HRM - Looking at the Garmin Forerunner 15

IWreckALot
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IWreckALot
Edited Date/Time 8/28/2014 8:37am
Anyone use a Garmin GPS/HRM? I'm probably going to pick up one of these while on lunch today unless I get an opinion that will change my mind. I like dabbling in a variety of hobbies including road and mountain biking, going to the gym, kayak fishing, tennis and most important, racing xc. I want to see what the heart rate does at the various activities. My criteria is I need something with GPS, and HeartRate. I think the Garmin has a step counter which I think would be cool for tennis.

So do any of you have experience with HRM while racing and if so, what product do you use? I used the Polar brand for my PE credit in college and I actually liked their product but for some reason I'm leaning towards Garmin.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/running/forerunner-15/prod1…

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Scott167
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Scott167 8/28/2014 5:59am
8/28/2014 5:59am
I have the forerunner 610 by garmin. i have been quite happy with it. I use it for road cycling and also for racing (havent raced in a while but use it while practicing). It does HR, Speed, Distance, Training Effect, etc like most watches do. it was quite easy to figure out and use and it has been cool to see all of the data regarding your ride,moto, run etc. Its water resistant so it can get wet ie wear in the rain or shower, but it is not meant for swimming. If you ever want to do any swimming, make sure you get a full waterproof triathlon watch as the smashing of the watch on the water can cause them to get waterlogged pretty quickly. This is my first watch so I do not have much to compare it to but overall I am quite happy. Just my 0.02
Olson
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Olson 8/28/2014 6:00am
8/28/2014 6:00am
I've looked at Garmins products for a while and really like them, altough a bit pricey. I've only read positive things about them. I want one for my road bike that messures distance, cadence, climb and heart rate (not watch, monitor). I currently use Strava app for cycling and a Sigma watch for heart rate for all sorts of activity. I use it for racing too, fit the watch to the handlebar and it's readable during rides.

If you only need step monitor, heart rate and gps the Nike watch is good for it and pretty cheap, and there are plenty of other brands too. If you already have a Polar watch I think the heart rate chest strap fits, but you will need the Nike+ chip for the shoes.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 8/28/2014 6:06am
8/28/2014 6:06am
Olson wrote:
I've looked at Garmins products for a while and really like them, altough a bit pricey. I've only read positive things about them. I want one...
I've looked at Garmins products for a while and really like them, altough a bit pricey. I've only read positive things about them. I want one for my road bike that messures distance, cadence, climb and heart rate (not watch, monitor). I currently use Strava app for cycling and a Sigma watch for heart rate for all sorts of activity. I use it for racing too, fit the watch to the handlebar and it's readable during rides.

If you only need step monitor, heart rate and gps the Nike watch is good for it and pretty cheap, and there are plenty of other brands too. If you already have a Polar watch I think the heart rate chest strap fits, but you will need the Nike+ chip for the shoes.
The Polar watches belonged to the school so I only got to play with them while I was in the class. I originally wanted the Forerunner 220 which can monitor cadence but it's about $250-300 more than the 15. I'd like to have the option but I'm not overly concerned about my cadence to that extent. I looked at the Nike watch but I thought there was something I didn't like about it. Maybe how it syncs up to your computer? I'll look at it again today. I believe the 15 also syncs with bluetooth phones so you don't necessarily have to plug it in to a computer which was a plus.
Olson
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Olson 8/28/2014 6:18am
8/28/2014 6:18am
IWreckALot wrote:
The Polar watches belonged to the school so I only got to play with them while I was in the class. I originally wanted the Forerunner...
The Polar watches belonged to the school so I only got to play with them while I was in the class. I originally wanted the Forerunner 220 which can monitor cadence but it's about $250-300 more than the 15. I'd like to have the option but I'm not overly concerned about my cadence to that extent. I looked at the Nike watch but I thought there was something I didn't like about it. Maybe how it syncs up to your computer? I'll look at it again today. I believe the 15 also syncs with bluetooth phones so you don't necessarily have to plug it in to a computer which was a plus.
If I where you I would go for the Garmin watch, they are known for quality and they are a big deal in cycling. You will have use for it for several years. The reason I recommended the Nike watch is because of the functions and price. It's honestly a good looking watch, can use it as a every day watch, but you pay for the brand, not the functions. When you purchase products like Garmin and Polar you pay for the functions.

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roost251
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roost251 8/28/2014 8:37am
8/28/2014 8:37am
I just bought the Garmin 310x, for 180.00 from amazon, it comes with the hear rate monitor, you can add a footpod, cadance meter or powermeter. will try it at this week, I am afraid the display is gonna be flashing "you suck, pull off now".. lol

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