311 replies to this topic

[RobGrinter]

We should be receiving news in the next 2 weeks regarding a replacement to Garmin 310xt. (Edit: NEW PRODUCT)

Possible name being floated in the guessing circles is 315 or 315xt ? Another number I have heard is FR 610.

We know very little, but here is what we hear on the grapevine;

- It is likely to be touchscreen.
- It will be smaller.
- Heart rate whilst swimming is a possibility. (Similar to Polars new RCX5 using dual transmission)

Stay tuned.

We will update as we find out more info.

Likely to be a May/June delivery.

Ed: Refer here for official release, and here for updated information.

[maryclaire]

June delivery...hmm....a birthday present from an adoring husband perhaps???

any idea of cost?

[chilliman]

maryclaire, on 26 March 2011 - 04:06 PM, said:

any idea of cost?

zilch.

As applies to 'idea' not 'cost'.

[chrisso]

hmmm not sure how sweat and touch screen will go, be interesting to see.. but let's face it, they have some competition now with gps enabled phones and apps designed for tracking running

[maryclaire]

actually a nifty inclusion would be a tracking function.  I've wanted this a few times now - and this week's Oxfam I will be using an app on my iPhone - but would prefer it in the watch if possible!

[RobGrinter]

Thats a tough one maryclaire, as any tracking requires a gsm connection, hence why the iphone can do this.

We may see it one day soon as I believe Garmin in the USA have a device now that will do it, however it isnt pitched to be in the realms of a fitness device as yet. It's more aimed at the child, elderley etc tracking, regardless, it uses the phone coverage network to acheive the tracking.

[redbackrun]

some details here as well slowtwitch

[chilliman]

chrisso, on 26 March 2011 - 06:25 PM, said:

hmmm not sure how sweat and touch screen will go, be interesting to see..

If it is anything like what is on the Edge 800  then should be fantastic, i've used the 800 (w Aus/NZ topo maps) on a few trail runs in pouring rain and other times deliberately sweating all over it and the touch screen works without a glitch, we even tried it with a pair of gardening gloves on the other day !


Yep to do the tracking thing either need GSM for data or a secondary network like the Spot trackers use.

[RobGrinter]

London Marathon announcement -  new-forerunner.jpg   66.27K   79 downloads

[Action]

Well, that's convenient.  I will be sure to take great note next week at the expo!

[RobGrinter]

Fitness Expo in Sydney is also on 15th to 17th April.

Expect some news may come out in Australia during this event

You may have to rush back from london, but perhaps this may suit you better !

[Action]

RobGrinter, on 08 April 2011 - 10:32 PM, said:

Fitness Expo in Sydney is also on 15th to 17th April.

Expect some news may come out in Australia during this event

You may have to rush back from london, but perhaps this may suit you better !

Garmin is at the Paris expo tomorrow, so perhaps they will have a sneak sneak preview (we can only live in hope!).  Will check it out... any excuse!

[RobGrinter]

Lots of guessing going on in the forums, so we will add our guess too;

We here think the new Garmin will be an upmarket 410 and the number will be Forerunner 610.

It will be IPX7 rated and will therefore not be a replacement to the 310xt. That will follow at a later date.

It will be slim line (compared to all other GPS models to date), a better fashionable design and fairly similar to existing features available on the 410.

[alexholbrook]

Was looking on Slowtwitch and came across this

http://www.4run.it/N...erunner_610.pdf

http://translate.goo...%2F260758407302

Just enter it into your taskbar and it should work.

Its obviously going to come out as they are putting them on ebay already.

Cheers Alexander

Edited by chilliman, 12 April 2011 - 10:02 PM.
Updated thread title

[brettsrun]

Beware the dodgy ones,
I'm waiting for Highly Tuned Athletes to Get them in stock
At Least I know I will get good service and genuine support if Needed.
Recent experience with OS purchase was big mistake, costs more in the long run.

[Arfadent]

Well the translate link didn't work for me but making a guess at a translation suggests that the battery is good for 8 hours only with the GPS on.
If that's right then I am still glad that I traded up from a 405 to my new 310XT as I need the longer battery life.
I do like the design though, I think it would work as a real watch inbetween runs.
Hope I don't get jealous the first time that I see one in the flesh.
Arfa.

