After running the marathon Sunday, then running straight to the airport Sunday night, then up early again for another long-haul 10hr flight (this) Monday morning, and then doing booth duty for 3hrs upon landing…I’m pooped. So, we’ll keep this short and get right to the action.
Garmin FR110 with heart rate strap Deal with Clever Training:
Clever Training has put together a 6-day only deal with the Forerunner 110 with the heart rate strap, for $149, until Sunday –with free US shipping. Roughly about $50 off of the cheapest you’ll find it anywhere else. You can dive into my in-depth review of the FR110 here.
There are two color variants on sale:
FR110 pink edition with HR strap
FR110 red edition with HR strap (seen above)
Note that because it’s a deep-discount sale the usual DCR 10% off doesn’t apply unfortunately, though, the free US shipping still does.
So who do I recommend the FR110 to? Well primarily folks looking for heart rate training that don’t plan to use a footpod. The FR110 is in a middle-ground spot between the cheaper $129 FR10 that came out last summer/fall, and the more expensive FR210. The cheaper FR10 offers no ANT+ connectivity (so no heart rate or footpod support), but does have more overall features than the FR110. Meanwhile, the FR210 that’s even more expensive does have both ANT+ heart rate and footpod support. It also has instant-pace, which the FR110 doesn’t have but the FR10 does.
Yes, it’s confusing. Here’s the chart with the three Garmin options from the product comparison tool:
| Function/Feature | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated May 9th, 2019 @ 3:09 amNew Window | |||
| Price | $129 | $140.00 | $179.00 |
| Product Announcement Date | AUG 28, 2012 | MAR 29, 2010 | OCT 4, 2010 |
| Actual Availability/Shipping Date | SEP 2012 | MAY 2010 | OCT 2010 |
| GPS Recording Functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Transfer | USB | USB | USB |
| Waterproofing | 50 meters | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Battery Life (GPS) | 5 Hours | ~10 hours | 10 hours |
| Recording Interval | Smart | Smart | Smart |
| Satellite Pre-Loading via Computer | No | No | No |
| Quick Satellite Reception | Great | Great | Great |
| Alerts | Sound/Visual | Lap Only | Audio/Visual |
| Backlight Greatness | OK | Good | Good |
| Ability to download custom apps to unit/device | No | No | No |
| Acts as daily activity monitor (steps, etc...) | No | No | No | Music | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Can control phone music | No | ||
| Has music storage and playback | nO | Connectivity | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Bluetooth Legacy (pre-4.0) to Phone | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart (4.0+) to Phone Uploading | No | No | No |
| Phone Notifications to unit (i.e. texts/calls/etc...) | No | No | No |
| Live Tracking (streaming location to website) | No | No | No |
| Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts) | No | No | No |
| Built-in cellular chip (no phone required) | No | No | No | Cycling | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Designed for cycling | Barely | Barely | Barely (Speed mode only) |
| Power Meter Capable | No | No | No |
| Speed/Cadence Sensor Capable | No | No | No |
| Strava segments live on device | No | Running | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Designed for running | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Footpod Capable (For treadmills) | No | No | Yes |
| Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...) | No | No | No |
| VO2Max Estimation | No | No | No |
| Race Predictor | No | No | No |
| Recovery Advisor | No | No | No |
| Run/Walk Mode | Yes | No | No | Swimming | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Designed for swimming | NO (PROTECTED THOUGH JUST FINE) | No | No |
| Record HR underwater | N/A | No | No | Triathlon | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Designed for triathlon | No | No | No |
| Multisport mode | N/A | N/A | No | Workouts | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Create/Follow custom workouts | No | No | No |
| On-unit interval Feature | No | No | Yes |
| Training Calendar Functionality | No | No | No | Functions | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Auto Start/Stop | Yes | No | No |
| Virtual Partner Feature | Pace Alerts | No | No |
| Virtual Racer Feature | No | No | No |
| Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history) | Yes | No | No |
| Day to day watch ability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hunting/Fishing/Ocean Data | No | No | No |
| Tidal Tables (Tide Information) | No | No | No |
| Jumpmaster mode (Parachuting) | No | No | No |
| Geocaching | No | No | No |
| Weather Display (live data) | No | No | No | Navigate | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Follow GPS Track (Courses/Waypoints) | No | No | No |
