This product has been discontinued by the manufacturer. It's been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 245, you may want to check out that review instead.
The Garmin FR220 is the company’s latest mid-range (price-wise) running watch, which succeeds the older FR210 unit. The FR210 carved out the mid-range niche, ahead of a slew of competitors that have followed in its footsteps. But can Garmin jump ahead of all of these units with the Bluetooth connected FR220? Over the past month+, I set out to find out – one run after another.
Because I want to be transparent about my reviews – Garmin provided both beta and final production FR220’s, with this review being written on the basis of the final production hardware + software (some photos were taken during the software beta period of course). As always, in the next little bit I’ll be sending them back to Garmin and then going out and getting my own (to be able to support y’all in the comments section down the road). Simple as that. Sorta like hiking in wilderness trails – leave only footprints. If you find my review useful, you can use any of the Amazon or Clever Training links from this page to help support future reviews.
Lastly, at the end of the day keep in mind I’m just like any other regular athlete out there. I write these reviews because I’m inherently a curious person with a technology background, and thus I try and be as complete as I can. But, if I’ve missed something or if you spot something that doesn’t quite jive – just let me know and I’ll be happy to get it all sorted out. Also, because the technology world constantly changes, I try and go back and update these reviews as new features and functionality are added – or if bugs are fixed.
So – with that intro, let’s get into things.
Unboxing:
The FR220 comes in a variety of flavors – including grape (aka purple), which is the review unit flavor I ended up with. Sometimes I think the Garmin folks just like to send me the girly colors merely so they can laugh at me.
Here’s the back of the box, in case you’re into that sorta thing:
After you’ve removed the outer shell, you’ll have three basic piles of stuff: Watch stuff, charger stuff, paper stuff.
Here we are, after having removed the plastic stuff:
Here’s the front of the watch itself. As I’ll cover in a little bit, the unit is notably lighter than other units (and visibly so on the scale). It’s also thinner a well as having a brighter screen. All things you’ll see over the course of the next few hundred photos.
And here’s the back of the unit. You’ll notice a new charging port, different from past Garmin products. Also, you’ll see the ANT+ logo as well as Bluetooth Smart logo on there.
Looking at other boxed content, we’ve got the ever-exciting Quick Start Manual. I suspect however by time you finish reading this post, you’ll ace the Quick Start Manual test.
Finally, we have the charging cable. While this may look like the Garmin Fenix charging cable, it’s actually slightly different. The pin-outs (little copper things) are arranged different such that you can’t interchange the two cables.
Here’s a closer look at how things line up:
And then snapped in:
The good news is that unlike some of the previous Garmin Forerunner charging cables – this one stays locked on very nicely. You can see it hanging here. I could easily hold onto one end of the USB cable and swing it around my head like a lasso and it won’t fly off.
I do want to briefly note that the FR220 comes in two color variations. The purple which you’ll see throughout this review, as well as a Red/Black variant, that I had at the beginning and end of my review cycle:
With our unboxing complete, let’s see how things size up to other units on the market.
Size Comparisons & Weights:
First we’ve got the standard rolling pin side view. You’ll notice that for the most part the GPS units these days are all roughly in the same size arena. It’s only the ones to the far left that are a bit bigger – the Adidas Smart Run GPS and the Suunto Ambit 2s. And, at the far right side you’ve got the lightest and smallest of the bunch, the Magellan Echo. Except that doesn’t have GPS in it but rather depends on your phone’s GPS. The FR220 feature-wise best compares to the TomTom, Timex Run Trainer 2.0, and Polar RC3 (the three units directly to the left of it).
(From left to right: Adidas Smart Run GPS, Suunto Ambit 2s, Garmin FR610, Garmin FR620, Polar RC3, TomTom Runner/Multisport, Timex Run Trainer 2.0, Garmin FR220, Magellan Echo)
Next, we can turn them up a bit and see the height of each one. The pattern is pretty similar here. The TomTom is a bit of an optical illusion because while the height looks thin on the display side, the button wraps down around the front and pops up a bit. The thickest units overall are the Adidas, Suunto and then the Timex Run Trainer 2.0 (3rd from right).
If I look at the three other units the Garmin FR220 tends to be compared to the most, you can see this a bit more clearly (Polar RC3, TomTom Runner, Timex Run Trainer 2.0, FR220).
The FR220 is of course the successor to the FR210. The most noticeable aspect (aside from weight) though is really thickness. In particular though towards the base of the unit. You can see how the first bit of the FR210 watch band as it leaves the display is still a portion of the unit and added bulk, whereas the FR220 doesn’t have any of that extra bulk.
In the below photo you’ll note that the bezel of the FR220 is actually slightly larger (diameter) than that of the FR210, though you’d likely never notice it outside of this picture.
