This product has been discontinued by the manufacturer. It's been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 945, you may want to check out that review instead.
The Garmin Forerunner 910XT represents the next generation triathlon/multisport watch from Garmin. The watch builds on many areas that the FR305 and then FR310XT had – including a slimmer profile then either of those watches, and a new pool swimming mode to track your distance while swimming laps. But are these changes and others enough to get you running to pickup the latest model? Well, stick around and I’ll explain.
Like all my reviews, they tend to be pretty in depth (perhaps overly so) – but that’s just my trademark DC Rainmaker way of doing things. Think of them more like reference guides than quick and easy summaries. I try and cover every conceivable thing you might do with the device and then poke at it a bit more. My goal is to leave no stone unturned – both the good and the bad.
Because I want to be transparent about my reviews – Garmin sent me a development unit to try out. It’s almost identical to that of the final production unit that’ll be on store shelves in a bit (may have slight color differences). Once units are available in retail shops I’ll send this back to Garmin and then go out and buy my own (to be able to support y’all in the comments section down the road). Simple as that. Sorta like hiking in wilderness trails – leave only footprints. If you find my review useful, you can use any of the Amazon links from this page to help support future reviews.
Lastly, at the end of the day keep in mind I’m just like any other regular athlete out there. I write these reviews because I’m inherently a curious person with a technology background, and thus I try and be as complete as I can. But, if I’ve missed something or if you spot something that doesn’t quite jive – just let me know and I’ll be happy to get it all sorted out. Also, because the technology world constantly changes, I try and go back and update these reviews as new features and functionality are added – or if bugs are fixed.
So – with that intro, let’s get into things.
Unboxing and Size Comparisons:
First, let’s start with some unboxing. When you first (finally) get your FR910XT, it’ll look pretty much like this:
A few short seconds later you’ll likely be tearing through the box, in which case, it’ll probably look something like the below (though, admittedly, a lot less pretty). This is where you’ll find more plastic baggies than a Costco bulk container of them would contain.
Once you remove all that plastic, you’ll have the below setup. On the left side is all your power goodness (which I’ll detail in a second). In the middle you’ve got the watch and manual. And on the right side from top to bottom, you’ve got your USB charging clip, USB ANT+ stick, and heart rate strap (in two parts). The little white piece of paper was bonus from having an early beta kit, as I had to add my own sticker – officially FR910XT #17!
Here’s the power plugs. The unit comes with three different types: US, Euro, and UK. Of course, some of those adapters are used in a slew of other countries.
Then we’ve got the heart rate strap. This will include the strap and the transmitter pod. Note that this is a different strap design than the previous premium strap. Check out the heart rate accessory section later for the exact details of what’s changed (and it’s good news there!).
Next we’ve got the ever exciting manual. You can also download it from Garmin’s site. Just wander over here. Though, there’s pretty much nothing in the manual that I haven’t detailed beyond normalcy here.
Then we’ve got the USB charging clip. This plugs into either your computer, or the provided AC power block. It does NOT transfer data.
The below USB stick is what does the data transfer. It does this via ANT+, which is a low-energy transmission method used to communicate with Garmin devices wirelessly. More on this later.
And finally…the watch itself! Here’s a few quick shots before I powered it on. Of course, by the end of this post, you’ll likely be tired of seeing FR910XT shots.
And once we’ve got it all turned on, here’s the unit in shining glory!
For those familiar with the FR310XT/FR405/FR410 charging clips, the FR910XT uses the same two pronged system.
For comparisons sake – I went ahead and pulled out the trusty kitchen rolling pin and compared it to a number of other common triathlon focused watches. Starting first, I went with just the Garmin lineup (left is FR305, middle FR310XT, right FR910XT):
When upside-down you can really see more clearly the thinner profile of the FR910XT compared to the FR310XT – given there’s a slight air-gap below it.
As you can see, the FR910XT is the smallest multisport watch that Garmin has made to date, being both slimmer than the FR310XT and FR305. Though while it’s still bigger than the Polar RCX5, keep in mind the RCX5 does not have GPS integrated into it, and instead requires a separate pod.
I figured I’d compare it to my other two favorite Garmin running watches – the FR210 (left) and the FR610 (center).
And finally, two more comparing the size of the watch on a human wrist (mine), with the FR310XT.
With the comparisons all set – let’s dig into the details!
Running:
I’ve changed up the review format a bit this time, to give a brief overview in running and cycling separately and then dive deep into the features that are available across both sports. So after the Running/Cycling/Swimming overview, head down into the detailed feature by feature sections.
The FR910XT is like most other GPS watches in that it’ll record the details of where you went, how fast you were going, and how long it took to get there. Once it’s done, it’ll save this information and then upload it to Garmin Connect, allowing you to slice and dice the data till your heart’s content. I talk about much of this slicing and dicing later on in the Garmin Connect software section.
Of course, first we’ll want to start with what you see while you’re running. This is completely customizable, but to give you a feel for things, here’s a sample data page that I often use when running:
In this instance, I can see my lap pace, my lap distance, my heart rate – and my footpod cadence. But you can customize this any number of different ways however you see fit. Later on I’ll talk about the data fields and customization.
One of the other features I dive into later on is the ability to create a Virtual Partner, which allows you to pace against a little computerized person for a set pace.
Of course, these are just two of many different running features that are shared across both run and bike.
Run/Walk Function (new):
A new feature specific to the FR910XT and running is the watches Run/Walk functionality. This has become popular in recent years as a way to try and keep a consistent overall pace in an endurance event, such as a marathon or longer. Essentially the idea being that if you manage the walking aspect of it, it’ll keep it from snowballing into just non-stop walking.
Typically this is setup based on a specific time, such as 10 minutes of running and then 1-2 minutes of walking. The FR910XT now supports the ability to create these alerts, along with all the normal alerts you can still setup (time/distance/calorie).
I’ve actually found a more interesting use for the Run/Walk alert though – which I’ve mentally relabeled ‘Nutrition alert’. See, a typical time based repeating alert (say every 10 minutes) is normally a good way to remind you to take in nutrition during training or a race. But I’ve often found that I sometimes mentally find an excuse where I say “Oh, let me just get over this hill and then I’ll take some gel”, only to realize 10 or 20 minutes later I haven’t taken anything.
With setting up a 10 minute and 2 minute alert combo – I’m basically giving myself a 2 minute window to take in my nutrition, at the end of which it reminds me again. It’s been working pretty well for me this season – and I’ve really reduced the amount of missed nutrition opportunities. You can of course customize the run and walk alert portions for as short or long as you wish.
Cycling:
The FR910XT has made a number of small updates from the FR310XT that will definitely appeal to cyclists. Starting off is the ability to now customize up to five different bikes. Each bike can then store a slew of different saved parameters, such as ANT+ sensor details (power/speed/cadence) and wheel size/bike weight.
Speaking of which, the FR910XT supports the major cycling ANT+ sensor types including Power Meters, Speed-Only sensors, Cadence-Only sensors and combination Speed/Cadence sensors. It also supports ANT+ heart rate monitors as well. And in the event of a power meter that sends cadence information (pretty much all of them), it’ll happily pick that up too.
The FR910XT is designed to be worn either on your wrist, or on the bike mount quick-release system. Which is just like the cycling focused Edge 500/800 from a quarter turn mount standpoint.
Unfortunately, with my development unit I didn’t have a quick release kit available yet – so I instead used the old school rubber Garmin bike mount.
Not exactly aerodynamic – but for the purposes of this week’s posting, it’ll do. On the bright side, it’s easily out of the way and also a bit easier to take photos of. Once my quick release kit arrives I’ll update this section with new goodness.
While cycling the FR910XT can do essentially everything your normal bike computer can do – except now it’s powered with GPS and ANT+ sensor data. If you’re familiar with the cycling only Edge 500, it does everything that unit does. The only difference is the FR910XT displays 4 data fields at a time versus the Edge 500’s 8 data fields. Obviously the FR910XT does tons more in other areas though (swim and run namely).
As noted previously the FR910XT shares almost all of the features between the run and cycle portions, which means that I’ve consolidated them down below for easier reference.
The only areas that are a bit unique to the bike are the data fields. For example, 3s power (and all power meter metrics) are displayed while cycling, but not running. I’ve made it easy for you though and consolidated all the data fields the watch contains within the Data Field section below.
So let’s talk about a few new and unique things that will appeal to cyclists.
Barometric Altimeter (new!):
For years cyclists have managed to get barometric altimeters within their bike computers, while runners have had to put up with GPS based altimeters. Now in general, GPS based altimeters work just fine – but they aren’t as accurate for more complex elevation situations (mountains), or for determining things like grade – which requires a better understanding of the elevation changes.
That’s why I was excited to see that they’ve integrated a barometric altimeter into the FR910XT, over the GPS altimeter that was previously used with the FR310XT and FR305.
This means that when you look at altimeter data, it should map to reality better than GPS data. But remember, even if it doesn’t, you can always use altitude data correction on Garmin Connect to turn on/off elevation correction. This correction uses NASA imagery that’s accurate to about a meter, and can overwrite your existing elevation data. Simply turn it on/off on the left hand side of each activity:
Note that because the FR910XT uses a barometric altimeter, by default this will be off. And in general, I find that the altimeter data produced by the FR910XT is pretty accurate (like that of the Edge series devices for cycling). Much smoother and cleaner than GPS based elevation data.
Also note that the barometric altimeter is of course accessible while running too – so it’s not just a cyclist feature. I know this is of special interest to ultra marathoners.
Power Meter Support (major changes):
As previously announced at Interbike, the Edge 500/800, FR310XT and now the FR910XT will all get the TrainingPeaks metrics of TSS (Training Stress Score), IF (Intensity Factor), and NP (Normalized Power). [Update note, it has since been announced that the FR310XT will NOT get the power update]
The FR910XT will also be getting Left/Right power to be able to support not only the Garmin Vector pedal based power meter, but also other pedal/cleat based power meters such as the Brim Brothers Zone and O-Sycne’s power meter.
These metrics will also start appearing shortly on Garmin Connect as they rollout new feature updates. As of this initial post, the FR910XT I have doesn’t have the updated metrics in this beta firmware version, but I’m told it should very shortly. One of the key partnerships with TrainingPeaks was to ensure that the metric seen on TrainingPeaks is the exact same metric displayed on the Edge/Forerunner units, which is also the exact same metric shown on Garmin Connect.
Back at Interbike it was noted that Garmin as a company recognizes that Garmin Connect isn’t for everyone and that the more advanced/elite athletes will naturally gravitate to TrainingPeaks as a platform and that they want to ensure there aren’t discrepancies across the two from a data standpoint.
Swimming:
The biggest change in the FR910XT is the ability to support lap-swimming and record distance, speed, strokes and more. For years no Garmin product has supported the ability to gather lap data while inside a pool. But now the FR910XT does exactly that. Additionally, it also supports the same data while openwater swimming. But first, let’s start with the pool, then move to openwater.
Lap Swimming:
As noted above, the biggest benefit of the FR910XT over the FR310XT is likely the ability to record pool distance and lap information. The unit does this using an internal accelerometer, which measures change in direction and acceleration to determine what you’re doing. This is important because when you’re doing your workout in the pool, you need to be cognizant of this with respect to extra movements. But I’ll talk more about this in a minute.
To use it in the pool, you’ll switch into Swimming Mode, and then from there into pool mode.
After you’ve changed modes and selected Swimming > Lap Swimming, you’ll then be confronted with this option on pool length:
As you can see, you can select the common 25M, 50M, and 25Y lengths, or simply customize your own…perfect for all those whacky hotel pool lengths. Except, as of present, the only pools supported are those between 22m/y and 100y/m. This is somewhat problematic for those that swim in shorter pools. I’ve talked with Garmin about this (as recently as February 2012), and am hoping to see a change to allow shorter pool lengths.
With that set, it’s time to hop in the pool and get swimming. Using it in the pool is much the same as you would use while running or biking. The start/stop buttons control whether or not the timer is recording, and the lap button records laps (or sets/intervals).
While you’re swimming you’ve got realtime access to four data pages, each with up to four pieces of information on them. For me, I’ve found that I’m really looking for three key metrics during a set: Time, Distance, and Pace.
I’ve then setup two data pages that I use frequently – one showing me that information for the current lap (i.e. Lap Distance, Lap Time, Lap Avg Pace, Lap Stroke Rate), and then the whole set again for ‘Last lap’. This is useful in that when I finish a set and press lap, I can easily see what the last set was.
Today the watch does NOT support the ability to pre-create workouts on it for swimming mode, like you can for running or cycling. I asked Garmin about this, and it’s on their radar, but no time commitment yet. What you can do however is setup both time and distance alerts. These alerts can be configured for preset times, such as every 500y. Once it hits the alert, it’ll beep, buzz and display a warning. You may not hear the beep, but you’ll feel the vibration, so it actually works pretty well.
Once you’re done, you can see the total information for each and every set via the history menu. This shows total (workout), sets/laps/intervals, as well as even lengths.
In fact, that’s an important distinction between the FR910XT and something like the Pool-Mate Pro, which doesn’t show per-length data afterwards, just per-set data. The Swimsense does however show per length data.
After our swim is complete, we’ll want to upload it all to Garmin Connect to check out the data. While I talk about Garmin Connect a fair bit later, I’m going to tackle the swim portion of GC now.
Once you get the workout uploaded using the ANT Agent, it’ll be visible on Garmin Connect (speaking of which, if you already have a Garmin device, be sure that you do indeed update the ANT Agent to at least the Nov 28th, 2011 build – the reason is builds prior to that don’t know how to deal with the swim files, and will fail). This is how a workout looks in the overview page. We’ll walk through the key segments in a second.
First up is the Summary and Swim Graph, towards the top. The Summary is simply your total distance, pool length setting used for that session, total time (including stoppage), and average pace for the workout (not inclusive of stoppage):
Meanwhile, the Swim Graph is an interactive guide that shows you each length as part of a set (interval), which is in turn part of the overall workout. You can slide left/right to see other sets and the distances/times.
Above you can see the total Interval time, and the individual lengths, along with the total distance.
The next section includes a listing of all your intervals along the left side. Also, you’ve got more timing information including Avg and Best paces per 100y. On the right side you’ll see segments for timing (basically, pace), then strokes (per length per arm).
Finally, continuing down further, you’ll see the remainder of your intervals, and then on the right side you’ll see your SWOLF and efficiency scores. These are essentially metrics that look at stroke length by taking stroke rate and the length of the pool. It’s like a golf score.
In addition to the overview page, you can also crack open a separate detailed page to check out all of the above information on a per-interval basis…without the fancy graphs. At the end of which, you can export to CSV.
The swimming mode supports a number of different metrics, starting with the following stroke types being recognized, along with the terms the watch uses to identify/display those swim strokes:
– Freestyle (FREE)
– Back Stroke (BACK)
– Breast Stroke (BREAST)
– Butterfly (FLY)
– Combination of strokes (MIXED)
– Unidentified Stoke (RAY mode…oh, wait…UNKNOWN)
Here you can see some of the stroke information being displayed:
Since I predominantly just swim freestyle, my experience is focused on that. Even if I did swim backstroke, it’d likely be so horrendous that it would probably just simply display “FAIL, TRY AGAIN”. So, I don’t try.
In addition, the watch also displays the SWOLF score, which is your efficiency score. Lower is better. All of these metrics can be displayed as data fields. I talk about the swimming data fields later in that data field section – but here’s what’s available to choose from for swimming:
Note that the FR910XT is like the FR310XT and is waterproofed to 50 meters deep. This is different from a watch like the FR305, which is only waterproofed to 1 meter deep at 30 minutes. Also note however that no Garmin watches will record HR data while underwater, due to the ANT+ protocol being unable to transmit through water (has a transmission distance of about 1-2” underwater). However, the HR strap is waterproof and most folks just leave it on under their triathlon suit/top. Once you depart the water the FR910XT will automatically pick it up in a few seconds and start recording data.
I wanted to briefly talk to this, since I’ve seen a number of folks ask about accuracy in the pool. Some have had the distance issues where the unit reports longer than normal. And a few people have issues where it reports shorter. With that, I wanted to provide some tips based on my using it for the past 5+ months. During which time, I’ve had it measure distance in a pool wrong only once – due to having to stop mid-way down the lane and converse with my lovely wife. Yup, just once. So I figured I’d share my tricks to accuracy.
The first thing to keep in mind is that the unit measures distance purely on accelerometer data. That means that it’s measuring what your wrist is doing, and in particular, changes to direction and acceleration. Thus, you have to keep in mind that any movement you make while the timer is running is being analyzed. The watch is constantly thinking “Is this a stroke?”, “Was that just a new lap?”. Keeping that in mind is critical to accurate data.
1) When you’re not actively swimming back and forth, pause the timer. I know that there’s some guidance that says you can just keep it going, but honestly, that’s wrong. If you’re standing at the wall waiting for your next set – just pause the timer. That tells the watch to stop looking at whether or not you should be swimming. And thus, it won’t increment the distance until you press start.
2) Separate out your laps/sets using the lap button. If my workout calls for 1000y warm-up, then a 500y build, then a slew of 100’s, I’m going to press lap between each section. Thus, at the 1000y marker I press lap to create that set. At the 500y marker, I press lap. And then after each 100y I press lap. In the case of the 100’s, I’ve got a short rest at the wall, so I FIRST press stop, then I press lap. If I pressed lap then stop, it would incorrectly start a new lap that I haven’t started swimming yet.
3) Be strong on your wall push-offs. Because the 910XT is looking for changes in acceleration, you want to ensure that you push off the wall strongly. Fast being the key. It doesn’t matter if you do a flip turn or an open turn (I vary sometimes for fun), it just matters that you do it with conviction. If you ever-so-slowly do a turn at the wall and make it more graceful than Ms. Daisy, the unit might never actually detect an acceleration change, and thus, no new lap.
4) Be aware that passing someone mid-line is an acceleration change: Folks have reported issues with sudden surges to pass another swimmer mid-way down a lane being counted as a new lap. This is an area where Garmin could improve the logic a bit, but my advice here is to try and ‘soften’ the acceleration/deceleration just a touch to not trigger it. I realize of course that when it comes time to pass someone mid-lane, the most important thing is doing it quickly – but just offering some options. Or, do it at the end of the lane (again, not always possible).
5) Pause when in drills: Because the unit is looking for one of the recognized stroke types, it will only be accurate when you’re doing one of those stroke types. So if you’re doing a bunch of drills with three pieces of swim equipment and look like a fish out of water, it’s best to pause the timer.
6) It won’t work if your arms aren’t moving: This goes hand in hand with the above, but if you’re doing kick-only drills, the unit simply won’t measure that distance. For these, I just pause the unit. The time is counted in total activity time, but it doesn’t try and incorrectly record laps (which it will, trust me).
7) Don’t leave the unit running when you go to the bathroom: I only mention this, because I got an upset e-mail from someone that indicated that the unit incorrectly added a lap when they went to the bathroom while leaving the timer running. I really wanted to note that technically they probably did go 50y round-trip, but decided against it. Again, remember, as your arm swings, it thinks your swimming. So as you get out of the pool, walk to the bathroom door, open the door, go to the bathroom, and do it all again in reverse, it’s prime time for the unit to think you’re swimming. Just pause, you’ll be happier later. :)
So, you did all that and you still got a bad nugget in there? Well, unfortunately on Garmin Connect there isn’t a way to adjust lap/length distance (someday I hope). But, there is one application that can: SportTracks. If you use SportTracks and download the Swimming Plug-in, then you’re able to edit swims. Note that SportTracks doesn’t cost money if you use less than two plug-ins, though the Swimming Plug-in costs $10.
Here’s what the main overview looks like (of the plug-in for a given swim session). Essentially, you can see the sets are expandable, along with each length within it. Along the top you have all your sets and lengths as well.
But let’s dive into the primary item of interest: Changing incorrect swim items.
First, is the ability to change the stroke type. You simply click on either a length or set, and then choose the correct stroke:
Next, we have the ability to ‘split’ or ‘join’ lengths that are incorrect. This is useful if the unit didn’t catch a turn at the wall and you need to make it show that you did 100y instead of 50y.
You can adjust the time for each length as well during this. And finally, you can adjust the number of strokes for a given length, as well as just straight up delete the length.
Make sense? Cool stuff. Also of note is that if you happen to have a Swimsense watch, this plug-in works with that as well.
Now, there’s no doubt that all of us wish this were simply in Garmin Connect, but since it’s not, there’s at least an alternative.
Openwater Swimming:
In addition to lap swimming, the FR910 has an improved openwater swim mode that was introduced on the FR310XT a year after its release. You may have seen my previous in depth openwater swim mode post with the Garmin product team on that and how it works. In many ways, the FR910XT follows much the same trend. The key difference though is that with the FR910XT you also now get stroke metrics. Further, the accuracy is a bit improved – now pretty repeatedly within about 10-15% of actual distance.
For those not familiar, the goal of openwater swimming mode is to allow you to wear the watch on your wrist and get a rough distance measurement. I say ‘rough’ because it’s not quite perfect. See, the way GPS works every time your arm drops below the surface of the water GPS signal is lost. That’s to a large degree just the nature of GPS signal strength. So each time during your stroke recovery (the part above the water) it has to reacquire GPS signal and then plot a data point. The challenge is that sometimes it doesn’t quite get an accurate GPS point during that split second recovery. That’s where the ‘openwater swimming mode’ comes in. It uses an algorithm to make a guess at where you actually swam, and determines a distance.
Looking at the FR910XT, you’ll see two improvements over the FR310XT in openwater swimming. The first is a cleaner GPS map track. In the past, the track would be all over creation – quite literally. Now, smoothing has been introduced to make the map look a bit more accurate. Take for example a swim I did on a recent vacation with the FR910XT. You can see my swim around the island pretty clearly – no immediate or obvious problems with the route (this was on my wrist):
Of note is the very slight differences with the FR310XT (older) where you can see a bit more detail in the route, as it’s not smoothed as much:
Oh, and here’s my swimming with the unit on my wrist (going through the channel above):
For those that are curious, here’s the two distances as reported by the units:
Now, it wasn’t quite perfect on other days either, especially in shorter loops. For example, I would daily do this about 400m loop around the resort. In doing it daily for a week, it was interesting to see the slight variations each day, especially compared to where I actually swam. Now, what may have impacted things slightly is that it was dumping out most of the days I did these short swims (something about swimming in openwater that has low visibility isn’t really my cup of tea). It’s possible the rain storms were impacting satellite reception.
What I found was that one of the most important items was getting a good initial fix above-water before you started swimming. Meaning, instead of pressing ‘start’ when you initiate your first stroke, just give it about 5-7 seconds to get one good satellite point dropped before you start. That made all the difference between a good clean line and one missing chunks/distance. For example, see below when I didn’t get the fix initially (I started/stopped in the same place):
So what about distance measurement? Well, most days I swam with three GPS units. A FR910XT on one wrist, a FR310XT in my swim cap, and the new FINIS Hydrotracker on my swim goggles. And almost every day, they were within 10%-15% of each other. It’s hard in these situations to say exactly which one is correct, since I didn’t have a specific measured course to work from. But I think that the stroke information benefits of the FR910XT on your wrist outweigh the distance accuracy benefits of putting it under your swim cap.
I have found that historically the most accurate method for capturing distance is to place it on my head under my swim cap. I talk about that in more depth here. This way I still get an incredibly accurate GPS track – as well as a pretty picture. The challenge with that method is it completely negates the benefits of the FR910XT when it comes to capturing stroke information. Which, we’ll talk about now.
With the FR910XT you get stroke information due to the internal accelerometer. This requires you to have the unit on your wrist (indoor and outdoor). But assuming it’s there, you’ll get this information during the full duration of the swim. As you can see below mid-way through my openwater swim, I’m getting this information (along with distance) in real-time:
And below you can see the total time (upper), total distance (lower right) and then 100/yd pace (lower left). The pace fields are new to the FR910XT.
Once home and with the data uploaded to Garmin Connect you’ll get slightly different data than indoors. Primarily, aside from distance, map and pace data, you’ll only be getting basic stroke data.
So while you don’t get some of the additional efficiency information like you do in a pool, you do gain the ‘Player’, which allows you to replay the whole swim – pace information and all. Stroke is converted to ‘cadence’ here, which essentially means they saved development time by re-using the bike/run metrics.
Finally – there’s been some questions on wetsuit removal with the FR910XT on your wrist, primarily because trying to remove a wetsuit with the FR310XT on your wrist was a bit of a pain. Well, the FR910XT was specifically designed to enable quick wetsuit removal. And I thought there’d be no better way to do that than demonstrate exactly how quickly you can remove a wetsuit with the FR910XT on your wrist…thus, time to turn to the video:
As you can see, it pretty much slips right off!
And finally, again note that I have a fair bit more on swimming with the FR910XT in my detailed FR910XT vs Swimsense post.
Calorie Calculation and Heart Rate Display/Recording:
Like most fitness devices, the FR910XT does calorie estimation based on your activities. The FR910XT does this in a few different ways, depending on exactly how much information you give it. This section will be pretty high level, but if you’re looking for more detail on all the different calorie methods, check out my Garmin Calorie Measurement In Depth post I put together last year with the help of the Garmin engineers.
Option #1 – New Leaf Profile (most accurate): The FR910XT supports the ability to have a VO2MAX taken at a New Leaf testing facility, and then have that data used to generate calorie burn metrics across your heart rate ranges. This is the most accurate consumer-grade method available today for calorie calculations. The test takes about 10-15 minutes…and is rather painful since you’re pushed to your absolute max. But once complete the computer will generate a small file that you can import via Garmin Training Center to your FR910XT which will then subsequently updated on any and all Garmin devices you own. For a detailed look at how this all works, check out this post here on my experience getting New Leaf Testing.
After the Garmin ANT Agent has transferred the profile to the watch, you’ll see the below message:
Option #2: FirstBeat Algorithm (2nd generation): The Firstbeat algorithm is the most accurate Garmin device calorie measurement that can be done without external testing. But it’s actually not developed natively by Garmin. It’s developed by a Finnish company (Firstbeat Technologies) that has its roots in calculations around Olympic athletes, specifically Nordic skiing. Their calculation uses user inputted variables including gender, height, weight and fitness class. It then combines this data with heart rate information from the ANT+ heart rate strap. Specifically, it evaluates the time between heart beats (beat to beat) to determine estimated MET (Metabolic Equivalent), which in turn is used determine actual work expenditure. This makes the system one of the more accurate non-invasive options (read: doesn’t require a laboratory), within about 10% accuracy. Firstbeat has published a fascinating white paper detailing the technology and accuracy rates. And just to be clear here – you have to wear the HR strap for this to work.
Option #3: Speed/Distance/Weight Calculation (least accurate): This is the least accurate and most basic method of determining calories, as it is only used when a heart rate strap is not enabled/used (default). Given the lack of heart rate data, the unit will simply use speed/distance, as well as the weight you entered in the device setup. The reason this is less accurate (65-80% accurate) is that it can’t differentiate how much effort you’re expending to travel a given distance – which while less important for running, is quite important for cycling. For example, if you’re coasting down a 7 mile descent, you’ll burn virtually no calories compared to ascending the same mountain. This speed/distance algorithm does not consider or evaluate the impact of elevation change.
Outside of calorie calculations, it should be noted that the FR910XT can easily record heart rate (HR) data in either a given sport, as well as just sitting around. For example, I often use my Garmin watch to record my resting HR by simply putting on the strap and then starting the unit (you don’t even have to record to display HR).
Within a gym environment, if using a heart rate strap you’ll get calorie burn metrics appropriate to your heart rate. That may not be fully representative though of your actual calorie burn since most of the HR burn metrics used are primarily aimed at aerobic activities such as running and cycling.
Sport Features (across multiple sports):
In the past, I’ve placed all of the below features into either the bike or run sections to demonstrate them. But since they are common to both sports (and in some cases, to swimming as well), I’ve decided this time to mix it up and make a ‘Sport Features’ section that shows off these major areas across all sport types, to help reduce confusion.
Auto Lap:
Out of all of the Forerunner features, Auto Lap is probably the most commonly used. Auto Lap enables you to automatically create splits/laps based on predetermined distance intervals of your choosing. For example, you can specify to automatically create a lap every 1 mile (default), or every 1 kilometer. You can also configure Auto Lap for as little as every .01 miles/kilometers, a nice change from the past.