| Markers/Waypoint Direction | No | No | No |
| Routable/Visual Maps (like car GPS) | No | No | No |
| Back to start | No | No | No |
| Impromptu Round Trip Route Creation | No | No | No |
| Download courses/routes from phone to unit | No | No | No | Sensors | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Altimeter Type | None | Yes | GPS |
| Heart Rate Strap Compatible | No | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Heart Rate Strap Capable | No | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Speed/Cadence Capable | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Footpod Capable | No | No | Yes |
| ANT+ Power Meter Capable | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Weight Scale Capable | No | No | Yes |
| ANT+ Fitness Equipment (Gym) | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Lighting Control | No | ||
| ANT+ Bike Radar Integration | No | ||
| ANT+ Trainer Control (FE-C) | no | ||
| ANT+ Remote Control | No | No | No |
| ANT+ eBike Compatibility | No | No | No |
| Shimano Di2 Shifting | No | ||
| Bluetooth Smart HR Strap Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Footpod Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Power Meter Capable | No | No | No |
| Temp Recording (internal sensor) | No | No | No |
| Temp Recording (external sensor) | No | No | No |
| Compatible with Firstbeat HR tools | No | Yes | Yes | Software | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| PC Application | GTC | GTC | GTC |
| Web Application | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect |
| Phone App | Garmin Connect Mobile | Garmin Fit | Garmin Fit |
| Ability to Export Settings | No | No | No | Purchase | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Amazon Link | Link | Link | Link |
| Clever Training Link (Save 10% with DCR10BTF) | Link | N/A | Link | DCRainmaker | Garmin Forerunner 10 | Garmin Forerunner 110 | Garmin Forerunner 210 |
| Review Link | Link | Link | Link |
(Remember to click the ‘expand’ button above to see all four gazillion rows)
Note that the deal FR110 DOES include the HR strap (usually about $30-$45). So that’s really who this is targeted at. If you’re not looking at a HR strap, then quite honestly you can save yourself $20 and pickup the FR10. If you are more of a hardcore runner and want footpod support (for treadmills), then I’d recommend looking at the Garmin FR210/Polar RC3/Timex Run Trainer 2.0. And here’s the same with these three:
| Function/Feature | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated December 3rd, 2014 @ 11:46 amNew Window | |||
| Price | $179.00 | $215.00 | $225 |
| Product Announcement Date | OCT 4, 2010 | AUG 13, 2012 | Mar 18, 2013 |
| Actual Availability/Shipping Date | OCT 2010 | SEPT 2012 | Apr 2013 |
| GPS Recording Functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Transfer | USB | USB | USB |
| Waterproofing | IPX7 | IPX7 | 50m |
| Battery Life (GPS) | 10 hours | 12 Hours | GPS: 8HRS |
| Recording Interval | Smart | 1-Second | 1-second |
| Satellite Pre-Loading via Computer | No | No | No |
| Quick Satellite Reception | Great | Yes | Yes |
| Alerts | Audio/Visual | Sound/Visual | SOUND/VISUAL/VIBRATE |
| Backlight Greatness | Good | Good | Great |
| Ability to download custom apps to unit/device | No | No | No |
| Acts as daily activity monitor (steps, etc...) | No | No | No | Connectivity | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Bluetooth Legacy (pre-4.0) to Phone | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart (4.0+) to Phone Uploading | No | No | No |
| Phone Notifications to unit (i.e. texts/calls/etc...) | No | No | No |
| Live Tracking (streaming location to website) | No | No | No |
| Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts) | No | No | No |
| Built-in cellular chip (no phone required) | No | No | No | Cycling | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Designed for cycling | Barely (Speed mode only) | Yes | No |
| Power Meter Capable | No | No | N/A |
| Speed/Cadence Sensor Capable | No | Yes | N/A | Running | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Designed for running | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Footpod Capable (For treadmills) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...) | No | No | No |
| VO2Max Estimation | No | Yes | No |
| Race Predictor | No | No | No |
| Recovery Advisor | No | Yes | No |
| Run/Walk Mode | No | No | No | Swimming | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Designed for swimming | No | No | No |
| Record HR underwater | No | No | N/A | Triathlon | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Designed for triathlon | No | No | No |
| Multisport mode | No | No | N/A | Workouts | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Create/Follow custom workouts | No | No | No |
| On-unit interval Feature | Yes | Yes with firmware upate | Yes |