If we look at how it compares to the $129 Garmin FR10, you’ll see that it’s a fair bit thinner. The 14-month old FR10 always was a bit chubby when it came to height, even though it had a fairly small width footprint:
Looking at wearing it, here’s what it looks like on my wrist, my wrist size is 17cm (or about 6.5 inches):
And, for all the smaller ladies in the house, here’s what it looks like on The Girl’s wrist, her wrist size is 14cm (or 5.5 inches) – and she’s tiny – 5’2” tall:
The Girl was quite happy with the watch – at least until I gave her the FR620, at which point she went for that. She much prefers the FR220 colors though over the FR620 colors.
Last but not least, here’s the weight situation. The FR220 weighed in at 41g:
Whereas the older FR210 came in at 52g:
Running Functionality and Features:
Now that you’re done looking at the thing, it’s time to actually run with it.
We’ll head outside and search for satellites. This process should be much quicker on the FR220 (as well as the FR620) as both these units introduced the ability to pre-cache satellite locations for the next week. These satellite caches are updated via Bluetooth Smart via your phone.
This tends to reduce the time to pickup satellite reception down to about 10-15 seconds – really scary quick. I’ve seen some reception times in as little as 4-5 seconds. The green bar along the top indicates satellite reception. Once it’s fully green, a second later it’ll be ready to go.
Here’s a short video of this. This particular unit hadn’t been turned on for GPS reception in about 14 hours:
Here we are, ready to go:
One really cool new feature on the FR220 (and the FR620) is the ability to set the auto-sleep setting to ‘Extended’. In the past, if you were at the start line of a race the unit would try to go to sleep every 5 minutes if recording hadn’t been started. Now, you can configure the ‘Extended’ option which gives you 25 minutes to do something (either start, or to tap a button).
Once that’s all done, it’s time to start running. To do so you’ll press the upper right button (colored button), which starts and pauses the run. It’s also used for resuming if you pause. Below that on the lower right you’ve got a lap button.
On the left side you’ve got an up/down set of buttons for navigating the menu and changing your display pages while running. And finally in the upper left you have the backlight button.
Once you’ve started running the FR220 will display the metrics which you’ve configured it to display. By default this will cover things like pace, distance, time, and heart rate. You can customize different pages with different metrics.
For example, I typically like to configure a page with all my lap stats – such as lap pace, lap time, and lap distance:
And then on another page I’ve got more general run stats (heart rate, overall run time, but still lap pace):
The FR220 also allows you to have a two-metric page with HR stats on it, so that’s displayed below:
In total the FR220 lets you configure two data screens (+ one HR screen and one screen for the clock). Each screen (page) can contain up to three pieces of data, either in a 1-metric, 2-metric, or three-metric configuration. You’ll change which metrics are shown within the Activity Settings area, and then Data Screens:
You can choose to enable the clock view, which will add a page just for the clock.
Here’s the full listing of data fields you can configure on the FR220 (Update: In the latest firmware version 2.80 and above, you can now add the ‘Elevation’ data field):
(EDIT: Note that for the %Max HR/%HRR, that’s to setup the zones, but the display itself doesn’t show %Max HR/%HRR while running).
Many people ask about pace stability while using GPS. Below is a short video I took while running with the unit. I’m not wearing any footpod, this is pure GPS pace. Sorry for the bumpiness. The bottom number is the pace number, shown in minutes/mile
Before you run you’ll want to pair the ANT+ heart rate strap if you purchased one. This will transmit your heart rate to the watch for display and later retrieval in the recording. It also greatly improves the calorie burn accuracy of the unit. In fact, you can use the HR strap indoors with the GPS off to get calorie burn metrics.
While running you’ll just press the up/down button to iterate forward or backwards through the data pages. You can also however use Auto Scroll to do it for you. This will simply scroll through the data pages automatically:
The unit can be configured for both metric and statute displays (i.e. miles or kilometers), and in fact, there’s actually settings to change any of the different fields (such as pace or distance) individually and independently of each other. So you could have pace in kilometer-related and distance in miles (as confusing as that would be).
While running you can configure the unit to automatically create laps, called Auto Laps. These can be setup based on a preset distance, such as 1 Mile. I tend to use this for longer runs, rather than shorter ones.
Also of note is that the unit supports Auto Pause, which will automatically pause the unit when you go slower than a certain threshold – such as stopping at a light for a crosswalk. You can customize the thresholds if they’re too high/low for you.
When it comes to alerting you’ve got a couple options. You can create alerts on a number of metrics such as pace or heart rate. These are both defined as high/low alerts, where you set a high value and/or a low value (both or individual) and then the unit alerts based upon crossing that threshold:
I’ve found the pace alerts though to be a bit finicky (on both the FR220 and the FR620), at least a bit hyper-sensitive. In trying to do a workout with them set on the FR220 for 5:50-6:20/mile, it never stopped beeping, despite having three other GPS watches tell me I was holding 6:05-6:10/mile quite nicely.