Many runners will use Auto Lap on longer runs so that later on they can easily see the mile by mile splits in applications like Garmin Connect. For example, if you look at the below data from a long run I did Sunday, you can quickly and easily look at the mile by mile splits without having to splice the data manually:
On the bike, Auto Lap works exactly the same way. However, because of the speeds being discussed in bike versus run, most folks tend to change Auto Lap here to a higher value – like 5 miles.
Auto Pause:
While Auto Lap (previous section) is heavily favored by runners, Auto Pause is heavily favored by cyclists. See, Auto Pause enables the watch to automatically pause recording when you reach a certain speed threshold – which is configurable. Take for example the scenario of a cross-town jaunt on a bike where may hit numerous stop signs or stoplights. With Auto Pause you can remain hands free and the watch will automatically pause recording at each red light you hit. And then resume it when the light hits green.
You can either use the default speed settings (configurable for both bike and run differently), or customize them yourself.
For me, I only use Auto Pause when I’m in a city environment, as I prefer to manually control it otherwise. And in running, I tend to also just manually press pause/resume myself. But I also completely understand those that use it.
Also note that for cycling with a power meter, it’s generally recommended not to use Auto Pause, as it’ll skew your Normalized Power metrics afterwards since it’ll make it appear as though you’ve had no rests (depending on the software used).
Alerts (Vibration/Audio):
The FR910XT contains a few different alerting mechanisms, but my favorite by far is the vibrating alerts. These are most useful because if you’re running along in a loud environment (or just with a big fluffy winter hat), it can be hard to hear. Or, if your gasping for breath on the track…the same thing.
You can enable either beeping alerts, vibrating alerts, or both within the settings page. I prefer just to leave it on the default of both.
You’ll configure the alerts separately for each sport (Swim/Bike/Run/Other), with the run page offering the most alerting options (since it includes the Run/Walk alert section I talked about earlier).
Within a given alert type, you can then set more detailed configuration options – generally based on either a trigger (distance) a high/low watermark setup (HR/Power/Cadence).
The nice part is that unlike previous watches, this allows you to customize as high or low as you’d like. No worries about having too small or two large of a number.
Note that you can’t configure whether or not it vibrates or beeps on a per alert basis – that’s a setting across all alerts (vibrating, beeping, or both).
Virtual Partner:
Virtual Partner allows you to pace against a set speed or pace. This is useful if you want to run a 5K at or better than a certain pace, such as 8:00/mile. Or any other distance/pace. I’ve used this in the past when trying to pace longer distance races – such as a marathon in an Ironman, and wanted to be able to keep just slightly ahead of my goal pace.
It also allowed me to instantly see the impact of slowing down (or walking), as the ‘little man’ then gains on you. The inverse is true if you speed up though.
As is always the case though with any GPS based pacing in a race – be aware that more than likely you’ll be running longer than the actual race distance due to corners and crowds. Thus, you’ll want to take that into account during your pacing strategy (read: set the pace slightly faster). For more on that, check out this in depth post on how to pace with a GPS watch.
Virtual Racer:
Virtual Racers is new to the FR910XT, and allows you to race against existing courses and workouts. Because it measures your race progress based on a given point in the course, this enables you to pace more appropriately to a course that may have difficult terrain (such as a large hill). This is different than a Virtual Partner because in the VP scenario the little pacer would keep a constant speed over the hill, whereas in the Virtual Racer scenario it would adjust to a much slower speed for the hill.
What’s cool here is that you can go onto Garmin Connect and download any workout you can find (yours or someone else’s). For example, you can find a workout for the Boston Marathon at a given pace, and then race against it. Or for cycling, you could go grab one of those Team Garmin-Cervelo files from the Tour de France and attempt to hold on. Or not.
Simply select to download the course from Garmin Connect, and it’ll end up on your Garmin FR910XT.
Intervals:
Interval mode enables you to setup a simple interval workout and then have the watch guide you (thus in effect yell at you) through the workout. When you setup intervals you’ll be specifying how long the warm-up is, the number and distance/time of work intervals, the rest interval, and then the cool down. Once you’ve got all that specified, you click start and hold on for dear life.
This mode is great if you’re new to intervals and don’t have a lot of complex pre or post-main set work and just want to focus on reaping the rewards of speed work. The warm-up and cool down portions can also be specified using either time or distance. And of course for either running or cycling (not swimming).
If however, you have a more complex workout regime, you’ll want to use Workout mode (below) instead of Interval mode.
Workout Mode:
Workouts differ from intervals in that they are infinitely customizable – for any sport. In the past I’ve used workouts for actually creating a race plan to then execute on either during the bike or the run. You can do an endless array of ‘if/then’ type statements, allowing you to dial-in your exact workout or race plan and then let the watch own you for that session.
You can configure these on either Garmin Training Center, or Garmin Connect (new). Since the feature was just added to Garmin Connect, I’ll create an example there – using a workout from a few weeks ago. This is a running workout, but I’ll also create a quick cycling one:
In my cycling example, you can see how I’ve gotten more complex with it, enabling me to specify any number of parameters for either training or racing.
To get it to your watch, you’ll simply click “Send to watch”, which brings up this screen:
Once on the watch, you’ll go into the menu system and select workouts:
From there, you’ll see the available workouts that you’ve synchronized to the watch. To start a workout, merely select it…and then prepare to follow the directions, one step at a time during the workout:
Note that you can actually create workouts manually on the watch itself (in a pinch). But I find this to be fairly slow going, sorta like painting a room with a toothbrush.
Workouts can be configured for cycling or running. I suspect we’ll eventually see a ‘Swim workout’ option arrive though.
Courses:
Courses allow you to specify a route online, and then get a breadcrumb trail of the route while on the watch. This is somewhat different than what you might be familiar with on a car GPS where you see road names (as well as on the Edge 800 cycling GPS). In the case of the FR910XT (and all other Forerunners), you get a bit of a breadcrumb trail to follow.
First though, we’ll go onto Garmin Connect to create the route. Note that you can also use MapMyRide/MapMyRun to create and download courses too. And in general, those programs give you more options (and information). The online course creator was actually just added to Garmin Connect back in mid-September, so I’m optimistic we’ll see more features over time (such as elevation graphs, ability to add water stops, etc…). In the meantime, it works as a good basic option.
Below I roughly sketched out my Sunday long run. Because the map doesn’t quite have all the trails I use, it’s not a perfect representation of the route. You’ll note I can change the speed/pace in the lower box and it’ll give me an estimated time of arrival (AKA: When I find my couch and TV).
Once you’ve created the course, you’ll go ahead and select to send it to your device:
After that’s done, it’ll be queued up for the next time you plug the USB stick in and synchronize. Now we’ll go to the watch.
On the watch, you’ll go into the courses menu and find the course we want. Once you select it you’ll see a breadcrumb trail of the whole route. This is just an overview of sorts.
After you press start, you’ll see it’ll start giving distance information until the next point, as well as all your regular data fields. I find that despite not having the actual road names on them, they are still pretty valuable if you’re out for a long ride/run and need a rough map. In this age of cell phone mapping though, I suspect most of us would just grab the phone in our back jersey pocket (if riding) if we needed more detailed information.
Data Fields:
Like it’s predecessors the Forerunner 910XT offers the ability for you to customize your data fields. In fact, when you look at the major differences between Garmin’s lower end watches (FR110) and their higher end watches (like the FR910XT), the biggest differentiator is data field customization. So I went ahead and created the following chart of all of the data fields currently offered on the FR910XT. Note that like almost.every.single.other.Garmin.device in history, this tends to change over time – with new data fields usually added in firmware updates. I’ll update this list from time to time as new fields are added. Here’s the fields sorted by sport as of October 4th, 2011:
Swimming – Lap Swimming:
Swimming – Openwater Swimming:
Cycling:
Running:
You can configure up to four data fields per data page, and you have up to four data pages to use per sport (Swim/Bike/Run/Other). In other words, you have lots of customization options.
Here’s a three view with four data fields, three data fields and one data field. You can also do two data fields, which simply splits it upper half/lower half:
Note that you can select to either manually iterate through the data pages, or you can choose to automatically have it scroll through the data pages – at a setting of slow/medium/fast:
Note if you want to see data fields offered on other watches, as well as how I configure my data pages, check out this post here.
Finally, also of note is that the FR910XT supports both smart recording and 1-second recording rates. Smart recording means it records data points based on changes to data, while 1-second recording just records at a simple 1-second interval.
In general, I always recommend 1-second recording – especially for cyclists with power meters, or those users using the device without any ANT+ accessories.
Multisport Mode (Triathlon Mode):
Multisport mode within the Garmin family is unique to the three multisport mode watches: the FR305, the FR310XT and now the FR910XT.
Multisport mode enables you to setup a recording session that’ll take you from the start of the swim, to the end of the run – all while recording swim/bike/run and the transitions separately. More importantly, it’ll automatically change the settings and data pages/configurations you’ve set for each sport, as you transition between them.
To setup multi-sport mode head into the Settings page and select Auto Multisport. From there, you’ll be presented with this menu screen to select which sports you want to add.
Once in that you’ll see you can add or enable the different legs that you plan to participate in. You can include transitions if you want. This is where if you’re doing a duathlon you can set that up as well. Or, you can just add as many sports as you like. You can’t edit the names however – it’s either Swim/Bike/Run/Other. Adding a ‘Beer Garden’ step doesn’t appear to be an option.
During the event you’ll advance to the next sport by pressing the lap button, which will automatically transition you from sport to sport. As you’re doing this, the FR910XT will let you know which sport you’re in (serving mostly as a reminder to get rid of the wetsuit prior to the bike):
Once you’re done with the event (training brick or race), you’ll have a small pile of files – one for each leg. This is actually more useful than a single giant file because this way you can analyze the legs independently as you would expect: Swim, Bike, Run (and transitions). Note that the watch will also record everything with one big time as well, so you can track total time and see that too.
Indoor Use:
I just wanted to briefly touch on this, simply as a means to answer any questions. Since most of this section is alluded to in other sections, I’ll keep this short.
Treadmill Running:
When running inside with the FR910XT, your best bet is to pickup an ANT+ footpod. Garmin makes one for less than $50, as does a number of other ANT+ companies. The footpod attaches to your shoe and the wirelessly sends both speed as well as cadence to the FR910XT. Here’s what one of the units looks like on a running shoe:
When indoors, it’ll send both speed and distance, as well as cadence. And when outdoors it’ll send cadence (turnover), to match up with the GPS signal. Additionally, if you end up in an area with bad GPS signal (GPS speed = zero), the unit will switch to the footpod for speed/distance. You can also set the watch to switch over to using footpod for speed, to help even out some of the speed jumpiness sometimes associated with GPS speed. This is called changing the speed source:
While indoors on a trainer you can use the Garmin GSC-10 ANT+ speed/cadence sensor (or any other ANT+ speed or speed/cadence combo sensor), to record distance and speed. Of course, keep in mind that speeds and distance indoors on a trainer are fairly meaningless because they can be easily changed by adjusting gearing and resistance without changing effort. Meaning that I can change my indoor speed from 15MPH to 30MPH with no additional effort, merely by modifying gearing and resistance.
That said, there is some value in this data depending on the type of trainer (as well as just our human nature curiosity, enabling us to record it in our training logs). So, if you pickup the $30 sensor (see accessories section), you’ll be able to do just that!
Of course, the sensor works indoors just as well as outdoors, so it’s always useful in the event you go through a long tunnel as well. The sensor will automatically be used in any scenario where the GPS speed drops to zero MPH, but the sensor speed is providing more accurate data (i.e. 20MPH).
While I’m reasonably certain the folks in Olathe, KS had no intention that the FR910XT would be used on a swim trainer bench – it actually works just fine. I got on the VASA Swim Trainer and got to work. Well, actually, both The Girl and I used the trainer.
The only obvious caveat being that since you don’t do flip/open turns on the bench (well, unless you fail in a big way), it won’t know when the end of the lap is. I resolve this by simply knowing that roughly every 18-19 strokes I’m going to be at 25y, and thus I can simply pause for about 1 second, flick my wrist, and then it’ll record it as a flip turn. Just like magic. The LCD screen on the Vasa Swim trainer also tells me distance – so I can monitor that for when to ‘pretend flip’ as well.
See…it’s all about thinking outside the box…
Skiing:
In addition to being an avid triathlete, I’m also a longtime skier. In fact, far before I ever did my first triathlon, I ski raced while growing up as a kid. So any chance I get at skiing (a bit harder now in DC compared to Seattle where I grew up), I take out a Garmin and see just how much I’ve skied.
So on a recent trip to Seattle I grabbed the FR910XT and took it out for the day. Because the unit has a barometric altimeter, it’s a bit better suited for the constant up and downs of skiing, over that of a GPS based altimeter. Though, that does assume/require that it gets its initial GPS-assisted altimeter fix correct.
Once that’s complete, it’ll easily track your total distance, elevation gain, and descent information. For skiers, it’s all about total vertical skied.
When using the unit skiing you’ve got two options for attachment. The first is just using the normal strap, likely in between your coat and your gloves. The normal strap isn’t quite large enough to go over your ski jacket.
The second option is to pickup the extender strap – which I talk about later in the accessories section. This solves the problem by significantly increasing the length of the strap to be able to get over/around winter jackets.
When you’re skiing with the FR910XT (usually in the ‘Other’ mode), you can setup any data fields you’d like. For me, that’s primarily just distance, max speed, and total descent. But, you’ve got all the normal pages and data fields accessible to you. Here for example, is my max speed that day:
Afterwards, you’ll be able to pull up the full GPS track and total elevation ascent/descent from Garmin Connect – or any other site you upload the file to.
I’ve skied with Garmin units for years, and never had any issues. Though, a couple things to keep in mind. While I definitely trust the FR910XT’s new strap system (far more secure than the FR310XT or FR305), keep in mind that I’d still generally recommend you start the unit and leave it inside a secured pocket or backpack. The reality is that if you’re flying down a run and crash, you could easily manage to have the unit go flying…and depending on conditions, you may never find it. Just food for thought…
Paddleboarding:
Many have asked as to whether or not the FR910XT is capable of recording stroke data while paddleboarding. So on a recent vacation I gave it a shot. Well, actually, The Girl and I both gave it a shot. And since she looks better than I, we’ll go with the photo of her:
What we found was that while the unit easily recorded speed, distance and time – it did not accurately record stroke information.
As you can see above, it believed I was only stroking at 7 strokes per minute. In my case, that was significantly under, as that would have been only one stroke per 9 seconds – a pretty slow stroke rate.
I suspect the issue comes from the fact that the FR910XT simply isn’t designed at this point from a software standpoint to understand the paddleboarder stroke. Now, given that Garmin has added a professional paddleboarder to their sponsored athletes lineup for 2012, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see them add this sport profile in the future. Since the accelerometer that’s in the FR910XT is 3D, it could recognize this stroke – it just comes down to the unit’s firmware being updated to do so.
Ultra-Long Use (56hrs+ on single charge):
Upon your request, I decided to find out exactly how long the battery would last if you turned OFF the GPS, and just let it use ANT+ for speed/distance (via footpod or bike sensors). I ended up writing a pretty detailed post on how I did the test, and the full set of results.
In short though, the answer is on a single charge the device will last approximately 55 hours with multiple ANT+ streams (heart rate, power, speed/cadence) feeding data to it. Data storage/retention was never an issue.
To see the full story behind the tests, and some of the other offerings that can go even longer, check out my post on it.
Backlight/Light:
The FR910XT offers a backlight that clearly illuminates the entire screen. By default, the backlight will stay turned on for 15 seconds before turning off. But I prefer mine to stay on permanently – that way when I’m doing night runs or rides I don’t have to keep pressing the light button. To change this, within the backlight settings, simply adjust the length of time to remain on:
Once in a dark place, you can very easily see the display. You can also adjust contrast as you see fit as well in the same menu as above.
Note that obviously, backlight length will affect battery. The brighter and longer, the less battery.
Band and Screen Improvements
One of the biggest concerns in the past with the FR310XT has been the band not being strong enough to withstand the usually rough conditions of an openwater swim start – with people whacking away at your wrists. Many a Forerunners have been lost to ocean and lake due to this and the quick release kit.
However, it’s clear some thought went into the FR910XT’s band design, because it appears as though this thing is built like a tank. When I pull on it, the band doesn’t budge or bend. You’ll notice the band is now more streamlined to the watch – which should reduce the number of places it can have forces pull on it:
In addition to the default band that comes on the watch, they are also offering three additional replacement bands: A quick release kit, an extender band (useful for big winter parkas), and a soft fabric strap (more comfortable).
I’ve detailed these more later on in the accessories section down below, but here’s a quick peek:
The most significant thing you’ll note though with the band improvements is the use of a pretty substantial pin system – a monster of a pin really, which should reduce/eliminate some of the band breakage/loss issues that the FR310XT had.
Also of note is that the display on the FR910XT is slightly set into the watch – as opposed to being a single sheet of glass on top like the FR310XT. This should hopefully reduce breakage issues. Of course, if you run over the watch with your car, or smash a rock against it…it’s probably going to act like most electronic devices and break.
Software:
The FR910XT uses the Garmin ANT Agent software to download workouts from the watch to the desktop client. It does this across the ANT+ protocol, which is a wireless protocol similar to Bluetooth…except low energy like Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE). With your computer, you’ll plug-in the ANT+ USB stick, which allows your computer to connect wirelessly to the watch. The wireless distance it can cover can be pretty impressive – such as across a few rooms in a house.
But you don’t have to worry about cross-talk with ANT+, each device is uniquely paired. In fact, that’s one of the first things you’ll do with the ANT+ Agent:
Once you’ve paired the watch to the computer (and you can pair it to multiple computers should you wish to do so), it’ll automatically download the workouts and place them locally on your computer (Mac or PC). From there, it can also automatically upload them to Garmin Connect. I always check the box to upload to Garmin Connect, even if I don’t use Garmin Connect for day to day workouts – because it ensures I have a backup copy of my workouts no matter what happens to my PC.
Once you’ve uploaded your workouts, they’ll show up online in Garmin Connect, which I’ll talk about below.
If you’re using a 3rd party application, then the files are available to those applications on your local computer. You can actually browse to them yourself, should you want to. The locations vary depending on your operating system version and platform (details on all OS’s here). But on a Windows 7 PC, they’ll be at the below location:
Now that you’ve got the files uploaded or entered into an application, let’s go through some of the more common ones.
Garmin Connect (included, free):
Garmin Connect is Garmin’s online fitness site that allows you to store, manage, and analyze your workouts. Think of it as a giant training log, but one that allows you to also share your files with others. In September Garmin Connect got a pretty significant number of new features added to it, and this seems like a great time to talk about those features as well as some of the more common ones.
When you upload workouts, you’ll be able to see them in either calendar view or activity list view, such as the below:
Once you’ve selected a given workout, you can go ahead and dive into more detail on that specific workout, like the below map. You’ll see everything from workout totals, to small charts depicting the different recorded ANT+ metrics (i.e. heart rate, speed, cadence, power, etc…).
In addition, you can select to replay activities matched to charts and maps. It’s a bit gimmicky, but it can be fun to replay longer runs/rides/events and watch the numbers change as the map and/or terrain shifts.
Some of the newer features are the most interesting. For example, probably the feature that excites me the most is the workout creator. In the past, you had to use the downloadable Garmin Training Center application (which btw, works just fine with the FR910XT) to create workouts. While this software was functional, it is/was also lookin’ pretty old. So the online version is much appreciated.
It’s online here that you can create complex workouts like the below. This is my mile-repeat workout I have later this week, but by creating it here I can also add the slightly more complex warm-up & cool-down pieces I have – whereas the standard interval function couldn’t quite do these:
Outside of creating workouts, you can also do searches across Garmin Connect for a given location and find workouts to download. This is sorta like MapMyRun/MapMyRide – and is great for finding valid courses/routes. This is one area where Garmin Connect has a slight advantage over those other services in that it’s automatically placing all run/ride/activity data up on Garmin Connect, so if someone’s done something somewhere – you’ll likely see it. I used this during a trip to Jordan (country) to try and find a route in the middle of nowhere…and it assisted perfectly in my initial route planning.
In addition to route finding, you can also keep some basic health information up there as well. For example, if you have a weight scale such as one of the wireless ANT+ scales, you can keep track of weight-related metrics. I cover that down below in the Weight Scales section. And finally, you can do quite a bit of reporting on the site as well, such as total activities and analysis by type and goal setting too.
Let’s move onto a few other non-Garmin options.
TrainingPeaks (3rd party):
TrainingPeaks is one of the largest 3rd party software options. They have two versions, one is free and one is subscription based. Regardless of whether you pay, the entirety of TrainingPeaks is a website (except the device agent software you can install to upload files). I use TrainingPeaks as my primary method of tracking my training efforts. The major reason for TP over Garmin Connect is the advanced analytics. Additionally, it provides a completely seamless conduit between myself and my coach – something that my other software favorite (SportTracks) can’t do.
While at the time of this writing TrainingPeaks doesn’t officially support the FR910XT yet, it still works just fine. I was able to simply select the watch from the right-side dropdown and it automatically grabbed the .TCX file to upload to Training Peaks (the Garmin ANT Agent software creates both a .TCX and .FIT files from the FR910XT, for backwards compatibility with older applications).
From there I was able to log-in and see my run without any issues at all. If you’re looking for very advanced analytics in a web based form, there’s really no other option out there today that has as many features as TP and is completely web based.
SportTracks (3rd Party):
Another non-Garmin option is SportTracks. SportTracks is a Windows only client application that allows you incredibly in depth analysis of your workouts. Perhaps one of the biggest strengths though of SportTracks is the ability to allow community developers to extend the application with plug-ins. As a result, there’s a ton of totally cool functionality that’s been added over the years (some for a fee). SportTracks as an application has a free-mode with some limitations, and a paid mode for $35.
Because the ANT Agent software exports out both .TCX and .FIT files (the Garmin FR910XT initially records it in .FIT file, and then the ANT Agent makes another copy of the file in .TCX), SportTracks has no problem consuming these files today:
Once imported, the files act just like any other activity within SportTracks – allowing you to slice and dice the data as you see fit.
If you’ve got a Windows based PC, I definitely encourage you to check it out (free or otherwise).
Accessories:
The FR910XT has a number of accessories that are compatible with it. The vast majority of these are built on ANT+, which means that if you have an existing ANT+ accessory from an older device (or a different companies device), it’ll work just fine. For example, if you have a Heart Rate (HR) strap from a FR305, that’ll happily work with the FR910XT. Note however that no Polar straps or equipment is compatible with the Garmin units.
Heart Rate Strap(s):
Depending on which version you pickup, the unit will either come with the Premium ANT+ Heart Rate Soft Strap, or it’ll require you to pick one up. You can utilize any existing ANT+ strap (such as one from an older Garmin unit), but it does have to be ANT+. Meaning, a strap from a Polar or similar unit won’t work.
Garmin today itself offers two straps – one is the classic strap, and the other is the newer ‘Premium Soft Strap’. However, an even newer premium strap was tossed into the mix last summer. This new one solves almost all the issues of drops/spikes of previous soft and classic straps.
Note that the FR910XT bundle includes the newer premium soft strap HR monitor, which is different than the older soft strap one. This new strap resolves virtually all of the issues of the existing soft strap, based on my day to day use of it over the past year. Of course, if you’ve got an older strap and have some HR related issues, start here.
Speed/Cadence Sensors:
This sensor allows you to use the FR910XT indoors on a trainer, as well as record cadence information outdoors. Additionally, you can sometimes increase your speed accuracy a hair if you use the speed sensor outdoors (automatically occurs actually).
Power Meters:
The FR910XT supports ANT+ enabled power meters, such as those made by CycleOps (the PowerTap), SRAM/Quarq (the Cinqo), SRM, Power2Max and more. I own a Quarq Cinqo and the unit is easily paired to the power meter by going into the bike profile page and pairing the power meter.
As noted earlier, there have been significant changes in power meter data files – most notably the addition of the TrainingPeaks metrics of TSS (Training Stress Score), NP (Normalized Power), and IF (Intensity Factor). Also, the FR910XT supports Left/Right power for the upcoming Garmin Vector pedal based power meter, and the Brim Brothers Zone cleat based power meter (as well as the O-Sycne pedal power meter down the road).
It should be noted that the FR910XT is NOT compatible with any of the Polar power meters, including the new Look/Keo Power System pedal based power meter. This is because that system is reliant on Polar’s W.I.N.D. protocol, and not ANT+.
ANT+ capable power meters start at $700 from CycleOps (PowerTap), go through $1,500 (Quarq Cinqo and Garmin Vector) and top out at over $2,000 (SRM).
Running Footpod
The footpod allows you to gather pace, distance and cadence data while both indoors or outdoors. For example, if you’re running on a treadmill this would be required as GPS won’t show you moving. Outdoors it’s useful if your route takes you through a tunnel where you’d lose GPS reception.
The foot pod easily snaps right onto your shoelaces in a matter of a few seconds. After which you’ll want to calibrate it on a track to ensure the highest level of accuracy. I’ve found that after correctly calibrating the footpod, I can actually get both GPS and footpod data to align exactly. Pretty impressive.
There is a new quick release kit available for the FR910XT. The new kit aims to reduce some of the issues that the previous FR310XT quick release kit had around pins breaking – usually during a rough swim start – and causing the watch to be lost to the fish. Overall however, the goal of the quick release kit is to allow you to quickly remove the watch when you exit the swim and then lock it onto your bike, then remove it again for the run. Thus it comes with both a wrist strap, and a pile of bike mounts.
The FR910XT quick release kit uses a two-piece screw design that pulls the two screws tight into each other.
This requires you to actually use two screwdrivers at once – which can be a bit of a challenge. But you only have to install it once.
Once installed, the back of the unit is more flush than previous versions – again aiming to reduce the ability for the unit to catch its edge on something.
When you look at the bike portion, it uses the industrial strength rubber bands to allow you to quickly move it wherever you’d like (the mounts). And since an extra box of a few mounts only costs about $9, it’s easy to get more mounts for more bikes in the future.
Here’s a quick video showing me clipping in the watch into the quick release strap – just to give you an idea of how the quarter turn mount system works:
The kit includes the usual wrist strap, two bike mounts, a slew of rubber bands and two screwdrivers. And it costs $22.
Fabric Strap:
The fabric strap is a nice throwback to the Garmin FR305 quick release days when there used to be a fabric strap instead of the rubber one. I always preferred this and found it more comfortable. This time though it isn’t a quick release strap – but is nice and comfortable.
Like the quick release strap, there’s some dualing screwdrivers required because the pin system is still just as strong. But once you get past that, you’ll be good to go:
Note that the strap offers a bit less ‘extension’ than the regular strap – so be mindful that if your wrists are a bit larger, or if you’re trying to put it around a heavier coat – it may not reach.
This is a new entrant to the Garmin fitness accessory lineup – but is much welcomed. This allows you to finally use your Garmin Forerunner on a big winter parka – perfect for skiing!
Unlike the previous two straps – this one requires no tools, and only takes a split second to install. You just simply attach it in the same manner you would normally secure your strap band.
Once it’s done, you’ll have significantly increased the band length. Here’s a before and after:
The FR910XT is wirelessly compatible with any of the ANT+ enabled scales on the market. As of today, that’s essentially just three scales, though Tanita is aiming to bring ANT+ to nearly a dozen more scales here shortly.
ANT+ scales work by sending your weight data (and in the case of the Tanita BC-1000 also your body fat and hydration data) to the watch wirelessly. This is then uploaded to Garmin Connect via your watch. Thus every time you synchronize your watch (such as when you upload your workouts), it’ll also upload any weight scale data points as well.
In the case of the FR910XT, the scale is typically triggered by the watch (only the Lifesource scale is the other way around). You press the light button on the FR910XT, which triggers the ANT+ Weight Scale search protocol. Once that’s done, your scale will start blinking and beeping. This is your queue to step on the scale (unless you think the scale is a ticking bomb, in which case it’s your cue to run like heck).
After the scale has completed it’s weigh-in, the number will display on the FR910XT:
Which is then automagically transmitted to Garmin Connect and visible there:
As of today, there are three scales that offer ANT+ compatibility. They are as follows:
To make this slightly easier to understand, here’s a picture of them all with the key things you need to know:
Good? Good. Onwards!
Battery and battery extension options:
The FR910XT is designed to last about 20 hours – or essentially enough for a 17hr Ironman finisher (the time limit for the Ironman event).
