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Product Description
The Garmin Forerunner 610 is Garmin's top of the range running watch packed with all the features you need for those truly epic runs. The swipe and scroll action makes it easy to adjust settings and a quick tap of the screen is all it takes to advance to the next training page so you can see more data. The 610's sleek design and touchscreen is as tough as it is functional, withstanding rain, splashes and sweat whilst also remaining sensitive enough even to use under gloves. The 610 provides accurate distance, pace, GPS position, heart rate, calories and more. It can even guide you back to the starting point of your run, giving you the freedom to explore new routes and always find your way back. Virtual Racer lets you race your previous bests or challenge any activities uploaded to the Garmin Connect website or there's Virtual Partner which lets you set a static pace to measure yourself against. Vibration alerts, which you can customize for time, distance, calories, heart rate or cadence. So you know when you reach your targets with out even having to look. Training Effect allows you to train in a smarter way, Training Effect measures the impact of an activity on your aerobic fitness, which essentially helps you train more efficiently. It calculates your heart rate and the difficulty of the activity based on your user profile allowing you to focus on your training. Specifications: Display size 1.0" (2.54 cm) diameterDisplay resolution: 128 x 128 pixelsTouchscreen: YesWeight: 2.54 oz (72 g)Battery: Rec
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Size Name:One Size
I bought this watch as an upgrade to my Garmin FR60 (which is still working fine, but I wanted something that would log my routes via GPS).
I'd researched the models out there and finally decided to go with DCRainmaker's recommendation, following his excellent online, indepth review.
My plan was to get to know all the features over a 3 week period, prior to my half marathon - but in the event, injury laid me up, so the first time I used the watch was on race day!
I haven't used the watch intensively enough to give much of an indepth review, so I'll leave a few bullet-points on my experiences with the watch.
* I love the customisable pages (but wish you could turn off the time/date page in auto-scroll - hopefully that'll come in a future firmware update).
* Virtual partner was invaluable. I ended up using this exclusively during the race - I'd pre-programmed it with the pace I wanted to keep - and it constantly kept me on track. Much more useful than just glancing at your current or average pace, as it gives an overall report of whether you're behind or ahead - and continually adjusts if you speed up/slow down. It takes all the guesswork out of racing (or training) and allows you to just get on with it.
* The vibrating alerts are brilliant. During my race I was wearing headphones, but had no problem missing any of the alerts (eg behind pace in Virtual Partner).
* Set-up and options are very straightforward and easy to navigate. Initially the touchscreen does take a little getting used to when you're negotiating the different settings, but you soon get the hang of it. I'd initially been a bit dubious about the touchscreen, as I'm usually a buttons woman, but it was surprisingly user-friendly - even in pouring rain.
* Speaking of pouring rain, no complaints whatsoever. Worked a charm, with no ill-effects - and at one point during the race, the rain was monsoon-like.
* I haven't used the intervals feature, but my running partner has (she has the same watch). She loves it. Allowing you to set your interval sets and recoveries in between, with a vibrating alert is apparently "the dog's tenticles".
* The HRM strap is very comfortable, absolutely no chafing (which had been a problem with previous Garmins) - and a much better fit than previous models.
I download the workout activities via a MacBook Pro and the ANT+ stick to Garmin Connect. Training Center doesn't run too well on Mac, and Garmin Connect is a ropey online programme overall, but I've been using it for over a year now and it's perfectly adequate for analysing your runs, etc. I also use TrailRunner and RubiTrack. No problems uploading with the supplied ANT+ stick to any of these programs.
I'm looking forward to using more of the features of the watch. I've got a feeling I'm going to love it - and although it *is* comparatively expensive, it all boils down to what you're willing to pay for a training tool. If the features this watch offers aren't important to you - it won't be worth the money. Conversely, if statistics and the features it offers will enhance your training sessions, then it'll be as vital a piece of equipment as your running shoes.
I also have a bike set up on a turbo trainer, with a GSC10 speed/cadence sensor. I haven't used this HRM with the turbo yet, but would expect it to perform as well as the FR60 I've previously been using.
I'd researched the models out there and finally decided to go with DCRainmaker's recommendation, following his excellent online, indepth review.