Note that the FR220 does not have a Virtual Partner feature. Rather, the pace alerts are your best option here.
You can also setup alerts such as the Run/Walk alert, which is common in a number of marathon training plans these days. In this case you setup a Run Time (i.e. 10 minutes), and then a Walk Time (i.e. 1 minute) and then the unit will simply repeat this duo forever until you tell it otherwise.
Once your run is done you’ll go ahead and tap the pause button to pause it, which then brings you to this screen where you can save the run (or discard it I suppose):
After which it’ll list off any PR’s that you’ve hit for that run. PR’s (Personal Records) are listed for distances from 1KM upwards to Marathon, as well as for records such as longest run. Here’s a few of them:
The only problem is that while it’s supposed to pull your previous PR’s from Garmin Connect, it doesn’t appear to be doing so. So in reality my PR’s are kinda skewed.
All of this information then ends up in the history section if you’d like to review it later from the watch itself.
And of course it’ll get uploaded online as I’ll cover in a bit.
Looking at GPS accuracy, I’m very happy with what I’m seeing with the FR220. It’s in line with a bunch of other GPS units I’ve paired it up against, always relatively close to each other. Given the accuracy of GPS technology in the consumer space, you’ll almost never get the same measurement from two units (even two like units), but in these cases you see very similar numbers across the board:
I’ll likely be doing accuracy tests again with the large batch of new running watches on the block, since it now makes sense to do so.
Treadmill Running & Internal Accelerometer:
The Garmin FR220 includes an internal accelerometer (in the watch) which enables the unit to measure both pace and cadence without the need for an external footpod (as most watches previously required).
This internal accelerometer is automatically configured while running outdoors with the GPS enabled (there’s no additional manual configuration). My ability to test this particular feature has been somewhat limited, as only the final firmware enabled my unit the ability to record this data (as opposed to just viewing it). That said, one of the easiest ways to test this is by simply running it through a straight forward pyramid test on a treadmill after a run outdoors (to get the unit calibrated via GPS).
For this test I did a very straight forward treadmill test after completing a short warm-up. The recorded test includes the following:
1 Minute @ 12KPH (it took about 15-20s for the treadmill to get to full speed)
4 Minutes @ 13KPH (7:26/mi, 4:37/km)
1 Minute @ 14KPH (6:45/mi, 4:17/km)
1 Minute @ 15KPH (6:26/mi, 4:03/km)
1 Minute @ 16KPH (6:02/mi, 3:45/km)
1 Minute @ 17KPH (5:41/mi, 3:32/km)
1 Minute @ 18KPH (5:22/mi, 3:20/km)
1 Minute @ 10KPH (9:30/mi, 6:00/km) with letting treadmill stop last 10 seconds.
After that first minute, the following 4-minutes at 13KPH provided a bit more variability than I expected actually. On previous tests where I couldn’t record the data (beta stuff), I did see much more consistency at these paces. So I’m not quite as concerned here because I know from other testing as well as what I saw on the FR620 that it tends to do well in most cases at my ‘normal’ paces.
Nonetheless, if you look at the FR610 using a standard calibrated footpod, the paces are spot-on what you’d expect for each ‘step’ (increase) in my workout. Or rather, more importantly – there are ‘steps’ at all!
In the case of the above FR220 data, it tops out at about 7:18/mile. Whereas in reality, the below FR610 tops out at 5:23/mile, which is within :01/mile of the specified treadmill speed (point scored for footpod!).
In short, what you see here is that the paces are a bit all over the map when it comes to paces outside my normal range. Which is pretty much exactly what I saw on my FR620 tests.
Next, we look at cadence provided by the internal cadence within the FR220 unit itself. In this case, it’s actually not too bad. What’s funny is that you can clearly see where I must have brushed sweat off my face around the 1:40 marker, as the cadence throws a dropout. Remember that since this is measuring cadence based on my wrist (and not a footpod), it’s going to be impacted by things like that.
Next is a graph from a FR220 on the same arm (another one) that was set to use a standard ANT+ footpod. In this case you can see how perfect the cadence is across each of the various steps. As you can see, both pace and cadence from the internal unit is overwritten by the external ANT+ footpod.
Nonetheless, the pattern I’ve seen both inside and outside is that the cadence information provided by the FR220 internally is actually quite accurate. I’ve put it up against really long 2hr runs and it’s within 1SPM for the entire run, which is pretty good considering I’m often grabbing gels, taking photos or the like.
Which, brings me to the last point that you’ve probably observed at this point in this section: The FR220 does indeed pair to a ANT+ footpod for pace and cadence.