However, it’s quite understandable that you may want to go for an activity longer than that. In fact, two years ago I did just that with a FR310XT, where I had it recording for over a day, during a long journey on a boat to a remote island where Great White Sharks were (trip report here). At the time, I used a simple AC adapter with the FR310XT, which worked well. As long as you started the activity, it would keep it recording in the background.
Well, the same is true of the FR910XT. Except now I’ve anteed up the stakes and used Garmin’s solar power charger and extra battery (single bundle). Technically, Garmin actually uses a system from PowerMonkey, and rebrands it. Either way, it works well. Now, in order for it to work with the FR910XT (or FR310XT), you need one minor sub-$5 item – a USB mini to regular adapter. This is the one you want.
Once you’ve got that and the external battery/solar power system, here’s what you’ll have:
(Above: FR910XT, Solar Panel, Battery Pack, FR910XT Charger, USB adapter)
Now that you have it all out, you’ll connect the pieces. They really only fit one way, so it’s pretty self-explanatory:
Note that the solar panel charges the external battery pack. The external battery pack in turn provides power to the FR910XT. You can either charge the battery pack, or charge something from it. You can’t do two at the same time. Though, since the FR910XT’s battery lasts 20 hours, that’s plenty of time to refill your solar charger.
With that, you’ll be set to go for just about…forever. Once you clip the charging clip on the unit will show the normal charging screen. But if you simply press the mode button you’ll be back to the regular display fields. It’s not super easy to manipulate the unit since the buttons are covered, but you can attach/detach the charger as often as need be.
Also note that again, you don’t need the solar piece there. That’s like the cherry on top. You can simply have the battery pack hanging out in your bag (or elsewhere), charging the FR910XT. I don’t see this as particularly useful for runners, but I’ve long since learned that people use the Forerunner devices for numerous other activities – hence why this will definitely appeal to someone.
Downloading FR910XT to iPhone/iPod/iPad without computer:
Finally, last but not least I’ll show off how to use the Wahoo Fitness iPhone dongle to download your FR910XT workouts directly from your watch to any number of online services (or just e-mail the results to yourself).
First you’ll need the Wahoo Fitness dongle, which works with just about all the iDevices. That’s the little white thing hanging off the bottom of my phone. It simply plugs into the dock connector like a power cord.
Then you’ll go into the pairing menu (seen above) to get the watch paired. This only takes a second and doesn’t affect your computer’s pre-established paired relationship with your FR910XT.
Once that’s done, it’ll list out the available workouts for you to download from the watch. You need only tap to select which workout(s) you want and then click download.
It’ll download the workout to the phone, by grabbing the .FIT files. Once it’s done that, it’ll allow you to upload to pretty much all of the major services from Garmin Connect to Training Peaks to Nike+ to MapMyFitness and more.
Or you can just e-mail the files to yourself (including CSV versions). Pretty cool.
Today you can do this on a handful of Garmin watches, including the FR60, FR310XT and FR610. You can read more about this in my past post on it here.
Summary & Overview:
The FR910XT represents an update to the previous generation triathlon focused FR305 and FR310XT. The goal of all of the multisport watches that Garmin makes has been to offer a watch that ‘does it all’ – and in the case of the FR910XT – it really does seem to deliver here, covering the major asks/gaps of past watches.
Without question, the biggest changes in the FR910XT boil down to the addition of an indoor swim mode – effectively making the watch a complete swim/bike/run watch as opposed to just a bike/run watch. For the cyclists and ultra runners, they’ve added in a barometric altimeter. And for the runners, they’ve added in walk/run mode – becoming more and more common for longer distance endurance pacing.
Of course, the FR910XT isn’t necessarily for everyone, as I believe it’s important to identify your rough category of watch needs and find a product that fits. So looking at watch recommendations, you’ve got a few different basic categories:
1) The Triathlete: No question, if you’re a triathlete – this is the watch if you want a single device that does it all. There’s simply no other product on the market today that can do recording in all three sports with respect to distance and recorded data, especially in the pool. The only advantage the Polar RCX5 has is that it can record heart rate in the pool (the FR910XT can’t). But the RCX5 can’t do distance in the pool, nor does it have an integrated GPS, ANT+, or power meter support.
2) The Casual Runner: The casual runner should probably look at the cheaper FR210. In general the FR210 is probably a better entry level watch in that it’s simplified enough where you can just go out and run. By the same token, I still believe that for 95% of runners, the FR210 is a perfect fit. As for the FR910XT and casual runners, bringing the FR910XT to the table for a casual runner is like bringing a gun to a knife fight.
3) The Advanced Runner: The FR610 is really aimed at this market. But if you want the additional barometric altimeter (such as an ultra running in the mountains) – then clearly the FR910XT is your best (and only) bet.
4) The Pure Cyclist: You probably want the Edge series of devices, so check out the Edge 500 – it’s the best bet here. If you need mapping, then check out the Edge 800. Of course, if you dabble between running and cycling, then that’s where the FR910XT really shines. The only thing you really lose coming from the Edge 500 to the FR910XT is 8 concurrent data fields down to 4 concurrent fields.
The FR910XT will be available later this year for $399US without a heart rate strap, and $449US with a heart rate strap.
Comparison Chart:
Over time this comparison chart has slowly grown. You’re best to simply click it and view it in all its full screen glory. The goal here being to compare the most popular GPS based multisport watches that I’ve reviewed thus far. You can click on it to expand it and make it readable.
Finally, no review would be complete without the infamous pro’s and con’s section. The reality here is that the previous generation FR310XT was and is fairly well liked, and the FR910XT simply built on that and tried to rectify the most common requests. Thus, there are very few big ticket ‘Cons’ left for the FR910XT without getting to personal preference items:
Pro’s:
– Added indoor lap swimming mode, recording distance/speed/strokes
– Added barometric altimeter
– Added Run/Walk reminder feature (which can be used for all sorts of other things, like nutrition)
– Added Virtual Racer feature, ability to race past performances/others
– Now supports TrainingPeaks Metrics (TSS/IF/NP), also pedal based power meters
– Accurately tracks distance, heart rate, pace and a ton of other metrics
– Connects to ANT+ foot pods, power meters, speed/cadence sensors
– Connects to ANT+ weight scales and gym equipment
– Wirelessly downloads workouts via ANT+ to computer
Con’s:
– Doesn’t record/display heart rate while underwater
– Doesn’t really work as a normal day to day non-sports watch (battery only 20hrs)
– Openwater mode is good, but still not fully solving openwater distance to high degree of accuracy
– Only supports one person at a time on watch, can’t split between husband/wife
– [Update]: Current bug in firmware version 2.70 makes multisport mode less useful – recommend staying off that firmware version
As always, thanks for reading, I appreciate it. If you have any questions – feel free to post them below, I try to answer as often as possible. Thanks!
Found this review useful? Or just want a sweet deal?
Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
I’ve partnered with Clever Training to offer all DC Rainmaker readers exclusive benefits on all products purchased. You can read more about the benefits of this partnership here. You can pickup the FR910XT through Clever Training using the link below. By doing so, you not only support the site (and all the work I do here) – but you also get to enjoy the significant partnership benefits that are just for DC Rainmaker readers. And, since this item is more than $75, you get free US shipping as well.
Additionally, you can also use Amazon to purchase the unit or accessories (though, no discount). Or, anything else you pickup on Amazon helps support the site as well (socks, laundry detergent, cowbells). If you’re outside the US, I’ve got links to all of the major individual country Amazon stores on the sidebar towards the top.
As you’ve seen throughout the review there are numerous compatible accessories for the unit. I’ve consolidated them all into the below chart, with additional information (full posts) available on some of the accessories to the far right. Also, everything here is verified by me – so if it’s on the list, you’ll know it’ll work. And as you can see, I mix and match accessories based on compatibility – so if a compatible accessory is available at a lower price below, you can grab that instead.
Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. Further, you can always e-mail me at the address on the sidebar. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
Finally, I’ve written up a ton of helpful guides around using most of the major fitness devices, which you may find useful. These guides are all listed on this page here.
I have some trouble with my 910XT. It display Speed and Cadence well indoor. But, when I change my GPS off, the Speed doesn’t work anymore. And, I change GPS on again, even I indoor, the Speed is work. How about your 910XT, is it okay?
Hi, I broke my arm badly (think Humpty Dumpty) in a bike accident, so am recovering now and i have mucho time to read your awesome in depth review! I am riding but inside for awhile swimming soon, and running a bit, trying to keep fitness!! :) Hoping to get back at full speed and get the Garmin 910XT soon! Thanks!
Thanks for this great review! Just got my watch and I love it!
I was playing with the garmin training center and was wondering if when settings goals for a training segment, it it sets the proper alert (like you have to be in HR Z1, if your HR goes higher, will the watch alert me?)
I couldn’t find it in the help of Training Center =/
It would be helpful to note/link in the review which iPhone app to use to upload data (WahooFitness) and that upload through the app is via the History screen. I finally figured it out by reading your Wahoo post, but it would be helpful to note that here as well.
After figuring out the logistics and transferring the file from my 910xt to my iPhone, I was disappointed with upload reliability. I could only upload to Garmin Connect. The WahooFitness app crashed when I tried RunKeeper and e-mail, and gave an error when sending to TrainingPeaks. I realize the 910xt isn’t officially supported, but I at least expected e-mail to work. But I’m guessing this will get better with time.
I was wondering, were you already using the quick release on that video about the wetsuit removal?! If not, do you reckon it would be as easy as it was without the quick release set up?! Cheers
The 910XT certainly looks bigger than the 610, but I’m surprised to see the specs that show that both watches are 72 grams. Have you done your own measuerments to confirm this? Do you notice any difference when it comes to wearing them?
Ray – You’ve probably posted this before, and apologies for that, but wonder if you can shed some light as to whether there’s a way to — in a single act — upload from the 910XT to Garmin Connect and simultaneously to Training peaks or if they need to happen separately.
Regarding total descent (for skiing), my original comment was for the History pages. The total descent is not available in the history pages (of the watch) so cannot compare runs across days (without garmin.connect).
Regarding showing the date in the watch, I contacted Garmin and this is their response:
“…There is not a data field for the date that may be added as a data field for the device at this time, however, I have passed on the suggestion to add the field and would ask for you to please also submit it as an idea in the link below. link to www8.garmin.com“
I suggest everyone post a request at the link provided above to get their attention. I hate carrying a daily watch in addition to the 910xt. Prevents me from reviewing/planning my runs during breaks, etc. I’ll have to consider the Suunto Ambit….
By the way, the Suunto T6D exports R-R data. First you upload the data to the “movescount” website and then click export. The exported data is in Excel format and displays all activity parameters in addition to beats to beat intervals (R-R).
Another point about the T6D is it records temperature. Its interesting to see changes in temperature during the run. Absolute temperature is not as useful as relative temperature.
Now that I have used the 910xt for several runs, here are issues I found: 1. No icons to tell if the timer has started or not (need to press the power button or add time field to display) 2. Went on a bike ride and didn’t realize I had the GPS off until the map was missing on garmin.connect. Would be nice to have an icon on the main page. 3. Easy to accidentally press the start/stop button. Happened to me a number of times. The vibration alarm alerted me of this.
In comparison, the Suunto T6D has small icons to provide feedback on timer activation, TE level, etc.
As always, brilliant -Thank you for all your work!
I was wondering if you knew how I could extract more ‘value’ from my TE readings on the 910. I am a mac user, I noticed that Suuntos spit out a specific TE graph etc. which is useful.
Also, what are your comments about Garmin’s TE tech compared to Suunto’s? Seems to me (based on v limited analyses) that Garmin has some catch up to do? I do only use Garmin Connect and G Training Center..
Impressive review, really appreciated! I have one 910xt and I have been use it for a couple of days now. Today I noticed some condensation in the middle of the screen. From your experience; is this normal or should I send it back to Garmin? Thanks for the help
Awesome,thanks Ray! Just finished my first Tri with my new 910 this morning. Is there a way to merge the multisport activities into 1 entry?? Seems like a lot of interest in this but can’t figure it out.
Hi Ray, Question regarding the QR kit. Have you had any abnormal power downs from your 910 when it is on the QR? I am on my second 910 (Warranty replacement) and both will crash if I ride over rougher bitumen when it’s on the QR. I am using the Edge mounts but have noticed that the rubber backing plates on the 910XT QR kit mounts are a bit different from the edge mounts. (Rings instead of solid circles). If you are speaking to Garmin can you ask if this is an intentional design change? Thanks Heaps
I sent a message to Support indicating the need for the ability to use the 910XT in a 20yd pool to be competitive with the Finis SwimSense and PoolMate. Support indicated I should enter the request in their “Ideas Portal”, (which I had never heard of – it’s only referenced on this site once), so I did.
Thanks Ray for such a fantastic review! After going over it several times I finally decided to bite the bullet and upgrade to the 910xt (from the 310xt).. using your Amazon link of course. :)
I have one question.. My swim coach wants me to buy/use a Tempo Trainer (link to finisinc.com), which is essentially an underwater metronome. It would be pretty sad if my $400 watch couldn’t replicate the same functionaly as this device. Based on what I’ve read the current software doesn’t have any such feature though. :( Do you know if it is possible to set a periodic timer on the 910xt so it can be used for temo training while swimming?
Great review as always. What would you recommend for how to use 910xt in a real race to reduce transition times. Quick-release kit? Just leave it on one’s wrist? Thanks.
Also, how would Suunto’s duo heart monitor belt if they supported polar and ANT+ be any help with heart rate acquisition/recording on the 910xt?
Hi, Thanks for the GREAT review. Need some help; I have a 910XT and during my last runs I notice a condensation spot. From your experience is this normal or should I return the 910Xt?
Any update on fixing the pace issue? I know that originally it was supposed to be fixed with the 2.4 firmware update but it did not fix it for me and it seems from looking on Garmin’s forums they are still working on it.
As always a great review and thanks for all your hard work.
I’m surprised there is no mention of the Instant Pace accuracy issue with the 910XT in the review. It fluctuates wildly (+/- 1 minute per mile) due to noise in the GPS signal. This problem is well documented in this slowtwitch thread: link to forum.slowtwitch.com .
My old 305 has a data smoothing feature that addresses this problem; the 910XT is unusable for tracking instant pace; you have to look at previous splits to get any usable degree of accuracy. Hopefully data smoothing for Instant Pace in a future update.
Hi! Well done on a comprehensive review. As my Garmin FR405 has just died ( It had a pampered but well used although short life) it would be usefull to see what your research has found on the longevity of the various bits of kit you have tested. Maybe you can add them as post script.
The Multisport Mode, used in my first Tri last month, but it breakdown each segment into individual maps. If I leave in Run Mode, then just hit Lap for each part won’t this work to show the whole race on one map?
Uhhh, … WOW I’ve stumbled onto quite a resource in you. Thanks. I am looking at the Garmin 910xt forerunner and trying to decide if its worth 100 bucks more than the polar xrc that you’ve peaked my curiosity about. I currently have an older polar that im happy with but would like more data. Your comparison table did not include multiple user yes-no but saw where you had stated that difference elsewhere. Its interesting that the Garmin can not be used as a watch and does not provide for heart rate monitoring in the water……hummm? Anyway, I am actually leaning at the polar but am wondering what to expect from the gps with regard to accuracy. You’ve stated that the quick gps pickup for polar is a “yes”, but then tooted garmins 910xt as “great”. I guess as long as its gets the signal prior to a workout and then maintains it, its all good. What say you? Again, impressed says it lightly. I’ve read a fair number of product reviews (none as time consuming, mind you) but am now on board for some DC Rain. It would, greater than I care to admit, sway my decision between the two to hear of what you would advise. One more time, KUDOS for a wealth of information that was clear. The pics were of great help in understanding. response would be much appreciated. -fast (more or less) Eddie Bring on the DC Rain, I say!
Hi Ray, Admirable review ! ……helped me decide on the FR 910XT and then helped me more than the manual. However, I wanted to know the following : 1) Is there a data field for the date or the day of the week ? 2) Can one set wake-up alarms ? – I think, this would be the primary need of any athlete. 3) Is there a data field giving the sunrise time of the next day ? Regards Shekhar
I am (and it seems lots of people are) facing an issue where the 910XT just switches off during a run. I restart it immediately (during the run then), sometimes it resumes operations (no data loss, except a few seconds where the watch rebooted), sometimes the activity restarts at 0 and beginning of my run is just lost! Also, half of these “interrupted activities” seem to be corrupted, so I can’t even save them to my computer.
I am before my first purchase of GPS watch. I was thinking about Garmin 910, however I would like to ask you two questions:
1) Does it matter for the GPS signal accuracy/satellite finding etc whether you’re in USA or in Europe (where I run)? :)
2) I am troubled by the problems people report here or for example at the Garmin forum (esp. the “switch-off-during-the-run&all-data lost problem). I would join the others in waiting for your comment whether there was/is going to be software (if that’s software that is faulty) that would fix these sort of problems!
On the Forerunner 910XT if you turn off GPS and just have it as a watch how long will it last? and give the example below will it work?? EX. I go to a race away from home (Wildflower) and do not have power. Can i wear it as a watch on the car ride Friday (no GPS and no ANT+), Race (with GPS and ANT+) then after race turn it all off and wear as watch back home on Sunday?
Great fan here. My wife just bought a 910XT and will use it in a sprint tri this coming May. I am just worried that she may lose the device in open water. Although the 910XT has a sleeker profile on the wrist and uses screws instead of pins, is it still prone to accidentally breaking off when whacked while swimming? I was thinking of asking her to wear the unit under her wrist to reduce the risk. Thanks and more power to you!
Pace issue has been resolved upload the last software update. However, the shutting off while biking issue is still living. Here is the response I received from Garmin when I asked about the issue and if there was a fix.
Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I would be happy to help you with your Forerunner 910XT.
I am sorry that your having problem with the Forerunner 910XT shutting down when mounted to the bike. The Engineers are looking into the issue and this could take a little time. Currently we are recommending that you keep the unit on your wrist while cycling until this problem is resolved.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you and have a great day!
I am posting this a second time as the pace issue is definitely NOT resolved with the recent update like others have stated. I think it worked for some but not all. I must be one of the unlucky ones. I have updated to the recent (2.40) release twice and no luck.
Still waiting on an update that works. For now using footpod for pace but not happy that I have to since both my 310 and 305 never had the issue.
First of all, excellent review and lots of good tips. Your site is amazing.
I now have a 910XT to replace my old 305. I really love that that I can swim with it and get instant metrics.
A couple of points of issues that I see: – Instant pace issue: I have seen the problem from the start. I updated to the 2.40 firmware a couple of days ago and I still see issue with the pace. It does not fluctuate as quickly but it still seems to be way off when the GPS reception is not as good (under trees). – On Garmin connect, the swim graph sometimes gets confused by adding lengths for the time the timer is stopped….
But overall a good watch IF they fix the pace issue.
I read this review a couple of time before actually buying it. After a couple of weeks thinking about it i decided to buy it… I am greatly disapointed with it, and im greatly disapointed with your review, for being such an “in depth review” you dont mention ANYTHING about the pace, i undestand that is not your responsability that garmin made such a faulty item, but it is your responsability to report it on your review!!!!
I bought it and did the software update and the problem is still there, it is at least 3 minutes off the actual pace, i would undestand this if this was the $120 forerunner 60 but this is a $400+ watch!!!
This is a MAJOR issue! If you are writing a review about an item you should write about the issues it has and not write only the good stuff it has, it really looks like the GARMIN people are paying you to advertise it, because there is no other way that you can write an in depth review and look past this fault…
It is GPS running/multisport watch that doesnt show the pace you are running at!!!! Did you really didnt notice this while writing the review or did you just decided to fool us into buying it??
I don’t have any issues with my speed/cadence sensor and the 910XT, and use it fairly regularily indoors. Ensure you select SPD/CAD and not just spd or cadence.
Hi Martin- RE: GTC Goal Alerts
Yes, I use this in races quite frequently where I’ll setup specific ‘workouts’ with my race plan, based primarily on HR zones. When I get outside of that, it’ll beep till the cows come home.
Hi Carlton- RE: Wahoo iPhone Adapater & 910XT to TP
Hmm, strange, I don’t have any issues to TrainingPeaks – as that’s actually the one I primarily use (I haven’t tried the RunKeeper transfer). Have you checked in with Wahoo support?
Hi Joao- RE: Update Wetsuit video with quick release
I’ve been using the quick release kit since January, but haven’t done the wetsuit test with it…primarily because it’s just been too darn cold in DC to run out of the water with it. :) But, as to the differences – it’s not quite as ‘streamlined’ as without it, and there’s still a bit of an edge it can catch on. Better than the FR310XT, but not perfect.
Hi Issac- RE: Normal watch
No, the FR910XT doesn’t really support a ‘normal watch’ mode. You can display time of day, but not date/day/month. Also, it won’t last more than a few days in this mode (I’ve got to try out exactly how long, but haven’t had a chance yet). Somewhere between 55hrs and slightly more than that is my guess.
Hi Anon- RE: Weight-
I haven’t measured it myself. Though, the FR610 has the metal backing, which is a bit heavy, so they do feel fairly similiar.
Hi Stephen- RE: Uploading to GC & TP
By default the ANT Agent can update to Garmin Connect automatically (it’s a checkbox). However, all that is needed from the TP DA side is that it be transferred from device to computer. The upload to GC is unrelated. And the TP (via device agent) is seperate. My recommendation is to always select the box to upload to GC even if you don’t use GC – simply because it can act as a backup in case your primary service kicks the bucket.
Hi Peters- RE:TE
I haven’t spent a ton of time on the TE side of either the FR910XT or the Ambit (or any Suunto device). It’s on my list to poke into and write something deep on, but just hasn’t bubbled yet to the surface.
Hi Ricardo- RE: Condensation
No, not normal – definitely get it swapped out.
Hi KW- RE: Merging activities
Not really unfortunately. :( Sport Tracks can do it via the Merge function, but that’s about it. The challenge is that different activities have different sensor types and data units (i.e. miles per hour vs minutes/mile)
Hi Ben- RE: Tempo Trainer
Not possible. The challenge with putting a tempo trainer in your wrist is hearing it underwater. The Swimsense Tempo Trainer (actually have one in a box still) is designed to be in your swimcap where you can hear it.
Hi Dan/Anon- RE: MPH for bike
Yes, ensure to change to bike mode (hold mode down), then you’ll be good to go.
Hi skonger- RE: Faster race transitions
Yeah, the quick release kit is the way to go. But I’d recommend leaving it on your wrist until you’re a few miles down the road and then swapping it to a bike mount (just like grabbing from a waterbottle).
Hi Anon/Carlton- RE: Pace issue
It depends, for some folks 2.4 fixed it, for others – not so much. It seems to be somewhat pace dependent. I never saw the issue initially except when I ran at a MUCH slower pace than I normally do. I also don’t see it now (I used instant pace yesterday on my 13+ miler), no issues. I haven’t gotten any clarification from Garmin on what is contained in the next update, bug-fix-wise.
I’ve had the same bike kit mount on my bike for years, both road and mountain – and hasn’t died yet. I swap out the tri-bike one a fair bit due to testing other items, but it just goes back into the inventory for other tests, all good.
Hi Winter Garden- RE: Laps and Maps
Yes, it’ll still show the whole map regardless of laps pressed. Laps pressed though will show you chunks on the maps per the laps.
Hi Fast Eddie- RE: GPS between RCX5 and Polar
The main reaseon I rated the GPS pickup time less on the Polar is that I’m seeing it take less (not a ton of time less, a handful of seconds slower) – but also the reality that you have to wait for both the GPS reception, and for the RCX5 to connect to the GPS pod. As noted in that review, some folks like a seperate pod – but it is two connection points and I have seen issues where depending on where the pod is, it won’t get reception.
Hi Shekhar- RE: Day of week
No, unfortunately not.
RE: Wake up alarms
Also, unfortunately not.
RE: Sunrise
Now this, this is has!
Hi Gdawirs- RE: Mid-activity fail
I haven’t seen any mid-activity fails myself, though, as you noted, I have certainly heard of them via the forums.
Hi Konrad- RE: GPS pickup outside of US
No issues. Thus far I’ve used the watch myself in Frankfurt, New Zealand, Tahiti, Singapore, and a slew of other places in the US. No problems with GPS anyhwere except some slices of the Artic and Antartic.
Hi NJinAZ- RE: Turn off GPS and last
Hard to say, like noted above – at least 55hrs (which I’ve tested it to while recording), but haven’t tested it w/o recording.
Hi Tom- RE: Swim durability
Yup, no problems button pressing. I press mine constantly in the water while swimming.
Hi Arnaud- RE: Pace issues
See above, but in short – different people see it (or don’t see it), and I wish I knew the pattern (as I’m sure Garmin wishes as well). It appears speed may be part of it (which is logical, given simple percent fluxuations in speed are greater at slower paces).
RE: Adding lengths for timer
Check out my swim tips above in the post for how to reduce swim length issues.
(Sorry, your comment was actually flagged as ‘Spam’, so it didn’t show up initially)
I’m also sorry that you’re disappointed with the review. Ultimately, I use the product for my uses and report on it as such. If a product exhibits an issue, than I note it. If don’t see the issue, than I don’t note it. It’s really that simple.
I know you may want me to include things in my review that I don’t see (i.e. pace issues) – but that’d be sorta dishonest (not only to Garmin, but to all other units I review). Since you noted you read the review twice, you likely would have seen that some others are having pace issues. Not all people see these issues of course, as otherwise that’s all I’d hear about (since the watch has been in peoples hands for 4+ months). But certainly, some portion of the population. And during that time, I’ve noted the concerns here, and communicated them with Garmin. All things fairly visible in the 400+ comments here.
No doubt, for those seeing it, it’s a major issue. But for me – I just don’t see the issue on my unit. I ran 13.3 miles yesterday without seeing any issues, certainly not 3+ minutes off of pace. I ran 6:50-7:10’s, and it would mostly display between 6:40ish and 7:20ish in instant pace mode. A bit higher into the wind of course, and occasionally go a bit further +/- if I was making sharp turns, under bridges, etc… All pretty much normal stuff for GPS watches. But certainly not the 3 minutes off of pace that you noted.
So in summary, I generally don’t make up negative stuff about a watch just to put things in a negative column (I know, some folks like doing that to fill space). And I don’t receive any money (advertising, or otherwise) from any of the companies for any of the products I review.
Ray, thanks for the support. You’re much better than Garmin Support. Is anyone else having issues with downloading metabolic rate data from eNewLeaf? I had a test done recently and the 910xt screen indicates that new metabolic data was received, however after a bike or run, uploaded data to GarminConnect shows 17,000 calories. Also, what is the number entered for the calorie alert- what is the number based upon? Thanks!
Thanks for your answers. – On Swimming, I followed your advice: When I finish an interval, I press STOP first to stop the timer when I reach the wall then LAP a little later. Then when getting ready to start my next intervals, I push START as I push off the wall. Here is an example of my last swim: link to connect.garmin.com If you look at the “Intervals” portlet on the bottom left, it all looks good. I did swim 100m, then 75m, then 50m, etc. No problem there. BUT, if you look at the “Swim graph” portlet on the top right for the first interval, you can see the total time for the interval matches the number in the interval table but there is an extra “58.4” length. I think this a bug in the Garmin connect. Have you noticed something like this too?
– On the pace issue. This morning, I ran some intervals with both my 305 and my 910XT on my arm side by side. Both were set to display the pace. I would say that 50% of the time they were the same, 50% was at least a 40 sec difference. The 305 seemed usually more inline with were I thought I was. The 910XT tended to be higher (although sometimes lower). The interval paces were around 6:20 to 6:40 min/mile. I will try to upload both to Garmin connect tonight.
during a run yesterday the training effect just went to 5.0 in the first 5 minutes of my run. This has never happened before and yesterdays run was similiar to another run 2 weeks ago where the training effect ended with 3.2 only. Has such a behavior happen to anybody else?
Great and thorough review. I’m trying to determine if the Firrstbeat option to determine the calories used is a default option when wearing the strap. If not, how do I use it?
1) Is it possible to use the 910XT fabric strap and new screws with the Forerunner 305? I agree with you that the fabric strap is more comfortable, but I’ve been having issues with the unit popping out of the 305 fabric wristband.
2) In your bike pics, you use the old Forerunner bike mount attached to another small post that is attached to your aerobars. Can you explain what you used for this setup and how you did it?
Hi, I am planning to do some bike trips, about 12 to 15 days biking, do you have any idea about the memory??? How many memory is available?? I checked the garmin website and they mention 160 hours.
Thanks for all the good and hard work you do in writing these reviews.
