Thursday, June 18, 2015

garminzzz, y'all.

I have three of them.

First up: The Forerunner 305. Purchased ca. 2010, this watch was my first foray into fancy-pants, GPS running device technology.

It was pretty much perfect in every way, up until about two years ago when it lost the ability to beep when it auto lapped (meaning if I wanted lap times, I had to keep checking it to be sure I didn't miss it) and soon after wouldn't charge without a ton of force pressing it against the charging cradle. (Like, it would charge if I sat there & squeezed it against the charger, but otherwise no.)

Fortunately, those issues coincided with a sweet sale at REI on the Forerunner 310XT at REI. The 310XT was far from new at that point, but since it was basically the exactly same watch as the 305 except for a bunch of triathlon stuff that was irrelevant me, AND it was cheaper than what I'd initially paid for the 305, this was a no-brainer.

Alas, last summer the band broke in a way that wasn't fixable & made the watch useless. Fortunately, REI has an extremely generous one-year replacement policy, so I was able to take it back.

Except...they no longer carried the 310XT at that point, and the closest thing they had was the Forerunner 220.

Friends, I hate this watch. HATE it. So. MUCH. The interface is dinkier, more confusing, and all-around less functional. It has almost none of the features you want and everything you don't. To name just a few issues...

  • You can't set it to auto lap under .25 miles. Want to bust out some 200m's? TOUGH.
  • When you first turn it on, it defaults to a 'locked' state, which requires performing some kind of insane Vulcan neck pinch of button-pressing to unlock.
  • You can't manually lap if the watch is paused.
  • You get three data fields--no more, no less.
  • When you hit pause, it immediately reverts to a useless screen that shows only your ellapsed time, and if you want to know anything else, you have to hit the 'back' button.
  • If you leave it paused for a certain amount of time, it goes into power save mode. Not the hugest deal ever, unless you happen to be standing in a start corral seconds before the gun.

On the plus side, though, it gives you a pretty little ribbon screen & a cute message any time it detects a PR or distance record!! :D :D :D Who the hell cares.

And, to add insult to injury, this piece of junk was like $90 MOAR expensive than the 310XT. (Yes, I got the 310XT on a big sale, but that was kind of half the point). But it was that, the barely-not-useless FR 10, or $160 more for a 610, which included even more features I didn't need.

Finally I got so fed up with the [**horribly offensive vulgar name that I will refrain from typing on the internet, but used to its face repeatedly, bonus points if you can guess what it was, it kind of sounds vaguely like 'Forerunner'**] 220 that I bought a refurbished 310XT on amazon (for the record, still more expensive than the sale price I got at REI). AND LO, my life was glorious.

Until about a month ago. When I plugged my < 1 year old refurbished 310XT in to charge, and nothing happened. I tried different outlets/powerstrips/USB dongels/etc., and no dice. Whatever the problem is, it seems to be either in the watch battery itself or the part of the charger that connects directly to the watch.

Teeth were gnashed and clothing was wrent.

Now, when we were getting ready to move, I had thrown that god-awful [horribly offensive nickname] 220 into the "stuff to go somewhere that is else" pile, namely, back to REI for a refund. But since I am such a good procrastinator, it was still hanging around in a box downstairs when the 310XT died. And since you don't go to the track with the GPS watch you want, you go to the track with the GPS watch you have, that shitty little travesty of a device once again found its way onto my wrist.

I would like to be able to tell you that this gave me an opportunity to practice #gratitude, to feel #blessed that I am fortunate enough to have access to this type of technology at all. Alas, while I remain fully aware of the insane levels of privilege I enjoy in virtually every aspect of my life, just a few runs with the [I hate you I hate you] 220 was enough to remind me what a god-awful piece of engineering failure it is. (If you engineered it....sorry. I'm sure you're still a good person; you just made a mistake.)