My plan was to get to know all the features over a 3 week period, prior to my half marathon - but in the event, injury laid me up, so the first time I used the watch was on race day!
I haven't used the watch intensively enough to give much of an indepth review, so I'll leave a few bullet-points on my experiences with the watch.
* I love the customisable pages (but wish you could turn off the time/date page in auto-scroll - hopefully that'll come in a future firmware update).
* Virtual partner was invaluable. I ended up using this exclusively during the race - I'd pre-programmed it with the pace I wanted to keep - and it constantly kept me on track. Much more useful than just glancing at your current or average pace, as it gives an overall report of whether you're behind or ahead - and continually adjusts if you speed up/slow down. It takes all the guesswork out of racing (or training) and allows you to just get on with it.
* The vibrating alerts are brilliant. During my race I was wearing headphones, but had no problem missing any of the alerts (eg behind pace in Virtual Partner).
* Set-up and options are very straightforward and easy to navigate. Initially the touchscreen does take a little getting used to when you're negotiating the different settings, but you soon get the hang of it. I'd initially been a bit dubious about the touchscreen, as I'm usually a buttons woman, but it was surprisingly user-friendly - even in pouring rain.
* Speaking of pouring rain, no complaints whatsoever. Worked a charm, with no ill-effects - and at one point during the race, the rain was monsoon-like.
* I haven't used the intervals feature, but my running partner has (she has the same watch). She loves it. Allowing you to set your interval sets and recoveries in between, with a vibrating alert is apparently "the dog's tenticles".
* The HRM strap is very comfortable, absolutely no chafing (which had been a problem with previous Garmins) - and a much better fit than previous models.
I download the workout activities via a MacBook Pro and the ANT+ stick to Garmin Connect. Training Center doesn't run too well on Mac, and Garmin Connect is a ropey online programme overall, but I've been using it for over a year now and it's perfectly adequate for analysing your runs, etc. I also use TrailRunner and RubiTrack. No problems uploading with the supplied ANT+ stick to any of these programs.
I'm looking forward to using more of the features of the watch. I've got a feeling I'm going to love it - and although it *is* comparatively expensive, it all boils down to what you're willing to pay for a training tool. If the features this watch offers aren't important to you - it won't be worth the money. Conversely, if statistics and the features it offers will enhance your training sessions, then it'll be as vital a piece of equipment as your running shoes.
I also have a bike set up on a turbo trainer, with a GSC10 speed/cadence sensor. I haven't used this HRM with the turbo yet, but would expect it to perform as well as the FR60 I've previously been using.
63 of 65 people found the following review helpful
Size Name:One Size
I picked this up almost as soon as it came out, as been desperate from an upgrade from my forerunner 305. Avoided the 405 due to the huge amount of criticism on the bezel control format.
Did have to think twice about spending such an amount on a running watch, but I'm pleased to report I've very happy with my purchase.
My main reasons for upgrading from the Forerunner 305 were, firstly, the very slow GPS pickup. If I had moved a fair distance, and started running, it could easily take anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes to get satellite reception.
The 610, despite it's far smaller size, blows this out of the water. My average time so far has probably been about 30 seconds. Often less, though more a couple of times - but never more than a minute.
Secondly was the battery on my 305. Would only take a few decent sized runs before recharging was required. The 610 can manage about 8 hours. From what I've read, this isn't much better than a 405, but definitely better than my 305.
My worry on the 610 was the control mechanism. I was happy with the 305 controls, and the "improvement" on the 405 was regarded as a bit of a disaster.
The 610 has 3 hard buttons on the sizes (for power, start/stop, and lap/reset), everything else is touch screen. I'm finding it very useful. In particular, swiping between screen you've pre configured by tap or swiping is great, much better than the hard buttons on the 305.
I've not had any issues with rain/sweat affecting the connection between your finger at the screen either.
Other features I'm enjoying over the 305 -
- Wireless Sync. When the watch is on near the ANT USB stick, data automatically gets transferred (have tried on Windows and Mac, with success on both). really nice feature.