1 question and 1 observation. In your Garmin 500 review, you mention and show a screen where you can troubleshoot ANT+ pairing issues by using the device ID on various ANT+ sensors. The application you mention is in race settings where there are tons of people with sensors around. I have looked at the 910xt to see if there is such a feature and I cannot find it if there is. I also checked the Garmin forums and website, no help there either. Do you know if this functionality is built into the 910xt?
And the observation, you may want to consider updating your your function summary tables for cycling and for running on the 910xt. You say that a HR graph is available in both the running and cycling modes. At least on my watch (and I believe I have updated to the latest firmware), the HR graph is only available for running, not cycling.
Bought a 910xt this week, updated the software, and went for my 1st run this morning–with my trusty 305 on my other wrist. Yep, the instant pace is laughable.
I ran on a tree-lined trail so didn’t expect perfection. At 7:00 pace, the 305 (with medium-level smoothing) bounced around from about 6:45 to 7:15. The 910 never showed less than 7:30, and was usually about 8:00. The auto-lap on the 910 (which I forgot to turn off) showed 7:01/mile. The distances given on both were spot-on.
I agree with previous posters that this device is pretty much unusable for running in its current form. I’ll have to try using it in an open area and see if it works better.
Hi, Just wanted to add in that I purchased the 910XT in January – and it has the same incorrect date/time problem as its cousin, the 310XT. When GPS is not acquired prior to beginning an indoor workout, the date is incorrectly set as 12/13/2009 at 4:59pm.
The Garmin rep I spoke with informed me that while this issue was known with the 310, she hadn’t heard of it with the 910, then gave me a canned response about how they are close to a resolution via firmware. I told her I didn’t believe it since this has been a 310 problem since introduction, without a fix. She then told me I could receive a refurb for the less than 90 day old $500 watch that I had purchased, but that it would have the same problem, since it is a software issue. So, apparently, in the course of the call, it went from an unknown issue with the 910 to a problem that every unit has. I’m currently working with my local store to see if there are any options for me.
Just wanted to make people aware. The Garmin rep suggested that I simply acquire satellites prior to each use. Not really convenient for indoors use where acquisition of satellites is difficult….
Having a problem uploading from my 910xt. It starts to upload and then at 60% restarts the upload. It will repeat this for hours. Tried restarting upload, turning watch on and off and also the pc. Any ideas
This is probably a bit of wishful thinking, but is there any way of using previous performances to pace off in Virtual Racer whilst also using Multisport mode? That is, download your 705/405 (bike/run) splits from the same race the year before and race against them? As you press lap to move into the next mode it starts the previous performance.
Hi, i just bought this garmin last week and i took it pool swimming, but the odd thing is that is does not record anything. Stoke, distance, nothing and style is UNKNOWN. I tried it also when i was not in watter and still nothing. Is there something i might be doing wrong? Or is it possible that it simly does not work? Thank you for your response
Great review Ray, after having the watch myself now for around 5 months I’d warn people away from it. Currently there is a bug when using the watch while cycling where it will keep shutting itself off. The solution from Garmin is to wear it on your wrist. This is both not ideal but fairly impractical if you intend to use it as a cycle computer. . Until they get the issue fix, I’d recommend not buying or looking to a different watch.
great review as usual. I have read it once you published it originally. But now I got my hands on the actual watch to test it. It works just fine, I wanted to test some of the advanced features, so I created a workout in the online Garmin Connect. Tried to upload it to the watch – the online site says it has uploaded the workout, but it actually does not appear on the watch. I have the ANT agent status window on and apparently, there is no activity while the Garmin Connect says it has successfully uploaded the workout. I am doing all of this on a Mac.
I liked the 910XT a lot, but had to return it since it would not track pace correctly while running in the woods. I ran with my 305 and 910 on the same arm and most of the time the pace was off by about 4 minutes per mile on the 910 in the woods and about 30 seconds per mile in the clear. Both of these deltas are too much for me as I really like t obe able to look down and see how fast I am running. My 305 provides this well, so I’ll let this 910 mature for about a year and buy another one then. BTW, the pce problem for me still existsed after upgrading to 2.4.
LOVE your blog and details on each product. Just got the Garmin 910XT after having a 205 and 2 310XTs (cracked screens).
The swim data seems to be pretty accurate indoors, but I just had a couple q’s:
1. The # of strokes recorded – I assume is for 1 arm only, so double to get both arms? (depending on which arm you started and ended with) 2. Is there a way for it to measure swim distance in an Endless Pool (where the current from the machine is keeping you in one place in the pool while you swim against it). Hence GPS would say you’re going no where, and the accelerometer isn’t detecting any changes in direction to measure lengths.
Hello, thanks a lot fot great review – I have already come back several times for details. I have also already bought the watch and it really is great piece of computery. For me, it does incredible service with motivation when I can go through maps, graphing and stuff.
Do you know by any chance if there is some limit for number and/or size of courses you can have stored in watch at one time? I cannot find this anywhere (do not see it in review nor in comments). I understand that activities are automatically deleted when out of memory space, but what about courses? And are those in separate storage or do they share the same space with activities?
Thanks for response, if you get to know something about it.
Hi Ray- as usual, when it comes to items like this, I consult your reviews rather than the manual itself! I love my new Garmin 910. Up until last weekend, ive only used it for training. Started the race season with a duathlon last weekend and put the watch into multi-sport mode. Although I was able to review all my data post-race, I was not able to get my heart rate on the bike during the race…even when I toggled up/down. Is there a way to have the screen in mutli-sport to mirror my 1st screen in run, bike, swims as I use them individually? When I hit start in multi mode, the default is always the screen that only shows the overall time and time for that particular part of the race… As always, thanks!
Ray, any thoughts on the correct settings for the 910xt using a swim tether in a outdoor pool? In open water mode (GPS off) I was not getting any distance readings ( I thought the accelerometer might have given me the data…). So I set a arbitrary pool length of 50 meters and set the alert to vibrate at 50 meters so I could “pretend a turn” but it didn’t seem to work very well. It measured distance, but it had me a bit further ahead then I think I should have been ( 1500 meters in 31min.) I would like to use it in open water mode in my small pool using the swim tether. Thanks!
I have asked Garmin support how to upload waypoints to the watch and they answer me that’s not possible! I do running, cycling, but hiking and backcountry sking to! I find very usefull to have some uploaded waypoints for orientation in case of fog for example! On my old FR305, it was possible to do it. It’s a shame that’s such a basic function is not implemented!
Thanks a lot for the review it was great. A couple of questions from what I see on your read outs and what I saw on mine. It shows your max swim pace graphically as (I think) about 8 miles per hour. ummmm….I’d be REALLY impressed if that’s true. It shows mine the same and I guarantee mine IS NOT that speed as I’m a professional turtle racer and they’re walking as I swim. :) I really want to see stroke count and speed (like the lap printouts) for this. Ever use lap swimming open water?
first, thx for all of your great and very detailed reviews!
I describe myself best as an ultra-trail-runner probably like Baz. I had the FR305 for years starting when it just came out. But it definitely lacks battery life for most ultra-trail races (at least for me). I did work around by using external battery chargers (and will need to do so even with the 910XT if we talk about 100milers or more).
When the Ambit was announced with 50h GPS recording time I almost set off buying this one but now still go for Garmin. On reason for me is course navigation. That is something the Ambit lacks and I’m used to it from the 305. With more and more race providing gps tracks this is really useful. I also use this to create new training courses that should have match a specific distance. Though it was mentioned here before, but not as broadly discussed as the “elevation problem” (I do see this as well v 2.40 cumulated elevation while running sucks!) bread-crum navigation does not work on the 910XT! I have a larger track 100miles ans run sections of it regularly at the moment and the FR305 can handle this without problem. The 910XT stops displaying the bredcrum course for sometimes very long times and therefore renders this feature useless :( It also happened to me that the device shut off twice during 30k run :(
From the Ambit review it reads that Suunto have some kind of firmware update release plan? Is that true and do you know if Garmin has something similar? I submitted defect reports to them and got back that the problem is being worked on. But what I really would like to hear is some estimate when I can expect an update for the watch.
Any one else using navigation on the Forerunner a lot?
One other thing which I submitted to Garmin as well, I believe it should be rather easy to have one or two more options regarding the GPS recording interval (besides every 1 sec and the smart mode) eg. add 60sec like the Ambit or something in between. This should further improve battery runtime.
DC it was thanks to your various reviews that I upgraded my old Polar F11 to the 910XT for my second UK triathlon season. The watch is simply amazing and as a techno geek it ticks all the boxes. It is definitely helping my training. Thanks mate & keep up the good work.
Just bought a 910 after your excellent review. Finding it takes a little practice to get accurate pool swim info. For example, # of laps nearly always records too high. Not sure if this is due to other swimmers (my local pool is busy, I am invariably sharing a lane) or whether it is interpreting inadvertent wrist movements between lengths as a new lap.
Any advice appreciated.
Oh, and its identification of stroke type seems pretty sketchy. I’m the first to admit my form could be better but my freestyle is frequently interpreted as backstroke or breast stroke!
It’s the 20 hour lifespan that bothers me for now. If cash wasn’t a problem then I would buy it, then when a new one comes out that fixes the minor things, then I would buy that also.
In addition, based on a couple of comments re swimming, where it struggles to id your type of stroke and distance, it would seriously stand no chance with me! Sammy the seal is better than me!! LOL! :-)
Now I just have to convince my wife to let me buy the thing. My forerunner 305 just crapped out after five years of using it. Thanks for the review. It’s definitely the most in depth review I’ve read. You’ve answered all my questions. Thanks again, Ray.
Do you know when Trainingpekas is going to display/analyze the various stroke counting data from the FR910XT?
Now basically the stroke data, which is basically the only difference with 310, is completely lost. It makes one wonder a lot whether the upgrade from the 310 was worth it. Do you agree?
Do you know when Trainingpekas is going to display/analyze the various stroke counting data from the FR910XT?
Now basically the stroke data, which is basically the only difference with 310, is completely lost. It makes one wonder a lot whether the upgrade from the 310 was worth it. Do you agree?
Just a response to Ricardo March 25, 2012 4:06 PM regarding the condensation issue and the Forerunner 910XT, Garmin write:
Answer: Condensation can appear inside of any electronic device or on any surface when you move quickly from a warm environment to a cold environment where humidity is present. It is often assumed that water resistant devices do not have humidity in them, though this is often not the case. Garmin, like many companies, creates devices with a level of humidity that is most conducive to manufacturing and overall device performance. All electronic devices, not just devices made by Garmin, can experience temporary condensation inside the device.
To decrease the chances of this occurring with your device, make the transition in temperature as gradual as possible. If you still experience condensation, it should dissipate within five to ten minutes as the device acclimates to the surrounding temperature. (link to garmin.com)
my watch is going back for check as i have heaps of condensation and have only used it running. None of my other watches have ever had this problem.
I’m a new 910XT owner. It is my first GPS/HRM watch, therefore I made the usual assortment of noob mistakes, which I’ll share here.
First off, I put the watch on, plugged in the ANT+ USB and just assumed all would be good. I also assumed that my watch and HRM would just find each other.
Before going further, I will note that I probably only read step 1 of the Quick Start guide (charge the watch) before using the watch.
Well, here’s a few tips.
1) It is important to go through the initial set up wizard on the watch, where among other things you will pair your watch to the HRM and you will insure that the ANT+ USB dongle driver is installed and it establishes a connection to your watch. After that, things get a lot better.
2) While you’re randomly pushing buttons you might (like me) accidentally push the “mode” button and “up arrow” button at the same time. This will *lock* the keyboard. Somewhat distressing. You’ll go to Google and learn that pressing “mode” and “up arrow” together again will *unlock* the keyboard and you can resume your intended activity.
3) You’ll notice on your initial test drive that the Garmin might vibrate now/then somewhat randomly. At first, you may assume that you’ve gone too fast or two slow and the watch is issuing a warning. Not so. The watch is telling you “GPS signal lost” – you’ll need to read the screen to confirm this. This can happen when you go under a pedestrian tunnel, tree cover and so on. Maybe there’s a setting to disable this warning – haven’t researched that yet.
4) After hitting stop, you may be surprised when you enter the house and you are downstairs from the computer that has the ANT+ plugged in yet suddenly your watch starts flashing the message “transmitting data”. Although 3 meters may be the stated minimum distance – the actual distance where your device is recognized by your computer might be 2x or 3x that. Not to worry. Once the data is transferred it will also be transferred to the Garmin Connect site and you’re good to go.
After working through these teething problems, you will ultimately *love* both the accuracy and usefulness of this device.
BTW, reading DC Rainmaker’s excellent reviews, and those of others, I got a little worried that the 910XT might be too big and bulky. Although it does have the proportions of a Dick Tracy watch, it really isn’t that noticeable and the large display is helpful when you want to quickly get a snapshot of relevant data, such as pace, lap time, or HR.
I ended up using hard contact solution. Saline solution might’ve worked just as well. They both have the advantage that they might be a tad bit more sanitary and conductive than spit or H2O, but who knows?
Thanks for the great review of the Garmin 910! I found the touch screen and bezel technology of the 410 class to be not very easy to use, so I was happy to see Garmin use push-buttons on the 910. But what is your opinion? In your experience, do you prefer touch screen or the push button style of the 910? – Dan
First, I have to tell you that my girlfriend and I love your reviews and buy our products on Amazon.com through you to show our support!
I wanted to ask you if you know the most current status of two issues I’m having/afraid of having with my 910XT.
-I’m currently experiencing Calories consumption being very off what I expect and what I calculate using many other sources… including my old 310XT. I see in the forums this is a known issue, is a fix coming?
-I’ve read a lot about and been tracking the very large thread on Garmin Support (240+ msgs) on the 910XT shut downs using the QR mount. I have only done 1 ride with my QR mount and didn’t see the issue personally, but I cannot be sure mine is OK. I won’t be able to get another ride in to test it before my 30day return period ends… do you know if a FW fix is coming for this or is it an HW issue?
I bought my 910XT less than a month ago and am approaching the 30-day return window. My question is, should I return it now or can I trust a FW fix will be issued for both the Calorie counting problem and the QR shut down problem or do you think this is an HW issue?
While looking to buy a new GPS, I stumbled upon your site late last year for reviews and have been a fan ever since! I also made sure that I made the purchase through your amazon link so as to contribute whatever little I could for such in-depth reviews and technical tips. Do you have a good suggestion for a carrying / travel case for Forerunner 910-XT? I looked at the reviews of the one by garmin online – and people have described it as having too little protection due to soft-shell. How do you typically carry your GPS devices while travelling? :)
Having battery charge problems. Terminals are clean and power source is normal. 910XT shows “no” battery left on the icon battery, but the unit works fine. When first attach batter clip, watch screen show “-1%”, charging, and the time of day. It stays on -1% forever, not sure if it is charging or not. Did the owner manual reboot, no change in the indications while trying to charge battery.
Hi! I love your reviews & purchased mine 910XT after reading it! You mentioned that SportTracks is able to correct wrong swimming data & even I can do it, but: how do I get those corrected data back to Garmin connect???
Thanks for that. When I got my watch I read through everything and felt well informed after. Though I have caught what I believe to be a small mistake, this may have changed since you posted this, but I thought I would bring it to your attention as it took me a while to find it. You’ve said
“To setup multi-sport mode head into the Settings page and select Auto Multisport. From there, you’ll be presented with this menu screen to select which sports you want to add.”
Not sure if anyone else is having the issue with the 910XT powering off when used with the Quick release kit. I’ve been having the issue and there is quite a bit about it on the Garmin forums. Well I contacted the Garmin Australia service department (I’m in New Zealand) and spoke to a very unhelpful chap who assured me there was NO known issue and asked me to send an email to get a RMA code as he suspected I had a faulty unit. So I sent the email describing the issue and got my first response after 5 working days to say, “Garmin are working on a fix for the issue and to contact them back in a months time” Today got a second response after 7 working days, from a different person, asking me for “a copy of my receipt and the serial number so they can swap the unit under the RMA process”
Not sure what’s going on here, is it a known issue or not???
Would really like to get better service from Garmin but that doesn’t sound likely after what I’ve read on the Garmin forums.
At this stage I have taken the watch back to the store I bought it from and asked them to sort it out. Not heard anything back as yet.
Hayden, Re: your comment “Not sure if anyone else is having the issue with the 910XT powering off when used with the Quick release kit. I’ve been having the issue and there is quite a bit about it on the Garmin forums. Well I contacted the Garmin Australia service department (I’m in New Zealand) and spoke to a very unhelpful chap who assured me there was NO known issue and asked me to send an email to get a RMA code as he suspected I had a faulty unit.”
I’ve been having exactly the same issue. It seems to be vibration-related, as it only happens on bumpy roads when the unit is fixed to the handlebars / tri bars (with the QR kit).
Garmin also tried to tell me it’s not a known issue. When I pointed out to them the dozens of others writing about it on their forums, they offered to replace the unit for me. Unfortunately, the new unit has the same problem. I presume it is a design flaw – maybe something to do with the battery connectors losing contact with vibration.
I plan to get back to Garmin this week, though I’m not sure what else they can do apart from sending me another new unit. I don’t want a refund – I just want a Garmin that works! Very frustrating.
I like the the double-tap function to turn on the backlight when on running mode. But it doesn’t seem to work when in the Virtual Race running screen. Why is that?
Probably the best review of any product I’ve ever read. Kudos for a job well done.
I just got a Garmin 910XT from Amazon and only found your review after the fact. Sorry, I wish I ordered via your link to give you extra credit. It’s totally spot on.
I’m a data horde and the Garmin 910XT gives this to me in spades. I love it.
A few things I wished it had.
1) Alarm clock 2) Stopwatch
One of these days, a programmable module. If a manufacturer is reading this, please design a programmable watch. Give us Geeks the ability to create custom mods and upload them for others to use. :)
Can anyone advise how you can change the data fields for multi sport mode? I can’t figure out how to do it.
Specifically, by default it shows total time and total distance. I want it to show total time, time on the current lap (i.e. swim, bike or run) and distance on the current lap.
Would really appreciate a quick response if anyone knows! I have my first triathlon tomorrow and I’m getting no love from Garmin support or the Garmin forum.
The review said it is compatible with Mac and PC. My previous experience with my Garmin 305 is the Mac software is much more buggy and have lost data on several occasions. Did you have a chance to test both platforms, and is the Mac version reliable and well supported?
Hey Ray awesome review, never seen some like this on the net, really nice.
I’ve got a question, have you tried to use a ANT+ Heart Rate belt water proof and try to pair with the Garmin 910xt and see if works on Swimming pool or open water, like the memory Suunto Belt ? Just trying to collect some data while I swim.
I was wondering whether the unit can identify when you might be climbing stairs (real ones) ans give you a number of stairs or flights climbed, as I believe the FitBit Ultra can? If so, would one need the footpod or HRM? Thanks.
Hello Ray, I have in my mind to do a blog like yours (no so good, perhaps) to talk about my improvements in sports and to talk about all the gadgets I use to monitor what I do. I will do it in spanish that is my native language.
I was wondering, what is the trick, to convince companies to lend you some stuff for testing. I guess that it is because your are a well known blog, isnt it? Could you please give me some advices… Thanks in advance.
My 910XT was lost during the swim at Ironman Muncie 70.3 and now resides at the bottom of Prairie Creek Reservoir. Surprisingly, it did not happen during the first few minutes of combat swimming; I checked my wrist at the second buoy and it was still there. I suspect that it was spun off of the mount during subsequent passing / being passed, or perhaps it was loosened during the start and just didn’t fall off until later.
My 910XT made it through 2 previous triathlons without incident (1.5k swim, 3k swim), but was not so fortunate the third time.
I’m sure it was secured properly because I was paranoid about losing it. But unfortunately not paranoid enough to re-install the standard band. Save yourself the heartache and avoid the Quick Release Kit.
The only upside is that I get to give Ray another Amazon referral when purchasing my replacement 910XT.
Ray Will post this in a couple of your reviews as don’t know which you are monitoring at the moment – do you know if there are any plans at Garmin to use teh Garmin swim experience to update the 910XT? Form reading about them it sounds like the swim has solved some of teh buggier aspects to the XT (recording freestyle as backstroke, better pick up of laps/less false counts etc) not to mention the better programmable activity stuff. So, while the Swim doesn’t do all I want (need the run piece as well) I definitely want the improved swim bits. So, do I delay on the 910XT waiting for the 920XT or do I go ahead and get a 910 on the basis that it’s a software issue and can/will be sorted by an update? any views?
Many thanks for the excellent review. I wondered whether you could help me with a query thing (i don’t think it is anything that the 506 existing posts have discussed!). I am primarily interested in the device as a swimmer as would like to be able to track workouts both in the pool and outdoors. However, I am a swimmer (which because of the various joint problems) only swims the breast stroke. I wasn’t sure whether this would be suitable for picking up the gps signal as the wrist is always pretty much partially submerged. Have you had any experience with swimming the breast open water using the garmin 910? Did it work ok?
Brian Ballard already asked this question and I didn’t find the answer to it. How did you put that post between your aerobars?
“2) In your bike pics, you use the old Forerunner bike mount attached to another small post that is attached to your aerobars. Can you explain what you used for this setup and how you did it?”
In my previous comment, I was wan’t completely clear that I lost my 910xt in the swim due to Quick Release Mount. I think it would have been OK with the standard wrist strap.
I just got a message from John Molchin; he lost his 910xt during the swim at Ironman 70.3 Racine (July 15th, 2012.) Another one bites the. . . sediment?
I don’t recommend wearing the 910xt with the quick release during swims, especially if it’s a group start.
Echoing the comment above, I lost my Garmin 910xt at the beginning of a tri a few weeks ago using the quick release strap. I was porpoised upon by a very eager and not terribly coordinated competitor who smacked my wrist directly and with noticable force. I immediately knew the watch was done and dusted. Interestingly, the strap itself was undamaged, implying that the instantaneous force caused enough deforming at the band to allow the watch catches to move freely.
I think it’s important to note that the 910xt quick release strap is visibly and noticably thinner and more pliable than the 310xt strap. Personally, I think Garmin too eagerly sought to lower the overall profile of the 910xt and the $26 QRS is a defective design. They disappointingly will not acknowledge this, but frankly everyone who owns one should know how much they put their watch at risk – unless you swim from the front, I would not recommend using the QRS on a swim start.
Delighted with new 910Xt, all the way up until I tried to enter my local pool length of 18 Meters into the swim settinga nd it does not seem to go that low. It only calibrates to a 20 m pool at the shortest. Is this something Garmin could do a firmware update on. I know its not ideal to be training in such a short pool but its all I have got. Thanks Tim C
Hello, it is possible to calibrate barometric altimeter while is GPS switched off? because i have serious problems with calibration. And its so bad..that i am almost decided to turn back watches to seller :/
Odd question but is it possible to see the GPS altitude information as well as barometric? so if you record a flight you can see true height rather than the pressurised height? Fab reviews and great site by the way, been really really helpful to me
Liela I am interested in a heart rate monitor for swimming as well as something like the swimsense to count laps etc (almost like a all in one) You mentioned that the 910xt does not take heartrate under the water. What do you suggest i buy?
Hi. Thanks a lot for the review. It’s the most in-depth coverage I have ever seen :) I like this clock, but need to be able to navigate in the mountains with it. Can it display your current height so it can be used as aid in navigation?
I am also VERY interested/curious on post #457 – can you use either Virtual Partner or Virtual Racer while in Multisport mode. Example – an Ironman event. For the Bike, Virtual Racer is really the only option (due to hills, etc). If you have the course/workout loaded from previous years or training rides, this would be awesome to know where you are at (rather than just checkpoints along the route). On the marathon leg – you could get away with Virtual Partner – as “usually” less hills/environment variables (but again, Virtual Racer would be ideal). Would love to be able to have a page to scroll to during each of the bike/run to show me how I am doing against either VR or VP for that leg.
Anyone know if this is possible? (considering buying this unit almost just for this if it is doable!)
Cheers and as always, ridiculously awesome review!
Hello Rainmaker! Would you say 910xt is the best option you have tried for openwater swimming? I only swim and I do it in open waters most of the time. Thank you
Is there any word on when the 920XT will be out? I bought my 310XT not long before the 910XT hit, and I wasn’t too happy about that since the price of the 310XT dropped a lot after that. I want to upgrade to a 910XT now, but I’d rather not have that happen again…
Absolutely fantastic review!! I now know that when I have the money available I will buy this watch. I am so happy someone ha taken the time to write a truely in depth review on running and cycling accesories. Being an avid runner and cyclist I was unsure what watch or computer to get…..not anymore. Keep up the great work
I have a 901XT and I love it – bought largely based on your review DC, thank you!
My question – my gym has those cool Stages Freemotion spin bikes. Does anyone know if they can export workout data to a 910?
I know that Stages has a cool iPhone app that can capture the data via an ANT+ adaptor, but I’d rather not go buy the adaptor when I have a perfectly good ANT+ watch!
I love the 910XT. For those who have lost their watches while using a quick release kit…I recommend wearing the watch under your wetsuit sleeve. I do it during all of my open water swims and during a recent half ironman race and have had zero issues. Works great and easy to remove wetsuit with watch still on.
I was wondering if anyone is having issues with elevation? My elevation charts are wrong and has me at 30,000 feet where I live its only 400 ft. Garmin thinks its a software issue.
Awesome review. I purchased my 910XT solely based on your review (from REI), and I have regretted the purchase since. I am a triathlete, cyclist, hiker, trail runner (essentially I collect hobbies), and I have used this watch for all of those. It works awesome for swimming (thanks for the tips on how to use it for lap swimming), cycling and trail running. Also, I used it on a 2 day hike up both Mt Elbert and Mt Massive, and it worked awesome (I stored waypoints for possible winter campsites, and battery life was not an issue (more than 14 hours of hiking. I turned all of the contrast settings to low, turned off the back light and when I wasn’t walking I turned off completely). THANKS!
Regarding the instant pace/speed issue. When you say you didn’t notice it, how many data screens/fields were you running?
I’ve been having a terrible time with it [I do mostly fast walking] with times bouncing up to 30kph range [I wish] and down to 0kph. The instant paces were always higher than ave lap paces. In fact, when converting the .TCX files to a spreadsheet, I noticed that speed calculated from the position data [delta position *3.6 for kph at 1/sec recording] was much more accurate than the “random” instant speed actually recorded. So, position is right on, the speed/pace calculations are miserable.
It struck me that maybe Garmin was asking too much from an underpowered CPU. So instead of using 4 data pages with 3-4 fields each, plus Virtual Partner, I turned off Virtual Partner.
I did two workouts today [warmup, HIIT]: the warmup – very slow, before turning off Virtual Partner – gave me the usual incompetent instant speed/pace readings: max speed bumps of 16kph when my average speed was a rather constant 5.7kph. The HIIT workout was after turning off VP. Ave speeds/paces were much more accurate, corresponding to actual lap times, with no inaccurate spiking.
Conclusion based on a single trial: the 910XT cannot handle everything claimed at one time; cut it a little slack, and it works much better.
Again, I’m curious: how many data fields/pages are you using? A lower number could explain why you missed this bug.
Thanks for the great review! However, I do not get it considering all the comments around the Internet if the barometric altimeter is crap or not? Is there anyone who is happy about it – does it work for some individuals? Are some devices faulty from scratch? I would love to have a barometric altimeter in the watch but I can not decide whether to choose the 610 or 910 (considering all comments regarding the 910)…
Re my previous comment #526. Further experimentation shows that the 910xt is back to giving garbage results for pace/speed. I wore my 405cx at the same time and that gave me very precise, useful readings.
I also noted that the recovery heart rate determination is totally miscalculated. It gave, e.g., 40bpm for a decrease from 140bpm to 110bpm, supposedly over 2 minutes. In my book, that should be 15bpm.
And of course, looking at the lap history gives the ego-gratifying but totally useless results of 15secs for each 100 m lap. Not bad: 4min/mile pace over 5k.
Time to contact Garmin service and see if they can give any satisfaction before proceeding to more serious steps.
I had read a review that the 910 is inconsistent on real time run pace display. Has this been anyone’s experience? Planning to buy a garmin soon and just want to make sure I get the right one. Probably go with the 910 or the 610 and Swim. Thanks!
Great test! I thing comes to my mind, when I compare Garmin and Polar products.