Edited by Arfadent, 12 April 2011 - 08:54 PM.

[chilliman]

New FR610 officially announced by Garmin.

First touchscreen GPS Runners watch.

International Press release here.

Garmin's page on the FR610 here.

DC Rainmakers full review on the FR610 here.

 6a00d83451bb7069e2014e609f085a970c-800wi.jpg   41.51K   38 downloads  6a00d83451bb7069e20147e3fa2636970b-800wi.jpg   33.16K   33 downloads


And the 1 second recording sample rate option is back, useful for tight trail mapping .....
Now all we need is for Garmin to sort out Garmin Connect to stop filtering out trackpoints under the "player" to actually see them.

[Arfadent]

Damnit. After watching the Video, I want one.
I have a 405 (now retired) and a 310XT already, I don't need a 610, I don't even have a use for a 610 but its a new gagdget and I just want one.
Chilli, please promise you won't sell me one if I call up in a moment of weakness.
Arfa,
PS. At $25US RRP extra than a 410, I can't imagine too many 410 sales from now on.

[MarkC77]

Where is the holographic virtual partner feature???

[Emrun]

Droooool

Just saw this announced on Twitter.

My 2 and a half year old 405 is giving up the ghost, the battery won't hold charge for more than about 1.5 hours of running.

When will HTA be selling the 610 Chilli?

[RobGrinter]

Pre Order for first batch will be up very soon.
Stay tuned.

[Danny]

Looks good but I think I will wait until the new version of the 310XT

[ninjette]

Looks fantastic but...the new touchscreen is described as 'highly responsive'. Given the amount of difficulty the current bezel has in rain, how will the touchscreen react to raindrops (and swipes of sleeves, etc)? I assume you'll be able to lock it, like the bezel?

[HillsAths1]

I want DCRainmakers job testing watches!!

How good is it when you can take the watch in the shower and not worry as you know you are going to send it back to Garmin in 45 days anyway!

Looks to be a pretty good replacement for 405/410 my 405 is still going fine after 18 months so I guess there is no hurry to update, just yet.

[RobGrinter]

The 610 is finally here and information is available on Garmins official website as announced in Earlier posts.

Some local Australian information.

- If you wish to see one in person, it will be available to look at during the Fitness Expo in Sydney staring this Friday.
- Local price is still unknown today, but we should know soon. We are guessing it will be around $499 to $549 including Premium Heart Rate strap
- FR610 without heart rate strap is likely to be $50 less.
- Local delivery is also difficult to pin point today, but we would estimate it to be sometime in May or early June at the latest. (Delivery time from announcement is generally 6 to 8 weeks)

Our most requested question is "How can I get one as soon as they are released".

Answer is, we are taking $50 deposits to secure the FR610 from the first batch of deliveries.

CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY

Edited by RobGrinter, 13 April 2011 - 11:48 AM.

[chilliman]

ninjette, on 13 April 2011 - 10:01 AM, said:

Given the amount of difficulty the current bezel has in rain, how will the touchscreen react to raindrops (and swipes of sleeves, etc)?

The current 410 bezel is pretty good in the rain with all the testing I have done, the touchscreen on the Edge 800 even better.
You can lock the the Edge 800 but haven't had a need to, unless I shove it in my pocket.

You need to use firm contact on the Edge touchscreen which avoids false entries, I'd expect similar on the new 610 from what I have read.
To be sure will provide a full report when we get our hands on one.

[Hallac]

Was planning on getting the Timex Global Trainer but this new 610 is tempting, although a fair bit more expensive.  Mmmm decisions....

I'm going to the Fitness Expo on Sunday so will have a look at them in the flesh - Expo is Saturday and Sunday, Friday I think is just for trade visitors?

[RobGrinter]

Hallac, on 13 April 2011 - 01:12 PM, said:

Was planning on getting the Timex Global Trainer but this new 610 is tempting, although a fair bit more expensive.  Mmmm decisions....

I'm going to the Fitness Expo on Sunday so will have a look at them in the flesh - Expo is Saturday and Sunday, Friday I think is just for trade visitors?

Visit the Garmin stand (#L42)and tell them Highly Tuned Athletes sent you !