- Virtual Partner. This has changed from my 305. Partner used to be a virtual character from a previous run (which I thought was a great feature). This is now called Virtual Racer. Virtual Partner is now a pacer - set it to run at 8 minute miles, and you can see distance/time behind (or on a rare occasion, ahead :-)
- Easy changing of data fields during activity. You don't even have to preconfigure the screens - holding a data field will change the information available on that field.
In summary - a superb running watch. The only downside is that it is a pretty steep price. But if you're doing a lot of miles, this great bit of kit is definitely worth the money.
Did have to think twice about spending such an amount on a running watch, but I'm pleased to report I've very happy with my purchase.
My main reasons for upgrading from the Forerunner 305 were, firstly, the very slow GPS pickup. If I had moved a fair distance, and started running, it could easily take anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes to get satellite reception.
The 610, despite it's far smaller size, blows this out of the water. My average time so far has probably been about 30 seconds. Often less, though more a couple of times - but never more than a minute.
Secondly was the battery on my 305. Would only take a few decent sized runs before recharging was required. The 610 can manage about 8 hours. From what I've read, this isn't much better than a 405, but definitely better than my 305.
My worry on the 610 was the control mechanism. I was happy with the 305 controls, and the "improvement" on the 405 was regarded as a bit of a disaster.
The 610 has 3 hard buttons on the sizes (for power, start/stop, and lap/reset), everything else is touch screen. I'm finding it very useful. In particular, swiping between screen you've pre configured by tap or swiping is great, much better than the hard buttons on the 305.
I've not had any issues with rain/sweat affecting the connection between your finger at the screen either.
Other features I'm enjoying over the 305 -
- Wireless Sync. When the watch is on near the ANT USB stick, data automatically gets transferred (have tried on Windows and Mac, with success on both). really nice feature.
- Virtual Partner. This has changed from my 305. Partner used to be a virtual character from a previous run (which I thought was a great feature). This is now called Virtual Racer. Virtual Partner is now a pacer - set it to run at 8 minute miles, and you can see distance/time behind (or on a rare occasion, ahead :-)
- Easy changing of data fields during activity. You don't even have to preconfigure the screens - holding a data field will change the information available on that field.
In summary - a superb running watch. The only downside is that it is a pretty steep price. But if you're doing a lot of miles, this great bit of kit is definitely worth the money.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
I was fortunate at getting one for Christmas from the wife, having previously owned a 305 for a number of years. The wife has a 405, so we've seen a lot and I'm in a good position to review.
The 305 is a great bargain deal now. Its still a solid device if you're on a budget. I've found it reliable and easy to use, and the GPS lock has never been an issue for me despite it being a companion on many a long trip. The only 3 things about it that really did get in the way was the USB combined charging stand (had to rest a book on the watch to maintain a good contact), battery life was a bit short (you always had to take the stand) and the size of the device itself.
The 405 I can't recommend. While it is more similar to the 610 the bezel control is a pain, even when you get used to it. Avoid.
The 610 is an expensive piece of kit, looking for cheaper then go for the 305. However, I don't regret the wife making the purchase, in the past 2 months I actually really enjoy using the 610. I didn't realise how much of a difference the simple controls on the touch screen combined with the 3 large simple buttons (power/backlight, start/stop, lap/reset) it could really make it so much easier to use the device. Garmin have done an outstanding job on the touch screen interface, probably learning from the 405 usability problems, its responsive and well tuned for when you are running. Unfortunately, you have to "use" it to appreciate what I'm saying, but compared to the 305 and the 405 it really is so easy to use. I've had no issues using it with fingers, gloves, in rain and snow - its not been too sunny here of late.
The 610 is much more of a regular watch than the 305. The GPS is very solid, locking on slightly quicker but all of this in a significantly smaller form factor. I do like the large display on the 305 though but have not missed it as much as I thought I would, and when its hard to see the backlight is very good on the 610.
Other features -
- ANT Wireless. I always though this was a gimmick when I owned a 305, but I don't take the watch out of my bag and its sync'ed up to Garmin Connect - love it.
- Training History. The touchscreen makes this just a lot easier to review than on the 305 where I used to wait and upload to Garmin.
- Virtual Partner and Racer. The 305 had something similar, and was one of the more "advanced" features I used.
- Watch! The battery life/power saver mode (which did NOT exist on the 405!) means you can actually use it as a watch.
