[Closed] PSA: Running Watch Garmin Forerunner 610

Thanks. Just ordered one. Don't really need it so can always send back but £200 saving can't be bad 😀

For a Garmin, that almost a too good to be true price! 😯

Isn't the 610 a few years old now?
Anyone able to comment on the GPS lock to start activity and then track decently?

yes, its quite old, used to be the top of the range model. I've had one for a while, really like it.

Never used the back to start thing.

Tomtom also have some around that price on their Outlet page.

That's a bargain, albeit the watch is 6 years old now. I've just bought a Forerunner 35 that has very similar features but for £65 I'm tempted to buy that as a spare or to sell on.

I've got one - bought new in 2013 to give an idea of vintage. Very good as running watch, will also pair with cycle speed sensors etc if I remember right (best check that).
GPS lock isn't as instant as the vivoactive which replaced iy and it needs to sync with an ant+ stick rather than plain bluetooth or wifi but apart from that it's great.

That price is a total bargain - the HRM strap on its own is £30-40 ish

How easy is it to use?
My sister is really getting into running, but has learning disability, so the easier the better...
Can you just press 'go' and record a run type thing?

Also..needs pc to synch to Strava? Or iPad?

Ta..

DrP

Is it Bluetooth transfer?

Not bluetooth, it uses wifi with a usb stick. I've just (today!) upgraded to a 235 which I like, but it was 150 quid and that was second hand. 65 quid is a great price and I don't think I'll waste my time trying to sell on my old well-used one!

DrP - I don't think I'd call it easy to use - the interface is quite fiddly and annoying (in true Garmin style). I swear at it regularly.
edit - it only syncs via ant+, i.e. needs a USB stick in a PC which is running Garmin software.

From your description I would pass on this - something like a vivoactive which syncs directly and has a more straightforward interface would be better.

I'd actually suggest looking at non-Garmin devices, as there surely can't be a harder device to use than something Garmin has developed - am thinking TomTom, Polar, one of the Decathlon own brand devices maybe (I have not experience of these however).

Yeah the charging cradle is also crap. Overall it takes a bit of looking after. I'm sure there are better options for a basic GPS/HRM though the price is good enough.

I've just asked on the local running club forum, and people have said don't bother, even at that price

The price seems to be slowly dropping, now just under £63. Contemplating one for a family member who ha recently started running, but feedback seems very mixed.

I bought a Sony Smar****ch 3 a couple of months back, gutted it didn't get the Android Wear 2 update, even more gutted when the GPS initial lock was taking an age. But did a factory reset the other day after unpairing it with my tablet and it now picks up a GPS lock within ~30 seconds, even indoors! 8)

I've just asked on the local running club forum, and people have said don't bother, even at that price

Surely you've been on here long enough to realise that advice on forums is all rubbish 🙂

It's a good basic watch and a big step up from using your phone. It can in certain areas be slow to pick up satellites in comparison to my 520 but usually not an issue. It will work with some of the older style sensors for speed and cadence but it's really best thought of as a running watch. I I've had one a while and for my running, around 30k a week it's all I need.

I've got a 'basic' TomTom that cost £50. GOS lock is always almost instant, it has Bluetooth transfer and can do intervals etc.

Peibanly a better option as a basic watch

Model please 🙂

I ordered one, but sounds like I'll send it back...

DrP

Some very poor Amazon feedback, I wouldn't bother.

I have had one for some years already and it (still) does everything its supposed to....

For sure the USB stick download could be improved but it's not really a problem. Way better spor****ch than my fitbit everyday wearer...

For an affordable running watch I'd be looking at the TomTom Spark for £58.99 (£50.99 for the small strap), then use WELCOMEUK2017 for an extra £8 off!

https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/sports/fitness-watches/gps-watch-spark/black-small/

^^^^

The lilac version is ~£51 before applying the voucher. 😉

And if it tracks, Topcashback is a whopping 0.52%! 😆

Are these any good for tracking yourself on a bike? Can they be set up to sync with Garmin Connect for cycling?

Are these any good for tracking yourself on a bike? Can they be set up to sync with Garmin Connect for cycling?

I can't speak for the above but people in the other thread seem to vouch for the mio fuse for this purpose and looks like a more accurate HRM. Close to a chest strap.

Spark ordered, thanks.. Looks much more basic I.e more appropriate.

DrP

Blimey I must have been drunk last night I don't remember ordering one...

Oh well my daughter will be happy she can have her own Forerunner 10 for Parkrun

it only syncs via ant+, i.e. needs a USB stick in a PC which is running Garmin software.