[Hallac]

RobGrinter, on 13 April 2011 - 01:19 PM, said:

Visit the Garmin stand (#L42)and tell them Highly Tuned Athletes sent you !

Very happy to do that.  I'll do the same on the Timex stand as well if you want!

Any idea if we can get in on the Friday?  Can I tell them I work for HTA

Shame if not as it's across the road from where I work and oldest daughter turns 13 at the weekend so busy weekend and it's a bit of a trek in and out of the city otherwise.

[Brick]

This is a good video for the new 610

Edited by chilliman, 13 April 2011 - 02:37 PM.
embedded video

[runhard]

I was about to buy my wife a 405.  Now she misses out. I will buy this one in a few months and she gets my old 405!!!!!

RH

[turtle-runner]

Here is a review that I found quite interesting  www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garmin-forerunner-610-in-depth-review.html

On the FB page the price is being listed $349 ot $399 with HRM - guessing this is the US price.

My 405 that is now over 2 years old is still going well (touch wood) but I am now in talks with the husband about how the muffler for his VTR 1000 that doesn't need replacing but updating is much the same as my Garmin watch - doesn't need replacing - but a nice new one will make eveything better!

Motivation to get the tax done this year and see if a return is happening and therefore a new watch and muffler!!  

[Action]

Just had a play with one at the London Marathon expo.  Nice black face with good contrast, and better use of the screen real estate.  Very different menu structure and good scrolling up and down. The "race against self" is nice.  Upload a previous race and it paces you against your actual time and progress, as opposed to the virtual partner which is just pace related. The touch works well and seems to be quite positive, can't see sweat or rain being an issue.  Definitely interesting, but three things are negatives... it is still only IPX7, so not really waterproof, and we know how the 205/305 behave in the wet... they are asking 358 pounds at the expo - daylight robbery but it seems above that there are better prices in the US or from Rob locally?... and Timex were offering their GPS trainer on the next stand for 200 quid.... very tempting as a replacement for my cracked screen 310xt.

So, Rob, any trade-in for slightly used (ok, so well used and cracked screen) 310xt?

[Goughy]

Hallac, on 13 April 2011 - 01:12 PM, said:

Was planning on getting the Timex Global Trainer but this new 610 is tempting, although a fair bit more expensive.  Mmmm decisions....

Remembering it's not a direct competitor for the TGT!  Not waterproof, probably not as good for on the bike, doesn't have multisport mode.

[Hallac]

Goughy, on 14 April 2011 - 06:08 AM, said:

Remembering it's not a direct competitor for the TGT!  Not waterproof, probably not as good for on the bike, doesn't have multisport mode.

Yep appreciate that. I mostly run and cycle and like Cyclemeter app on my phone for cycling. I'd like to do a triathlon but can use current Timex in the pool. So whilst I like the idea of a multisport watch, I don't need one but am ready for something new. And whilst the water resistance of the Garmin is disappointing, it will be fine for my multisport if I don't keep falling out of the kayak . As long as I can record laps then I can cover off different legs and transitions fine. And whilst I like running on the trails i get frustrated at not being able to use it in the city for the big races or even for the weekly run home

[chilliman]

Action, on 14 April 2011 - 01:56 AM, said:

The "race against self" is nice.  Upload a previous race and it paces you against your actual time and progress, as opposed to the virtual partner which is just pace related.

Sounds like a revamped version of the infrequently used "Do Course" feature on current models which also kicks in the VP if used correctly, great to see it being stepped up a notch.


Thanks for the feedback Action, hopefully we will get to see one in Aus this weekend.

BTW: we have the TGT at $309 with HRM, and yes the FR610 is primarily designed for runners up to the marathon distance, not a multisport tool such as the TGT and 310xt which allow total elapsed time and activity times, ipx/8, and longer battery etc. Fingers crossed the 310xt will also be updated before the year is out.

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

Still have the 301, this October it will be 7 yrs old, regular use in all weather. Charging and downloading port still works fine and the unit does much more than I need it for. Don't use HR function and most other screens for that matter. Run, record time and km laps, ocassionally put on lap pace screen , and at some point in time download to PC (sporttracks).

Haven't seen anything to make me get new one. Not a luddite, was one of first to get Garmin and one of first before that with the Timex/garmin unit.

