General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Which watch should I get? Rss Feed  
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2014-03-11 8:33 AM

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Collierville, Tennessee
Subject: Which watch should I get?
I currently have a Garmin 310XT, and really like it, but I'd like to track my pool swims. So, what should I do?

1. Get a Garmin Swim
2. Get a 910XT and get rid of my 310XT
3. Get the Garmin Fenix2, which just came out

Any thoughts are appreciated!


2014-03-11 10:01 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?
Depends on what you are planning on doing with it. If its just for the pool, get a specific swimming watch. If you are planning on using it for the run and bike, then i would suggest 910XT.

I have the 910XT. Works great in the pool. I have the Swimovate pool mate watch also which I used before I got the 910XT. Both do what promised. From my experience, 910XT, adds a pool length once in a while but thats not a big problem.

No experience with Garmin Swim or Fenix2.

Good luck and let us know what you decided.

Edited by Maks Tri 2014-03-11 10:02 AM
2014-03-11 10:11 AM
in reply to: WoodrowCall

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?
I go for option #2.
Everything you need in one watch.
2014-03-11 11:51 AM
in reply to: WoodrowCall

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Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?
If it were me, today, I'd most likely go with the 910XT.

That being said, DC Rainmaker gives an excellent "First Look" at the Fenix2 here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/02/garmin-fenix2-multisport-triathl...

There's also a comparison chart at the bottom of the review for the two devices. They both retail for the same price. I don't think you could go wrong either way.
2014-03-11 6:58 PM
in reply to: WoodrowCall


2

Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?
Hi,

I am in a product development class at Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, PA. My group is actually working on an activity tracking bracelet (like a Nike Fuel Band) designed specifically to measure swimming metrics. I would love to get some insider info about what triathaloners would think of the product. I would be beyond grateful if you were willing to take a short survey (only 10 questions!) about the product. Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PCJBVSN

Thanks so much!
2014-03-12 12:03 PM
in reply to: WoodrowCall

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?
Buy a 910xt and it will be the only Multisport device you will ever need. Also, if you can, buy it from REI, and their return/exchange policy will be there for you if the Garmin warranty doesn't work in your favor.


2014-03-12 12:24 PM
in reply to: WoodrowCall

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Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?

I've gone Suunto- and have been very happy with my Ambit2.

it has been very accurate tracking swim laps- and easy to use.  if you stop for more than 5 seconds, it automatically considers your set done and gives you set metrics (if you choose to display them).  Then just continue on.  I've found that the 910xt tends not to show you the right number of laps- until you're done with the set.  A little annoying.

other nice thing about going Suunto... in 3 months their website (movescount) has never been down for maintenance or otherwise off line for me.  Garmin's site is always going down, and gets really annoying.  

Another nice thing about the Suunto- the watch is stable.  unlike my Garmin, it has never frozen or blanked out on me.  it just works.  Oh, and there are apps for everything. Like- I ran an ultra a couple weeks ago, and uploaded an app that was continuously calculating my 50mi finish time based on my pace and distance, or I went skiing a few weeks ago, and there's an app that counts ski runs, vertical, average and max speed for the run... stuff like that.

If you need a "Swim/Bike/Run" watch- the 910xt is still the leader in those specific features I guess.

if you want a watch (er... the 910 isn't a watch) that you can wear every day and always have on your wrist for that lunch run/swim/bike, then the Ambit2 makes sense.  you can also program any number of sports into it.  special apps for skiing, sailing, whatever you can think of- each named and picked off a list.  You control what is available on the watch through their web based program.  Plus the navigation features are more like the Fenix (except more stable).

Dowside of the Suunto- there are a few things that the Garmin 910 will do that the Ambit2 won't.  Specifically:  1. Complex custom workouts.  2. Vibration Alarm. 3. real time power metrics- such as TSS, IP, Np (it will pick up an ANT+ power meter and display power, just doesn't calculate the metrics in real time, you'd need to upload to get them)

So- just throwing it out there as another option.

Suunto makes a very nice product.

2014-03-12 12:49 PM
in reply to: WoodrowCall

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Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?

get the swim for now and wait on the 920xt to come out sometime this year.  that way you can sell me your lightly used swim at a discount and get a much nicer multisport watch. 

2014-03-12 2:08 PM
in reply to: Clempson

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Extreme Veteran
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Collierville, Tennessee
Subject: RE: Which watch should I get?
Thanks for the input, everybody, especially Kyle! I'm going to get the Garmin Swim at REI. If I like it enough, then I'll hang onto it. If not, I'm a member at REI and they have a really great return policy, so I can get the 920, or the Fenix 2, which looks pretty sweet. Thanks for all the advice!
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