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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Garmin Device

 
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extmtnbkr

Oct 30, 09 10:57

Post #1 of 4 (255 views)
Garmin Device Can't Post
So I'll start by saying that I have a 705 and a Quarq power meter on my bike -- I purchased the 705 before the 310 was anything more than a rumor.

I want to get a multisport watch that I can use for swimming (just time) and running. I'm considering both the 310 and the FR60. Obviously, many are very pleased with the 310, but my thought is that the 310 would, in effect, be duplicative of many of the functionality of my 705 while on the bike. While the FR60 (with the footpod) will complement it, meaning I can still get power, elevation, etc from the 705 on the bike, and track swim times/lap times and pace, speed, etc on the run. Slightly more complicated to extract the data (2 devices rather than one), but a worthwhile concession in my mind.

I'm seeing the FR60 plus footpod on Amazon in the $200 ballpark, and the 310 (with the $50 rebate) will be another $70 or so. My instinct here is that for $70, go with the 310. However, with the winter around the corner, I'd likely buy a footpod for the 310 so it works indoors on the treadmill, which then runs the cost difference up to $170.

Long story short, I'm looking for any thoughts, suggestions, etc.

Thanks in advance


Ugo

Oct 30, 09 12:30

Post #2 of 4 (198 views)
Re: Garmin Device [extmtnbkr] [In reply to] Can't Post
hello,
i have all the above materials so maybe you'll find my input of value.

The 310 is essentially the same as the 705 without the topo, but with the advantage of being able to transition with it when compared to the FR60.
The 310 is a nice piece of work with a pretty clear screen (from the 305) and quite intuitive navigation within the watch modes and menu. The FR60 on the other hand is definitely a cheaper tool, harder to handle and with a screen not really fitted to my own taste.

Compared to the polar "equivalent" (not as pricy, that's true) it's definitely not the same standing, and not the same kind of data (i like to get my own excel files), but that's where the polar is almost perfect. The garmin on the other hand will have you lap like a mad man or use the annoying auto lap function. But it has a very neat little foot pod. Harder to move around than the polar but not as prone to slip off your shoes to the bushes when the trail grows rougher. And as you mentioned, treadmill compatible.

The wrist band of the 310 has the "quick" release feature that i don't particularly dig, but which apparently is there for a reason.
The FR60 can be used as a watch and chronometer, the 310 definitely is a training device. Its size does not surprise me since i've been with the 305 since its debut. For these 2 reasons it makes the 310 very poorly fitted for swimming (and you add the lack of transmission in the water).

The data transmission is the easiest and fastest on the 705 but the usb ANT+ is not too bad when installed.

From the info you provided, i'd go with the FR60 (swim, indoor, pace on the run).

But
1°) if you're close to getting the extra buck for the 310/footpod out of your pocket,
2°) are not limited by your install (i.e. you're on mac and don't want to bootcamp it)
then i'd definitely go with the polar RS800.

cheers, hugo


bartturner

Oct 30, 09 13:08

Post #3 of 4 (166 views)
Re: Garmin Device [Ugo] [In reply to] Can't Post
One other thing about the 705 it is big. The 310 with a bike mount is a lot smaller. I have not seen the new 500 series but you could also consider this as it also does ANT+


Ugo

Oct 30, 09 13:56

Post #4 of 4 (137 views)
Re: Garmin Device [bartturner] [In reply to] Can't Post
The 500 is very nice and definitely smaller (although it is quite thick on the mount for its size) but a bit less intuitive than the 705 in action.
The version I tested surely was early prod so I can't say much about the firmware, just that the ANT+ accessories don't appear to be managed in the same way by the units (power-cadence unit, speed-cadence sensor).


[URL=http://img688.imageshack.us/i/img7774.jpg/]

But as far as choosing another unit when you already have the 705, it is a no brainer to go with something else than the 500.