’m wondering if the inaccuracy is due to the “Smart” data recording setting–where, if I understand correctly, the watch samples at a low rate (~6 seconds between samples) but increases when there is a change in direction/pace/heart rate. There is a “Every Second” data sample setting. I’m going to try out the “Every Second” setting on my next track workout to see if that makes a difference. In the article you linked to, I didn’t see whether the authors compared across these two settings. Might be worth finding out.

This topic might also be fodder for your upcoming review of the 620, Peter.

By: Brad Patterson

Brad Patterson — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:59:23 +0000

In reply to Claus Jacobsen.

I have heard of GPS accuracy problems with the 620 and it is confirmed in this very detailed review/comparo of GPS accuracy on this site: http://fellrnr.com/wiki/GPS_Accuracy

I did a little looking on the Garmin 620 forums and confirmed this is a pretty big issue that people are running into with the 620. I guess when my 610 dies, I may look elsewhere. I am currently considering the TomTom Runner, based on some very positive reviews I have read about it.

By: Jamoosh

Jamoosh — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:09:29 +0000

Pete, I own one of these and after a very short flirtation with triathlons, it is a “mostly” running only watch that I have come to depend on. As a more mature (older) runner, the large face is very helpful and I also like that it has buttons so I don’t accidently change/stop/start something like I did with the old touch watches.

By: Henry

Henry — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:13:59 +0000

does anyone have any tips for keeping the hrm strap in place when running with a backpaack on. I run to work, and about 20 meters from my front door the strap has been jolted down by the bag, and I’m trying to measure the pulse of my belly.

By: John

John — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 04:59:28 +0000

This watch is going on 2 years old by now. Why review something which everyone who has been using it for awhile is hoping for an update soon?