| Training Calendar Functionality | No | No | No | Functions | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Auto Start/Stop | No | No | Yes |
| Virtual Partner Feature | No | No | No |
| Virtual Racer Feature | No | No | No |
| Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history) | No | No | No |
| Day to day watch ability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hunting/Fishing/Ocean Data | No | No | No |
| Tidal Tables (Tide Information) | No | No | No |
| Jumpmaster mode (Parachuting) | No | No | No |
| Geocaching | No | No | No |
| Weather Display (live data) | No | No | No | Navigate | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Follow GPS Track (Courses/Waypoints) | No | No | No |
| Markers/Waypoint Direction | No | No | No |
| Routable/Visual Maps (like car GPS) | No | No | No |
| Back to start | No | Yes | No |
| Impromptu Round Trip Route Creation | No | No | No |
| Download courses/routes from phone to unit | No | No | No | Sensors | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Altimeter Type | GPS | GPS | GPS |
| Compass Type | N/A | GPS | N/A |
| Heart Rate Strap Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Heart Rate Strap Capable | Yes | No | Yes |
| ANT+ Speed/Cadence Capable | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Footpod Capable | Yes | No | Yes |
| ANT+ Power Meter Capable | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Weight Scale Capable | Yes | No | No |
| ANT+ Fitness Equipment (Gym) | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Remote Control | No | No | No |
| ANT+ eBike Compatibility | No | No | No |
| Shimano Di2 Shifting | No | ||
| Bluetooth Smart HR Strap Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Footpod Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Power Meter Capable | No | No | No |
| Temp Recording (internal sensor) | No | No | No |
| Temp Recording (external sensor) | No | No | No |
| Compatible with Firstbeat HR tools | Yes | Not FB, but other Polar | No | Software | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| PC Application | GTC | PPT/Websync | Training Peaks Agent |
| Web Application | Garmin Connect | PPT.com | Training Peaks |
| Phone App | Garmin Fit | Polar Beats | Training Peaks (iOS/Android) |
| Ability to Export Settings | No | No | Yes | Purchase | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Amazon Link | Link | Link | Link |
| Clever Training Link (Save 10% with DCR10BTF) | Link | Link | Link | DCRainmaker | Garmin Forerunner 210 | Polar RC3 | Timex Run Trainer GPS 2.0 |
| Review Link | Link | Link | Link |
Make sense?
Finally, for those that have asked about new running watches. I do not expect any new running-specific watches until at earliest the fall running season, from Polar/Timex/Garmin. Same goes for the FR910XT – but with later timelines. Remember that really the FR910XT is only about a year old. While it was announced in October 2011, it didn’t actually hit market availability until the January-April 2012 timeframe. Typically Garmin goes for a 2-year release cycle. Given there’s virtually no competitive pressure on the FR910XT today (that covers all three sports), there’s little reason for them to rush to market with a unit.
Update of the Clever Training coupon code:
Along the same front, if you’ve been previously using the Clever Training coupon code, it’s been updated to a slightly new coupon code: DCR10BTF. Same 10% off your entire order (and the usual free shipping), just a different combination of letters and digits. Simply an administrivia thing. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to remember it. It’s at the end of every product review and on the sidebar at all times. So no worries about trying to remember it, you can just grab the code there before checking out.
As always, the discount is applicable to everything except clearance/deep-sale items. And that covers virtually every product I review. They’ve also added some new ones lately like Nike+ GPS and Quarq/SRAM power meters. I’m working with them to get any missing items in there, but as always – if there’s a product line missing, definitely drop it in the comments and we’ll make magic happen.
Consolidated page for supporting DC Rainmaker:
Since the re-design a few folks have asked where the little tip jar that used to be on the sidebar went to. It got somewhat lost in the shuffle because the code used in it was fairly slow and would often fail to render in the page, thus slowing down the site for all.
But, with the thinking of having a consolidated ‘discounts/deals/support dcrainmaker.com’ page, I figured that’s a fine place to put it.
More important than the tip jar is simply the various links and ways you can support the site. Right now that’s essentially Amazon.com (for any country btw, such as Amazon.co.uk and others), Clever Training (who also ships to most countries for a flat rate fee, and has the 10% off everything), and then a sprinkle of REI and the tip jar.