While outdoors the unit will use the cadence from the footpod and GPS for the pace/distance. While indoors with GPS off it’ll use data from the footpod for both. The FR220 will not leverage the cadence information passed by the Garmin HRM-Run HR strap. Only the FR620 can utilize that.
To pair your footpod you’ll go ahead and dive into the sensors area, and then add a footpod sensor:
From there you can search for the footpod:
You can manually configure the calibration factor there, or just let it do it via GPS after your run.
At that point you’re pretty much good to go. Likely when in indoors mode you’ll want to switch off GPS, which you can access by pressing the ‘Up’ button from the home screen (the one that says “Run”). Then, select GPS to off. At this point it’ll provide pace, distance and cadence while indoors (either with footpod or internal unit accelerometer).
Workout Creation & Training Plans:
The FR220 supports the ability to create manual workouts that you’ll follow on your device and be prompted for each step of the workout. These workouts can have a variety of targets (such as pace, cadence, heart rate and speed), and can have preset durations such as time, distance or just simply pressing the lap button. This is new to this price point, as previously the FR210 did not have this capability (it had basic interval support)
The workouts are created on Garmin Connect and then transferred to the device via Bluetooth or USB.
Below, you can see my creating one of my workouts. You can create a multiple of steps, and include embedded repeating steps (such as Work + Rest intervals). The Garmin Connect workout builder is pretty much the easiest and most complete interval builder out there. Incredibly simple to use.
After you complete creating all your individual steps, you’ll be ready to save the workout (and name it). You can always come back to it and edit it later though:
Once you’ve saved it you’ll go ahead and send it to your device via Bluetooth Smart (phone) or USB). In my case, we’ll just go with USB:
At this point you can also add it to your Training Calendar. By adding it to your Training Calendar you can sync the calendar to your device which will in turn automatically make certain workouts show up on the device based on the day you’re planning to execute them:
To find the workouts you’ll scroll down on your device to ‘Training’, you can then select ‘My Workouts’, where you’ll see any workouts you’ve transferred listed:
Within this you can also preview the steps for a given workout:
In addition to creating your own workouts, Garmin Connect includes (free) training plans for a variety of goal races from 5K’s to Marathons to Triathlons. Each of these plans has various experience levels.
You can poke around at the different plans and decide which works best for you. Each plan includes specific workouts for certain days of the week. These workouts are based on the assumption of a known Start or End Date. Typically the Finish Date is your race day. You’ll just press ‘Schedule’ to add them to your Training Calendar.
Here you can see them in the Calendar View:
Back on the watch, these will show up within the Training > Training Calendar view.
Structured workouts will automatically walk you through each step of the workout, showing you how many minutes are left and the target for each step of the workout.
During the workout it’ll display a new page with each step (target) and the time remaining for each step:
If you exceed a threshold, it’ll alert you immediately. You can see this below:
In the case above, I completely stopped, which triggered the pace to show null (zero), and give me a pace alert for being too slow.
Though strangely, it doesn’t actually tell you whether you were high or low – just simply that you were out of bounds for that portion of the workout. (To clarify: It always shows you the view two photos above, but when the pop-up alert happens, it doesn’t say “High/Low” there). Update: It’s been explained to me that the border color of the alert will actually tell you if it’s high or low. For high, it’ll show orange. For low, it’ll show blue (as seen above).
Cycling Functionality:
The Garmin FR220 does not contain a cycling function, nor any way to connect to speed/cadence sensors while cycling. It does however contain the ability to switch the display metric from pace (usually displayed as minutes/mile or minutes/kilometer) to speed (i.e. MPH/KPH). You can do this via the the Settings > Activity Settings > Data Screens menu, and then within one of your data pages you can select the data field you want to change and change it to Speed.
At this point the unit will display speed (MPH or KPH depending on your preferences) as one of the data fields.
The only challenge with this particular workaround though is that by default the workout will still be uploaded to Garmin Connect as a ‘Run’, rather than a ‘Bike’ workout, which means that it’ll incorrectly trigger both PR’s on the unit (i.e. fastest 5KM) as well as incorrectly triggering those on Garmin Connect.
On the Garmin Connect side however you can go ahead and modify the workout type to be ‘Cycling’ which will then address the issue there. On a subsequent synchronization it’ll pull that PR information back down to the watch.
Navigation Functionality:
Like it’s older sibling the FR210, the FR220 doesn’t contain any form of navigational and/or course routing. Meaning that if you’re looking to use the GPS to get directions to somewhere, you’re better off taking a paper map for that. I call this out in a section specifically, merely to minimize the number of questions on it.
For users that need these functions, the better choice would be the Fenix/Tactix watch form-factor lineup, rather than the running-specific watches. The Fenix watches focus on navigation, running, and exceedingly long battery life (upwards of 55 hours). They do lack however areas such as training plans, interval, and workout functions. Though, they do contain a cycling mode with full support for ANT+ speed/cadence sensors.
