Garmin Forerunner 210

The Garmin Forerunner 210 is one of two new Garmin Forerunner sport watches hitting the market (4th quarter 2010). The other is the Garmin Forerunner 410.

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Garmin Forerunner 210 Summary of Features and Benefits

Bridging the Gap

The new Forerunner 210 bridges the gap between the Forerunner 110 and higher models (like the 305, 405 or 410).

It contains enhanced features, which the older 110 does not have, yet does not have some of the advanced functionality of the higher models – like wireless data transfer and access to some of the analytical software. These features are very nice to have but are not essential. The good thing about not having these capabilities – is that it keeps the price down.

The Garmin Forerunner 210 is just as sleek, light and comfortable as the other models. One thing that makes it different than the 405 is that it has buttons on the watch as opposed to a bezel. These are used for scrolling through your functions or screens. Some feel the buttons are much easier to use. However, the newly released 410 has had its bezel improved to eliminate many of these problems that have been occurring. Only time will tell if these improvements are good.

Hot Fix Capability

The 210 does still have the “Hot Fix” technology. This is in reference to the super sensitivity of the GPS system which quickly finds and locks on to your location in all kinds of terrain – whether it be city or forest. This Hot Fix is a main feature of many of the Forerunner watches.

While detection times may vary, some have found the watch to pick up a satellite in a little over 30 seconds. Not bad compared to what it used to take. Then, in many cases, the next time they connect the pickup will be much quicker.

Current Pace Statistic

Many runners have wanted something different in these lower Forerunner models. When running long distances or marathons, runners wanted to know their pace at any time during the run. If they had this, they could plan out the rest of the race and know how they would do.

Well, the good news for these runners is that the 210 model now has this feature and it is called the Current Pace Statistic. It will give you an instantaneous pace at any time.

Now you still have the option of getting an Average Pace which is the average pace from when you started til you take the reading. It can also measure the time of “laps”. Now a lap can be any distance you want, one mile, one kilometer or any other distance. Once the “lap” distance is set, it will beep when you have run your “lap” and will show you the “lap” data.

Tracks Multitude of Data

Of course this Garmin 210 keeps track of your times, distances, pace, elevation, location and much more – just like the other models.

Foot Pod Capability

The 210 comes with foot pad option for running indoors where GPS is not applicable.

Battery Life

Battery life is reasonable. A fully charged battery should last a week. Using the internal “power saver mode” helps prolong the battery juice. This is like most other things with a power saver mode – if there is inactivity for w a while it goes into sleep mode.

A New Feature on the 210

The 210 has something new – it is called Interval Training. This allows you to set up distances and times (for rest) meaning you can run for a certain distance (it will beep when it is reached ) and then rest for a short time – til it beeps again, meaning you need to start running again. This is all automatic and requires no input from you once it is set. By not having to fiddle with things allows you to concentrate on your run. Having it be automatic also means you won’t miss anything or foul up your data by pushing the wrong button at the wrong time.

Water Resistance – Yeaaaa!

The Garmin Forerunner is now water resistant – unlike some other or earlier models. It is now waterproof to 10m and quite capable of withstanding long swims which is great news for the triathlete.

Heart Rate Monitor Improvements

Improvements in the heart rate monitor are now found in the 210. Previously they were big, bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Well that is all gone now in this new and improved sleeker, lighter monitor. To use it, simply strap it on and let it sync up with your watch. It should find it in a matter of seconds.

Now not everyone is concerned with monitoring the amount of calories burned, but this watch can do it. It takes your body weight and calculates calories burned as a function of your heart rate. So the faster your exertion and heart rate, the more calories that will be burned.

The wireless heart rate capability is also compatible with some gym cardio equipment if the need ever arises.

Lastly, the Forerunner 210 can alert you to different heart rate zones. You can use the built in zones or input your own. By having these zones you can track when your heart rates increases to a certain rate or drops to a certain rate.

Free (and Super) Online Data Analysis

Typical Forerunner Map

As with many of the other Garmin Forerunner sport watches, you can use Garmin’s online site to store, track, and analyze your data and then plan your future goals. This is very helpful in making improvements and remembering where your treks took you (This is accomplished by using their Google map feature to print out your route.) You can also play back your run and understand why something happened at a particular spot, like were you going up a hill at this one point or what.

The site also can be used for analyzing your long term running data so you can see how you are improving, (or not), how far you jogged in a month or year, and much more helpful information

Garmin Forerunner 210 Bottom Line….

Forerunner 210

The bottom line is that this Forerunner 210 is an excellent trade off between the lower and higher models, offering many of the required features, but eliminating some of those that are nice to have but not necessary – like wireless data transfer. This trade off applies to both the functionality and price.

The Garmin Forerunner 210 is so good many are beginning to say this is the best sports watch in the Forerunner series for the typical runner. The advanced athlete – like a triathlete – may desire the higher models with more functions, but the everyday Joe – this is the one for them.

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