Make sense? Good. Here’s the page that you can quickly access: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/deals
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Thanks for reading…and supporting the site! Have a great week ahead. I’ve got a pile of interesting things lined up for the next 2-3 weeks. Lots of sport tech company visits (paid for by me), and interesting experiences on tap!
i just bought an FR10 from clever training. Fast free shipping from across the country and best price anywhere using your discount! Thanks!
I would really LOVE a forerunner 10 – I don’t need all the bells and whistles and I have really skinny wrists – but with only a 5 hour battery life (and as a slowish runner) it wouldn’t be long before it wouldn’t last through a marathon. Is there any talk of extending the battery life? Is there a similar watch in size and function with a longer battery life?
I wouldn’t expect to see any gains unfortunately. From a size standpoint, the FR110/210 and Polar RC3 would be about the next step up for battery. Size-wise they actually aren’t much bigger. The FR10 tends to sit a little higher, whereas the FR110/210 tend to sit a little flatter.
And only a few hours left for the bikespike. link to kickstarter.com
Will help with dumb thieves who don’t disable it but I was thinking would be useful for group rides. Would allow you to ride separately for a bit but then track down where the person you are riding with is. Only ~$5,200 left to make 150k
Yup, I think they might just make it. Tweeted it out a few minutes ago as well. I suspect that within only $5K to go, they’d just self-fund the remaining if required. At least, I hope they would.
Just checked on the bikespike – $2600 over goal.
got this deal yesterday =)
Ray – thanks for the insight not to expect new running watches from polar/garmin/timex until perhaps Fall. I was holding out for the next gen RCX5 integrated GPS (waterproof too), but instead just bought the TRT2 (from Clever Training). I’ll deal with the low memory… Might be an issue for long hikes. Great site, great reviews. Loved the Al Khobar, Rotnest Island and Sydney runabouts – all places I’ve lived or visited. Great memories.
Looks like a great bit of kit, will be checking it out.
Right now on groupon the Garmin Forerunner 210 is being sold for $149.99 manufacturer refurbished. What do you recommend?
I generally prefer the FR210 over the FR110 due to instant pace and the footpod support. So it really comes down to the HR strap, and whether you plan to use that functionality, as well as the footpod/instant pace.
I probably would not use the heart rate strap consistently, my only hesitation was that it was manufacturer refurbished. Both come with a HR strap.
QUE TAL EL POLAR RCX3 VS GARMIN 210 VS SUUNTO QUEST,CUAL DE ESOS ES MEJOR,YO BUSCO UN BUEN PULSOMETRO CON EL CUAL ENTRENAR Y MIDA BIEN EL RITMO CARDIACO,SI TIENE O NO GPS LA VERDAD QUE NO INFLUYE MUCHO,PARA ESO ESTAN LOS MOVILES CON DIFERENTES APPS,PERO TAMBIEN SERIA BUENO SABER CUAL ES EL MEJOR PULSOMETRO CON GPS PARA SABER SI ME DECANTO POR ALGUNO CON GPS,RESUMINEDO CUAL ES EL MEJOR PULSOMETRO Y CUAL ES EL MEJOR PULSOMETRO CON GPS
Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.
I’ve also noted used the Suunto Quest (though I wouldn’t compare it to any of the others units noted in your post). I would suggest reading the Polar RC3 review (not the RCX3, as I’m not sure why one would purchase that at this point), as I make a lot of comparisons to the FR210 and other units in this arena.
Enjoy!
I really enjoy your website. I discovered it about a month ago and have been using it for product research ever since. I’m interested in a Garmin forerunner 620 bundle. I’ve tried your coupon code at clever training, but can’t get it to work. The website says that the Fr620 bundle doesn’t qualify. Is this correct? Or has the coupon code changed? Thanks!
Looks like the code won’t work on preordering the Garmin Vivoactive
I was able to buy the VIP membership and that did work. Now to just wait impatiently for it to ship
Yup, Garmin requires it (VIP club) for certain products. Thanks for the support! The units should start shipping from CT either Friday or Monday (though, I don’t know offhand how backordered they are).
Was going to buy a kickr snap but the coupon code doesn’t work for some reason. I can buy it local for the same price, maybe less, but I wanted to support you.