Use as a day to day watch, backlight:
While the FR220 has 10 hours of GPS time, it can stay in standby mode for 6 weeks with GPS off. in this mode it acts as a day to day watch.
If you want to unlock you’ll press one of the buttons and then press the little runner man button again to unlock it:
The FR220 allows you to create a single daily alarm. You can’t configure said alarm for specific days of the week, nor can you create additional alarms.
Interestingly, in time mode you can configure the background to be black (with white text), or white (with black text).
By default the time on the unit will automatically come from the GPS, but you can manually override that if you wish.
Speaking of Time, you can also configure it for 12hr or 24hr mode:
Lastly, while running in the dark you can configure the unit’s backlight to remain on for a specified period of time. By default it’s only a handful of seconds. Thus I change it to simply ‘stay on’ until I tell it otherwise.
You can also select to have the unit automatically illuminate if/when you press any buttons or if any watch alerts pop-up, such as lap notifications, pacing alerts, etc…
ANT+ Weight Scale Connectivity:
While the majority of Garmin fitness devices used to support connecting to a small number of ANT+ enabled weight and body fat scales, the FR220 no longer continues that tradition. Based on my discussions with the product team, there are no plans to enable that functionality on the FR220 (or, the FR620).
I suspect the primary reason for this is simply the number of users using those weight scales today (unfortunately barely a rounding error on a tenth of a percent at best). Added to that the fact that most of the WiFi scales today far exceed the functionality provided by the ANT+ scales.
Of course, that doesn’t help users of past Garmin devices that have purchased those ANT+ scales solely for the purpose of connecting them to Garmin devices (the only company that truly ever lit up that scenario via ANT+ ). Given it would be Garmin’s goal to convert those users into FR220/FR620 users, I would think that it might benefit them as a gesture of goodwill to look at an update down the road to connect to the scale (it’s just a firmware change).
As a side effect, this pretty much kills any ANT+ scales going forward. Which, shouldn’t really be a major surprise. Even Bluetooth scales aren’t really a great solution. Neither protocol really fits the bill for scales compared to WiFi, especially since virtually nobody would travel with their scale – meaning that it’s always going to be hanging out in a single place with easy WiFi access.
Waterproofing:
The Garmin FR220 is waterproofed to a depth of 50 meters (150ft), which differs from many past Garmin running watches which only had IPX7 waterproofing (30 minutes at 1m/3ft deep). This means you can easily use it on your wrist while swimming without any concerns about killing it. It won’t capture any swim metrics (distance/stroke/etc…), but it’ll survive just fine.
During a recent work trip I spent considerable time submerging the FR220 in the open ocean water swimming around and spending a bunch of time underwater working on product shots for a different review. My wife also spent time with it in the water while I wasn’t in the water.
I’ve seen no ill effects as a result of that. Nor have I seen any issues with rain and/or sweat during my other runs over the past month+ with the unit.
As with most GPS units you won’t get accurate distance outside while worn on your wrist. This is because the FR220 isn’t designed to understand how to deal with the dropouts that occur when the watch goes under the water each time during the stroke. To demonstrate this, here’s a short swim workout I did. The FR610 was tracking distance in my swimcap and acting as a reference. The Suunto Ambit2 was tracking it on my wrist – and that unit understands how to track openwater swims correctly. You can see the FR220 is nearly double that distance.
Looking at the GPS tracks, you can see quite a difference:
Finally, for pure curiosity I was interested in what the cadence data looks like from the internal accelerometer. While the unit does measure ‘something’, it’s not 100% clear to me how that number correlates while swimming. Either way, it doesn’t appear to be strokes:
Going forward into December I’ll be bringing both the FR220 and the FR620 down to 33m (~100ft deep) in an indoor facility designed for exactly this sort of thing, to test out the waterproofing myself. Should be fun!
Live Tracking & Mobile Phone Upload Functionality:
The Garmin FR220 includes the ability to connect via Bluetooth Smart to your mobile phone to upload workouts immediately upon completion, as well as to provide streaming live tracking of your run to family and friends. You can share out the link automatically via e-mail or social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
We first saw this technology in the Garmin Edge 510 and Edge 810 last January. In that case however, the units used older Bluetooth chips which meant compatibility with older phones. With Bluetooth Smart being used here in the FR220, you’ll need an iPhone 4s or newer in order to take advantage of the uploads and connectivity.
[Update]: When I originally published this review, the mobile app was not yet updated for the FR220. Since then, it has become available for iOS. I’ve added an updated section into my FR620 review showing how it works there, and I’ve used it on the FR220 (the usage/functions are 100% identical to the FR620) as well without issue, but just haven’t quite yet written it up here. I’ll be doing that shortly. In the meantime, check out the FR620 review to see how it works. Note that Garmin has not yet released the Android version, and has stated that’s coming in Q1 2014, so sometime between January and March 2014.