I may get the multisport one for bike + run at some point if I do Tri's

Good reliable stuff, certainly got my $200 worth.

[KevM]

I may have missed it in the thread but what is the battery life of the new 610?
I like AND dislike my 405 - the true battery life is about 6.5 to 7hrs - no good.

Would be nice to run something like TNF with a watch that could make it - if we humble runners can make it (hopefully), you'd reckon they'd have a battery that can.

[chilliman]

KevM, on 14 April 2011 - 01:25 PM, said:

I may have missed it in the thread but what is the battery life of the new 610?

8hrs like 405/405cx/410/110/210 etc, all GPS equiped watches aimed at the runner targeting up to marathon distance with a bit to spare battery wise.
Size and fashion taking precedence and highly demanded.

Unfortunately ultra runners and those going the distance are in the minority and in the past have had to resort to tools designed for other sports such as the 310 etc.
Alternatively use an external battery pack to charge on the run, or turn GPS off and just use a foot pod, triple battery life on a 405, but obviuosly no mapping post run.

One day hopefully someone will get their act together and provide the perfect long distance  tool.

[KevM]

chilliman, on 14 April 2011 - 01:42 PM, said:

One day hopefully someone will get their act together and provide the perfect long distance  tool.

Thanks Chilli

A shame. Would love a 24hr battery, technology will get there one day you'd think.

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

chilliman, on 14 April 2011 - 01:42 PM, said:

8hrs like 405/405cx/410/110/210 etc, all GPS equiped watches aimed at the runner targeting up to marathon distance with a bit to spare battery wise.

My 301 says 13hrs when fully charged and even 7yrs later still gets 13hrs life. Why have they shortened it when batteries have become way better?

[Spud]

Because the units have gotten smaller. The 301 which I still love and use has a big cell in there.

[chilliman]

Spud, on 14 April 2011 - 02:25 PM, said:

SMCRoadRaceSeries, on 14 April 2011 - 01:58 PM, said:

Why have they shortened it when batteries have become way better?

Because the units have gotten smaller.

chilliman, on 14 April 2011 - 01:42 PM, said:

Size and fashion taking precedence and highly demanded.

Especially when you look at the target audience - compared to those that need 8+ hrs for ultra's etc.

As Spud alluded to, double the battery life may require double the battery size, in capacity and most often in physical size even with the latest technologies available.

[RobGrinter]

Price is now confirmed by Garmin Australia as:



$499 with Premium Heart Rate     PRE ORDER 610 with Premium Heart Rate Strap

$449 without.    PRE ORDER 610 NO hrm



Delivery info to follow soon. ED: Now confirmed as Middle of May 2011

Edited by RobGrinter, 14 April 2011 - 07:49 PM.

[SoLucky]

SMCRoadRaceSeries, on 14 April 2011 - 01:22 PM, said:

Still have the 301, this October it will be 7 yrs old, regular use in all weather. Charging and downloading port still works fine and the unit does much more than I need it for. Don't use HR function and most other screens for that matter. Run, record time and km laps, ocassionally put on lap pace screen , and at some point in time download to PC (sporttracks).

Haven't seen anything to make me get new one. Not a luddite, was one of first to get Garmin and one of first before that with the Timex/garmin unit.

I may get the multisport one for bike + run at some point if I do Tri's

Good reliable stuff, certainly got my $200 worth.

I’ve had about the same record of durability with a 201.
It still charges up and holds 13 hours , and like SMC, I find that it satisfies my needs as a runner.
It is a pity that Garmin regard their target  demographic  (quote Chilliman),
“Size and fashion taking precedence and highly demanded.”
to be more interested in fashion rather than function.
I accept that from a marketing standpoint they are probably looking at the biggest volume of prospects.
However, it seems that the decision to reduce battery size not only impacts on battery charge life, which by itself is not such a big deal, but it apparently leads to a much reduced battery operating life.  The result is that the effective life of the watch may be  sacrificed by over  50%.
Hey, I guess that doesn’t matter if you are a cool dude, each 2 to 3 years you can buy a new one with more bling.

[RobGrinter]

Good news: announced this afternoon;

FR610 available middle of May.