Polar has those heart rate variance/variability based features like fitness test (Ownindex) incl. max heart rate at that day, ZoneOptimizer, Ownzone (checks your heart rate zones at that day, so, you can train within at the right intensity). I think, this very helpfull, since max heart rate is influenced by many factors and therefore varies each day. Since, a max heart rate test on the track isn’t realy a choice, such hear rate variance based features are an huge benefit of Polar watches over others.
I am thinking of buying a new Forerunner 90XT and was just wondering could you use the watch during an aerobic or step class? I am guessing this would only be useful to record heart rate and calories? Would you set it to run mode? Do you have any other recommendations in this regard?
Ray, any news on Garmin adding automatic interval support? My swim sense just took a dump (band broke) and am considering a move.
Automated interval support was a huge upgrade for the swim sense because it really allowed the swim sense to operate in two modes. Mode 1 is what I would call “pool mode”. I can have a single screen with the key fields to focus on pace, strike rate, etc. Mode 2 is PC mode. The automated intervals made it quite easy to spend some quality time focusing on the bigger picture and not deciphering what I swam and what the watch thought I swam.
All of that aside… We (swim community) are starting to see some good hardware hit the market. However, as with all technology, the software for swimming analysis is really lagging the hardware.
Im not sure if I got it right or not but i’m wondering if the watch can give you your heart rate information for swimming? I know you said it doesnt go you the heart rate live while you’re swimming…but if you’re wearing the chest strap….cant it give you your heart rate after your done and plug it to your computer??? Thanks
I’ve had the 910XT (or, a couple of them actually) for more than a month now, and probably done 30 workouts with it balanced pretty well between the three sports, as well as 2 full triathlons. Love the watch so far but it’s not perfect.
Some tips-n-tricks: – auto-multisport is great, but I put two openwater swims in there so you can either track the warm up or (more likely) make a mistake hitting the lap button once pre-start, and it’s okay. – auto-multisport results in one big .fit file, garmin connect knows how to split it, then you export the .tcx files from there to put them in WKO+ or Strava or where ever – for open water swimming you only get data on lap markers, so I set auto-lap for every 100yds (or meters, whatever) when open-water swimming
Some notes: – even without the quick release, it’s already big enough on my wrist that I’ve struggled with it both triathlons in T1 getting the arm out. Not impossible but it is a struggle, and inevitably I hit the stop/start button during the struggle, FYI
Unfortunately, the problems: – the quick release would be neat, but if you read the amazon reviews, apparently a quarter-turn system is fast but dangerous. Lots of 910s sleeping with the fishes. Any way to lock these down? Maybe one of the bike mount rubber bands as a supplement? Anyone use the fabric strap instead? I just leave it on my wrist for now. – Data dropouts – link to forums.garmin.com – if you leave it on your wrist, it will periodically lose ANT+ contact with (and thus record zeros for) power/speed/cadence. I had approximately 5% zeros from the 910XT vs the Edge800 when used on the same ride. Use left wrist? use the (dangerous) quick release? – Altitude – I also see the altitude problem others see. What I get frequently is an altitude graph that has the variation you expect, but with a persistent bias / y-axis shift throughout the workout. Edge800 doesn’t show this. – They no longer show stroke rate data vs time in Garmin Connect (unlike the screenshot in this review) and there’s no way to get at that data. Only average stroke rate per open water interval.
Great watch, and I’m not giving it back (except the one that sacrificed itself to save my wrist in an otherwise harmless bike accident, refurb / RMA’d for $99), but it’s not perfect.
thx for the detailed review and the updates as well. I bought the device without any questions in mind…
Now that I am using the 910 xt, I have one question: In the watch’s history I can see the total Multi distance and stuff but through Garmin Connect I am not able to see the multidistance, etc. Everything is shown seperately…Is this hos it is or my fault?
Hi Ray, I’m planning to buy one of these, and I’m a little bit confused on the bike setup. If there is a speed sensor and it also has GPS data, which one is displayed? do you need speed sensor at all, or cadence is sufficient?
Ray, Do you have any explanation why my fairly new Garmin 910XT would repeatedly shut down on a bike ride? I purchased it in August. It works perfectly when swimming and running. I have a Trek Madone road bike with the Duotrap speed/cadence sensor dedicated to the bike. When I ride, the Garmin repeatedly just shuts off and I have to restart it. I have been having an ongoing email discussion with Garmin support and so far, all they can tell me is that they think it is the speed/cadence sensor that is causing this. No explanation of why. No instructions on what to do. My speed/cadence sensor has always worked fine with the Node II computer that I used until I purchased the Garmin. Seems to me that there is a “glitch” in this unit and I should be given the option of returning it or exchanging. Except for this issue, I love the unit and I feel it will be essential to my training for my first full ironman November 2013. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or thoughts. Rick Bosshardt, MD
Rick #543 There a whole slew of code bugs relating to shutdowns fixed in 2.50 and 2.60 firmware. Are you running 2.60 code? See link to www8.garmin.com
This doesn’t mean your issues are fixed, but you should try it if you haven’t already.
Hi “Great Unknown” (post 526 and 528) and you other Garmin users :)
Are you still having troubles with showing the instant pace/speed issue, or has the issue been fixed e.g. in a software update? (i.e. the problem that the 910XT’s current pace (km time) varies significantly)
I stumbled on your site as trying to pick a GPS heart-rate monitor that meets my specific needs.
My basic activity is gym work, running, a bit of cycling and outrigger canoeing. I would really like a slim device that can measure heart rate, speed, distance etc that is fully waterproof for when I jump in the water to cool down. I don’t need the swimming functions – but don’t want to take it off when swimming.
The 910XT can obviously do all this – but I think I may be falling into the category of bringing a gun to a knife-fight.
Can you recommend anything else that will be suitable?
I’ve been looking around but haven’t found anything about this around here.
Have you heard of a malfunction with the barometric altimeter where for some reason there s a constant change and does not calibrate? I’ve found a few comments on the web but no solutions…
Basically it seems to be gradually compensating through a very wide range of altitudes (which are obviously wrong). You can take a look at this workout I did for example: link to connect.garmin.com Sometimes it tends to go up, reset and again start going up; while some other times it does the same downwards.
I could use the elevation correction function in Garmin Connect, but isn’t having a barometric altimeter a solution precisely no to do that? Plus now all my data is messed up for use in SportTracks…
Any suggestions to fix it? Or should I start checking for warranty stuff?
Just got mine back from support, a brand new model. I also got the condensation problem and several lines of the display failed.
Failure code FRX10CON failure text FRx10 condensation
Took them just a few days and no further questions, pretty fast and good support!
I´m eager to test the new one, because i had trouble with strokerate in open water. Wondering wether this one will get it done as accurate as in the pool, but it´s winter in germany now, so it´ll take some months until i can test it…
My last 6 months of using the 910XT had been absolutely great, i love this watch!
For use in triathlons i have the quick release kit, works fine, even for swimming, if you cover the really big watch-tower under your swimsuit. No chance to loose it, fast T1. sometimes i´m frightend the swimsuit will tear, but it works fine.
had no issues with pace so far, but switched to pace/lap with lapsize 1km, wich i read about before receiving my watch. I also do not use very much info on my display, only one or two screens and 2 to 4 metrics, thats it.
Hi there, this is just a fabulous blog, I am in awe of your dedication to all technical SBR toys…
As a complete technophobe I read yout Garmin FR 910XT review many times before shelling out…
I’ve had a lot of use out of it but have been scuppered by my mac having an OS too old to support the Garmin Connect, I see this as a goos reason to treat myself to an IPad…
Anyway…I bought the GC10 cadence sensor, I have paired the devices and I have changed the data fields to show cadence…I’ve checket the green light on the unit is flashing as the crank arm passes it….but nothing…not a single revolution shown…any clues?
Do I have to pair each time? I was under the impression I would pair once, jump aboard and every time I rode it would register….
Let me know if I’ve done something stupid! Many thanks
A little late to the party here, but wanted to add my 2 cents.
Have been using a 910XT for a few months now, loving it, except for one missing feature.
There is no simple lap/interval counter for swim mode (as there is with run and bike modes).
For example, a couple of my recent swim sessions include a 10x 400m, and 100x 50m. I need something show show me I’m on lap/interval #6, for example. Otherwise it’s just too hard to remember.
I don’t care to know how many lengths I have swum in each interval, just need a simple number to tell me how many intervals I’ve completed, or what number interval I’m on. Ever tried keeping track of 100x 50m in your head?!
Unless I’m completely missing something here, does anyone else find this frustrating?
You can customize the display fields within the unit. For example, set on eof the fields to show ‘Lap – Distance’, and one to show ‘Total – Distance’, and then add the ‘Laps’ field.
That’ll show you the distance within the current set (Lap), the total distance in your workout, and then the number of ‘Laps (sets)’, you did. In this context, lap = time between buttons, not lap of a pool.
Does anybody know how to delete a lap from the History menu (just one single lap out of the entire training session)?
(This is nice to do if I have forgotten to stop the time or if the Auto Pause function starts the time during a break without me noticing it)
On my old Garmin 405, it is possible to delete a single lap by opening up that specific training session and going to the specific lap, and then pushing down and holding the Reset button for 3 seconds.
But this method does not seem to work on the 910. It is neither possible to delete a lap through the Delete menu, and I haven’t found another way to do it.
I do use custom fields, however my 910XT does not have “Lap – Distance” as an option, but rather “Distance – Interval” – is this the field you refer to?
The “Laps” field you refer to sounds perfect, it’s all I’m looking for to be able to count my laps/sets – HOWEVER, this field does not exist in the option menu on my 910XT. “Lengths” is the closest possible comparable, however as you would know, this does not help my needs.
The first part makes sense, but I’m still loking for a function to tell me on screen how many laps (i.e. intervals) I have swum, or what # interval I am currently on.
Hope thatmakes sense.
It’s available in Run and Bike modes, but seemingly not in Swim mode, which I find difficult to understand why it wouldn’t be there.
Do you think it may be possible that Garmin release something like this in a firmware update?
Sorry, yes, Distance-Interval is what I was referring to.
Had a brain fart and forgot they change the word ‘lap’ to interval for swimming.
Having just bought the 910XT (mainly for open water swim plus tris) I have noticed I dont have stroke information in Garmin Connect. I see its in the screen grabs you took in the review and was a large reason for me buying this watch. I am running 2.60 firmware, the most recent myGarmin showed me from last week anyway.
Is this is an introduced bug (the watch is recording stroke rate, although sometimes widely out of what I am swimming as in thousands out)in software on garmin Connect or the watch?
Also would be better to see stats per 100m on garmin Connect rather than pace per km. I expected better on this.
I’ve read through all of this, and this still isn’t clear to me: is the “instant pace” on the 910 decent/usable with the latest firmware? It sounds like there was an update to make it better, but then there are some comments that indicate it didn’t help.
TIA.
It seems like it wouldn’t be that hard to make to make user-customizable, with 0,1,2,3,4,5 sec averaging selections.
Since my posting above, I have bought the 910. The first thing I did after the purchase was to update to newest firmware, and I have not had any problems with the “instant pace” jumping up and down.
However, I have still not found out whether it is possible to delete one lap out of a training session.. Can anyone help with this??
Hello! I have used my Garmin 910XT:mad: for only some weeks when i decided to change back to Polar:) There is nothing good with a Garmin 910 XT The buttons are hard and it’s very ugly. Short batt time, you always need to check if you think it will last all your training. If you are many users of GPS watches only a few will show the same distans in the end.(Garmin is not better) My Garmin is not better than a “Runkeeper” App on a phone. The heart rate show every sek but in Garmin connect you only get 1 of 16 sek and you cant change that. In a half maraton competition i get many places with high heart rates, but i cant find out where my max was ? It show a max value but not a time for it. Garmin support could not help me, i had so many things to say about the bad Garmin connect that them told me to write to Garmin ide’s for support and feedback. If you have used a Polar before everything feels cheap with Garmins program. It’s like many people have work on almost the same thing and every one have get it’s work on the Garmin Connect. It’s a mess:confused::(:mad:
TO ALL POLAR USERs “YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD CHOICE”
I will give my Garmin away soon(To a friends daugther), but first i will compare it with my soon new POLAR RCX5:) Big hopes:):):):D:rolleyes:
This Garmin program:mad: and Watch:( is not fun to use, if you think that you need help with your training. With Garmin you need to know your body for 100% It’s hard to start from zero, you get not much help from your watch. You only get help to know if you are slower or faster than last time. And for that you only need a stopwatch, not a bad ugly GPS.
I have a 910XT HRM + Speed/cadens + fot pod. Look’s like new, only used 4 times.(One in a sleep test)
A shout-out for a great product and great customer service. Thanks, Garmin! I used my 910XT to train for Ironman Canada. I started using the unit in Feb. 2012 and used it every day for pool, open water, bike, and run. And, of course, during the race. Plenty of battery life, Garmin Connect provided excellent data. I uploaded my metabolic rate test data and it provided customized data. The 910XT worked flawlessly until about late July when my elevation data started adding zeros. I received prompt online support, was told to ship it back for repair. Two weeks later, A BRAND NEW UNIT was sitting on my doorstep! Go with Garmin. All my IM training peeps are using the 910XT. It works.
I don’t expect anything anytime soon. The absolute soonest you’d see anything would be next summer (availability). But I’m not sure we’ll see that. They still have to refresh both the cycling-specific lineup (Edge 500/Edge 800) and the running lineup (such as the FR610) before they dive into the triathlon watch. Plus, there really isn’t much new competition on the tri-watch side for them, so I don’t think we’ll see a push in 2013 for one.
Not quite yet. Though VASA is working on an ANT+ module that will broadcast it using the standard speed/distance/cadence, which the FR910XT can pickup.
I have a 310xt now w/hr and it can be very difficult some times to get a GPS signal even if if start form the same location everyday. Also the hrm does connect very well even with new strap and battery.
First off, this is my first visit to your website and as a techie guy myself, I just have to tell you how much I appreciate the detail of your post.
My wife, the far more athletic of us, has just signed up for her first half ironman. She and I have both been avid runners and have been using the FR 205 for a few years and it’s been great as a consistently reliable, if not old and a bit slow, workhorse. She’s talked a lot about wanting to get a heart rate monitor, which of course the 205 doesn’t support, so with her birthday right around the corner I was thinking I’d upgrade her to something that can handle not only heart rate but all three sports. It seems that between the 310xt and the 910xt, this one is clearly worth the price difference, but are there any watches by other companies that you would consider or recommend?
Also, she has an old Timex Ironman watch that allowed her to wirelessly control play/pause/ffwd/rew on her iPod. Do you know if any companies still sell anything with that functionality?
I’d go with the FR310XT honestly, especially with today’s Black Friday prices (most of which are good through the weekend). The 910XT of course has the pool swimming functionality, so that’s something to consider.
As for other companies or brands, I would have recommended the Switch and Switch Up, but the instant-pace issues holds me back there. The Timex Global Trainer is good, but if she’s had the FR205 she’s probably well ‘vested’ into her Garmin training log – so it makes sense to keep that.
On the music control front, not much today. The Motoactv does (heck, it includes the music player built in), but the product has been shelved, so support isn’t going to happen moving forward. There’s been some tech demos of the Timex products to act as a iPod controller, but none of it has made it from vaporware stage unfortunately, and I wouldn’t expect them at all to release a firmware update (very rarely does Timex had significant new features in a firmware update).
My iPad autocorrected my intended username of TriHusband but I guess I’ll stick with what it picked instead :)
I really appreciate your effort to save me about 200 bucks by recommending the 310XT instead. Most of her training, especially early on, will be in an indoor pool and I want her to be able to use that. Plus I’m very worried about the pin breaking and the device falling to the bottom of the lake, and since replacing the 310XT one time would cost more than just getting the 910XT off the bat, I’ll probably go with that.
However, she is actually not particularly invested in her Garmin training log to date, so I will look into the Timex Global Trainer as well.
MOTO discontinuing support for the Motoactv is really disappointing. When it was announced, my instinct was that the first-gen model would be weak and buggy but that a second-gen model could be fantastic, and now we’ll never know.
Unfortunately not. There are however ways that if you have your VO2Max test sheet (with the data), you can put it into some little web tools and get a New Leaf profile fake-generated. It’s on my New Leaf post, check in the comments.
For example, if I created an intervalle workout on garmin.connect, can I put vibration between each step of my workout? Like between each intervalle or between each step (warm-up, intervalle, cooldown).
Each time it changes workout ‘chunks’, it’ll automatically alert per your alerting settings. So yup, assuming you have your alerting settings set to the default (Vibrate/Beep/Display all at once), you’d be good to go.
It’s super-frustrating that the “current pace” is still not calculated correctly on my watch. It’s a 910xt with software-upgrade 2.60. It’s set to show 4 pages of information (fastest rotation) and collecting data each second. I only use it for running and I’m using the HR functionality also. The current pace mostly shows a lot faster than it actually is. Al data is shown in metric and the pace is shown in minutes/km. The refresh rate is set to each second. An example: Yesterday we had a slowly pace-day with 15 km in pace 4:33. On my watch it constantly showed pace about 3:05-3:15 min/km which was wrong with a big margin. It seems that it is the watch itself that calculates it wrongly during training. When uploaded to garmin connect this wrong calculated data is transferred also and is shown on the graph.
When taking the mouse to the graph on the web (Garmin Connect) the help-text shows the position and time and the speed. I guess you all have tried this. Also here it shows 3:05-3:15 min/km.
HOWEVER..if I calculate the current pace manually by taking the position and time-information for 2 or 3 points on the graph (finding the distance and how long time it took) then the pace was about 4:15!!!! (This is more the speed we had). So this tells me that there is no recalculation on the graph on Garmin Connect!! It will show wrong data … a wrong graph by other words…if the data transmitted from the watch was calculated wrongly on the watch itself. It seems that Garmin should incorporate a function that checks the validity of data transferred up to Garmin Connect. The strange thing is that it seems that the overall time and the overall distance is correctly on the watch so the datacollection on the watch (the GPS-positions) should be somehow correct. The average pace on both the watch and on Garmin Correct shows correct 4:33 min/km in average.
So what can be conluded by this: It seems that there still is a bug in the current pace-calculation on the watch. It gets the rigt GPS-coordinats and timing-information but it simply calculates it wrong. This data is then transmitted to Garmin Connect that dont recalculate but just shows the data wrongly.
This gives me some more questions:
1: Is this only my watch that shows wrong data? (I guess not based on all the problems above).
2: Can I live with the problem? Answer..not so long because I’m a trainer in a 1000-member running-club and as a trainer on the fastest team we have to be running the pace in the programme. Right now I’m running in “blind” so the watch is absolutely useless.
3: Can I expect a software-upgrade from Garmin? Maybe..but I guess not. This issue has been reported more than a year ago and they still havent come up with a good solution.
4: Should I return the watch to Garmin and get a new one? It seems to me that its a software issue so I wouldnt benefit from that
4: Should I change the display to 2 or 3 pages and go back from updating each second to 10-15 seconds? Answer: I have tried that and this gives better pace-information. This could be the option but it’s still not precise enough so I’d rather deliver the watch back (it’s only a couple of months old), and buy a new 405 in stead. This shows correct pace and my last one could last about 800 trainingsessions before it broke down.
what about
1. using a footpod – does it make a difference
2. Changing the autolap/lap distance to an artificially low number say 400m…would that make a lap pace then more useful as a current(ish) pace.
I agree with Hans I am really surprised the pace has been not solved yet. I was out on a run today and running at the same speed I went up and down over 1 min per mile, very frustrating when I am trying to run at a specific speed. The funny part is it seems when I program the 910 to run for example 6 and 6:30 pace it appears to be correct. I have not checked the garmin upload that Hans indicated which actually has me concerned now
FYI… Update 2.7 for 910XT is out since yesterday and seems to improve on erroneous elevation data through the barometric altimeter, which a lot of people on the forums were complaining about.
Haven’t seen too many test results out there yet, so people who are currently having no issues with their 2.60 might want to wait a bit before taking the plunge.
From the Garmin site:
Changes made from version 2.60 to 2.70:
Elevation improvements:
1. Improve total ascent/descent values.
2. Improvements to reduce elevation drift during an activity.
3. Improvements to reduce spurious changes in elevation.
4. Improve elevation auto-calibration at power up and between activities.
5. Improve elevation performance when GPS is turned off.
6. Improve elevation performance after swimming.
Foreign language corrections.
Changes to support manufacturing.
Good review Ray. As usual I find your reviews to be in depth to the a great degree. Thanks for the effort.
I am planning to get this for my Xmas shopping, considering the pace issue and mid-workout shut off, I am seriously thinking, would I be better off going in for 310xt which is a lot cheaper and works fairly well.
The 2.7 update also doesn’t seem to address the pace issue (at least as per the post above) and from Garmin Forums. Could you throw light on whether this issue exists, will it be fixed, and any indication when it will be fixed. Also I would like to know if its a hardware issue, which could be a reason for that a year down its launch the issue seem to be reported by users.
I am fairly convinced on 910xt barring the issues posted above, various forums and amazon review.
FYI: I updated to 2.7 last week and went for a 150km, 5h30min bike course this weekend that I pre-planned on Garmin Connect. I had multiple on-off-course moments due to construction workers posting bike detours.
I did not experience any mid-workout shutdowns and the watch behaved as it should throughout the entire way.
I do run, however I don’t tend to use the instant pacing feature. I set the watch to 1km intervals, when it beeps/vibrates/lights up and shows me my pace for the past 1km.
But anyway I’m going for a run tonight, so I’ll set the instant pace on my screen and I’ll try to see whether it seems ok for me. :-)
As promised, I checked the instant pace yesterday.
For what it’s worth:
To me it depends on what you expect from it: It doesn’t seem super accurate (how could it be? it’s gps-based), but then again it’s not “all over the place” like some people at the Garmin forums seem to claim.
I was running a fairly consistent pace of a bit over 5min/k for my entire 10k training (I checked it afterwards) and I saw only instant pace values of 5-5:30min/k on my watch during my run.
Mind you: I did have the luxury of running woodless laps (great GPS visibility) with 4.5 out of 5 km of dead straight running tracks (of course there are two turns). This makes it super easy on the watch, of course :-)
As previously announced at Interbike, the Edge 500/800, FR310XT and now the FR910XT will all get the TrainingPeaks metrics of TSS (Training Stress Score), IF (Intensity Factor), and NP (Normalized Power). [Update note, it has since been announced that the FR310XT will NOT get the power update]
Thanks for the great reviews. I am about to purchase a computer (500 or 910). Do you know if the Training Peaks Metrics updates have been released yet?
Has anyone discovered a way to have both auto lapping and also manual lapping and have it show up in the analysis eg I ride a 32km loop, I want to see my averages per 5km but also manually lap every 32km? My Polar did this and I really miss it.
Not in the unit itself. That said, Sport Tracks does support this for post-ride analysis – the ability to create ‘virtual splits’ on the time splices you’d like – in addition to the existing splits you have.
Does the 910 provide post-workout the amount of time above/in/below the heart rate zone which you set in the alarm section? If not, does any GPS/HR watch do so? I need to track how much time I am spending above a certain threshold.
Thanks and I can’t tell you how impressed I am with your attention to detail!
Hi, can anyone advise on the following, i have a 405 when i go into history to look through a run i do not get a cumulative total on each lap, my girlfriend has a 305 and this provides this function which i find useful-good to be able to look back for example on a 10k race and have a lap time for each km but also to be able to see what split was at half way, just wondering if 910 also shows this?
Many thanks.
*Keep up the good work Ray, its invaluable and more than appreciated by many
Thanks Ray – seems I have to get SportTracks off the to do list and onto the desktop :-) I also miss Polar Pro Trainer… This was Garmins reply, I have suggested it as a future update as Polar already do it:
We are glad to help you. The way an Auto Lap and simply pressing the Lap button works is this: (I’ll use the distances you have indicated)…
I have my Forerunner and set it to Auto Lap every 5km. The device will then create a new lap for every measurement of 5km from the moment I press the Start/Stop button. This would mean if I didn’t touch a thing during my run a new lap would be created at 5km, 10km, 15km and so on.
Now, if I were to press the Lap/Reset button at 32km this then gives the watch a new ‘marker’ (if you will). It will now begin to count every 5km from that 32km mark. So, with this example, I press Lap at 32 km and now the next time Auto Lap kicks in it will be at 37km, then 42km, then 47km, and so on. When I reach 64km I press Lap again…now the watch will not Auto Lap again until 69km.
As you probably have more sway with Garmin than the rest of us put together… :-) While I’m on my firmware soapbox… I also have another suggestion – when you have set upper/ lower limits it would be great to have a constant beeping noise if you are above the zone and a different (but constant) beeping noise to indicate your are below. That way you can get on with eg running and don’t have to look at the unit when it triggers the periodic alert.
Thanks for all your hard work Rainmarker. Would really love to buy this watch but the lack of a “sleeping alarm” is unfortunately a deal breaker. What are the chances this will be added in a future software update? I suspect not good but a man can hope.
No, not at this time. It’s something I’ve been pushing for, but they haven’t done it yet. No technical reason they can’t, as it’s simply a different ANT+ device profile.
The only issue I have with this watch (which I got for Christmas) is that it DOESN’T truly work with the quarter turn bike mount for an edge. The connectors are offset by 90 degrees (link to t.co) so unless you swap back and forth between two mounts (or rotate one back and forth 90 degrees), one will always be 90 degree to it’s proper orientation.
do you have any updates from Garmin regarding the standby mode? :-) Are we going to see this in an upcoming firmware or it’s something this device won’t see at all?… :-)
I’ve bit the bullet and bought it since amazon uk had a good deal, i think i could live without the standby mode…but c’mon…no watch + date function on this device?
No, nothing at this point. At most you’d only get about 2 days out of it in such a mode, given that’s the battery limitation with GPS off and the display on.
Ray,
push them :-), I’m sure they’ll finally listen to you :-)…
But what I’m mostly afraid of is that they’ll release the Garmin 920XT next year, even slimmer/ smaller, which of course will have the standby function at the release…
I don’t expect a new triathlon watch in 2013, at least, not before the end of the season. They’re typically on a two-year cycle, which would mean Oct-Dec 2013. But I’m not convinced they’ll make that move, and would instead wait until Spring 2014. The reason being a simple lack of truly competitive units in the triathlon GPS market. If something big happens, then they might react for a Kona launch (Oct 2013), but otherwise, I think they’ll just wait it out and let technology improve.
I do agree with your reasoning although I’m a bit suspicious about the price drop; 36% is pretty much…even for amazon – and black friday is long gone; as far as I know this was their biggest price drops for this device ;-)…either way, time will tell…
Do you have any updates on the next FR 210 generation, since 210 is more then 2 years old…?
Nothing on the Forerunner series at this point. I don’t think we’ll see any new running watches until later in the year. We just saw the FR10, which although aimed at a budget market, has taken many potential FR210 buyers.
The “instant pace”-problem seems not to have been resolved with the 2.70 upgrade. I have used 2.70 during my holiday and nothing has changed since 2.60 regarding instant pace. I now expect something is wrong with the chip inside so it cant calculate the pace corretly during my training.
Perhaps they have been using different chips and my one is an old one. It seems not strong enough to calculate whats been promised.
I will now send the watch back to Garmin for a replacement.
If the problem still occurs with the new one I have to “downgrade” to another watch like the 410 that has no problems with the instant pace.
yes i have found it not fixed.
do you know if there are different chips?
i had a replacement unit sent to me with 2.60 installed (probably refurbished). so not sure if it had the latest physical version of the chip or not.
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Lucythecow here. Just to saying THANKS DC for the fast and very helpful reply. You are a champion!
Hello.
I have some trouble with my 910XT. It display Speed and Cadence well indoor. But, when I change my GPS off, the Speed doesn’t work anymore. And, I change GPS on again, even I indoor, the Speed is work. How about your 910XT, is it okay?
Hi, I broke my arm badly (think Humpty Dumpty) in a bike accident, so am recovering now and i have mucho time to read your awesome in depth review! I am riding but inside for awhile swimming soon, and running a bit, trying to keep fitness!! :) Hoping to get back at full speed and get the Garmin 910XT soon! Thanks!
Has anybody tried to navigate any course/track and in middle tell to 910XT to go back to start point ?
is it possible ?? to navigate back to start point when you follow a track
Thank you
Thanks for this great review! Just got my watch and I love it!
I was playing with the garmin training center and was wondering if when settings goals for a training segment, it it sets the proper alert (like you have to be in HR Z1, if your HR goes higher, will the watch alert me?)
I couldn’t find it in the help of Training Center =/
Keep up the great work!