Computer (USB) Upload Functionality:
In addition to Bluetooth Smart uploading via your phone, you can also simply plug the FR220 into your computer via USB and upload the workouts that way. This allows you to not only send workouts to Garmin Connect, but to 3rd party sites as well.
When you plug the FR220 into your computer it enumerates as a standard USB mass storage device – just like a little USB thumb drive. This is best because it doesn’t require any special drivers and works on pretty much any device out there, as well as any operating system. All the workouts are found within the ‘Activity’ folder:
Once everything is plugged in you’ll go ahead and wander over to Garmin Connect and click on the ‘Upload’ button in the upper right corner. This brings you to the below page, where you can then select to ‘Upload All New Activities’, which is what I typically choose.
The upload process usually only takes a few seconds (.FIT files are small, about 100KB per hour of recorded data). Once the upload is complete you can click on ‘View Details’ to dive into the individual workout.
With that, let’s dive into things on Garmin Connect, which is Garmin’s free training log platform.
Garmin Connect Online:
Once the data is uploaded to Garmin Connect, you’ll be able to view information about your run. To start with, you’ve got the main overview page. This view shows your activity summary information along the left side, with detailed pods along the right side. At the top you’ve got the map, which you can swap between Bing, Google and OpenStreetMap as providers, and then views such as satellite or standard maps depending on the location and provider.
As I scroll down I get pods for each one of the key running metrics. Timing is what shows my pace, which is configurable as either minutes/mile or minutes/kilometer (or, in MPH/KPH if you switch to a speed mode). Then below that elevation data, which is automatically corrected after the fact. Then you have heart rate information below that. On the left side you see my different splits. These splits were manually created by me based on me pressing the button. But laps created by auto lap will show up here as well.
Finally, at the very bottom along the left side you’ve got the weather information that’s pulled from a nearby weather station (historical). And on the right you have cadence information. This information shows your running cadence displayed in SPM (Steps Per Minute), which is the sum total of both feet. Some sites display this as just one foot (i.e. 90SPM), and some sites display it as two feet (180SPM). In fact, Garmin Connect actually changed this last week to display it in sum rather than the previous one-foot.
Remember that this information comes from the internal unit within the FR220 (and the FR620), unless you have a footpod – in which case it comes from that instead (like all previous Garmin watches).
In addition to the activity view, there’s also a player view, which will replay back your activity with a moving dot on the map, showing the speed/cadence/HR/etc… at that given point in time.
Beyond this, Garmin Connect provides calendars and reporting, as well as the training plans that I discussed a bit earlier. Ultimately I find Garmin Connect a good option for runners wanting a simplistic online site that’s easy to understand. For more advanced users, you may want to check out some of the options in the 3rd party realm, shown next.
3rd Party Site Compatibility:
Like virtually all Garmin Fitness devices these days, the Garmin FR220 outputs files into the standard .FIT file format. This means that it’s compatible with pretty much every 3rd party site on the planet (and, if your 3rd party site/app doesn’t consume .FIT files it’s likely not worth using).
I’ve tested the FR220 files with the 3rd party apps I use most frequently, all with success: Strava, Training Peaks, and Sport Tracks.
For those developers in the house (or, just anyone who wants to test if their app can read FR220 files), feel free to use this small collection of files.
One change I dislike however is that Garmin has changed their naming scheme on these files to names that are basically entirely garbage. Previously the names were a combination of the date and time (which, you know, is logical). Now, it’s as if someone threw up a bit in their mouth and then spit out these file names:
The FR620 shares this awesome naming scheme. Hopefully they’ll change it in a firmware update.
Firmware Updating:
The FR220 supports firmware updating as Garmin releases new firmware versions for the watch. This is typically done to fix bugs and/or add new features (usually minor features).
To get new firmware for the FR220 you’ll connect it to Garmin Connect (via USB) or to the Garmin WebUpdater (also via USB). Additionally, you can do firmware updates via your phone as well (via Bluetooth Smart).
What’s interesting is the slight shift in how firmware updates work. Now, the update is downloaded to your unit but hangs out until you’re ready for the update to be applied. You can see this above where it shows a firmware update ready to be installed (along with the version).
Within that screen I have three options. The first being to simply install it right then, with the second being to ‘Remind Me’ – which simply reminds you the next time you turn the watch back into Run mode. And finally, the third being to dismiss the update entirely.
Assuming you press to install, it takes just 1-2 minutes (which was true to what it said it would take), and then shows you this small status bar along the edge as it updates.
In the updates that I’ve applied thus far to the unit, no settings were lost – it simply retained those (including workout history and customizations).