Some extra details
Product Features and Specifications

• Sleek touchscreen with touch, tap and swipe functions
  
• Vibration alerts: set alerts for pace, distance, heart rate
  
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix®
  
• Firstbeat™ advanced heart rate-based calorie computation
  
• Heart rate zone training, supports five heart rate zones
  
• *New* Training Effect: indicates intensity level to help athletes train more efficiently
  
• *New* Virtual Racer™ – race previous bests or activities uploaded to Garmin Connect; accounts for varying speeds and real-time conditions
  
• Additional training and motivational features: Virtual Partner®, courses, workouts
  
• *New* run/walk alerts allows users to set alerts for running and walking intervals based on time
  
• Wireless uploads to Garmin Connect to analyse, store and share workouts; www.GarminConnect.com
  
• Watch features: time of day (12/24h), dual time zone, day/date, daily alarm
  
• GPS features: mark locations, back to start, save location
  
• Can be used for running and cycling
  
• Compatible with GSC™10 speed/cadence bike sensor: monitor pedaling cadence and wheel speed
  
• Compatible with foot pod: measure speed, distance and runner’s cadence indoors and outdoors
  
• Battery life: up to eight hours (training) or 4 weeks (power save mode)
  
• Compatible with external battery pack with solar charger to charge Forerunner 610 for multi-day activities
  
• Water resistant to IPX7: resistant to rain, sweat and splashes
  
• Weight: 72 g
  
• Display: round black and white TFT, 128 x 128 pixels
  
• Size (cm): 4.57cm x 6.35cm x 1.42cm
  
• Distance accuracy: 99% with clear view of sky
  
• Temp range: -20oC to 60oC (-4oF to 140oF)

[Spud]

A colleague of mine is in the process of replacing the lithium battery in his FR305 with a 'better' more densely charged one.
I will report back on any improvements in battery life.

Edited by Spud, 14 April 2011 - 06:58 PM.

[RobGrinter]

Charging clip, Extender strap and Fabric Strap were also announced this afternoon.


FR610 Accessories

[thomo]

Saw the 610 in real life today at the Fitness Expo. Quite impressed. Looks okay, a bit too round in my view. The touch screen needs a bit of an effort to change screens, more than my mobile phones touchscreen. This is a good thing, less chance of accidental changing. The Garmin guy was very helpful going through the menu and explaining the features. The design seemed logically thought out.

They had their full range of watches and cycle computers. Very nice.

I also saw the Timex Global Trainer. The Timex Global was discounted by quite a bit, both the hrm & non hrm model. Photos do not do justice just how large this watch is, if you are normal boned I wouldn't consider the watch.

Finally, saw the Polar RCX5. Watch thinnest of the lot by a long way. However, the GPS thingy is seperate. Didn't get to see it as the rep had forgotten to bring the sample and was showing me the one off his wrist.

[Hallac]

Tried them both on at the FitnessExpo today.  The size of the TGT is immediately obvious, but it didn't seem too bad once strapped to my wrist.  In fact the chunkiness and lots of buttons gave it a robust impressive feel as if it would last forever.

The Garmin seemed a lot less of a watch in comparison in terms of there was a plainness to it and it didn't instantly feel like it should cost 50% more.  However it seemed to be quite responsive on a quick play and because of the size you could wear it as a normal watch if you wanted to.

For me the size isn't an issue as I don't wear my current Timex apart from for sport, and as I said it feels fine on my average sized wrists.  I'm changing after 5/6 years with my current Timex because I want an integrated GPS and would like to be able to download my times after years writing down split times on a pad of paper.

Waterproofing is a niggle, but my current Timex can continue in partial retirement for my laps in the pool.  Cyclemeter on my iphone does most of my virtual cycle training, so the cycling on either watch is a nice to have but not critical.

My other biggest niggle is to be able to record distance in the big city races and running home from work.  The Timex won't do this as it appears it will lose signal too easily in the city like my current one and if it reacquires it will miss a section out.  The Garmin can solve this but only if I buy the footpod as well, so if it loses the GPS signal it will use the footpod until it reacquires the GPS, at which point it will default to the GPS.  Is my understanding correct?

If so I should get the Garmin, but it will be circa $560 with HRM and footpod, compared to $310 for the TGT with HRM.  Just too big a difference to justify!