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Administrivia: Deal on Garmin FR110, update to Clever Training coupon code, and consolidated support page

After running the marathon Sunday, then running straight to the airport Sunday night, then up early again for another long-haul 10hr flight (this) Monday morning, and then doing booth duty for 3hrs upon landing…I’m pooped.  So, we’ll keep this short and get right to the action.

Garmin FR110 with heart rate strap Deal with Clever Training:

Clever Training has put together a 6-day only deal with the Forerunner 110 with the heart rate strap, for $149, until Sunday –with free US shipping.  Roughly about $50 off of the cheapest you’ll find it anywhere else.  You can dive into my in-depth review of the FR110 here.

IMG_8472

There are two color variants on sale:

FR110 pink edition with HR strap
FR110 red edition with HR strap (seen above)

Note that because it’s a deep-discount sale the usual DCR 10% off doesn’t apply unfortunately, though, the free US shipping still does.

So who do I recommend the FR110 to?  Well primarily folks looking for heart rate training that don’t plan to use a footpod.  The FR110  is in a middle-ground spot between the cheaper $129 FR10 that came out last summer/fall, and the more expensive FR210.  The cheaper FR10 offers no ANT+ connectivity (so no heart rate or footpod support), but does have more overall features than the FR110.  Meanwhile, the FR210 that’s even more expensive does have both ANT+ heart rate and footpod support.  It also has instant-pace, which the FR110 doesn’t have but the FR10 does.

Yes, it’s confusing.  Here’s the chart with the three Garmin options from the product comparison tool:

Function/FeatureGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated April 9th, 2021 @ 10:21 am New Window
Price$129$140.00$179.00
Product Announcement DateAUG 28, 2012MAR 29, 2010OCT 4, 2010
Actual Availability/Shipping DateSEP 2012MAY 2010OCT 2010
GPS Recording FunctionalityYesYesYes
Data TransferUSBUSBUSB
Waterproofing50 metersIPX7IPX7
Battery Life (GPS)5 Hours~10 hours10 hours
Recording IntervalSmartSmartSmart
AlertsSound/VisualLap OnlyAudio/Visual
Backlight GreatnessOKGoodGood
Ability to download custom apps to unit/deviceNoNoNo
Acts as daily activity monitor (steps, etc...)NoNoNo
MusicGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Can control phone musicNo
Has music storage and playbacknO
ConnectivityGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Bluetooth Smart to Phone UploadingNoNoNo
Phone Notifications to unit (i.e. texts/calls/etc...)NoNoNo
Live Tracking (streaming location to website)NoNoNo
Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts)NoNoNo
Built-in cellular chip (no phone required)NoNoNo
CyclingGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Designed for cyclingBarelyBarelyBarely (Speed mode only)
Power Meter CapableNoNoNo
Speed/Cadence Sensor CapableNoNoNo
Strava segments live on deviceNo
RunningGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Designed for runningYesYesYes
Footpod Capable (For treadmills)NoNoYes
Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...)NoNoNo
VO2Max EstimationNoNoNo
Race PredictorNoNoNo
Recovery AdvisorNoNoNo
Run/Walk ModeYesNoNo
SwimmingGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Designed for swimmingNO (PROTECTED THOUGH JUST FINE)NoNo
Record HR underwaterN/ANoNo
TriathlonGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Designed for triathlonNoNoNo
Multisport modeN/AN/ANo
WorkoutsGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Create/Follow custom workoutsNoNoNo
On-unit interval FeatureNoNoYes
Training Calendar FunctionalityNoNoNo
FunctionsGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Auto Start/StopYesNoNo
Virtual Partner FeaturePace AlertsNoNo
Virtual Racer FeatureNoNoNo
Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history)YesNoNo
Tidal Tables (Tide Information)NoNoNo
Weather Display (live data)NoNoNo
NavigateGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Follow GPS Track (Courses/Waypoints)NoNoNo
Markers/Waypoint DirectionNoNoNo
Routable/Visual Maps (like car GPS)NoNoNo
Back to startNoNoNo
Impromptu Round Trip Route CreationNoNoNo
Download courses/routes from phone to unitNoNoNo
SensorsGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Altimeter TypeNoneYesGPS
Heart Rate Strap CompatibleNoYesYes
ANT+ Heart Rate Strap CapableNoYesYes
ANT+ Speed/Cadence CapableNoNoNo
ANT+ Footpod CapableNoNoYes
ANT+ Power Meter CapableNoNoNo
ANT+ Lighting ControlNo
ANT+ Bike Radar IntegrationNo
ANT+ Trainer Control (FE-C)no
ANT+ Remote ControlNoNoNo
ANT+ eBike CompatibilityNoNoNo
Shimano Di2 ShiftingNo
Bluetooth Smart HR Strap CapableNoNoNo
Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence CapableNoNoNo
Bluetooth Smart Footpod CapableNoNoNo
Bluetooth Smart Power Meter CapableNoNoNo
Temp Recording (internal sensor)NoNoNo
Temp Recording (external sensor)NoNoNo
SoftwareGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
PC ApplicationGTCGTCGTC
Web ApplicationGarmin ConnectGarmin ConnectGarmin Connect
Phone AppGarmin Connect MobileGarmin FitGarmin Fit
Ability to Export SettingsNoNoNo
PurchaseGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
AmazonLinkLinkLink
DCRainmakerGarmin Forerunner 10Garmin Forerunner 110Garmin Forerunner 210
Review LinkLinkLinkLink