Traditionally speaking we tend to see Garmin release more updates shortly after a product is released as they address any issues found, and then those taper off the longer from release date. Further, you tend to see the more expensive products get feature enhancements (such as the FR910XT, Fenix, Edge 810, etc..) – rather than the less expensive products (i.e. FR10/FR210/etc…) – which may only see one or two tiny changes to the functionality.
Bugs and Miscellaneous:
In recent reviews I’ve been adding a bugs section to cover things that I stumbled upon. Because I’ve had the watch for a bit now, I’m really only focusing on bugs that I’ve seen on the final firmware. Remember a ‘bug’ is different than ‘by design’. For example, the lack of a feature is something I highlight within a given section is considered ‘by design’, whereas something not really working right is below.
In the case of the Garmin FR220, the issues I’ve seen are largely in the ‘annoyance’ category, rather than the show-stopper category.
– The internal accelerometer pace data while on a treadmill seems suspect at faster than your norm paces, and slower than your norm paces.
– The pace alerts (high/low alerts) seem overly sensitive to trigger, though I need to re-validate this after the Saturday firmware update (no release notes)
– Added: Calibration of footpod: In my testing, I had calibration values shown when I used the footpod. However, in recent builds, it doesn’t seem to be updating the calibration value from outdoor GPS runs. Thus you have to manually calibrate (a pain, involves math, kinda stupid). If you use the footpod in the current firmware with GPS, you’ll get inaccurate data because the footpod will be set for 1000 (likely incorrect for you), and will override GPS.
– The PR’s don’t appear to take into account existing Garmin Connect PR’s, rather, are only device specific.
– [New] In software version 2.20, if using a footpod (optional), the footpod will OVERRIDE the GPS for distance/pace outdoors, which will likely result in incorrect pace. I’d highly suggest disabling the footpod while outdoors if you have one. [Update: This has been fixed, but instead, you can’t use the footpod for instant-pace outdoors with the GPS on.]
Now, this doesn’t mean this is all the bugs out there. This is just the ones I saw during my running and/or use. As a single person I can’t possible test every possible feature in every possible combination to reproduce every possible scenario. Sure, I’d love to – but companies have entire teams of testers and they still miss things. So I do the best I can to note what I’ve seen above.
Pros and Cons:
While there’s a lot of text here that covers a lot of fairly important details, here’s the super-duper slimmed down version of that:
Pros:
– GPS accuracy seems to be quite good, unit finds satellites very quickly with pre-caching
– Customized workout function a nice add over the FR210 that didn’t have it previously
– Incredibly lightweight for a GPS watch (or any unit)
– Waterproof to 50m (finally!)
– Bluetooth Smart Live Tracking (once app is updated/released)
Cons:
– Not convinced the treadmill (internal accelerometer) paces are accurate at all pace ranges
– No cycling, navigation, weight scale functionality
– Some people dislike the color choices offered
– About $50 more than other mid-range running watches (though those don’t have any phone connectivity/Live Tracking)
Comparison Tables:
Before we wrap things up I’ve put together the comparison charts of all the features of the FR220, compared to the older FR210 and FR610 – as well as the new FR620. You can of course create your own comparison tables using this link with any of the products I’ve previously reviewed.
The tables are updated dynamically and thus if/when things change that’s represented automatically in this section.
Final Thoughts:
Over the past 30-40 days I’ve used the FR220 a lot. In fact, I’ve used it more than any other watch (even the FR620). And quite simply – I really like it. If it weren’t for the FR620’s ability to show four data fields concurrently over the FR220’s three data fields, I’d easily use the FR220 as my standard running watch (yes, even the purple color they sent).
The user interface is incredibly quick and simple to navigate, and the waterproofing is what I’d expect of an expensive GPS watch (read: it’s actually waterproofed unlike past watches). I love the fact that Garmin decided to throw in the custom workout functionality (creating workouts online and downloading them), which the predecessor to this unit didn’t have.
Now, I do have concerns about the treadmill pace functionality. Like the FR620 I’m seeing that it’s not quite as accurate at significantly faster or slower paces than my calibrated norm. That might be a problem for some, though, you can always add an ANT+ footpod to get spot-on pace (albeit at extra cost).
Like the previous Garmin FR210, I think that for 95% of runners out there, the FR220 covers everything you’d need in a GPS watch – from data tracking to easy uploading. It’s really only if you want a bit more data on the screen at once, or a bit more detail on things like Running Dynamics, that I’d recommend looking at the FR620 instead.
Found this review useful? Or just want a good deal? Here’s how:
Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
I’ve partnered with Clever Training to offer all DC Rainmaker readers exclusive benefits on all products purchased. By joining the Clever Training VIP program you get a bunch of money-saving benefits, which you can read about here. By doing so, you not only support the site (and all the work I do here) – but you also get to enjoy the significant partnership benefits that are just for DC Rainmaker readers. And, since this item is more than $75, you get free 3-day US shipping as well.