Martin
It would be helpful to note/link in the review which iPhone app to use to upload data (WahooFitness) and that upload through the app is via the History screen. I finally figured it out by reading your Wahoo post, but it would be helpful to note that here as well.
After figuring out the logistics and transferring the file from my 910xt to my iPhone, I was disappointed with upload reliability. I could only upload to Garmin Connect. The WahooFitness app crashed when I tried RunKeeper and e-mail, and gave an error when sending to TrainingPeaks. I realize the 910xt isn’t officially supported, but I at least expected e-mail to work. But I’m guessing this will get better with time.
Thank you for doing these reviews!! I always visit your webpage and appreciate the detailed reviews. You are awesome!
Thanks for putting this up, it’s an excellent read. I just got one today and I can’t wait to test it out on the road tomorrow.
Hi Ray,
I was wondering, were you already using the quick release on that video about the wetsuit removal?! If not, do you reckon it would be as easy as it was without the quick release set up?! Cheers
Hello,
I have mz new 910xt unit, but I can’t find the way to display the time in big as a normal watch? Does anyone know the solution?
The 910XT certainly looks bigger than the 610, but I’m surprised to see the specs that show that both watches are 72 grams. Have you done your own measuerments to confirm this? Do you notice any difference when it comes to wearing them?
Ray – You’ve probably posted this before, and apologies for that, but wonder if you can shed some light as to whether there’s a way to — in a single act — upload from the 910XT to Garmin Connect and simultaneously to Training peaks or if they need to happen separately.
Regarding total descent (for skiing), my original comment was for the History pages. The total descent is not available in the history pages (of the watch) so cannot compare runs across days (without garmin.connect).
Regarding showing the date in the watch, I contacted Garmin and this is their response:
“…There is not a data field for the date that may be added as a data field for the device at this time, however, I have passed on the suggestion to add the field and would ask for you to please also submit it as an idea in the link below.
link to www8.garmin.com“
I suggest everyone post a request at the link provided above to get their attention. I hate carrying a daily watch in addition to the 910xt. Prevents me from reviewing/planning my runs during breaks, etc. I’ll have to consider the Suunto Ambit….
By the way, the Suunto T6D exports R-R data. First you upload the data to the “movescount” website and then click export. The exported data is in Excel format and displays all activity parameters in addition to beats to beat intervals (R-R).
Another point about the T6D is it records temperature. Its interesting to see changes in temperature during the run. Absolute temperature is not as useful as relative temperature.
Now that I have used the 910xt for several runs, here are issues I found:
1. No icons to tell if the timer has started or not (need to press the power button or add time field to display)
2. Went on a bike ride and didn’t realize I had the GPS off until the map was missing on garmin.connect. Would be nice to have an icon on the main page.
3. Easy to accidentally press the start/stop button. Happened to me a number of times. The vibration alarm alerted me of this.
In comparison, the Suunto T6D has small icons to provide feedback on timer activation, TE level, etc.
As always, brilliant -Thank you for all your work!
I was wondering if you knew how I could extract more ‘value’ from my TE readings on the 910. I am a mac user, I noticed that Suuntos spit out a specific TE graph etc. which is useful.
Also, what are your comments about Garmin’s TE tech compared to Suunto’s? Seems to me (based on v limited analyses) that Garmin has some catch up to do? I do only use Garmin Connect and G Training Center..
Would really appreciate your input!
Impressive review, really appreciated!
I have one 910xt and I have been use it for a couple of days now. Today I noticed some condensation in the middle of the screen. From your experience; is this normal or should I send it back to Garmin?
Thanks for the help
Awesome,thanks Ray! Just finished my first Tri with my new 910 this morning. Is there a way to merge the multisport activities into 1 entry?? Seems like a lot of interest in this but can’t figure it out.
Hi Ray, Question regarding the QR kit. Have you had any abnormal power downs from your 910 when it is on the QR? I am on my second 910 (Warranty replacement) and both will crash if I ride over rougher bitumen when it’s on the QR. I am using the Edge mounts but have noticed that the rubber backing plates on the 910XT QR kit mounts are a bit different from the edge mounts. (Rings instead of solid circles). If you are speaking to Garmin can you ask if this is an intentional design change? Thanks Heaps
I sent a message to Support indicating the need for the ability to use the 910XT in a 20yd pool to be competitive with the Finis SwimSense and PoolMate. Support indicated I should enter the request in their “Ideas Portal”, (which I had never heard of – it’s only referenced on this site once), so I did.
You should too!
[url]www.garmin.com/ideas[/url]
Thanks Ray for such a fantastic review! After going over it several times I finally decided to bite the bullet and upgrade to the 910xt (from the 310xt).. using your Amazon link of course. :)
I have one question.. My swim coach wants me to buy/use a Tempo Trainer (link to finisinc.com), which is essentially an underwater metronome. It would be pretty sad if my $400 watch couldn’t replicate the same functionaly as this device. Based on what I’ve read the current software doesn’t have any such feature though. :( Do you know if it is possible to set a periodic timer on the 910xt so it can be used for temo training while swimming?
Thanks again for the great review.
I just bought a new 910xt—-I am looking for MPH for my bike–is it there somewhere and I just haven’t found the correct screen?
Dan T.
Great review as always. What would you recommend for how to use 910xt in a real race to reduce transition times. Quick-release kit? Just leave it on one’s wrist? Thanks.
Also, how would Suunto’s duo heart monitor belt if they supported polar and ANT+ be any help with heart rate acquisition/recording on the 910xt?
Hi,
Thanks for the GREAT review.
Need some help; I have a 910XT and during my last runs I notice a condensation spot. From your experience is this normal or should I return the 910Xt?
Thanks!
Any update on fixing the pace issue? I know that originally it was supposed to be fixed with the 2.4 firmware update but it did not fix it for me and it seems from looking on Garmin’s forums they are still working on it.
As always a great review and thanks for all your hard work.
Just got the 910xt and am learning to use it from your review. Thanks
I’m surprised there is no mention of the Instant Pace accuracy issue with the 910XT in the review. It fluctuates wildly (+/- 1 minute per mile) due to noise in the GPS signal. This problem is well documented in this slowtwitch thread: link to forum.slowtwitch.com .
My old 305 has a data smoothing feature that addresses this problem; the 910XT is unusable for tracking instant pace; you have to look at previous splits to get any usable degree of accuracy. Hopefully data smoothing for Instant Pace in a future update.
Hi!
Well done on a comprehensive review. As my Garmin FR405 has just died ( It had a pampered but well used although short life) it would be usefull to see what your research has found on the longevity of the various bits of kit you have tested. Maybe you can add them as post script.
Thanks,
Mike
nolanmob08@gmail.com
This product is soooo cool that I decided to promote it and become an affiliate on Amazon. Check my website here DC, Garmin Forerunner 910XT
The Multisport Mode, used in my first Tri last month, but it breakdown each segment into individual maps. If I leave in Run Mode, then just hit Lap for each part won’t this work to show the whole race on one map?
Uhhh, … WOW I’ve stumbled onto quite a resource in you. Thanks.
I am looking at the Garmin 910xt forerunner and trying to decide if its worth 100 bucks more than the polar xrc that you’ve peaked my curiosity about. I currently have an older polar that im happy with but would like more data.
Your comparison table did not include multiple user yes-no but saw where you had stated that difference elsewhere. Its interesting that the Garmin can not be used as a watch and does not provide for heart rate monitoring in the water……hummm?
Anyway, I am actually leaning at the polar but am wondering what to expect from the gps with regard to accuracy. You’ve stated that the quick gps pickup for polar is a “yes”, but then tooted garmins 910xt as “great”. I guess as long as its gets the signal prior to a workout and then maintains it, its all good. What say you?
Again, impressed says it lightly. I’ve read a fair number of product reviews (none as time consuming, mind you) but am now on board for some DC Rain.
It would, greater than I care to admit, sway my decision between the two to hear of what you would advise.
One more time, KUDOS for a wealth of information that was clear. The pics were of great help in understanding. response would be much appreciated.
-fast (more or less) Eddie
Bring on the DC Rain, I say!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Ray,
Admirable review ! ……helped me decide on the FR 910XT and then helped me more than the manual. However, I wanted to know the following :
1) Is there a data field for the date or the day of the week ?
2) Can one set wake-up alarms ? – I think, this would be the primary need of any athlete.
3) Is there a data field giving the sunrise time of the next day ?
Regards
Shekhar
As usual, thanks a lot for the great review.
I am (and it seems lots of people are) facing an issue where the 910XT just switches off during a run. I restart it immediately (during the run then), sometimes it resumes operations (no data loss, except a few seconds where the watch rebooted), sometimes the activity restarts at 0 and beginning of my run is just lost!
Also, half of these “interrupted activities” seem to be corrupted, so I can’t even save them to my computer.
I spent a lot of time on Garmin forums but nothing is happening there: link to forums.garmin.com
I’m about to bring the watch back to the shop and negotiate to just get a 310XT or a 610.
Have you heard about that? Any suggestion of what can be done?
Thanks!
Konrad
Hi! Great review! Thanks a lot!
I am before my first purchase of GPS watch. I was thinking about Garmin 910, however I would like to ask you two questions:
1) Does it matter for the GPS signal accuracy/satellite finding etc whether you’re in USA or in Europe (where I run)? :)
2) I am troubled by the problems people report here or for example at the Garmin forum (esp. the “switch-off-during-the-run&all-data lost problem). I would join the others in waiting for your comment whether there was/is going to be software (if that’s software that is faulty) that would fix these sort of problems!
All the best and keep up the great job!
Konrad
On the Forerunner 910XT if you turn off GPS and just have it as a watch how long will it last? and give the example below will it work??
EX. I go to a race away from home (Wildflower) and do not have power. Can i wear it as a watch on the car ride Friday (no GPS and no ANT+), Race (with GPS and ANT+) then after race turn it all off and wear as watch back home on Sunday?
Hi Ray,
Great fan here. My wife just bought a 910XT and will use it in a sprint tri this coming May. I am just worried that she may lose the device in open water. Although the 910XT has a sleeker profile on the wrist and uses screws instead of pins, is it still prone to accidentally breaking off when whacked while swimming? I was thinking of asking her to wear the unit under her wrist to reduce the risk. Thanks and more power to you!
Great review and follow ups!
I just got my 910XT and the pace is wildly fluctuating as others have mentioned. Do you know if this has been corrected? Thanks!!
sthdak@aol.com
Pace issue has been resolved upload the last software update. However, the shutting off while biking issue is still living. Here is the response I received from Garmin when I asked about the issue and if there was a fix.
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
I would be happy to help you with your Forerunner 910XT.
I am sorry that your having problem with the Forerunner 910XT shutting down when mounted to the bike. The Engineers are looking into the issue and this could take a little time. Currently we are recommending that you keep the unit on your wrist while cycling until this problem is resolved.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you and have a great day!
Ray,
Any comment on the durability of the 910xt as a swim device. I ruined a Timex Ironman watch from too much wet button pushing. Rust on the inside.
Tom
I am posting this a second time as the pace issue is definitely NOT resolved with the recent update like others have stated. I think it worked for some but not all. I must be one of the unlucky ones. I have updated to the recent (2.40) release twice and no luck.
Still waiting on an update that works. For now using footpod for pace but not happy that I have to since both my 310 and 305 never had the issue.
First of all, excellent review and lots of good tips. Your site is amazing.
I now have a 910XT to replace my old 305. I really love that that I can swim with it and get instant metrics.
A couple of points of issues that I see:
– Instant pace issue: I have seen the problem from the start. I updated to the 2.40 firmware a couple of days ago and I still see issue with the pace. It does not fluctuate as quickly but it still seems to be way off when the GPS reception is not as good (under trees).
– On Garmin connect, the swim graph sometimes gets confused by adding lengths for the time the timer is stopped….
But overall a good watch IF they fix the pace issue.
I read this review a couple of time before actually buying it. After a couple of weeks thinking about it i decided to buy it… I am greatly disapointed with it, and im greatly disapointed with your review, for being such an “in depth review” you dont mention ANYTHING about the pace, i undestand that is not your responsability that garmin made such a faulty item, but it is your responsability to report it on your review!!!!
I bought it and did the software update and the problem is still there, it is at least 3 minutes off the actual pace, i would undestand this if this was the $120 forerunner 60 but this is a $400+ watch!!!
This is a MAJOR issue! If you are writing a review about an item you should write about the issues it has and not write only the good stuff it has, it really looks like the GARMIN people are paying you to advertise it, because there is no other way that you can write an in depth review and look past this fault…
It is GPS running/multisport watch that doesnt show the pace you are running at!!!! Did you really didnt notice this while writing the review or did you just decided to fool us into buying it??
Hello All-
Thanks for the questions-
SkyChris
RE: Speed/Cadence Sensor issues
I don’t have any issues with my speed/cadence sensor and the 910XT, and use it fairly regularily indoors. Ensure you select SPD/CAD and not just spd or cadence.
Hi Martin-
RE: GTC Goal Alerts
Yes, I use this in races quite frequently where I’ll setup specific ‘workouts’ with my race plan, based primarily on HR zones. When I get outside of that, it’ll beep till the cows come home.
Hi Carlton-
RE: Wahoo iPhone Adapater & 910XT to TP
Hmm, strange, I don’t have any issues to TrainingPeaks – as that’s actually the one I primarily use (I haven’t tried the RunKeeper transfer). Have you checked in with Wahoo support?
Hi Joao-
RE: Update Wetsuit video with quick release
I’ve been using the quick release kit since January, but haven’t done the wetsuit test with it…primarily because it’s just been too darn cold in DC to run out of the water with it. :) But, as to the differences – it’s not quite as ‘streamlined’ as without it, and there’s still a bit of an edge it can catch on. Better than the FR310XT, but not perfect.
Hi Issac-
RE: Normal watch
No, the FR910XT doesn’t really support a ‘normal watch’ mode. You can display time of day, but not date/day/month. Also, it won’t last more than a few days in this mode (I’ve got to try out exactly how long, but haven’t had a chance yet). Somewhere between 55hrs and slightly more than that is my guess.
Hi Anon-
RE: Weight-
I haven’t measured it myself. Though, the FR610 has the metal backing, which is a bit heavy, so they do feel fairly similiar.
Hi Stephen-
RE: Uploading to GC & TP
By default the ANT Agent can update to Garmin Connect automatically (it’s a checkbox). However, all that is needed from the TP DA side is that it be transferred from device to computer. The upload to GC is unrelated. And the TP (via device agent) is seperate. My recommendation is to always select the box to upload to GC even if you don’t use GC – simply because it can act as a backup in case your primary service kicks the bucket.
Hi Peters-
RE:TE
I haven’t spent a ton of time on the TE side of either the FR910XT or the Ambit (or any Suunto device). It’s on my list to poke into and write something deep on, but just hasn’t bubbled yet to the surface.
Hi Ricardo-
RE: Condensation
No, not normal – definitely get it swapped out.
Hi KW-
RE: Merging activities
Not really unfortunately. :( Sport Tracks can do it via the Merge function, but that’s about it. The challenge is that different activities have different sensor types and data units (i.e. miles per hour vs minutes/mile)
Hi Ben-
RE: Tempo Trainer
Not possible. The challenge with putting a tempo trainer in your wrist is hearing it underwater. The Swimsense Tempo Trainer (actually have one in a box still) is designed to be in your swimcap where you can hear it.
Hi Dan/Anon-
RE: MPH for bike
Yes, ensure to change to bike mode (hold mode down), then you’ll be good to go.
Hi skonger-
RE: Faster race transitions
Yeah, the quick release kit is the way to go. But I’d recommend leaving it on your wrist until you’re a few miles down the road and then swapping it to a bike mount (just like grabbing from a waterbottle).
Hi Anon/Carlton-
RE: Pace issue
It depends, for some folks 2.4 fixed it, for others – not so much. It seems to be somewhat pace dependent. I never saw the issue initially except when I ran at a MUCH slower pace than I normally do. I also don’t see it now (I used instant pace yesterday on my 13+ miler), no issues. I haven’t gotten any clarification from Garmin on what is contained in the next update, bug-fix-wise.
(Part I End)
(Part II Start)
Hi Mike-
RE: Bike kits
I’ve had the same bike kit mount on my bike for years, both road and mountain – and hasn’t died yet. I swap out the tri-bike one a fair bit due to testing other items, but it just goes back into the inventory for other tests, all good.
Hi Winter Garden-
RE: Laps and Maps
Yes, it’ll still show the whole map regardless of laps pressed. Laps pressed though will show you chunks on the maps per the laps.
Hi Fast Eddie-
RE: GPS between RCX5 and Polar
The main reaseon I rated the GPS pickup time less on the Polar is that I’m seeing it take less (not a ton of time less, a handful of seconds slower) – but also the reality that you have to wait for both the GPS reception, and for the RCX5 to connect to the GPS pod. As noted in that review, some folks like a seperate pod – but it is two connection points and I have seen issues where depending on where the pod is, it won’t get reception.
Hi Shekhar-
RE: Day of week
No, unfortunately not.
RE: Wake up alarms
Also, unfortunately not.
RE: Sunrise
Now this, this is has!
Hi Gdawirs-
RE: Mid-activity fail
I haven’t seen any mid-activity fails myself, though, as you noted, I have certainly heard of them via the forums.
Hi Konrad-
RE: GPS pickup outside of US
No issues. Thus far I’ve used the watch myself in Frankfurt, New Zealand, Tahiti, Singapore, and a slew of other places in the US. No problems with GPS anyhwere except some slices of the Artic and Antartic.
Hi NJinAZ-
RE: Turn off GPS and last
Hard to say, like noted above – at least 55hrs (which I’ve tested it to while recording), but haven’t tested it w/o recording.
Hi Tom-
RE: Swim durability
Yup, no problems button pressing. I press mine constantly in the water while swimming.
Hi Arnaud-
RE: Pace issues
See above, but in short – different people see it (or don’t see it), and I wish I knew the pattern (as I’m sure Garmin wishes as well). It appears speed may be part of it (which is logical, given simple percent fluxuations in speed are greater at slower paces).
RE: Adding lengths for timer
Check out my swim tips above in the post for how to reduce swim length issues.
Thanks all!
Hi Last Anon before my two comments above-
(Sorry, your comment was actually flagged as ‘Spam’, so it didn’t show up initially)
I’m also sorry that you’re disappointed with the review. Ultimately, I use the product for my uses and report on it as such. If a product exhibits an issue, than I note it. If don’t see the issue, than I don’t note it. It’s really that simple.
I know you may want me to include things in my review that I don’t see (i.e. pace issues) – but that’d be sorta dishonest (not only to Garmin, but to all other units I review). Since you noted you read the review twice, you likely would have seen that some others are having pace issues. Not all people see these issues of course, as otherwise that’s all I’d hear about (since the watch has been in peoples hands for 4+ months). But certainly, some portion of the population. And during that time, I’ve noted the concerns here, and communicated them with Garmin. All things fairly visible in the 400+ comments here.
No doubt, for those seeing it, it’s a major issue. But for me – I just don’t see the issue on my unit. I ran 13.3 miles yesterday without seeing any issues, certainly not 3+ minutes off of pace. I ran 6:50-7:10’s, and it would mostly display between 6:40ish and 7:20ish in instant pace mode. A bit higher into the wind of course, and occasionally go a bit further +/- if I was making sharp turns, under bridges, etc… All pretty much normal stuff for GPS watches. But certainly not the 3 minutes off of pace that you noted.
So in summary, I generally don’t make up negative stuff about a watch just to put things in a negative column (I know, some folks like doing that to fill space). And I don’t receive any money (advertising, or otherwise) from any of the companies for any of the products I review.
Thanks!
Ray, thanks for the support. You’re much better than Garmin Support.
Is anyone else having issues with downloading metabolic rate data from eNewLeaf? I had a test done recently and the 910xt screen indicates that new metabolic data was received, however after a bike or run, uploaded data to GarminConnect shows 17,000 calories. Also, what is the number entered for the calorie alert- what is the number based upon? Thanks!
Ray,
Thanks for your answers.
– On Swimming, I followed your advice: When I finish an interval, I press STOP first to stop the timer when I reach the wall then LAP a little later. Then when getting ready to start my next intervals, I push START as I push off the wall. Here is an example of my last swim: link to connect.garmin.com If you look at the “Intervals” portlet on the bottom left, it all looks good. I did swim 100m, then 75m, then 50m, etc. No problem there. BUT, if you look at the “Swim graph” portlet on the top right for the first interval, you can see the total time for the interval matches the number in the interval table but there is an extra “58.4” length. I think this a bug in the Garmin connect. Have you noticed something like this too?
– On the pace issue. This morning, I ran some intervals with both my 305 and my 910XT on my arm side by side. Both were set to display the pace. I would say that 50% of the time they were the same, 50% was at least a 40 sec difference. The 305 seemed usually more inline with were I thought I was. The 910XT tended to be higher (although sometimes lower). The interval paces were around 6:20 to 6:40 min/mile. I will try to upload both to Garmin connect tonight.
during a run yesterday the training effect just went to 5.0 in the first 5 minutes of my run. This has never happened before and yesterdays run was similiar to another run 2 weeks ago where the training effect ended with 3.2 only. Has such a behavior happen to anybody else?
Droffen
Great and thorough review. I’m trying to determine if the Firrstbeat option to determine the calories used is a default option when wearing the strap. If not, how do I use it?
2 questions for you Ray…
1) Is it possible to use the 910XT fabric strap and new screws with the Forerunner 305? I agree with you that the fabric strap is more comfortable, but I’ve been having issues with the unit popping out of the 305 fabric wristband.
2) In your bike pics, you use the old Forerunner bike mount attached to another small post that is attached to your aerobars. Can you explain what you used for this setup and how you did it?
Thanks!
Just wanted to say that Firstbeat updated their whitepaper in March.
link to firstbeat.fi
Hi, I am planning to do some bike trips, about 12 to 15 days biking, do you have any idea about the memory??? How many memory is available?? I checked the garmin website and they mention 160 hours.
Thanks
Thanks for all the good and hard work you do in writing these reviews.
1 question and 1 observation. In your Garmin 500 review, you mention and show a screen where you can troubleshoot ANT+ pairing issues by using the device ID on various ANT+ sensors. The application you mention is in race settings where there are tons of people with sensors around. I have looked at the 910xt to see if there is such a feature and I cannot find it if there is. I also checked the Garmin forums and website, no help there either. Do you know if this functionality is built into the 910xt?
And the observation, you may want to consider updating your your function summary tables for cycling and for running on the 910xt. You say that a HR graph is available in both the running and cycling modes. At least on my watch (and I believe I have updated to the latest firmware), the HR graph is only available for running, not cycling.
Thanks again and enjoy.
Tom
Bought a 910xt this week, updated the software, and went for my 1st run this morning–with my trusty 305 on my other wrist. Yep, the instant pace is laughable.
I ran on a tree-lined trail so didn’t expect perfection. At 7:00 pace, the 305 (with medium-level smoothing) bounced around from about 6:45 to 7:15. The 910 never showed less than 7:30, and was usually about 8:00. The auto-lap on the 910 (which I forgot to turn off) showed 7:01/mile. The distances given on both were spot-on.
I agree with previous posters that this device is pretty much unusable for running in its current form. I’ll have to try using it in an open area and see if it works better.
Hi,
Just wanted to add in that I purchased the 910XT in January – and it has the same incorrect date/time problem as its cousin, the 310XT. When GPS is not acquired prior to beginning an indoor workout, the date is incorrectly set as 12/13/2009 at 4:59pm.
The Garmin rep I spoke with informed me that while this issue was known with the 310, she hadn’t heard of it with the 910, then gave me a canned response about how they are close to a resolution via firmware. I told her I didn’t believe it since this has been a 310 problem since introduction, without a fix. She then told me I could receive a refurb for the less than 90 day old $500 watch that I had purchased, but that it would have the same problem, since it is a software issue. So, apparently, in the course of the call, it went from an unknown issue with the 910 to a problem that every unit has. I’m currently working with my local store to see if there are any options for me.
Just wanted to make people aware. The Garmin rep suggested that I simply acquire satellites prior to each use. Not really convenient for indoors use where acquisition of satellites is difficult….
Not pleased with Garmin at all.
:(
Having a problem uploading from my 910xt. It starts to upload and then at 60% restarts the upload. It will repeat this for hours. Tried restarting upload, turning watch on and off and also the pc. Any ideas
This is probably a bit of wishful thinking, but is there any way of using previous performances to pace off in Virtual Racer whilst also using Multisport mode? That is, download your 705/405 (bike/run) splits from the same race the year before and race against them? As you press lap to move into the next mode it starts the previous performance.
Hi,
i just bought this garmin last week and i took it pool swimming, but the odd thing is that is does not record anything. Stoke, distance, nothing and style is UNKNOWN. I tried it also when i was not in watter and still nothing. Is there something i might be doing wrong? Or is it possible that it simly does not work?
Thank you for your response
Great review Ray, after having the watch myself now for around 5 months I’d warn people away from it. Currently there is a bug when using the watch while cycling where it will keep shutting itself off. The solution from Garmin is to wear it on your wrist. This is both not ideal but fairly impractical if you intend to use it as a cycle computer.
.
Until they get the issue fix, I’d recommend not buying or looking to a different watch.
Ray,
great review as usual. I have read it once you published it originally. But now I got my hands on the actual watch to test it. It works just fine, I wanted to test some of the advanced features, so I created a workout in the online Garmin Connect. Tried to upload it to the watch – the online site says it has uploaded the workout, but it actually does not appear on the watch. I have the ANT agent status window on and apparently, there is no activity while the Garmin Connect says it has successfully uploaded the workout. I am doing all of this on a Mac.
Do you have any thoughts / tips on this???
Thank you for your help!
I liked the 910XT a lot, but had to return it since it would not track pace correctly while running in the woods. I ran with my 305 and 910 on the same arm and most of the time the pace was off by about 4 minutes per mile on the 910 in the woods and about 30 seconds per mile in the clear. Both of these deltas are too much for me as I really like t obe able to look down and see how fast I am running. My 305 provides this well, so I’ll let this 910 mature for about a year and buy another one then. BTW, the pce problem for me still existsed after upgrading to 2.4.
Hi Ray,
LOVE your blog and details on each product. Just got the Garmin 910XT after having a 205 and 2 310XTs (cracked screens).
The swim data seems to be pretty accurate indoors, but I just had a couple q’s:
1. The # of strokes recorded – I assume is for 1 arm only, so double to get both arms? (depending on which arm you started and ended with)
2. Is there a way for it to measure swim distance in an Endless Pool (where the current from the machine is keeping you in one place in the pool while you swim against it). Hence GPS would say you’re going no where, and the accelerometer isn’t detecting any changes in direction to measure lengths.
Thanks!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hello, thanks a lot fot great review – I have already come back several times for details.
I have also already bought the watch and it really is great piece of computery. For me, it does incredible service with motivation when I can go through maps, graphing and stuff.
Do you know by any chance if there is some limit for number and/or size of courses you can have stored in watch at one time? I cannot find this anywhere (do not see it in review nor in comments). I understand that activities are automatically deleted when out of memory space, but what about courses? And are those in separate storage or do they share the same space with activities?
Thanks for response, if you get to know something about it.
Hi Ray- as usual, when it comes to items like this, I consult your reviews rather than the manual itself! I love my new Garmin 910. Up until last weekend, ive only used it for training. Started the race season with a duathlon last weekend and put the watch into multi-sport mode. Although I was able to review all my data post-race, I was not able to get my heart rate on the bike during the race…even when I toggled up/down. Is there a way to have the screen in mutli-sport to mirror my 1st screen in run, bike, swims as I use them individually? When I hit start in multi mode, the default is always the screen that only shows the overall time and time for that particular part of the race… As always, thanks!
Ray, any thoughts on the correct settings for the 910xt using a swim tether in a outdoor pool? In open water mode (GPS off) I was not getting any distance readings ( I thought the accelerometer might have given me the data…). So I set a arbitrary pool length of 50 meters and set the alert to vibrate at 50 meters so I could “pretend a turn” but it didn’t seem to work very well. It measured distance, but it had me a bit further ahead then I think I should have been ( 1500 meters in 31min.) I would like to use it in open water mode in my small pool using the swim tether. Thanks!
Hi Ray,
I intend to use my 910 for navigation in an adventure race. How do I actually send waypoints to the device?
(I can send courses but I haven’t got a course, just a GPS point on the finish). Garmin Basecamp doesn’t seem to work – am I missing something?
Thanks.
