Raise your hand if you run with a GPS sports watch. (it's ok if you raised your hand reading on your computer, no one can see you)
Now raise your hand if you use a Garmin 301XT.
All you people that don't have your hands up need to go out and get one!
Why bring this up? Why am I hawking the wares of Garmin, a local GPS manufacturer in Olathe, Kansas? I started out with the trusty Garmin Forerunner 201. It was a great entry level GPS and did what I needed, which was track running. As I got more into it, I needed more out of it. I needed better reception on cloudy days, easier access to download workouts, and bike riding GPS as I entered into triathlons.
Enter the Forerunner 305. It met my needs for a long time. That was until the face place just couldn't take the beating after 2 years and came off. I glued it back on and it worked just fine, but I was looking for a replacement and an upgrade to assist with indoor trainer riding on bikes.
Enter the 310XT!
It has the options I needed:
- Quick release system that was easier to work with then the 205 and 305
- ANT capabilities that I could track trainer rides with a cadence sensor
- Great reception
- Longer battery
- Capabilities to sync with future power reading devices
- Transfer workouts to myGarmin online and prod around to see pace and splits
- It is waterproof
Ray Maker, DC Rainmaker in blogger land, has the in depth review if you need more reasons why you should own one!
The beauty part is the ease of use. I don't even use the 310XT to its full capabilities.
- A. I'm not a super techie
- B. I just don't have the time
- C. I'm sort of a training minimalist
When I say I'm a training minimalists, by that I mean I don't train by heart rate, cadence, wattage, etc. I base my training on speed work, a good plan, and perceived rate of exertion.
Why buy the 310XT over the 205 or 305? Since it is water proof you can wear it from start to finish of a race. If you try that with a 305 or 205, then you have fried it. With the quick release (305/205 has it as well) and the shape of the 310XT, it's simple to twist off the wrist strap, on to the bike, off the bike and back onto your wrist. With my 305 I had to remember to start it on the bike and add the swim time from a stop watch our something else or wait for results to be posted.
Also nice is the wireless features. ANT stick with wireless data transfer is sweet! No plug-ins. Just slide the USB stick into your computer and turn on the unit. Wireless cadence is nice as well. With the 305, I'm pretty sure you cannot ride on a trainer indoor and keep your stats. With the ANT cadence sensor you can ride your trainer, track speed, time and cadence!
Basically the 301XT freed me from a sports watch for swims and having a bike computer for trainer rides indoors and no cables.
Yes, it is more expensive, but it makes life a lot easier for triathletes.
If you're looking for the perfect Holiday gift for the Multisporter in your life, the 310XT is it!
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