In fact, the experience of trying to use the [die in a fire] 220 for anything even remotely resembling an actual workout was indeed so traumatizing that on multiple evenings I found myself on the floor with the sad carcasses of my 305 & 310XT desperately trying to rehabilitate them. (I mean yes, I know I could send them back to Garmin for fixing, but from what I hear, they charge you almost what it would cost to just buy a new watch.)

With the 310XT, no luck. The thing just seemed dead all-around. BUT, after some trial and error, I found that if I took a sufficiently tight ponytail holder and twisted it twice around the 305 and its cradle, it applied sufficient pressure to get the thing to charge. #winning!

Friends, I can't tell you how excited I was to set out on a run with my beloved 305 for the first time in two years. It was just BLISS.

Except...It still doesn't beep when it auto-laps. And while I don't really care about that for easy or long runs, it's kind of key for speed & tempo/threshold workouts.

I wore the [son of a whore] 220 for my two track workouts last week and the thing was almost useless. In retrospect, I probably would have been better off with the 305, since at least you can set the damn thing to auto lap at intervals less than .25 miles.

When I got home from my Friday track workout, I plugged the [screw you & the horse you rode in on] 220 in to charge, & sort of half-heartedly messed around with the 310XT again, just, y'know, to see if something might magically happen. And then, AS IF A SOLSTICE MIRACLE (err...almost), the fucker suddenly started charging.

In the immediate future, this is good news. I *may* actually have a watch I can *halfway-kinda-sorta* reliably use for actual workouts. But it kind of gets me thinking about the harsh mistress that is a Garmin device, and it's tough to just go about your business, knowing what a fickle god you serve. I get that nothing lasts forever, but MAN, that's a lot of money for something that quits working properly after less than three years. I mean c'mon. A one year warranty? Basically I feel like as soon as I buy one, I have to start saving up for the next one.

I've played around with other models (Tom Tom, Polar, Timex), but none of them have ever had both the features & the ease-of-interface that made the 305 & 310XT so perfect. I WANT to stick with Garmin, but they're making it kind of tough. Is there anything out there comparable in features & interface that doesn't go tits-up after 2-3 years?

(Do not speak to me of Bia or iWatches because #no.)

Other questions I would be curious to have answered:

  • Have you had any similar issues with these or other models?
  • Have you ever sent something to Garmin for fixing? What's the dilly-o?
  • Is there any way in Hades (in your personal opinion) to justify the bucks for newer models like the 620 or 920XT? My head says no, but my heart says "Sweet baby Jesus I just want something that works."

Also, random Garmin tip of the day: If your Garmin suddenly randomly won't turn on anymore, hold down 'lap' & 'mode' together for five seconds, then try turning it on again. I've had this issue with both the 305 & 310XT occasionally & it works every time.

25 comments:

  1. It's not the newest, shiniest model but you can find the 910xt for somewhat reasonable prices. I love my 920 but I even had a hard time justifying the price to myself and I sold the 910 to help fund it.

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  2. Hi Angela, you are probably already aware, but in the 220 you have 2 screens with 3 data fields each, so that's 6 total. Sure, you have to scroll to get to the 2nd screen which sucks a little, but doable (or you could put auto scroll, which to me is very annoying but might work for you).
    I know I've done 200 mts repeats with my Garmin, so try either having the distance in meters, or use the interval workout setting, I know at least in one of those you can get 200s splits.

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    1. I think this is one of those personal preference things -- I want to see what I want to see, in one glance, whether that's four specific fields or distance only in giant numbers (and I'm certainly not going to scroll back & forth between two screens during a race or speed work). Same thing re: changing back & forth between meters & miles; personally, I just do not have time to mess with that.

      I also hate that there are only two screens. One of the things I love about the 305 & 310 is that there are three, each of which I have set up in a specific way & use for different things. I don't think the 220 having only two screens with a fixed 3 fields would bother me if it was marketed as a basic, entry level watch, but it's not. So it kind of feels like, "Hey, have a lot less flexibility for more money!" and that to me is kind of bullshit.