I have asked Garmin support how to upload waypoints to the watch and they answer me that’s not possible! I do running, cycling, but hiking and backcountry sking to! I find very usefull to have some uploaded waypoints for orientation in case of fog for example! On my old FR305, it was possible to do it. It’s a shame that’s such a basic function is not implemented!
Hi Ray,
Thanks a lot for the review it was great. A couple of questions from what I see on your read outs and what I saw on mine. It shows your max swim pace graphically as (I think) about 8 miles per hour. ummmm….I’d be REALLY impressed if that’s true. It shows mine the same and I guarantee mine IS NOT that speed as I’m a professional turtle racer and they’re walking as I swim. :) I really want to see stroke count and speed (like the lap printouts) for this. Ever use lap swimming open water?
Hi Ray,
first, thx for all of your great and very detailed reviews!
I describe myself best as an ultra-trail-runner probably like Baz. I had the FR305 for years starting when it just came out. But it definitely lacks battery life for most ultra-trail races (at least for me). I did work around by using external battery chargers (and will need to do so even with the 910XT if we talk about 100milers or more).
When the Ambit was announced with 50h GPS recording time I almost set off buying this one but now still go for Garmin.
On reason for me is course navigation. That is something the Ambit lacks and I’m used to it from the 305.
With more and more race providing gps tracks this is really useful. I also use this to create new training courses that should have match a specific distance.
Though it was mentioned here before, but not as broadly discussed as the “elevation problem” (I do see this as well v 2.40 cumulated elevation while running sucks!) bread-crum navigation does not work on the 910XT! I have a larger track 100miles ans run sections of it regularly at the moment and the FR305 can handle this without problem.
The 910XT stops displaying the bredcrum course for sometimes very long times and therefore renders this feature useless :(
It also happened to me that the device shut off twice during 30k run :(
From the Ambit review it reads that Suunto have some kind of firmware update release plan? Is that true and do you know if Garmin has something similar?
I submitted defect reports to them and got back that the problem is being worked on. But what I really would like to hear is some estimate when I can expect an update for the watch.
Any one else using navigation on the Forerunner a lot?
One other thing which I submitted to Garmin as well, I believe it should be rather easy to have one or two more options regarding the GPS recording interval (besides every 1 sec and the smart mode) eg. add 60sec like the Ambit or something in between. This should further improve battery runtime.
andreas
DC it was thanks to your various reviews that I upgraded my old Polar F11 to the 910XT for my second UK triathlon season. The watch is simply amazing and as a techno geek it ticks all the boxes. It is definitely helping my training. Thanks mate & keep up the good work.
Just bought a 910 after your excellent review. Finding it takes a little practice to get accurate pool swim info. For example, # of laps nearly always records too high. Not sure if this is due to other swimmers (my local pool is busy, I am invariably sharing a lane) or whether it is interpreting inadvertent wrist movements between lengths as a new lap.
Any advice appreciated.
Oh, and its identification of stroke type seems pretty sketchy. I’m the first to admit my form could be better but my freestyle is frequently interpreted as backstroke or breast stroke!
It’s the 20 hour lifespan that bothers me for now. If cash wasn’t a problem then I would buy it, then when a new one comes out that fixes the minor things, then I would buy that also.
In addition, based on a couple of comments re swimming, where it struggles to id your type of stroke and distance, it would seriously stand no chance with me! Sammy the seal is better than me!! LOL! :-)
I think I’ll stick with my Polar RS800CX for now.
Awesome post, put up a UK Amazon Associates link and I’ll happily click it when I’m ready to buy ;)
Unreal review
Now I just have to convince my wife to let me buy the thing. My forerunner 305 just crapped out after five years of using it. Thanks for the review. It’s definitely the most in depth review I’ve read. You’ve answered all my questions. Thanks again, Ray.
Hi Ray,
Do you know when Trainingpekas is going to display/analyze the various stroke counting data from the FR910XT?
Now basically the stroke data, which is basically the only difference with 310, is completely lost.
It makes one wonder a lot whether the upgrade from the 310 was worth it. Do you agree?
Thanks,
Cheers
Alberto
Hi Ray,
Do you know when Trainingpekas is going to display/analyze the various stroke counting data from the FR910XT?
Now basically the stroke data, which is basically the only difference with 310, is completely lost.
It makes one wonder a lot whether the upgrade from the 310 was worth it. Do you agree?
Thanks,
Cheers
Alberto
Hi Ray, Lucythecow here.
Just a response to Ricardo March 25, 2012 4:06 PM regarding the condensation issue and the Forerunner 910XT, Garmin write:
Answer:
Condensation can appear inside of any electronic device or on any surface when you move quickly from a warm environment to a cold environment where humidity is present. It is often assumed that water resistant devices do not have humidity in them, though this is often not the case. Garmin, like many companies, creates devices with a level of humidity that is most conducive to manufacturing and overall device performance. All electronic devices, not just devices made by Garmin, can experience temporary condensation inside the device.
To decrease the chances of this occurring with your device, make the transition in temperature as gradual as possible. If you still experience condensation, it should dissipate within five to ten minutes as the device acclimates to the surrounding temperature.
(link to garmin.com)
my watch is going back for check as i have heaps of condensation and have only used it running. None of my other watches have ever had this problem.
I’m a new 910XT owner. It is my first GPS/HRM watch, therefore I made the usual assortment of noob mistakes, which I’ll share here.
First off, I put the watch on, plugged in the ANT+ USB and just assumed all would be good. I also assumed that my watch and HRM would just find each other.
Before going further, I will note that I probably only read step 1 of the Quick Start guide (charge the watch) before using the watch.
Well, here’s a few tips.
1) It is important to go through the initial set up wizard on the watch, where among other things you will pair your watch to the HRM and you will insure that the ANT+ USB dongle driver is installed and it establishes a connection to your watch. After that, things get a lot better.
2) While you’re randomly pushing buttons you might (like me) accidentally push the “mode” button and “up arrow” button at the same time. This will *lock* the keyboard. Somewhat distressing. You’ll go to Google and learn that pressing “mode” and “up arrow” together again will *unlock* the keyboard and you can resume your intended activity.
3) You’ll notice on your initial test drive that the Garmin might vibrate now/then somewhat randomly. At first, you may assume that you’ve gone too fast or two slow and the watch is issuing a warning. Not so. The watch is telling you “GPS signal lost” – you’ll need to read the screen to confirm this. This can happen when you go under a pedestrian tunnel, tree cover and so on. Maybe there’s a setting to disable this warning – haven’t researched that yet.
4) After hitting stop, you may be surprised when you enter the house and you are downstairs from the computer that has the ANT+ plugged in yet suddenly your watch starts flashing the message “transmitting data”. Although 3 meters may be the stated minimum distance – the actual distance where your device is recognized by your computer might be 2x or 3x that. Not to worry. Once the data is transferred it will also be transferred to the Garmin Connect site and you’re good to go.
After working through these teething problems, you will ultimately *love* both the accuracy and usefulness of this device.
BTW, reading DC Rainmaker’s excellent reviews, and those of others, I got a little worried that the 910XT might be too big and bulky. Although it does have the proportions of a Dick Tracy watch, it really isn’t that noticeable and the large display is helpful when you want to quickly get a snapshot of relevant data, such as pace, lap time, or HR.
Re: HRM gel vs. saliva.
I ended up using hard contact solution. Saline solution might’ve worked just as well. They both have the advantage that they might be a tad bit more sanitary and conductive than spit or H2O, but who knows?
Thanks for the great review of the Garmin 910! I found the touch screen and bezel technology of the 410 class to be not very easy to use, so I was happy to see Garmin use push-buttons on the 910. But what is your opinion? In your experience, do you prefer touch screen or the push button style of the 910? – Dan
Ray,
First, I have to tell you that my girlfriend and I love your reviews and buy our products on Amazon.com through you to show our support!
I wanted to ask you if you know the most current status of two issues I’m having/afraid of having with my 910XT.
-I’m currently experiencing Calories consumption being very off what I expect and what I calculate using many other sources… including my old 310XT. I see in the forums this is a known issue, is a fix coming?
link to forums.garmin.com
-I’ve read a lot about and been tracking the very large thread on Garmin Support (240+ msgs) on the 910XT shut downs using the QR mount. I have only done 1 ride with my QR mount and didn’t see the issue personally, but I cannot be sure mine is OK. I won’t be able to get another ride in to test it before my 30day return period ends… do you know if a FW fix is coming for this or is it an HW issue?
link to forums.garmin.com
I bought my 910XT less than a month ago and am approaching the 30-day return window. My question is, should I return it now or can I trust a FW fix will be issued for both the Calorie counting problem and the QR shut down problem or do you think this is an HW issue?
Thanks,
-Garrett
While looking to buy a new GPS, I stumbled upon your site late last year for reviews and have been a fan ever since! I also made sure that I made the purchase through your amazon link so as to contribute whatever little I could for such in-depth reviews and technical tips. Do you have a good suggestion for a carrying / travel case for Forerunner 910-XT? I looked at the reviews of the one by garmin online – and people have described it as having too little protection due to soft-shell. How do you typically carry your GPS devices while travelling? :)
Darshit, I use a hard shell sunglasses case, like the Life Venture bullet.
Having battery charge problems. Terminals are clean and power source is normal. 910XT shows “no” battery left on the icon battery, but the unit works fine. When first attach batter clip, watch screen show “-1%”, charging, and the time of day. It stays on -1% forever, not sure if it is charging or not. Did the owner manual reboot, no change in the indications while trying to charge battery.
Hi!
I love your reviews & purchased mine 910XT after reading it!
You mentioned that SportTracks is able to correct wrong swimming data & even I can do it, but: how do I get those corrected data back to Garmin connect???
Thanks for that. When I got my watch I read through everything and felt well informed after. Though I have caught what I believe to be a small mistake, this may have changed since you posted this, but I thought I would bring it to your attention as it took me a while to find it. You’ve said
“To setup multi-sport mode head into the Settings page and select Auto Multisport. From there, you’ll be presented with this menu screen to select which sports you want to add.”
I found it under “Training” not “Settings”
T
Many Thanks for this great review. I had to take decision between RCX5 and Garmin 910xT.
And I will take the 910XT, because of this great and very detailes review.
kind regards and a nice weekend
Matthias
I have problem with the 910XT about the average speed and instantaneous speed when you transfert your data on garmin connect or training center ?
The graphic about instantaneous speed is inconsistency whith the average speed of the différents laps
Thanks for your answer
Not sure if anyone else is having the issue with the 910XT powering off when used with the Quick release kit. I’ve been having the issue and there is quite a bit about it on the Garmin forums.
Well I contacted the Garmin Australia service department (I’m in New Zealand) and spoke to a very unhelpful chap who assured me there was NO known issue and asked me to send an email to get a RMA code as he suspected I had a faulty unit.
So I sent the email describing the issue and got my first response after 5 working days to say,
“Garmin are working on a fix for the issue and to contact them back in a months time”
Today got a second response after 7 working days, from a different person, asking me for “a copy of my receipt and the serial number so they can swap the unit under the RMA process”
Not sure what’s going on here, is it a known issue or not???
Would really like to get better service from Garmin but that doesn’t sound likely after what I’ve read on the Garmin forums.
At this stage I have taken the watch back to the store I bought it from and asked them to sort it out. Not heard anything back as yet.
Hayden,
Re: your comment “Not sure if anyone else is having the issue with the 910XT powering off when used with the Quick release kit. I’ve been having the issue and there is quite a bit about it on the Garmin forums.
Well I contacted the Garmin Australia service department (I’m in New Zealand) and spoke to a very unhelpful chap who assured me there was NO known issue and asked me to send an email to get a RMA code as he suspected I had a faulty unit.”
I’ve been having exactly the same issue. It seems to be vibration-related, as it only happens on bumpy roads when the unit is fixed to the handlebars / tri bars (with the QR kit).
Garmin also tried to tell me it’s not a known issue. When I pointed out to them the dozens of others writing about it on their forums, they offered to replace the unit for me. Unfortunately, the new unit has the same problem. I presume it is a design flaw – maybe something to do with the battery connectors losing contact with vibration.
I plan to get back to Garmin this week, though I’m not sure what else they can do apart from sending me another new unit. I don’t want a refund – I just want a Garmin that works! Very frustrating.
I like the the double-tap function to turn on the backlight when on running mode. But it doesn’t seem to work when in the Virtual Race running screen. Why is that?
Brent
I already own a device Garmin Forerunner 305 with HRM. It includes also the classic Garmin HR strap.
Could be this classic strap compatible with the new Foreruuner 910XT since the new model comes with a new version of HR strap?
Why is there no temperature field? There’s one for the Edge 500. Does Garmin have any plan for temp update.
Probably the best review of any product I’ve ever read. Kudos for a job well done.
I just got a Garmin 910XT from Amazon and only found your review after the fact. Sorry, I wish I ordered via your link to give you extra credit. It’s totally spot on.
I’m a data horde and the Garmin 910XT gives this to me in spades. I love it.
A few things I wished it had.
1) Alarm clock
2) Stopwatch
One of these days, a programmable module. If a manufacturer is reading this, please design a programmable watch. Give us Geeks the ability to create custom mods and upload them for others to use. :)
Can anyone advise how you can change the data fields for multi sport mode? I can’t figure out how to do it.
Specifically, by default it shows total time and total distance. I want it to show total time, time on the current lap (i.e. swim, bike or run) and distance on the current lap.
Would really appreciate a quick response if anyone knows! I have my first triathlon tomorrow and I’m getting no love from Garmin support or the Garmin forum.
Thank you!!
The review said it is compatible with Mac and PC. My previous experience with my Garmin 305 is the Mac software is much more buggy and have lost data on several occasions. Did you have a chance to test both platforms, and is the Mac version reliable and well supported?
Hello from the land below sea level.
What a great Depth reviews you make, awesome!
Loek (The Netherlands)
Great review, really appreciate it!
Hey Ray awesome review, never seen some like this on the net, really nice.
I’ve got a question, have you tried to use a ANT+ Heart Rate belt water proof and try to pair with the Garmin 910xt and see if works on Swimming pool or open water, like the memory Suunto Belt ? Just trying to collect some data while I swim.
Cheers.
luizrazia@gmail.com
Dear Jakob Svendsen,
To improve the connection to the dock clean the contacts with a rubber eraser. See here link to gpswatchfan.com
Hi,
I was wondering whether the unit can identify when you might be climbing stairs (real ones) ans give you a number of stairs or flights climbed, as I believe the FitBit Ultra can? If so, would one need the footpod or HRM?
Thanks.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hello Ray,
I have in my mind to do a blog like yours (no so good, perhaps) to talk about my improvements in sports and to talk about all the gadgets I use to monitor what I do. I will do it in spanish that is my native language.
I was wondering, what is the trick, to convince companies to lend you some stuff for testing. I guess that it is because your are a well known blog, isnt it? Could you please give me some advices… Thanks in advance.
My 910XT was lost during the swim at Ironman Muncie 70.3 and now resides at the bottom of Prairie Creek Reservoir. Surprisingly, it did not happen during the first few minutes of combat swimming; I checked my wrist at the second buoy and it was still there. I suspect that it was spun off of the mount during subsequent passing / being passed, or perhaps it was loosened during the start and just didn’t fall off until later.
My 910XT made it through 2 previous triathlons without incident (1.5k swim, 3k swim), but was not so fortunate the third time.
I’m sure it was secured properly because I was paranoid about losing it. But unfortunately not paranoid enough to re-install the standard band. Save yourself the heartache and avoid the Quick Release Kit.
The only upside is that I get to give Ray another Amazon referral when purchasing my replacement 910XT.
Wow. Amazing thorough! Very much thanks for the information! =)))
Ray
Will post this in a couple of your reviews as don’t know which you are monitoring at the moment – do you know if there are any plans at Garmin to use teh Garmin swim experience to update the 910XT? Form reading about them it sounds like the swim has solved some of teh buggier aspects to the XT (recording freestyle as backstroke, better pick up of laps/less false counts etc) not to mention the better programmable activity stuff. So, while the Swim doesn’t do all I want (need the run piece as well) I definitely want the improved swim bits. So, do I delay on the 910XT waiting for the 920XT or do I go ahead and get a 910 on the basis that it’s a software issue and can/will be sorted by an update? any views?
Cheers
David
Hi there,
Many thanks for the excellent review. I wondered whether you could help me with a query thing (i don’t think it is anything that the 506 existing posts have discussed!). I am primarily interested in the device as a swimmer as would like to be able to track workouts both in the pool and outdoors. However, I am a swimmer (which because of the various joint problems) only swims the breast stroke. I wasn’t sure whether this would be suitable for picking up the gps signal as the wrist is always pretty much partially submerged. Have you had any experience with swimming the breast open water using the garmin 910? Did it work ok?
Many thanks for your advice and your review
Clare
Brian Ballard already asked this question and I didn’t find the answer to it. How did you put that post between your aerobars?
“2) In your bike pics, you use the old Forerunner bike mount attached to another small post that is attached to your aerobars. Can you explain what you used for this setup and how you did it?”
Great review. Did want to note that after recieveing the 910XT, the power adapters did not come with it.
In my previous comment, I was wan’t completely clear that I lost my 910xt in the swim due to Quick Release Mount. I think it would have been OK with the standard wrist strap.
I just got a message from John Molchin; he lost his 910xt during the swim at Ironman 70.3 Racine (July 15th, 2012.) Another one bites the. . . sediment?
I don’t recommend wearing the 910xt with the quick release during swims, especially if it’s a group start.
Echoing the comment above, I lost my Garmin 910xt at the beginning of a tri a few weeks ago using the quick release strap. I was porpoised upon by a very eager and not terribly coordinated competitor who smacked my wrist directly and with noticable force. I immediately knew the watch was done and dusted. Interestingly, the strap itself was undamaged, implying that the instantaneous force caused enough deforming at the band to allow the watch catches to move freely.
I think it’s important to note that the 910xt quick release strap is visibly and noticably thinner and more pliable than the 310xt strap. Personally, I think Garmin too eagerly sought to lower the overall profile of the 910xt and the $26 QRS is a defective design. They disappointingly will not acknowledge this, but frankly everyone who owns one should know how much they put their watch at risk – unless you swim from the front, I would not recommend using the QRS on a swim start.
Delighted with new 910Xt, all the way up until I tried to enter my local pool length of 18 Meters into the swim settinga nd it does not seem to go that low. It only calibrates to a 20 m pool at the shortest. Is this something Garmin could do a firmware update on. I know its not ideal to be training in such a short pool but its all I have got. Thanks
Tim C
Hello, it is possible to calibrate barometric altimeter while is GPS switched off? because i have serious problems with calibration. And its so bad..that i am almost decided to turn back watches to seller :/
Odd question but is it possible to see the GPS altitude information as well as barometric? so if you record a flight you can see true height rather than the pressurised height? Fab reviews and great site by the way, been really really helpful to me
Liela
I am interested in a heart rate monitor for swimming as well as something like the swimsense to count laps etc (almost like a all in one)
You mentioned that the 910xt does not take heartrate under the water. What do you suggest i buy?
Hi.
Thanks a lot for the review. It’s the most in-depth coverage I have ever seen :)
I like this clock, but need to be able to navigate in the mountains with it. Can it display your current height so it can be used as aid in navigation?
r
I am also VERY interested/curious on post #457 – can you use either Virtual Partner or Virtual Racer while in Multisport mode. Example – an Ironman event. For the Bike, Virtual Racer is really the only option (due to hills, etc). If you have the course/workout loaded from previous years or training rides, this would be awesome to know where you are at (rather than just checkpoints along the route).
On the marathon leg – you could get away with Virtual Partner – as “usually” less hills/environment variables (but again, Virtual Racer would be ideal). Would love to be able to have a page to scroll to during each of the bike/run to show me how I am doing against either VR or VP for that leg.
Anyone know if this is possible? (considering buying this unit almost just for this if it is doable!)
Cheers and as always, ridiculously awesome review!
Hello Rainmaker!
Would you say 910xt is the best option you have tried for openwater swimming? I only swim and I do it in open waters most of the time.
Thank you
Is there any word on when the 920XT will be out? I bought my 310XT not long before the 910XT hit, and I wasn’t too happy about that since the price of the 310XT dropped a lot after that. I want to upgrade to a 910XT now, but I’d rather not have that happen again…
Absolutely fantastic review!! I now know that when I have the money available I will buy this watch. I am so happy someone ha taken the time to write a truely in depth review on running and cycling accesories. Being an avid runner and cyclist I was unsure what watch or computer to get…..not anymore. Keep up the great work
Problem of Battery Lifetime in gps mode when do sport, half of time now, after upgraded to last 2.50 firmware. Hope Garmin will solve soon!
I have a 901XT and I love it – bought largely based on your review DC, thank you!
My question – my gym has those cool Stages Freemotion spin bikes. Does anyone know if they can export workout data to a 910?
I know that Stages has a cool iPhone app that can capture the data via an ANT+ adaptor, but I’d rather not go buy the adaptor when I have a perfectly good ANT+ watch!
Thanks!
I love the 910XT. For those who have lost their watches while using a quick release kit…I recommend wearing the watch under your wetsuit sleeve. I do it during all of my open water swims and during a recent half ironman race and have had zero issues. Works great and easy to remove wetsuit with watch still on.
I was wondering if anyone is having issues with elevation? My elevation charts are wrong and has me at 30,000 feet where I live its only 400 ft. Garmin thinks its a software issue.
I’m having he same problem & tried hard reset which didn’t help. Would love some feedback on solution.
I’m having he same problem & tried hard reset – didn’t work
In Australia the 910 is a tad under $400 while the 610 is just under $500. Do you think the 610 is worth the extra $100 for use by a runner.
Cheers
Stew
Awesome review. I purchased my 910XT solely based on your review (from REI), and I have regretted the purchase since. I am a triathlete, cyclist, hiker, trail runner (essentially I collect hobbies), and I have used this watch for all of those. It works awesome for swimming (thanks for the tips on how to use it for lap swimming), cycling and trail running. Also, I used it on a 2 day hike up both Mt Elbert and Mt Massive, and it worked awesome (I stored waypoints for possible winter campsites, and battery life was not an issue (more than 14 hours of hiking. I turned all of the contrast settings to low, turned off the back light and when I wasn’t walking I turned off completely). THANKS!
Regarding the instant pace/speed issue. When you say you didn’t notice it, how many data screens/fields were you running?
I’ve been having a terrible time with it [I do mostly fast walking] with times bouncing up to 30kph range [I wish] and down to 0kph. The instant paces were always higher than ave lap paces. In fact, when converting the .TCX files to a spreadsheet, I noticed that speed calculated from the position data [delta position *3.6 for kph at 1/sec recording] was much more accurate than the “random” instant speed actually recorded. So, position is right on, the speed/pace calculations are miserable.
It struck me that maybe Garmin was asking too much from an underpowered CPU. So instead of using 4 data pages with 3-4 fields each, plus Virtual Partner, I turned off Virtual Partner.
I did two workouts today [warmup, HIIT]: the warmup – very slow, before turning off Virtual Partner – gave me the usual incompetent instant speed/pace readings: max speed bumps of 16kph when my average speed was a rather constant 5.7kph. The HIIT workout was after turning off VP. Ave speeds/paces were much more accurate, corresponding to actual lap times, with no inaccurate spiking.
Conclusion based on a single trial: the 910XT cannot handle everything claimed at one time; cut it a little slack, and it works much better.
Again, I’m curious: how many data fields/pages are you using? A lower number could explain why you missed this bug.
Thanks for the great review! However, I do not get it considering all the comments around the Internet if the barometric altimeter is crap or not? Is there anyone who is happy about it – does it work for some individuals? Are some devices faulty from scratch? I would love to have a barometric altimeter in the watch but I can not decide whether to choose the 610 or 910 (considering all comments regarding the 910)…
Re my previous comment #526. Further experimentation shows that the 910xt is back to giving garbage results for pace/speed. I wore my 405cx at the same time and that gave me very precise, useful readings.
I also noted that the recovery heart rate determination is totally miscalculated. It gave, e.g., 40bpm for a decrease from 140bpm to 110bpm, supposedly over 2 minutes. In my book, that should be 15bpm.
And of course, looking at the lap history gives the ego-gratifying but totally useless results of 15secs for each 100 m lap. Not bad: 4min/mile pace over 5k.
Time to contact Garmin service and see if they can give any satisfaction before proceeding to more serious steps.
I had read a review that the 910 is inconsistent on real time run pace display. Has this been anyone’s experience? Planning to buy a garmin soon and just want to make sure I get the right one. Probably go with the 910 or the 610 and Swim. Thanks!
Great test! I thing comes to my mind, when I compare Garmin and Polar products.
Polar has those heart rate variance/variability based features like fitness test (Ownindex) incl. max heart rate at that day, ZoneOptimizer, Ownzone (checks your heart rate zones at that day, so, you can train within at the right intensity).
I think, this very helpfull, since max heart rate is influenced by many factors and therefore varies each day.
Since, a max heart rate test on the track isn’t realy a choice, such hear rate variance based features are an huge benefit of Polar watches over others.
Great review as always. Do you know of any changes coming to the 910 for 2013? I thought I read about the possibility of a change to a colored screen.
I purchased as second hr strap but it doesn’t seem to work – does the 910xt support 2 different straps?
Hi Ray,
I am thinking of buying a new Forerunner 90XT and was just wondering could you use the watch during an aerobic or step class? I am guessing this would only be useful to record heart rate and calories? Would you set it to run mode? Do you have any other recommendations in this regard?
thank you
Ray, any news on Garmin adding automatic interval support? My swim sense just took a dump (band broke) and am considering a move.
Automated interval support was a huge upgrade for the swim sense because it really allowed the swim sense to operate in two modes. Mode 1 is what I would call “pool mode”. I can have a single screen with the key fields to focus on pace, strike rate, etc. Mode 2 is PC mode. The automated intervals made it quite easy to spend some quality time focusing on the bigger picture and not deciphering what I swam and what the watch thought I swam.
All of that aside… We (swim community) are starting to see some good hardware hit the market. However, as with all technology, the software for swimming analysis is really lagging the hardware.
Hello,
Im not sure if I got it right or not but i’m wondering if the watch can give you your heart rate information for swimming?
I know you said it doesnt go you the heart rate live while you’re swimming…but if you’re wearing the chest strap….cant it give you your heart rate after your done and plug it to your computer???
Thanks
Hi Ray, awesome review!, congrats!
Were is the resort, were you been testing the swiming features of G910?
Thanks in advance!
Fer
I’ve had the 910XT (or, a couple of them actually) for more than a month now, and probably done 30 workouts with it balanced pretty well between the three sports, as well as 2 full triathlons. Love the watch so far but it’s not perfect.
Some tips-n-tricks:
– auto-multisport is great, but I put two openwater swims in there so you can either track the warm up or (more likely) make a mistake hitting the lap button once pre-start, and it’s okay.
– auto-multisport results in one big .fit file, garmin connect knows how to split it, then you export the .tcx files from there to put them in WKO+ or Strava or where ever
– for open water swimming you only get data on lap markers, so I set auto-lap for every 100yds (or meters, whatever) when open-water swimming
Some notes:
– even without the quick release, it’s already big enough on my wrist that I’ve struggled with it both triathlons in T1 getting the arm out. Not impossible but it is a struggle, and inevitably I hit the stop/start button during the struggle, FYI
Unfortunately, the problems:
– the quick release would be neat, but if you read the amazon reviews, apparently a quarter-turn system is fast but dangerous. Lots of 910s sleeping with the fishes. Any way to lock these down? Maybe one of the bike mount rubber bands as a supplement? Anyone use the fabric strap instead? I just leave it on my wrist for now.
– Data dropouts – link to forums.garmin.com – if you leave it on your wrist, it will periodically lose ANT+ contact with (and thus record zeros for) power/speed/cadence. I had approximately 5% zeros from the 910XT vs the Edge800 when used on the same ride. Use left wrist? use the (dangerous) quick release?
– Altitude – I also see the altitude problem others see. What I get frequently is an altitude graph that has the variation you expect, but with a persistent bias / y-axis shift throughout the workout. Edge800 doesn’t show this.
– They no longer show stroke rate data vs time in Garmin Connect (unlike the screenshot in this review) and there’s no way to get at that data. Only average stroke rate per open water interval.
Great watch, and I’m not giving it back (except the one that sacrificed itself to save my wrist in an otherwise harmless bike accident, refurb / RMA’d for $99), but it’s not perfect.
