The newer quick release kit for the 310xt uses the original strap and actually has little screws to hold the strap together.This is actually much more secure than the original strap by itself as it is only held together by spring clips.The quick release is super solid and I think my arm would get ripped off before that connection came off.
I also race with it during the swim. I bought an extra quick release kit and zip tied it to my goggle straps. I then put it under my swim cap and can push the start button through the cap. The unit sits on the back of my head so that when I am swimming face down it is pointing up and gives me pretty accurate results and is a little more out of the way in terms of getting knocked around. I feel the goggle straps and swim cap are more than enough to ensure it won't get lost. When I get out of the water I just pull down my wet suit and snap it into the quick release on my wrist. I then have a quick release on the bike to snap it into once i get going and then before getting off I can snap it back on my wrist for the run. It's a super simple setup and ensures I have my 310xt connected and with me all the time.
I don't wear a watch on the swim and I grab my 310XT in T1 and put it on while running to my bike. My PT is my primary computer on the bike but I start my 310XT as a back up just in case. I switch from bike to run in T2 and use my 310XT quite heavily for early run pacing.
Again, I don't care about time. It is what it is. I care about impeccable execution.
I put on the new quick release kit last night. David is right... no way the band is gonna be a problem anymore. That stated, I still don't like that we still need to use the crappy spring pins to secure the watch to the quick release mount. That still seems like a point of vulnerability.
2 months after initially posting this, I've decided to only use a cheap Timex for the entire race. Having done tons of marathons, I will go INSANE not knowing approximately what my time is at various points in the race. I'll use the Joule on the bike and then time my mile splits on the run (assuming there are mile markers and they are accurately spaced a mile apart - not always the case).
For whatever reason, I've only received extra motivation by knowing my overall time in longer events.
@ Mac ... That's exactly what I do in races. I even take my HR strap off in T2 . Mile markers in WTC IMs are quite accurate in my n of 7 different courses.
I also use the timex watch for the whole race, powertap and 305. Just be careful if you have a windy day, mechanicals or nutritional problems knowing the overall time can be a challenge that you also have to prepare yourself for as well.
Comments
David,
Is this the new kit: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=65811
Great. I'm going to order one to maybe restore faith in wearing my 310 during the swim again. Thanks for the comments.
First off, I don't ever race the clock.
I don't wear a watch on the swim and I grab my 310XT in T1 and put it on while running to my bike. My PT is my primary computer on the bike but I start my 310XT as a back up just in case. I switch from bike to run in T2 and use my 310XT quite heavily for early run pacing.
Again, I don't care about time. It is what it is. I care about impeccable execution.
Thanks, Chris
I'm with Chris on this. I don't wear a watch in the swim and just focus on my watts during the bike. I don't look at my Garmin until the run begins.
I also thought about some kind of waterproof tape to secure the area around the spring pins and quick release mount.
Here's hoping the second iteration of the 310XT is more securely made.
2 months after initially posting this, I've decided to only use a cheap Timex for the entire race. Having done tons of marathons, I will go INSANE not knowing approximately what my time is at various points in the race. I'll use the Joule on the bike and then time my mile splits on the run (assuming there are mile markers and they are accurately spaced a mile apart - not always the case).
For whatever reason, I've only received extra motivation by knowing my overall time in longer events.
Mac,
I also use the timex watch for the whole race, powertap and 305. Just be careful if you have a windy day, mechanicals or nutritional problems knowing the overall time can be a challenge that you also have to prepare yourself for as well.
Gordon