Any downsides to Garmin 920 XT?
I've been using a Garmin 405 since 2010, only GPS watch I've ever had. I am realizing that it is dying- battery no longer holds a charge for a functional time period, and seems to be getting worse and worse at locating satellite. Not sure if this is a normal lifespan or what, but I am interested in upgrading regardless. Seems like the 920 XT is the superstar these days, any reason to not go that route, besides price tag? I would probably get it through REI for the 10% dividend. Open to suggestions though!
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It has a TON of features...and does take a bit to get used to. I knew my 910 really really well, so the transition is a bit of a learning curve.
So far I like it - it is a big bigger than a 'normal' daily watch, but I think I'll get used to it. I love data...and gadgets...so it was a somewhat easier decision for me.good luck!
I have had the 910 for a couple of years. I really like it, and used to use it as my do anything watch. For running, it's great. For biking, I used it as a powermeter head and GPS. Swimming it where it really excels, though. I always lose count of my laps when swimming. With the Garmin, I can simply look at my wrist and know where I am in the workout. Plus, I love that I can download and actually see the splits on my intervals. Triathlon is another area where it excels, of course. The multisport function allows you to simply hit Lap when you come out of the water, and the watch automatically times T1. Hit it again when you leave T1 and it switches to bike mode. Same with T2 and the run. The watch then splits everything into separate files for Garmin Connect. But . . .
I really wanted a watch that would download automatically to my phone and then to Garmin Connect, so I got the 220 for the run. I love the 220. Sure, it does not do the run dynamics, but I do not know what you do with those numbers when you get them, anyway. I know the 620 has a few more bells and whistles, but I would highly recommend the 220 instead, particularly if you want most of same functions with a significant price savings.
Given that I now had a watch that automatically uploaded to my phone, I also bought the 510 for the bike. It is much bigger and easier to read than the 910 on my wrist. Although I use the 510 as my everyday bike computer and GPS, I still wear the 910 for races so I have both in case one dies.
My bottom line recommendation is that if you already have a 500 for the bike, and do not feel you need to tracks swims, get the 220. If the swim functionality would be nice for you (and they are for me), get the 920. I saw on DC Rainmaker the other day that the 910 price has dropped significantly at CleverTraining.
I hope this helps. I seriously contemplated a 920, but given the stable of electronics I already have, I couldn't really justify it (and that is a rare occurrence for me).
EDIT - I just re-read your post and saw you said something about a footpod for cadence. The 220, 620 and 920 all do running cadence using the internal accelerometer, so no foot pod is necessary. They also calculate pace on the treadmill using the accelerometer, which learns from using it outside, but I find the treadmill pacing to be very inconsistent at best.
I've been running separate run and bike computers forever. I like have a big(ish) screen for cycling that I can configure any way I like vs a multisport watch that I use for running, swimming, cycling, it's a floor wax, desert topping, etc
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I recently moved from a 500 to the 510 as it was about 4yrs old, the Enter button was barely working, etc. I just started using it this week and haven't gotten around to hooking up the bluetooth connectivity to the phone so it downloads to Strava, etc. But so far I like it.
I pinched Joanne's 910 after my 305 finally died. I like it, it's a GPS watch, it works. I only this week figured out that I could use it while swimming. That's what pace clocks and counting are for, but I have had some fun with seeing what my average pace for the workout is, etc. But for pool swimming I believe GPS watches are a novelty not a requirement.
I've had mine for years and - knock on wood - have never had issues. Well, I had one, in which Garmin Customer Service replaced via mail, quickly and easily.
It's a Garmin :-)
I don't know if I will buy another Garmin. They are cool devices, but the reliability of their software for uploads (Garmin Communicator/Garmin Express) is terrible. It seems whenever there is some workout I really care about it won't sync it because "the file is corrupted" or the software or web site is just buggy. I bought my son a Tom Tom running GPS and he has had no issues with it.
I've been using the 920XT for several weeks now, and like most that responded, I can't find a true fault with the product. In fact, I'd say that I really like this new toy. Its nearly ideal for the swim and run, and comes as close to any as a do it all training device.
As mentioned, it could be worn as a full time watch, but I find that I typically don't, due to the blue/black or white/red color schemes. The Fenix does look far better as a dress watch, but is much bulkier and won't be comfortable to everyone, especially when running.
The 920XT feels great on your wrist, the buttons are easier to operate and the the screen is much more visible than the 310XT.
The biggest improvement over the 910XT for me has been the quick find of satellite signals. I used to have to wait for several minutes, while circling my arm in a figure 8 position to gain a signal. I'm already the crazy triathlete guy on my street. All I needed was look like I'm doing a poor version of the sprinkler dance, while decked out in spandex in front of my house. Great visual. The 920XT finds a strong signal in mere seconds.
The one area that might be a stretch, is to use it as a full-time bike computer. The screen is just a little small to get a great view of your power number, especially when its on your wrist. There is a new quick-release kit that does feel more secure than the one for the 910XT. Using the kit I've found, takes away some the sleek and slender feel of the watch. My issue is more on the screen size. So I'm still using an Edge 510 bike computer that is much easier to glance at and read your power numbers, especially while aero.