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  3. I have the 220 and haven't really had any major issues with it (except the pause screen....that screen is useless!). To unlock it, I just have to press the running man button twice. I'm not sure what Vulcan neck pinch move you have been using, but it really doesn't seem that difficult.

    Though I guess to be fair, this is the first GPS watch that I've owned so maybe it doesn't seem so bad because I don't know what I am missing out on.

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    1. Maybe it's just that I have stupid fingers but it never, ever works on the first try for me & usually just ends up flashing the padlock icon at me, which is *really* annoying. I know it seems like a small thing but what really bothers me about it is that it's just one more annoyance I have to deal with before I can start my run that is *completely unecessary*. Like, why?? None of my other watches have locked and it's never been an issue, so I just don't understand why they would add this feature. I'm sure part of it is definitely that I have been spoiled by just being able to just throw on one of the other two and go, so adding this extra step just seems like, "Hey, have an unnecessary annoying extra step for more money!"

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    2. Yeah I totally get that. Especially the frustration about unnecessary steps for extra money. Here's hoping your 310 has a long second life!

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  4. We're on similar paths, and I've concluded that Garmins work for a couple years and then self-destruct so that we give in and spend several hundred dollars on a newer one. My 205 was rock-solid for two years, then died. I got the 305 on sale super cheap on Amazon, and it was rock-solid for two years until my sound also died. I kept using it until I came across the 310XT on super sale, so I got it because I also wanted longer battery life. I recently gave my 305 to a friend whose 205 had died, and it lasted for another month before dying (SO glad I didn't let him pay me for it). Now my 310 is getting finnicky, and I had to do a master reset while standing on a highway on vacation in Hawaii (yes, first world problems).

    I don't have a solution, though I've started researching in case my 310 gets worse. I still know a lot of people who have the 310 and swear by it. I have no interest in the 220 because it doesn't have bike mode, and now your (hilarious) "review" of it has confirmed that I will never get one. My friend who used my 305 for a whole whopping month has since gotten a Polar watch, because he wanted something basic and cheap. The iWatch is pointless because it needs an iPhone. Bia went out of business. Suunto sounds interesting, but they're also not cheap.

    Conclusion: We're slaves to GPS watches now, so there's no going back. Garmin has brainwashed us.

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  5. I still have the 410 that I bought for half price in 2012. It's still working well (although occasionally it tries to kill itself) and I think it fits what you're looking for. It looks like refurbished models are still available on Amazon, but it's been discontinued.

    Looks like the 310 is on sale for $145 on Amazon right now by the way! http://smile.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-310XT-Waterproof-Running/dp/B0025VKW5K/ref=lp_617647011_1_16?&s=gps&ie=UTF8&qid=1434650874&sr=1-16

    And now I'm wondering if I should buy it since I'm not sure my 410 has any chance of surviving another year and damn that's a good price for a Garmin...

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  6. I don't really have any answers for you -- honestly, I clicked through to the actual post from Feedly to see other peoples' suggestions, because my Garmin luck hasn't been any better, and I actually made a Voodoo doll to punish my Nike watch...

    HOWEVER, I've always bought my watches from REI during their exchange sales, where they take your old, non-functioning watch and give you a $50 credit towards your new one. I think the last one I did, the old watches went to GOTR to refurbish/sell or something. $50 isn't exactly making the repeat purchase easy, but slightly less painful? I know the sales also happen at the Garmin store (here in Chicago), so the exchange promos seem to rotate between vendors year-round.
    I've always had issues with my charge ports just not functioning after about a year, so I've kind of gotten into the mindset that these watches are pretty disposable (gross, I know). I currently have a 210, which I basically just tolerate.

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    1. Hm, interesting, I was not aware of this exchange sale situation! That's something to keep in mind.

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  7. Haha I totally get how when you hate something you end up hating every single little thing!

    Would you consider switching to Suunto? I have an Ambit3, and I absolutely love it. Admittedly I've only had it for 6 months so I can't comment on the longevity but it's great. You can get the Ambit2 quite cheaply at the moment too, I think the biggest change between the 2 and the 3 was switching from ant+ to Bluetooth connectivity.