Rich
Can the battery be changed if/when it gets worn out?
hello ray, an unrelated question: where did you go for the open water swim when you tested the 910xt? the scenery looks amazing!!!
Hi Ray,
thx for the detailed review and the updates as well. I bought the device without any questions in mind…
Now that I am using the 910 xt, I have one question:
In the watch’s history I can see the total Multi distance and stuff but through Garmin Connect I am not able to see the multidistance, etc. Everything is shown seperately…Is this hos it is or my fault?
Cheers…
Emre
Hi Ray,
I’m planning to buy one of these, and I’m a little bit confused on the bike setup. If there is a speed sensor and it also has GPS data, which one is displayed? do you need speed sensor at all, or cadence is sufficient?
Very off topic question: where is that beautiful island you were swimming?
Great review BTW, buying one for sure now!
Ray,
Do you have any explanation why my fairly new Garmin 910XT would repeatedly shut down on a bike ride? I purchased it in August. It works perfectly when swimming and running. I have a Trek Madone road bike with the Duotrap speed/cadence sensor dedicated to the bike. When I ride, the Garmin repeatedly just shuts off and I have to restart it. I have been having an ongoing email discussion with Garmin support and so far, all they can tell me is that they think it is the speed/cadence sensor that is causing this. No explanation of why. No instructions on what to do. My speed/cadence sensor has always worked fine with the Node II computer that I used until I purchased the Garmin. Seems to me that there is a “glitch” in this unit and I should be given the option of returning it or exchanging. Except for this issue, I love the unit and I feel it will be essential to my training for my first full ironman November 2013. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or thoughts.
Rick Bosshardt, MD
I just got a Garmin 910xt! I have been reading your review for a while and i have to say it is the best review website on the internet so far!
i read your review about the garmin 910xt and i am thinking of buying it
A significant drawback that the clock does not show the heart rate during the swimming. Hopefully in the next model they fix it.
Rick #543
There a whole slew of code bugs relating to shutdowns fixed in 2.50 and 2.60 firmware. Are you running 2.60 code? See
link to www8.garmin.com
This doesn’t mean your issues are fixed, but you should try it if you haven’t already.
Wow! :-)
The winner of all the posts in this matter.
This is the best post in this matter ever
Hi “Great Unknown” (post 526 and 528) and you other Garmin users :)
Are you still having troubles with showing the instant pace/speed issue, or has the issue been fixed e.g. in a software update? (i.e. the problem that the 910XT’s current pace (km time) varies significantly)
Thanks in advance!!
BR
Claus
Hi
I stumbled on your site as trying to pick a GPS heart-rate monitor that meets my specific needs.
My basic activity is gym work, running, a bit of cycling and outrigger canoeing. I would really like a slim device that can measure heart rate, speed, distance etc that is fully waterproof for when I jump in the water to cool down. I don’t need the swimming functions – but don’t want to take it off when swimming.
The 910XT can obviously do all this – but I think I may be falling into the category of bringing a gun to a knife-fight.
Can you recommend anything else that will be suitable?
Thanks
James
I’ve been looking around but haven’t found anything about this around here.
Have you heard of a malfunction with the barometric altimeter where for some reason there s a constant change and does not calibrate? I’ve found a few comments on the web but no solutions…
Basically it seems to be gradually compensating through a very wide range of altitudes (which are obviously wrong). You can take a look at this workout I did for example: link to connect.garmin.com
Sometimes it tends to go up, reset and again start going up; while some other times it does the same downwards.
I could use the elevation correction function in Garmin Connect, but isn’t having a barometric altimeter a solution precisely no to do that? Plus now all my data is messed up for use in SportTracks…
Any suggestions to fix it? Or should I start checking for warranty stuff?
I Hope you can help. Thanks!
Ray,
best reviews ever on your site, thanks mate!
Just got mine back from support, a brand new model.
I also got the condensation problem and several lines of the display failed.
Failure code FRX10CON
failure text FRx10 condensation
Took them just a few days and no further questions, pretty fast and good support!
I´m eager to test the new one, because i had trouble with strokerate in open water.
Wondering wether this one will get it done as accurate as in the pool, but it´s winter in germany now, so it´ll take some months until i can test it…
My last 6 months of using the 910XT had been absolutely great, i love this watch!
For use in triathlons i have the quick release kit, works fine, even for swimming, if you cover the really big watch-tower under your swimsuit. No chance to loose it, fast T1. sometimes i´m frightend the swimsuit will tear, but it works fine.
had no issues with pace so far, but switched to pace/lap with lapsize 1km, wich i read about before receiving my watch.
I also do not use very much info on my display, only one or two screens and 2 to 4 metrics, thats it.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for this great in depth review – I literally bought the 910xt off the back of this.
I’ve now had the watch for a couple of weeks and Im having issues editing the swim data especially the lengths.
Ive installed ST3(sporttracks3) + swim plugin as instructed, but Im experiencing issues with the importing of the data from Garminconnect.
Everytime I import a .tcx file, the “swim length” field is blank.
Please can you help me resolve this issue.
Besides the above issues I’m very happy with my purchase. :-)
Thanks in advance
Ed
Hi there, this is just a fabulous blog, I am in awe of your dedication to all technical SBR toys…
As a complete technophobe I read yout Garmin FR 910XT review many times before shelling out…
I’ve had a lot of use out of it but have been scuppered by my mac having an OS too old to support the Garmin Connect, I see this as a goos reason to treat myself to an IPad…
Anyway…I bought the GC10 cadence sensor, I have paired the devices and I have changed the data fields to show cadence…I’ve checket the green light on the unit is flashing as the crank arm passes it….but nothing…not a single revolution shown…any clues?
Do I have to pair each time? I was under the impression I would pair once, jump aboard and every time I rode it would register….
Let me know if I’ve done something stupid!
Many thanks
A little late to the party here, but wanted to add my 2 cents.
Have been using a 910XT for a few months now, loving it, except for one missing feature.
There is no simple lap/interval counter for swim mode (as there is with run and bike modes).
For example, a couple of my recent swim sessions include a 10x 400m, and 100x 50m. I need something show show me I’m on lap/interval #6, for example. Otherwise it’s just too hard to remember.
I don’t care to know how many lengths I have swum in each interval, just need a simple number to tell me how many intervals I’ve completed, or what number interval I’m on. Ever tried keeping track of 100x 50m in your head?!
Unless I’m completely missing something here, does anyone else find this frustrating?
Hi Niseko-
You can customize the display fields within the unit. For example, set on eof the fields to show ‘Lap – Distance’, and one to show ‘Total – Distance’, and then add the ‘Laps’ field.
That’ll show you the distance within the current set (Lap), the total distance in your workout, and then the number of ‘Laps (sets)’, you did. In this context, lap = time between buttons, not lap of a pool.
Hi all,
Does anybody know how to delete a lap from the History menu (just one single lap out of the entire training session)?
(This is nice to do if I have forgotten to stop the time or if the Auto Pause function starts the time during a break without me noticing it)
On my old Garmin 405, it is possible to delete a single lap by opening up that specific training session and going to the specific lap, and then pushing down and holding the Reset button for 3 seconds.
But this method does not seem to work on the 910. It is neither possible to delete a lap through the Delete menu, and I haven’t found another way to do it.
Can anybody help? :)
Best,
Claus
Hi Rainmaker, thanks for the quick reply!
I do use custom fields, however my 910XT does not have “Lap – Distance” as an option, but rather “Distance – Interval” – is this the field you refer to?
The “Laps” field you refer to sounds perfect, it’s all I’m looking for to be able to count my laps/sets – HOWEVER, this field does not exist in the option menu on my 910XT. “Lengths” is the closest possible comparable, however as you would know, this does not help my needs.
Any thoughts? Do I have a dodgy 910XT?
Sorry, yes, Distance-Interval is what I was referring to.
Had a brain fart and forgot they change the word ‘lap’ to interval for swimming.
Thanks Rainmaker,
The first part makes sense, but I’m still loking for a function to tell me on screen how many laps (i.e. intervals) I have swum, or what # interval I am currently on.
Hope thatmakes sense.
It’s available in Run and Bike modes, but seemingly not in Swim mode, which I find difficult to understand why it wouldn’t be there.
Do you think it may be possible that Garmin release something like this in a firmware update?
Sorry, yes, Distance-Interval is what I was referring to.
Had a brain fart and forgot they change the word ‘lap’ to interval for swimming.
Having just bought the 910XT (mainly for open water swim plus tris) I have noticed I dont have stroke information in Garmin Connect. I see its in the screen grabs you took in the review and was a large reason for me buying this watch.
I am running 2.60 firmware, the most recent myGarmin showed me from last week anyway.
Is this is an introduced bug (the watch is recording stroke rate, although sometimes widely out of what I am swimming as in thousands out)in software on garmin Connect or the watch?
Also would be better to see stats per 100m on garmin Connect rather than pace per km. I expected better on this.
Thanks for any input, really appreciate the help
I’ve read through all of this, and this still isn’t clear to me: is the “instant pace” on the 910 decent/usable with the latest firmware? It sounds like there was an update to make it better, but then there are some comments that indicate it didn’t help.
TIA.
It seems like it wouldn’t be that hard to make to make user-customizable, with 0,1,2,3,4,5 sec averaging selections.
Hi Rick,
Since my posting above, I have bought the 910. The first thing I did after the purchase was to update to newest firmware, and I have not had any problems with the “instant pace” jumping up and down.
However, I have still not found out whether it is possible to delete one lap out of a training session.. Can anyone help with this??
/Claus
Thanks.
Hello!
I have used my Garmin 910XT:mad: for only some weeks when i decided to change back to Polar:)
There is nothing good with a Garmin 910 XT
The buttons are hard and it’s very ugly.
Short batt time, you always need to check if you think it will last all your training.
If you are many users of GPS watches only a few will show the same distans in the end.(Garmin is not better)
My Garmin is not better than a “Runkeeper” App on a phone.
The heart rate show every sek but in Garmin connect you only get 1 of 16 sek and you cant change that.
In a half maraton competition i get many places with high heart rates, but i cant find out where my max was ?
It show a max value but not a time for it.
Garmin support could not help me, i had so many things to say about the bad Garmin connect that them told me to write to Garmin ide’s for support and feedback.
If you have used a Polar before everything feels cheap with Garmins program.
It’s like many people have work on almost the same thing and every one have get it’s work on the Garmin Connect.
It’s a mess:confused::(:mad:
TO ALL POLAR USERs
“YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD CHOICE”
I will give my Garmin away soon(To a friends daugther), but first i will compare it with my soon new POLAR RCX5:)
Big hopes:):):):D:rolleyes:
This Garmin program:mad: and Watch:( is not fun to use, if you think that you need help with your training.
With Garmin you need to know your body for 100%
It’s hard to start from zero, you get not much help from your watch.
You only get help to know if you are slower or faster than last time.
And for that you only need a stopwatch, not a bad ugly GPS.
I have a 910XT HRM + Speed/cadens + fot pod.
Look’s like new, only used 4 times.(One in a sleep test)
AND Garmin support in Sweden is very very bad.
/ Jan K
A shout-out for a great product and great customer service. Thanks, Garmin!
I used my 910XT to train for Ironman Canada. I started using the unit in Feb. 2012 and used it every day for pool, open water, bike, and run. And, of course, during the race.
Plenty of battery life, Garmin Connect provided excellent data. I uploaded my metabolic rate test data and it provided customized data.
The 910XT worked flawlessly until about late July when my elevation data started adding zeros.
I received prompt online support, was told to ship it back for repair. Two weeks later, A BRAND NEW UNIT was sitting on my doorstep!
Go with Garmin. All my IM training peeps are using the 910XT. It works.
When are they likely to bring out a new model. Dont want to buy to have a new one come out immdeiately after
I don’t expect anything anytime soon. The absolute soonest you’d see anything would be next summer (availability). But I’m not sure we’ll see that. They still have to refresh both the cycling-specific lineup (Edge 500/Edge 800) and the running lineup (such as the FR610) before they dive into the triathlon watch. Plus, there really isn’t much new competition on the tri-watch side for them, so I don’t think we’ll see a push in 2013 for one.
Just my two cents…
I was wondering did Garmin ever address the pool length problem? I was wondering if it can go down to 18.5m pool length. Thanks for the review!
I know you mentioned using the 910 w/ the VASA swim trainer. Do you have any recommendations or strategies for using it with a halo swim bench?
Not quite yet. Though VASA is working on an ANT+ module that will broadcast it using the standard speed/distance/cadence, which the FR910XT can pickup.
I have a 310xt now w/hr and it can be very difficult some times to get a GPS signal even if if start form the same location everyday. Also the hrm does connect very well even with new strap and battery.
Do you know if the 910 is better at these things?
Try doing a hard reset, that will reset the satellite cache and should solve your issue.
First off, this is my first visit to your website and as a techie guy myself, I just have to tell you how much I appreciate the detail of your post.
My wife, the far more athletic of us, has just signed up for her first half ironman. She and I have both been avid runners and have been using the FR 205 for a few years and it’s been great as a consistently reliable, if not old and a bit slow, workhorse. She’s talked a lot about wanting to get a heart rate monitor, which of course the 205 doesn’t support, so with her birthday right around the corner I was thinking I’d upgrade her to something that can handle not only heart rate but all three sports. It seems that between the 310xt and the 910xt, this one is clearly worth the price difference, but are there any watches by other companies that you would consider or recommend?
Also, she has an old Timex Ironman watch that allowed her to wirelessly control play/pause/ffwd/rew on her iPod. Do you know if any companies still sell anything with that functionality?
Thanks!
Hello-
I’d go with the FR310XT honestly, especially with today’s Black Friday prices (most of which are good through the weekend). The 910XT of course has the pool swimming functionality, so that’s something to consider.
As for other companies or brands, I would have recommended the Switch and Switch Up, but the instant-pace issues holds me back there. The Timex Global Trainer is good, but if she’s had the FR205 she’s probably well ‘vested’ into her Garmin training log – so it makes sense to keep that.
On the music control front, not much today. The Motoactv does (heck, it includes the music player built in), but the product has been shelved, so support isn’t going to happen moving forward. There’s been some tech demos of the Timex products to act as a iPod controller, but none of it has made it from vaporware stage unfortunately, and I wouldn’t expect them at all to release a firmware update (very rarely does Timex had significant new features in a firmware update).
Hope this helps some!
My iPad autocorrected my intended username of TriHusband but I guess I’ll stick with what it picked instead :)
I really appreciate your effort to save me about 200 bucks by recommending the 310XT instead. Most of her training, especially early on, will be in an indoor pool and I want her to be able to use that. Plus I’m very worried about the pin breaking and the device falling to the bottom of the lake, and since replacing the 310XT one time would cost more than just getting the 910XT off the bat, I’ll probably go with that.
However, she is actually not particularly invested in her Garmin training log to date, so I will look into the Timex Global Trainer as well.
MOTO discontinuing support for the Motoactv is really disappointing. When it was announced, my instinct was that the first-gen model would be weak and buggy but that a second-gen model could be fantastic, and now we’ll never know.
Hi,
Is it possible to put my vo2max into the watch or I really have to do with the leaf?
Thank you
Sam
Unfortunately not. There are however ways that if you have your VO2Max test sheet (with the data), you can put it into some little web tools and get a New Leaf profile fake-generated. It’s on my New Leaf post, check in the comments.
link to dcrainmaker.com
I did not find it….
I suppose I have to do a file with all my stats and put it in the garmin watch?
Thanks a lot,
Sam
hi DC,
I have a question for you.
For example, if I created an intervalle workout on garmin.connect, can I put vibration between each step of my workout? Like between each intervalle or between each step (warm-up, intervalle, cooldown).
Thanks a lot,
Sam
Each time it changes workout ‘chunks’, it’ll automatically alert per your alerting settings. So yup, assuming you have your alerting settings set to the default (Vibrate/Beep/Display all at once), you’d be good to go.
Hi
It’s super-frustrating that the “current pace” is still not calculated correctly on my watch. It’s a 910xt with software-upgrade 2.60. It’s set to show 4 pages of information (fastest rotation) and collecting data each second. I only use it for running and I’m using the HR functionality also. The current pace mostly shows a lot faster than it actually is. Al data is shown in metric and the pace is shown in minutes/km. The refresh rate is set to each second. An example: Yesterday we had a slowly pace-day with 15 km in pace 4:33. On my watch it constantly showed pace about 3:05-3:15 min/km which was wrong with a big margin. It seems that it is the watch itself that calculates it wrongly during training. When uploaded to garmin connect this wrong calculated data is transferred also and is shown on the graph.
When taking the mouse to the graph on the web (Garmin Connect) the help-text shows the position and time and the speed. I guess you all have tried this. Also here it shows 3:05-3:15 min/km.
HOWEVER..if I calculate the current pace manually by taking the position and time-information for 2 or 3 points on the graph (finding the distance and how long time it took) then the pace was about 4:15!!!! (This is more the speed we had). So this tells me that there is no recalculation on the graph on Garmin Connect!! It will show wrong data … a wrong graph by other words…if the data transmitted from the watch was calculated wrongly on the watch itself. It seems that Garmin should incorporate a function that checks the validity of data transferred up to Garmin Connect. The strange thing is that it seems that the overall time and the overall distance is correctly on the watch so the datacollection on the watch (the GPS-positions) should be somehow correct. The average pace on both the watch and on Garmin Correct shows correct 4:33 min/km in average.
So what can be conluded by this: It seems that there still is a bug in the current pace-calculation on the watch. It gets the rigt GPS-coordinats and timing-information but it simply calculates it wrong. This data is then transmitted to Garmin Connect that dont recalculate but just shows the data wrongly.
This gives me some more questions:
1: Is this only my watch that shows wrong data? (I guess not based on all the problems above).
2: Can I live with the problem? Answer..not so long because I’m a trainer in a 1000-member running-club and as a trainer on the fastest team we have to be running the pace in the programme. Right now I’m running in “blind” so the watch is absolutely useless.
3: Can I expect a software-upgrade from Garmin? Maybe..but I guess not. This issue has been reported more than a year ago and they still havent come up with a good solution.
4: Should I return the watch to Garmin and get a new one? It seems to me that its a software issue so I wouldnt benefit from that
4: Should I change the display to 2 or 3 pages and go back from updating each second to 10-15 seconds? Answer: I have tried that and this gives better pace-information. This could be the option but it’s still not precise enough so I’d rather deliver the watch back (it’s only a couple of months old), and buy a new 405 in stead. This shows correct pace and my last one could last about 800 trainingsessions before it broke down.
Hans
what about
1. using a footpod – does it make a difference
2. Changing the autolap/lap distance to an artificially low number say 400m…would that make a lap pace then more useful as a current(ish) pace.
I agree with Hans I am really surprised the pace has been not solved yet. I was out on a run today and running at the same speed I went up and down over 1 min per mile, very frustrating when I am trying to run at a specific speed. The funny part is it seems when I program the 910 to run for example 6 and 6:30 pace it appears to be correct. I have not checked the garmin upload that Hans indicated which actually has me concerned now
FYI… Update 2.7 for 910XT is out since yesterday and seems to improve on erroneous elevation data through the barometric altimeter, which a lot of people on the forums were complaining about.
Haven’t seen too many test results out there yet, so people who are currently having no issues with their 2.60 might want to wait a bit before taking the plunge.
From the Garmin site:
Changes made from version 2.60 to 2.70:
Elevation improvements:
1. Improve total ascent/descent values.
2. Improvements to reduce elevation drift during an activity.
3. Improvements to reduce spurious changes in elevation.
4. Improve elevation auto-calibration at power up and between activities.
5. Improve elevation performance when GPS is turned off.
6. Improve elevation performance after swimming.
Foreign language corrections.
Changes to support manufacturing.
2.70 works fine. Elevation drastically improved, in fact useful now.
Good review Ray. As usual I find your reviews to be in depth to the a great degree. Thanks for the effort.
I am planning to get this for my Xmas shopping, considering the pace issue and mid-workout shut off, I am seriously thinking, would I be better off going in for 310xt which is a lot cheaper and works fairly well.
The 2.7 update also doesn’t seem to address the pace issue (at least as per the post above) and from Garmin Forums. Could you throw light on whether this issue exists, will it be fixed, and any indication when it will be fixed. Also I would like to know if its a hardware issue, which could be a reason for that a year down its launch the issue seem to be reported by users.
I am fairly convinced on 910xt barring the issues posted above, various forums and amazon review.
Thanks
FYI: I updated to 2.7 last week and went for a 150km, 5h30min bike course this weekend that I pre-planned on Garmin Connect. I had multiple on-off-course moments due to construction workers posting bike detours.
I did not experience any mid-workout shutdowns and the watch behaved as it should throughout the entire way.
Thanks Bert for that feedback.
Do you run and have you faced the instant pace issue, as I am given to understand that it’s a more prominent issue with runners.
Hello Partha
I do run, however I don’t tend to use the instant pacing feature. I set the watch to 1km intervals, when it beeps/vibrates/lights up and shows me my pace for the past 1km.
But anyway I’m going for a run tonight, so I’ll set the instant pace on my screen and I’ll try to see whether it seems ok for me. :-)
As promised, I checked the instant pace yesterday.
For what it’s worth:
To me it depends on what you expect from it: It doesn’t seem super accurate (how could it be? it’s gps-based), but then again it’s not “all over the place” like some people at the Garmin forums seem to claim.
I was running a fairly consistent pace of a bit over 5min/k for my entire 10k training (I checked it afterwards) and I saw only instant pace values of 5-5:30min/k on my watch during my run.
Mind you: I did have the luxury of running woodless laps (great GPS visibility) with 4.5 out of 5 km of dead straight running tracks (of course there are two turns). This makes it super easy on the watch, of course :-)
Thanks Bert. That was awesome. I trust your findings, simply because you delivered on your promise to a random guy on the internet.
I am going for it. Ray, I am using your discount code on Clever Trainer for the triathlon bundle. Hope this should be good for some years to come.
:)
As previously announced at Interbike, the Edge 500/800, FR310XT and now the FR910XT will all get the TrainingPeaks metrics of TSS (Training Stress Score), IF (Intensity Factor), and NP (Normalized Power). [Update note, it has since been announced that the FR310XT will NOT get the power update]
Thanks for the great reviews. I am about to purchase a computer (500 or 910). Do you know if the Training Peaks Metrics updates have been released yet?
Thanks,
Yup, out for both!
Has anyone discovered a way to have both auto lapping and also manual lapping and have it show up in the analysis eg I ride a 32km loop, I want to see my averages per 5km but also manually lap every 32km? My Polar did this and I really miss it.
Not in the unit itself. That said, Sport Tracks does support this for post-ride analysis – the ability to create ‘virtual splits’ on the time splices you’d like – in addition to the existing splits you have.
Does the 910 provide post-workout the amount of time above/in/below the heart rate zone which you set in the alarm section? If not, does any GPS/HR watch do so? I need to track how much time I am spending above a certain threshold.
Thanks and I can’t tell you how impressed I am with your attention to detail!
Hi, can anyone advise on the following, i have a 405 when i go into history to look through a run i do not get a cumulative total on each lap, my girlfriend has a 305 and this provides this function which i find useful-good to be able to look back for example on a 10k race and have a lap time for each km but also to be able to see what split was at half way, just wondering if 910 also shows this?
Many thanks.
*Keep up the good work Ray, its invaluable and more than appreciated by many
Thanks Ray – seems I have to get SportTracks off the to do list and onto the desktop :-) I also miss Polar Pro Trainer… This was Garmins reply, I have suggested it as a future update as Polar already do it:
We are glad to help you. The way an Auto Lap and simply pressing the Lap button works is this: (I’ll use the distances you have indicated)…
I have my Forerunner and set it to Auto Lap every 5km. The device will then create a new lap for every measurement of 5km from the moment I press the Start/Stop button. This would mean if I didn’t touch a thing during my run a new lap would be created at 5km, 10km, 15km and so on.
Now, if I were to press the Lap/Reset button at 32km this then gives the watch a new ‘marker’ (if you will). It will now begin to count every 5km from that 32km mark. So, with this example, I press Lap at 32 km and now the next time Auto Lap kicks in it will be at 37km, then 42km, then 47km, and so on. When I reach 64km I press Lap again…now the watch will not Auto Lap again until 69km.
As you probably have more sway with Garmin than the rest of us put together… :-) While I’m on my firmware soapbox… I also have another suggestion – when you have set upper/ lower limits it would be great to have a constant beeping noise if you are above the zone and a different (but constant) beeping noise to indicate your are below. That way you can get on with eg running and don’t have to look at the unit when it triggers the periodic alert.
Thanks for all your hard work Rainmarker. Would really love to buy this watch but the lack of a “sleeping alarm” is unfortunately a deal breaker. What are the chances this will be added in a future software update? I suspect not good but a man can hope.
I suspect pretty low to be honest.
hello! can you answer? what is TE??? 2:40:40 — 22.543mil — 1100cal — 1.9 TE what is TE??? thank you!
just looked at the 2.70 firmware. def does NOT fix the current pace issue.
Garmin are DEF aware of it tho.
And another question please? The 910xt, supports thermometer sensor tempe? Thanks!
No, not at this time. It’s something I’ve been pushing for, but they haven’t done it yet. No technical reason they can’t, as it’s simply a different ANT+ device profile.
Ok! Would you tell me what is TE??? in history??
Ray, please keep pushing Garmin on getting the Tempe connected -it’ll save me having to lug a heavy handheld around with me. Thanks.
great review thanks i am now convinced to buy to fr 910
The only issue I have with this watch (which I got for Christmas) is that it DOESN’T truly work with the quarter turn bike mount for an edge. The connectors are offset by 90 degrees (link to t.co) so unless you swap back and forth between two mounts (or rotate one back and forth 90 degrees), one will always be 90 degree to it’s proper orientation.
Hi Chris-
Check out this solution, kinda solves it: link to dcrainmaker.com
thanks ray, looks exactly what I’m after.
Hi Ray,
do you have any updates from Garmin regarding the standby mode? :-) Are we going to see this in an upcoming firmware or it’s something this device won’t see at all?… :-)
I’ve bit the bullet and bought it since amazon uk had a good deal, i think i could live without the standby mode…but c’mon…no watch + date function on this device?
All the best in the coming year,
Cheers,
Tudor
No, nothing at this point. At most you’d only get about 2 days out of it in such a mode, given that’s the battery limitation with GPS off and the display on.
How do I convert from km/hr to min/km in the run mode, you help would be appreciated.
It’s located within the settings options. You’re looking for ‘units’, which is where you can change it.
Enjoy!
Ray,
push them :-), I’m sure they’ll finally listen to you :-)…
But what I’m mostly afraid of is that they’ll release the Garmin 920XT next year, even slimmer/ smaller, which of course will have the standby function at the release…
Cheers,
Tudor
I don’t expect a new triathlon watch in 2013, at least, not before the end of the season. They’re typically on a two-year cycle, which would mean Oct-Dec 2013. But I’m not convinced they’ll make that move, and would instead wait until Spring 2014. The reason being a simple lack of truly competitive units in the triathlon GPS market. If something big happens, then they might react for a Kona launch (Oct 2013), but otherwise, I think they’ll just wait it out and let technology improve.
I do agree with your reasoning although I’m a bit suspicious about the price drop; 36% is pretty much…even for amazon – and black friday is long gone; as far as I know this was their biggest price drops for this device ;-)…either way, time will tell…
Do you have any updates on the next FR 210 generation, since 210 is more then 2 years old…?
Nothing on the Forerunner series at this point. I don’t think we’ll see any new running watches until later in the year. We just saw the FR10, which although aimed at a budget market, has taken many potential FR210 buyers.
The “instant pace”-problem seems not to have been resolved with the 2.70 upgrade. I have used 2.70 during my holiday and nothing has changed since 2.60 regarding instant pace. I now expect something is wrong with the chip inside so it cant calculate the pace corretly during my training.
Perhaps they have been using different chips and my one is an old one. It seems not strong enough to calculate whats been promised.
I will now send the watch back to Garmin for a replacement.
If the problem still occurs with the new one I have to “downgrade” to another watch like the 410 that has no problems with the instant pace.
Happy new year
yes i have found it not fixed.
do you know if there are different chips?
i had a replacement unit sent to me with 2.60 installed (probably refurbished). so not sure if it had the latest physical version of the chip or not.
Hello and thank you for excellent reviews… I just want to ask if there is a new 910 announced for 2013?
No, nothing announced. I wouldn’t expect to see a new 910XT in 2013, at least not until the very end if at all.