(Remember to click the ‘expand’ button above to see all four gazillion rows)

Note that the deal FR110 DOES include the HR strap (usually about $30-$45).  So that’s really who this is targeted at.  If you’re not looking at a HR strap, then quite honestly you can save yourself $20 and pickup the FR10.  If you are more of a hardcore runner and want footpod support (for treadmills), then I’d recommend looking at the Garmin FR210/Polar RC3/Timex Run Trainer 2.0.  And here’s the same with these three:

Function/FeatureGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated April 9th, 2021 @ 10:20 am New Window
Price$179.00$215.00$225
Product Announcement DateOCT 4, 2010AUG 13, 2012Mar 18, 2013
Actual Availability/Shipping DateOCT 2010SEPT 2012Apr 2013
GPS Recording FunctionalityYesYesYes
Data TransferUSBUSBUSB
WaterproofingIPX7IPX750m
Battery Life (GPS)10 hours12 HoursGPS: 8HRS
Recording IntervalSmart1-Second1-second
AlertsAudio/VisualSound/VisualSOUND/VISUAL/VIBRATE
Backlight GreatnessGoodGoodGreat
Ability to download custom apps to unit/deviceNoNoNo
Acts as daily activity monitor (steps, etc...)NoNoNo
ConnectivityGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Bluetooth Smart to Phone UploadingNoNoNo
Phone Notifications to unit (i.e. texts/calls/etc...)NoNoNo
Live Tracking (streaming location to website)NoNoNo
Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts)NoNoNo
Built-in cellular chip (no phone required)NoNoNo
CyclingGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Designed for cyclingBarely (Speed mode only)YesNo
Power Meter CapableNoNoN/A
Speed/Cadence Sensor CapableNoYesN/A
RunningGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Designed for runningYesYesYes
Footpod Capable (For treadmills)YesYesYes
Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...)NoNoNo
VO2Max EstimationNoYesNo
Race PredictorNoNoNo
Recovery AdvisorNoYesNo
Run/Walk ModeNoNoNo
SwimmingGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Designed for swimmingNoNoNo
Record HR underwaterNoNoN/A
TriathlonGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Designed for triathlonNoNoNo
Multisport modeNoNoN/A
WorkoutsGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Create/Follow custom workoutsNoNoNo
On-unit interval FeatureYesYes with firmware upateYes
Training Calendar FunctionalityNoNoNo
FunctionsGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Auto Start/StopNoNoYes
Virtual Partner FeatureNoNoNo
Virtual Racer FeatureNoNoNo
Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history)NoNoNo
Tidal Tables (Tide Information)NoNoNo
Weather Display (live data)NoNoNo
NavigateGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Follow GPS Track (Courses/Waypoints)NoNoNo
Markers/Waypoint DirectionNoNoNo
Routable/Visual Maps (like car GPS)NoNoNo
Back to startNoYesNo
Impromptu Round Trip Route CreationNoNoNo
Download courses/routes from phone to unitNoNoNo
SensorsGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Altimeter TypeGPSGPSGPS
Compass TypeN/AGPSN/A
Heart Rate Strap CompatibleYesYesYes
ANT+ Heart Rate Strap CapableYesNoYes
ANT+ Speed/Cadence CapableNoNoNo
ANT+ Footpod CapableYesNoYes
ANT+ Power Meter CapableNoNoNo
ANT+ Remote ControlNoNoNo
ANT+ eBike CompatibilityNoNoNo
Shimano Di2 ShiftingNo
Bluetooth Smart HR Strap CapableNoNoNo
Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence CapableNoNoNo
Bluetooth Smart Footpod CapableNoNoNo
Bluetooth Smart Power Meter CapableNoNoNo
Temp Recording (internal sensor)NoNoNo
Temp Recording (external sensor)NoNoNo
SoftwareGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
PC ApplicationGTCPPT/WebsyncTraining Peaks Agent
Web ApplicationGarmin ConnectPPT.comTraining Peaks
Phone AppGarmin FitPolar BeatsTraining Peaks (iOS/Android)
Ability to Export SettingsNoNoYes
PurchaseGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
AmazonLinkLinkLink
DCRainmakerGarmin Forerunner 210Polar RC3Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0
Review LinkLinkLinkLink

