Product Review: Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Right after the Rotarun, Quennie gave me my birthday present in advance.  Since my Garmin Forerunner 405 got busted, she keeps telling me to get a replacement.  I did not agree because I find it too expensive to buy another one.  I was just surprised when she handed to me a familiar box after the race.

I didn’t wait for my birthday to open the box.  I opened it right away and I was itching to use it the following day.  I even named if after my lola.  I christened her, Prax.

The Garmin Forerunner 310XT with my QCIM 21K Medal.
The Garmin helped me run close to a constant pace to reach a PR.

The Garmin Forerunner 310XT was much awaited by a lot of runners for its key features that were not available with the previous models.  First, it is now Waterproof which makes them suitable for swim events in triathlons and aquathlons.  And it has longer battery life which makes them suitable for ultramarathon or for those really slow and really long distance runs that will take longer than the 8 hours battery life of other Garmin watches.

Here is my review of the Garmin Forerunner 310XT and I’m comparing it with my previous Garmin Forerunner 405.  I have run a total of 160kms with the GPS watch already.

Pros

• All in one.  Unlike other GPS systems, Garmin had the GPS module built-in into the watch.  It is not a separate unit.  This lessens the hassle of strapping on another unit when running.  Just wear the watch and that is it.
• Better accuracy.  Even compared to the Garmin 405, the Garmin 310XT has a more accurate measurement of the route.  This is evident when you view your run in Garmin Connect website.  Despite the tall buildings in Makati where I often run in the morning, Garmin 310XT has little error than the 405 counterpart.
• Longer Battery life and an OFF button.  My Garmin 405 can last only about 6 hours.  And it doesnt have an OFF button, so I charge it after 2-3 days.  The Garmin 310XT has an OFF button to save more power.  I charge after 4-5 days.  I havent made any runs longer than 6 hours yet but the 310XT says it can last up to 20 hours.
• Waterproof.  I love to run in the rain and since this is waterproof, I think it will be more durable for those wet and soaking runs.  The buttons function well even when wet unlike the touch bevel of the Garmin 405 that only works when your fingers or the touch bevel surface is dry.  I haven’t tried them for swimming yet.  But I read, it is not accurate when in water.

Cons

• Too many buttons.  I got used to the touch bezel of the Forerunner 405.  It was mush easier to use then.  When I got the Forerunner 310XT, it was like moving from a Nokia phone to a Sony Ericson.  I kept on looking which buttons to press to get to the features I need.  Now, I learned how to use it well.  But I miss the touch factor which was really cool with the Forerunner 410.
• Short life span?  I am not sure about this but many other bloggers who owned a Garmin complianed of a short lifespan.  My Garmin Forerunner 405 lasted for just 6 months.  What a heartbreak.  I expect my Forerunner 310XT to last maybe 2 years.  But hopefully, it will last longer than that. If this last for just 6 months again or less than a 2 years, I’d freakout!
• Price.  This is still an expensive watch.  I can almost buy a mini laptop with this.

Price

17,500 Php without heart rate monitor (as quoted from the forum)
Summary

The Garmin Forerunner 310XT is really a great tool for every runner since it provides those important information that you need and like when you train.  Seeing the speed and distance in real time while running helps you train better.  I really like the improvements they made to the watch, especially on the accuracy.  It is waterproof making it suitable for other sports, especially triathlon.  And it has longer batery life which is good for ultramarathons.  If you are short in budget and just need them for running, try the older models like the Garmin Forerunner 305.

But, if you value durability over form and function, then think twice, or thrice, before buying.  I cannot guarantee yet that this watch will last long.  Or wait for someone to give it as a gift too.  😀