GPS navigation units

Finally, a GPS-enabled training device that isn't afraid of the water. The rugged Forerunner 310XT is the triathlete's indispensable training tool — a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. This multi-sport device has up to 20 hours of battery life, tracks distance, pace and heart rate, and goes from wrist to bike in seconds.

User Reviews about Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Enabled Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

First of all I need to make clear that I will use this device for running (90% of the time) and biking. No swimming. I've read many posts on how poorly it performs under water and I am not surprised.

I've had the 310XT for a month now, after my 305 finally died because of rusty contacts inside (there went the water resistant claim).
I am hoping that this one will really be water resistant and be able to handle the sweat and occasional rain. And I had a 201 before that. All in all I've had a Garmin running watch for about five years and I have seen the progression of this technology and how much it has improved, and I LOVE IT.

I like the design and color combinations in the 310XT, the wrist band is also nicer (not that I ever had any trouble with the 305's wrist band).

The 310XT catches satellites faster, and it seems to be able to cling on to low GPS signals better than the 305. Really nice in order to give you very accurate reads on your workout parameters (distance, pace/speed, etc.) Part of my runs are in narrow streets lined by high rises, and mapped runs look really fine.
This is the main reason for any owner of a watch like this, so it better deliver, and it does.

I like the refreshed display interface which seems to have even more options than before, very customizable. The main numbers are still big and clear, even for someone like me that needs glasses to read the finer print (I should note that I still navigate the watch by memory because I can't read the descriptions and prompts).

The vibrate alert is new, nice addition, which you can set according to distance, time, laps, etc., also highly customizable.
Training partner is still there if you need an extra kick to reach a desired pace, same as with the 305.

Another new feature that I noticed is that it also self-adjusts the time according to where you are. I don't know how it does this but I recently traveled from the US to Argentina and the correct time was set after I turned it on down south. Neat.

What I don't like is the new wireless interface, why did Garmin have to move away from the 100% reliable hardwired connection? Garmin's ANT Agent installed correctly on my Vista PC, and eventually I can get the workouts out of the 310XT, but I have to try 2 or 3 different USB ports every time, and when all else fails, I have to reboot the PC and start over. The cable in the 305 worked everytime, I had the base on my desk to pop-in the old 305 after each workout.

As for the HR monitor, not much to add about its functionality, it paired fine the first time and it works same as the old one. The design looks a bit sleeker, but there was nothing wrong with the old HR monitor. As a matter of fact, the design of the old strap made it very easy to change the elastic band (which in time stretches, unavoidable) without haveing to deal with the electrodes.

All in all a great GPS watch for runners and bikers. Not sure if you are a swimmer, read other posts for that. -- Satisfies expectations ...to date.

Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Enabled Sports Watch

This product is hands down, the most phenomenal piece of sports equipment I own. The details are incredible and the ability to monitor your current speed/average speed and all other components is incredibly valuable. With the information, you're able to make adjustments to your form and technique that lead to real performance improvements.
I initially had concerns about the tracking in the water, but a $5 retractable cord from a dive shop fixed that right up. Now I get accurate speed and tracking right across the water. Overlaying the Google map shows me exactly where I encountered sand bars and currents.....that's great stuff.
Forget about pesky complaints I've read elsewhere...their just minor stuff that you work through.
I'm a tough customer, but Garmin has gone way above what even I would expect to keep me happy. I'm totally sold as a customer for life!
I want to recognize Garmin's efforts by encouraging everyone to stop considering any other similar (but far inferior products) and go straight with the best. I'm happy to answer any specific questions or provide any additional information anyone desires, you may email me directly at weidnerlaw@yahoo.com -- Phenomenal Product, Exceptional Company

I just got my watch last week. I have used it to swim in a pool (for time), I have used it on my bike, and I just ran a half marathon with it yesterday. I love the virtual partner feature, it just kept me going through my first half marathon. The alerts for heart rate too high or too low also help me not over exert when racing. Definitely the thing to have when you are out there. GPS does not work under water, so don't worry about it not tracking distance in the water. There is nothing out there that does that yet. I love this watch. I hope this review helps, if you are still on the fence about the watch. I got mine 15% off from my local running store. I'm sure there are deals out there, but it was definitely worth the price. -- Great watch, state of the art training machine