An excellent fitness and running gadget. This really is such a nice piece of equipment for beginners to the more advanced folks, Garmin really did this one well.
The 305 is a great bargain deal now. Its still a solid device if you're on a budget. I've found it reliable and easy to use, and the GPS lock has never been an issue for me despite it being a companion on many a long trip. The only 3 things about it that really did get in the way was the USB combined charging stand (had to rest a book on the watch to maintain a good contact), battery life was a bit short (you always had to take the stand) and the size of the device itself.
The 405 I can't recommend. While it is more similar to the 610 the bezel control is a pain, even when you get used to it. Avoid.
The 610 is an expensive piece of kit, looking for cheaper then go for the 305. However, I don't regret the wife making the purchase, in the past 2 months I actually really enjoy using the 610. I didn't realise how much of a difference the simple controls on the touch screen combined with the 3 large simple buttons (power/backlight, start/stop, lap/reset) it could really make it so much easier to use the device. Garmin have done an outstanding job on the touch screen interface, probably learning from the 405 usability problems, its responsive and well tuned for when you are running. Unfortunately, you have to "use" it to appreciate what I'm saying, but compared to the 305 and the 405 it really is so easy to use. I've had no issues using it with fingers, gloves, in rain and snow - its not been too sunny here of late.
The 610 is much more of a regular watch than the 305. The GPS is very solid, locking on slightly quicker but all of this in a significantly smaller form factor. I do like the large display on the 305 though but have not missed it as much as I thought I would, and when its hard to see the backlight is very good on the 610.
Other features -
- ANT Wireless. I always though this was a gimmick when I owned a 305, but I don't take the watch out of my bag and its sync'ed up to Garmin Connect - love it.
- Training History. The touchscreen makes this just a lot easier to review than on the 305 where I used to wait and upload to Garmin.
- Virtual Partner and Racer. The 305 had something similar, and was one of the more "advanced" features I used.
- Watch! The battery life/power saver mode (which did NOT exist on the 405!) means you can actually use it as a watch.
An excellent fitness and running gadget. This really is such a nice piece of equipment for beginners to the more advanced folks, Garmin really did this one well.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good watch let down by the strap
Watch does everything its supposed to, but the pins in the strap start falling out after a couple of months. I have had two straps and am lucky not to have lost the watch. Read more
Published 5 days ago by D. R. Hanley
Superb Running Watch - Boost your training!
I am reasonably new to running (about 8 months) and probably not the main target customer for such a high-end product. Read more
Published 13 days ago by Maz
This is bad ass
Used it for about 4 months now. Literally transformed my running. Functions perfectly. The HRM has never missed a beat (haha) and this means I am training in the correct zones now,... Read more
Published 20 days ago by RomeoOscar
AVOID AVOID AVOID - Surprisingly poor design and manufacturing for a...
I've had the Garmin Forerunner 610 HR for 7 months now. The back of the watch is making my skin blue, itchy, even inflamed and bleeding. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alexander Nikolov
This is the watch!
I did my home work before picking this model. One of my work colleagues is into all kind of sports (biking, hiking, skiing, sailing, etc... Read more
Published 1 month ago by uiflorin
Brilliant piece of running kit
After spending hours on deciding if it was worth spending a lot of money on a watch I finally went for it. Read more
Published 2 months ago by TonyT
Brilliant!
I've only just bought this GPS unit and used it for just one run - so early days so far. However, I'm amazed by how easy it is to use and how accurate it is. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Niknac
New Garmin 610 + HRM
seller good, watch undamaged on arrival and on time - Tried the watch, picked up gps within few mins on first use (i live in London), HR monitor comfy and connected straight away. Read more
Published 3 months ago by czcrumble
FR610 takes GPS watches up a gear
Check out [...] for my full review.
The Forerunner 610 is Garmin's top of the line running specific watch and it is a beauty. Read more
The Forerunner 610 is Garmin's top of the line running specific watch and it is a beauty. Read more
Published 4 months ago by runningsupplement
An excellent product
I've had this watch for a couple of weeks. Having never used anything like this before, and only 6mths into running/fitness, i was very unsure whether to spend this kind of money... Read more
Published 5 months ago by nick
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