    I know a lot of people are hesitant to make the switch because they're used to Garmin connect though...

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    1. I know a lot of people are really loving the Suunto, so it's on my radar. I may give it a shot when all of these finally bite the dust. I used Garmin Connect very briefly when I got my first one years ago, but not now, so that's no loss.

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  8. I can't help on the recommendations front, as the 220 is my first and only GPS watch and it does what I need it to do, but your loathing of the 220 is well-documented. You should sell the thing before using it any more, and then write a long heartfelt letter to Garmin explaining your feelings! (Never underestimate the power of a little polite customer feedback.)

    And for what it's worth I have never bothered to fiddle with the interval setting on my 220. For speed workouts I use my good old manual Timex Ironman with the 30-lap splits...

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  9. 1) that charging clip design Garmin uses is the goddamned devil and if they are still using it when next I need a Garmin, I will be deeply upset and will strongly consider putting my money elsewhere

    2) I think the 910xt is a great triathlon watch and I don't think there's anything special about the running features, but they are not hard to find used and cheap now that the 920 is out.

    3) I am intrigued by the TomTom Cardio line bc of the integrated mio HR sensor. If they fix a few multi sport shortcomings, and if it works well, I would like it to be my next watch.

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    1. Hmmm....That's another one to check out as well!

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  10. I've had the 210 for over 3 years now, and *knock on wood*, it's still going strong. It doesn't do that weird lock thing that the 220 does, but the charging clip drives me nuts! I finally figured out how to clip it so that it works (turns out a little bit of patience on my end was pretty key in all of that). Agree with the comments above for 200 m repeats - either you switch it to meters from miles (annoying, I know), or just use the track markings with a simpler watch.

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  11. You're asking all the same questions I'm asking. My 305 is only slightly newer than yours, and when it dies, I don't know what to replace it with. I have no interest in a small, cute, stylish wrist piece. I'm blind as a bat. I need big grandma numbers and easy to punch buttons. So if you find 305's best replacement, let me know.

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    1. Word. I've heard people complain about the 305 & 310 being "brick-like," but honestly I have never been bothered by the size/weight. If I try out anything else I will definitely weigh in on it here!

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  12. Hahaha, I have the 220 and I think it's great. A bunch of different people borrowed it this weekend and everyone commented on how much they love it. But. I never use a Garmin for track workouts, just a regular watch. And I don't think the lapping or pause stuff you pointed out has ever occurred to or bothered me, except maybe the when you pause it you can't see anything useful. That one has been annoying. Generally, though, I don't know what more than 3 things I would want to see at a time. (Though you can toggle back and forth between screens but I just don't care about more stuff? I guess if I wanted distance, time, pace and HR, but usually I don't really need one of those.)

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  13. Hahaha, I have the 220 and I think it's great. A bunch of different people borrowed it this weekend and everyone commented on how much they love it. But. I never use a Garmin for track workouts, just a regular watch. And I don't think the lapping or pause stuff you pointed out has ever occurred to or bothered me, except maybe the when you pause it you can't see anything useful. That one has been annoying. Generally, though, I don't know what more than 3 things I would want to see at a time. (Though you can toggle back and forth between screens but I just don't care about more stuff? I guess if I wanted distance, time, pace and HR, but usually I don't really need one of those.)

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  14. Hahaha, I have the 220 and I think it's great. A bunch of different people borrowed it this weekend and everyone commented on how much they love it. But. I never use a Garmin for track workouts, just a regular watch. And I don't think the lapping or pause stuff you pointed out has ever occurred to or bothered me, except maybe the when you pause it you can't see anything useful. That one has been annoying. Generally, though, I don't know what more than 3 things I would want to see at a time. (Though you can toggle back and forth between screens but I just don't care about more stuff? I guess if I wanted distance, time, pace and HR, but usually I don't really need one of those.)

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    1. Wow, sorry, I was on my phone and that apparently went through 3 times. Stupid technologies.

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