Make sense?

Finally, for those that have asked about new running watches.  I do not expect any new running-specific watches until at earliest the fall running season, from Polar/Timex/Garmin.  Same goes for the FR910XT – but with later timelines.  Remember that really the FR910XT is only about a year old.  While it was announced in October 2011, it didn’t actually hit market availability until the January-April 2012 timeframe.  Typically Garmin goes for a 2-year release cycle.  Given there’s virtually no competitive pressure on the FR910XT today (that covers all three sports), there’s little reason for them to rush to market with a unit.

Update of the Clever Training coupon code:

Along the same front, if you’ve been previously using the Clever Training coupon code, it’s been updated to a slightly new coupon code: DCR10BTF.  Same 10% off your entire order (and the usual free shipping), just a different combination of letters and digits.  Simply an administrivia thing.  Don’t worry though, you don’t need to remember it.  It’s at the end of every product review and on the sidebar at all times.  So no worries about trying to remember it, you can just grab the code there before checking out.

CTDCR2

As always, the discount is applicable to everything except clearance/deep-sale items.  And that covers virtually every product I review.  They’ve also added some new ones lately like Nike+ GPS and Quarq/SRAM power meters.  I’m working with them to get any missing items in there, but as always – if there’s a product line missing, definitely drop it in the comments and we’ll make magic happen.

Consolidated page for supporting DC Rainmaker:

Since the re-design a few folks have asked where the little tip jar that used to be on the sidebar went to.  It got somewhat lost in the shuffle because the code used in it was fairly slow and would often fail to render in the page, thus slowing down the site for all.

But, with the thinking of having a consolidated ‘discounts/deals/support dcrainmaker.com’ page, I figured that’s a fine place to put it.

More important than the tip jar is simply the various links and ways you can support the site.  Right now that’s essentially Amazon.com (for any country btw, such as Amazon.co.uk and others), Clever Training (who also ships to most countries for a flat rate fee, and has the 10% off everything), and then a sprinkle of REI and the tip jar.

Make sense?  Good.  Here’s the page that you can quickly access: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/deals

Thanks for reading…and supporting the site!  Have a great week ahead.  I’ve got a pile of interesting things lined up for the next 2-3 weeks. Lots of sport tech company visits (paid for by me), and interesting experiences on tap!

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19 Comments

  1. joel

    i just bought an FR10 from clever training. Fast free shipping from across the country and best price anywhere using your discount! Thanks!

