Replacement for Garmin 610 - TomTom Multisport

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La
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Replacement for Garmin 610 - TomTom Multisport

Postby La » Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:59 am

I received the 610 (pre-owned) as a gift in 2013 and it's been good to me, but now it won't charge as one of the contacts on the back of the watch is wonky. Since it was given to me, I don't have a receipt, nor do I know where it was purchased. Does anyone know of a site where I can compare the functionality of different GPS watches to see which is the best one for me? I tried GPS City, but the comparison feature isn't very good (more about watch specs than functionality).

I also have an old 305 that I've been using since the 610 died. I like the functionality, but the buttons don't work very well anymore, so it's a pain to operate at times.

Things that are important to me (in order):
1) Multi-sport - want to be able to easily switch between running and cycling (not necessarily on the fly, just from one workout to the next). Would be a bonus if I could also have a setting for a third sport.
2) Customizable display, at least 3, but preferably 4 metrics on one screen.
3) HRM compatible - I already have a ton of straps (305, 610) so if the watch were compatible with the straps I already have rather than having to buy a new one, that would be great.
4) Battery life - the thing I liked about the 610 is that once it went into power-save mode, it would stay charged for a long time, so I didn't have to charge it before every workout.
Last edited by La on Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Jwolf » Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:22 am

Have you looked at DCRainmaker's site? His reviews are very extensive, and you'll have to dig through them to find comparisons, but he's very thorough.

It sounds like what you might want is the Fenix2.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/03/garm ... sport.html

He has a comparison chart in that review, but only to other multi-sport models.

He also reviews all the other GPS brands as well. You may want to look at the TomTom.

One feature that I would like in my next watch is bluetooth transfer of data to my phone. I'm not sure if that's important to you, but the fenix has that.

All Garmins are compatible with the ANT+ HR straps that you have, but most of the new models come with straps too. You might be able to get credit for one if you buy it at a store and return it.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby La » Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:25 am

Jwolf wrote:Have you looked at DCRainmaker's site? His reviews are very extensive, and you'll have to dig through them to find comparisons, but he's very thorough.

It sounds like what you might want is the Fenix2.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/03/garm ... sport.html

He has a comparison chart in that review, but only to other multi-sport models.

He also reviews all the other GPS brands as well. You may want to look at the TomTom.

One feature that I would like in my next watch is bluetooth transfer of data to my phone. I'm not sure if that's important to you.

I don't like the price tag of the Fenix! ;)

I don't care about phone transfer/compatibility as I don't use my phone for things like that.

Thanks, I'll check out DC Rainmaker.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:39 am

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby La » Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:44 am

Ooooo, I really like the look of that TomTom Multisport unit!! And it's in the price range I want (~$200-250).

ETA: I might have just ordered one on-line... :shifty:
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby La » Wed Sep 17, 2014 12:05 pm

Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

Thanks for the link. The guy in the photo looks like Ed (TerrificWhatzit). :lol:
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby eme » Wed Sep 17, 2014 12:07 pm

Raytech is the service depot for Garmin in Canada and does out of warranty repairs. If you like the 610 otherwise, you can get a refurbished one out of them (did that when I cracked the screen on my 310xt). By the looks of it, you could get a refurbished one for $113.99 plus tax/shipping.

http://www.raytech.ca

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Stampie » Wed Sep 17, 2014 3:17 pm

eme wrote:Raytech is the service depot for Garmin in Canada and does out of warranty repairs. If you like the 610 otherwise, you can get a refurbished one out of them (did that when I cracked the screen on my 310xt). By the looks of it, you could get a refurbished one for $113.99 plus tax/shipping.

http://www.raytech.ca

That is good option, but you really need to inquire about the cost trade-off of paying to get a refurbished one or buying a new one. My friend did it for his 305 and knock on wood is still working great.

Or, for $49.99 at Chapters you can get one of these (I posted it on FB yesterday).
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LeapBand
Sales of adult activity trackers from the likes of Fitbit, Nike FuelBand, Jawbone, Misfit Shine, Polar Loop and Samsung are booming, and kids are already begging for their own devices. LeapFrog, makers of the popular LeapPad Ultra kids tablet, are first to market with a fitness tracker built specially for kids.
PB’s (official race results)
5K – 26:20; 8K – 41:28; 10K – 52:13; 15K - 1:22:43; 21.1K – 1:54:16; 30K – 2:51:34; 42.2K – 4:24:14

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby trixiee » Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:42 pm

wasn't there a company that just launched a wireless multi sport monitor?
http://connect.garmin.com/profile/trixiee14

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby La » Thu Sep 18, 2014 10:29 am

trixiee wrote:wasn't there a company that just launched a wireless multi sport monitor?