  2. I would really LOVE a forerunner 10 – I don’t need all the bells and whistles and I have really skinny wrists – but with only a 5 hour battery life (and as a slowish runner) it wouldn’t be long before it wouldn’t last through a marathon. Is there any talk of extending the battery life? Is there a similar watch in size and function with a longer battery life?

    • DC Rainmaker

      I wouldn’t expect to see any gains unfortunately. From a size standpoint, the FR110/210 and Polar RC3 would be about the next step up for battery. Size-wise they actually aren’t much bigger. The FR10 tends to sit a little higher, whereas the FR110/210 tend to sit a little flatter.

  3. Eli

    And only a few hours left for the bikespike. link to kickstarter.com
    Will help with dumb thieves who don’t disable it but I was thinking would be useful for group rides. Would allow you to ride separately for a bit but then track down where the person you are riding with is. Only ~$5,200 left to make 150k

    • DC Rainmaker

      Yup, I think they might just make it. Tweeted it out a few minutes ago as well. I suspect that within only $5K to go, they’d just self-fund the remaining if required. At least, I hope they would.

    • Michael

      Just checked on the bikespike – $2600 over goal.

  4. oldSAP

    got this deal yesterday =)

  5. Mark

    Ray – thanks for the insight not to expect new running watches from polar/garmin/timex until perhaps Fall. I was holding out for the next gen RCX5 integrated GPS (waterproof too), but instead just bought the TRT2 (from Clever Training). I’ll deal with the low memory… Might be an issue for long hikes. Great site, great reviews. Loved the Al Khobar, Rotnest Island and Sydney runabouts – all places I’ve lived or visited. Great memories.

  6. Looks like a great bit of kit, will be checking it out.

  7. India

    Right now on groupon the Garmin Forerunner 210 is being sold for $149.99 manufacturer refurbished. What do you recommend?

    • DC Rainmaker

      I generally prefer the FR210 over the FR110 due to instant pace and the footpod support. So it really comes down to the HR strap, and whether you plan to use that functionality, as well as the footpod/instant pace.

  8. India

    I probably would not use the heart rate strap consistently, my only hesitation was that it was manufacturer refurbished. Both come with a HR strap.

  9. Patrick

    QUE TAL EL POLAR RCX3 VS GARMIN 210 VS SUUNTO QUEST,CUAL DE ESOS ES MEJOR,YO BUSCO UN BUEN PULSOMETRO CON EL CUAL ENTRENAR Y MIDA BIEN EL RITMO CARDIACO,SI TIENE O NO GPS LA VERDAD QUE NO INFLUYE MUCHO,PARA ESO ESTAN LOS MOVILES CON DIFERENTES APPS,PERO TAMBIEN SERIA BUENO SABER CUAL ES EL MEJOR PULSOMETRO CON GPS PARA SABER SI ME DECANTO POR ALGUNO CON GPS,RESUMINEDO CUAL ES EL MEJOR PULSOMETRO Y CUAL ES EL MEJOR PULSOMETRO CON GPS

    • DC Rainmaker

      Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.

      I’ve also noted used the Suunto Quest (though I wouldn’t compare it to any of the others units noted in your post). I would suggest reading the Polar RC3 review (not the RCX3, as I’m not sure why one would purchase that at this point), as I make a lot of comparisons to the FR210 and other units in this arena.

      Enjoy!

  10. Bill

    I really enjoy your website. I discovered it about a month ago and have been using it for product research ever since. I’m interested in a Garmin forerunner 620 bundle. I’ve tried your coupon code at clever training, but can’t get it to work. The website says that the Fr620 bundle doesn’t qualify. Is this correct? Or has the coupon code changed? Thanks!

  11. Kevin

    Looks like the code won’t work on preordering the Garmin Vivoactive

  12. Kevin

    I was able to buy the VIP membership and that did work. Now to just wait impatiently for it to ship

    • Yup, Garmin requires it (VIP club) for certain products. Thanks for the support! The units should start shipping from CT either Friday or Monday (though, I don’t know offhand how backordered they are).

  13. Steve

    Was going to buy a kickr snap but the coupon code doesn’t work for some reason. I can buy it local for the same price, maybe less, but I wanted to support you.