TomTom has a device called the "Cardio" multi-sport watch that measures your HR without the use of a HR strap. Not sure if that's what you're referring to. All the other components (e.g., bike cadence, etc.) are also wireless, though that's not unique to this product.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Joe Dwarf » Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:42 am

Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

I was surprised to read that he found differences in GPS accuracy between the 610 and the 620. I would have thought the basic GPS functionality between those two watches is the same. Wonder if he had a bad example, and if so how much variability is there between different examples of the same model.

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Jwolf » Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:17 pm

trixiee wrote:wasn't there a company that just launched a wireless multi sport monitor?


do you mean wireless connectivity, as in via Bluetooth instead of ANT+?

ANT+ makes everything wireless on Garmin.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Stampie » Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:21 pm

Joe Dwarf wrote:
Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

I was surprised to read that he found differences in GPS accuracy between the 610 and the 620. I would have thought the basic GPS functionality between those two watches is the same. Wonder if he had a bad example, and if so how much variability is there between different examples of the same model.

I have seen this a few times with the 405 & 410. I have the 410 and a friend and co-clinic leader has the 405. Often we will have a difference of 50-200m (or more) with our final distance. In the grand scheme of it all, it is not much. But it makes you wonder when you've sync'd your watches at the start. :think:
PB’s (official race results)
5K – 26:20; 8K – 41:28; 10K – 52:13; 15K - 1:22:43; 21.1K – 1:54:16; 30K – 2:51:34; 42.2K – 4:24:14

What is up for 2018
Feb 11th - First Half Vancouver
TBA
Planning & in my sights
Jun 9th - Puddle Jumper Classic

Run the mile you're in. Not the one behind you, and not the one in front of you - the one you are running now :) - purdy65

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Joe Dwarf » Thu Sep 18, 2014 1:48 pm

Stampie wrote:
Joe Dwarf wrote:
Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

I was surprised to read that he found differences in GPS accuracy between the 610 and the 620. I would have thought the basic GPS functionality between those two watches is the same. Wonder if he had a bad example, and if so how much variability is there between different examples of the same model.

I have seen this a few times with the 405 & 410. I have the 410 and a friend and co-clinic leader has the 405. Often we will have a difference of 50-200m (or more) with our final distance. In the grand scheme of it all, it is not much. But it makes you wonder when you've sync'd your watches at the start. :think:
He claimed the 620 was out by a mile on a 12 mile run.

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Stampie » Thu Sep 18, 2014 2:06 pm

Joe Dwarf wrote:
Stampie wrote:
Joe Dwarf wrote:
Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

I was surprised to read that he found differences in GPS accuracy between the 610 and the 620. I would have thought the basic GPS functionality between those two watches is the same. Wonder if he had a bad example, and if so how much variability is there between different examples of the same model.

I have seen this a few times with the 405 & 410. I have the 410 and a friend and co-clinic leader has the 405. Often we will have a difference of 50-200m (or more) with our final distance. In the grand scheme of it all, it is not much. But it makes you wonder when you've sync'd your watches at the start. :think:
He claimed the 620 was out by a mile on a 12 mile run.

That is huge.
PB’s (official race results)
5K – 26:20; 8K – 41:28; 10K – 52:13; 15K - 1:22:43; 21.1K – 1:54:16; 30K – 2:51:34; 42.2K – 4:24:14

What is up for 2018
Feb 11th - First Half Vancouver
TBA
Planning & in my sights
Jun 9th - Puddle Jumper Classic

Run the mile you're in. Not the one behind you, and not the one in front of you - the one you are running now :) - purdy65

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Thu Sep 18, 2014 2:50 pm

Check out West Grey Runner's blog comparing the 110 to 305.

http://westgreyrunner.blogspot.com/2014 ... n-110.html
Athlete....Maniac 973....Marathon Maniac 6645
Live the most amazing life you can live - La
marathon runners are awesomeness personified - Ian
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http://ultramonk.blogspot.com/

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Jwolf » Thu Sep 18, 2014 3:09 pm

Stampie wrote:
Joe Dwarf wrote:
Stampie wrote:
Joe Dwarf wrote:
Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

I was surprised to read that he found differences in GPS accuracy between the 610 and the 620. I would have thought the basic GPS functionality between those two watches is the same. Wonder if he had a bad example, and if so how much variability is there between different examples of the same model.

I have seen this a few times with the 405 & 410. I have the 410 and a friend and co-clinic leader has the 405. Often we will have a difference of 50-200m (or more) with our final distance. In the grand scheme of it all, it is not much. But it makes you wonder when you've sync'd your watches at the start. :think:
He claimed the 620 was out by a mile on a 12 mile run.

That is huge.


That sounds like the watch had a bad GPS radio. All other accounts of the 620 I have seen (including DC Rainmaker's) say it is fine.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Joe Dwarf » Thu Sep 18, 2014 4:46 pm

Spirit wrote:Check out West Grey Runner's blog comparing the 110 to 305.

http://westgreyrunner.blogspot.com/2014 ... n-110.html
I've got a 110, no issues. But then I don't take it into the bush like he did. My sister has a 220, we often run side by side and our watches are within 10 or 20 meters of each other after 20k.

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby La » Thu Sep 18, 2014 7:48 pm

It's here!! :dance: :D
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Jwolf » Thu Sep 18, 2014 9:04 pm

You got it already? :)

Be sure to post a review.
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby 5km » Thu Sep 18, 2014 10:30 pm

Jwolf wrote:
Stampie wrote:
Joe Dwarf wrote:
Stampie wrote:
Joe Dwarf wrote:
Spirit wrote:http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Best_Running_Watch

I was surprised to read that he found differences in GPS accuracy between the 610 and the 620. I would have thought the basic GPS functionality between those two watches is the same. Wonder if he had a bad example, and if so how much variability is there between different examples of the same model.

I have seen this a few times with the 405 & 410. I have the 410 and a friend and co-clinic leader has the 405. Often we will have a difference of 50-200m (or more) with our final distance. In the grand scheme of it all, it is not much. But it makes you wonder when you've sync'd your watches at the start. :think:
He claimed the 620 was out by a mile on a 12 mile run.

That is huge.


That sounds like the watch had a bad GPS radio. All other accounts of the 620 I have seen (including DC Rainmaker's) say it is fine.


They have different GPS chipsets. 610 uses Sirf IV and 620 uses Mediatek chipset.

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby Stampie » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:45 am

Joe Dwarf wrote:
Spirit wrote:Check out West Grey Runner's blog comparing the 110 to 305.

http://westgreyrunner.blogspot.com/2014 ... n-110.html
I've got a 110, no issues. But then I don't take it into the bush like he did. My sister has a 220, we often run side by side and our watches are within 10 or 20 meters of each other after 20k.

That is not uncommon and usually expected. I've not had an issue with my 410 when taking it in the trails.
PB’s (official race results)
5K – 26:20; 8K – 41:28; 10K – 52:13; 15K - 1:22:43; 21.1K – 1:54:16; 30K – 2:51:34; 42.2K – 4:24:14

What is up for 2018
Feb 11th - First Half Vancouver
TBA
Planning & in my sights
Jun 9th - Puddle Jumper Classic

Run the mile you're in. Not the one behind you, and not the one in front of you - the one you are running now :) - purdy65

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby fingerboy » Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:10 am

Fellrnr is one anecdote. It's amazing how many people listen to him for the bad stuff.

I have a F2 (fenix 2) and it's been terrific. Too bad on timing as I just sold my old 910xt :(

The F2 is good if you like the every day form factor. Some people have had issues with it but clearly not everyone! Most I think love it. It may have a steeper learning curve because its not a forerunner so it doesn't come set up the way you'd expect it too, but it actually has more customizable options overall. And some interesting data. Hey, who doesn't like to know the best time to hunt or fish? Or get storm alerts? :)

But the 910 is really solid but bulkier.

I see you already got the Tomtom but I thought I'd throw out my piece anyway :)

Enjoy

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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby trixiee » Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:42 am

Jwolf wrote:
trixiee wrote:wasn't there a company that just launched a wireless multi sport monitor?


do you mean wireless connectivity, as in via Bluetooth instead of ANT+?

ANT+ makes everything wireless on Garmin.

Sorry - fried brains after my conference... I guess I meant chest strap not needed...

Be interested in reading your report La!
http://connect.garmin.com/profile/trixiee14

Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
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Re: Replacement for Garmin 610

Postby La » Fri Sep 19, 2014 8:14 am

trixiee wrote:
Jwolf wrote:
trixiee wrote:wasn't there a company that just launched a wireless multi sport monitor?


do you mean wireless connectivity, as in via Bluetooth instead of ANT+?

ANT+ makes everything wireless on Garmin.

Sorry - fried brains after my conference... I guess I meant chest strap not needed...

Be interested in reading your report La!

Yes, TomTom has a multi-sport watch called the Cardio that measures HR without a chest strap. I didn't get that one. It's about $350.

Interesting thing about this watch is that I can use it in the pool (it has a swim mode). That might actually entice me to swim (once) just to try it out! :lol: It doesn't work in open water, though.
"Maybe I will be my own inspiration." - UltraMonk (Laura)
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright


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