Additionally, you can also use Amazon to purchase the unit (all colors shown after clicking through to the left) or accessories (though, no discount). Or, anything else you pickup on Amazon helps support the site as well (socks, laundry detergent, cowbells). If you’re outside the US, I’ve got links to all of the major individual country Amazon stores on the sidebar towards the top.
As you’ve seen throughout the review there are numerous compatible accessories for the unit. I’ve consolidated them all into the below chart, with additional information (full posts) available on some of the accessories to the far right. Also, everything here is verified by me – so if it’s on the list, you’ll know it’ll work. And as you can see, I mix and match accessories based on compatibility – so if a compatible accessory is available at a lower price below, you can grab that instead.
Product
Street Price
Amazon
2013 Recommendations: Running GPS Watches
2014 Summer Recommendations: Running Watches
Garmin 220 Replacement Band (Purple/White, Black/Red) - Compatible with FR220/FR620 $25
Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
Finally, I’ve written up a ton of helpful guides around using most of the major fitness devices, which you may find useful in getting started with the devices. These guides are all listed on this page here.
I’ve tried the Garmin website, but have not had much luck. I had the 220 in my backpack for 36 hours, but not in active mode. Now the calendar and the time is off. I cannot use any functions, I just keep getting the message. “Acquire a GPS fix to start the timer”.
I tried a regular reset per the instructions in the manual. Do I have to do master reset? And if so, how do I do this? Please help, I have my long run tomorrow. Thank you!
But the challenge I have right now with forums is time. Specifically, that I can’t keep up with questions/etc here, and ultimately, most folks would still come here and ask questions, and then other folks would file into the forums and ask more questions. And while most folks would be happy to have more engagement, the concern I have is that people would expect me to be able to cover both locales.
Some, from what I’ve heard/seen in other comments here, would also expect companies to cover both locales. And while Garmin doesn’t actively comment on their products posts, many (most?) other companies do. Those companies are less likely to try and support forums. Here, they get simple notifications and watch things and respond. Forums are an entirely different beast.
So ultimately, at the moment, it’s my way to trying to keep on top of things…which, given it’s 2:48AM on a Saturday night and I’m still trying to catch-up on the day, I tend to not be very good at. :-/
Ray,
first of all, thanks a lot for all your great support!
I’d say you could easily ignore some of the questions and update your review instead more explicitly to take into account new elements or to clarify issues. A number of questions are repetitions or get solved on their own.
The saying is true: “If you want to get things done (or in this case get an answer), ask a busy person.”
I’m a former collegiate runner and still run competitively. I’ve never owned a GPS watch, but am looking to purchase one for more detailed analysis, workout-tracking purposes, as well as pacing for races. I may have misunderstood this in your review, but the current pace feature on the 220 only rounds to the nearest 5 second interval? (i.e. if you’re actually running 5:52 pace, it will display as 5:50) I think you replied to another user that you can see the actual pace per lap, but wouldn’t this negate the purpose of owning a GPS watch, particularly for pacing during races? If I’m aiming for 5:50 pace for a 10 mile race, but in reality am running over that with no way of finding out until the lap is complete (mile marker), then that ~2 second gap you’re virtually unaware of is a major drawback. I suppose you could set auto laps to shorter intervals or is there another way around this? The pace alert only tells you if you’re over or under, not specifics, correct (and you obviously wouldn’t set it to such a specific range)? As I said earlier, I’ve never owned a GPS watch so I apologize if I’m missing something.
The whole notion of “instant” pace on the watch is a bit misleading.
Since pace is based off distance and time, the problem comes down to the accuracy of wrist-sized consumer GPS watches figuring out your distance accurately. The problem gets worse for small distances (under 100 feet).
There is a long history of watch makers trying to work around this – “smoothing” the pace so it shows the last 30 seconds, etc. Letting you pick smoothing. And now picking a 5 second accuracy. The reality is you are not going to get much better than 5 second accuracy on instant pace anyway.
If you want to use a GPS watch for accurate (sub 5 second / mile) pacing in a race, you are going to be absolutely disappointed in the results. With Garmin you’ll get about 1-3% variation in distance accuracy. So assuming a 6:00/mile that’s a 3-10 second / mile.
You can absolutely pick a shorter distance, such as 0.25 mile for laps – if you can do the math in your head. For races, better keep your eye on the mile markers on the side of the road (assuming those are accurate.. LOL)
This is a *serious* limitation to the FR220. I have recently upgraded from the FR210 (due to broken strap, fading battery) and find this very frustrating!
While I realize that a GPS watch cannot guarantee “absolute” accuracy of less than 5s/km, but it is still useful to see your “relative” pace. In other words to see if you are speeding up or slowing down. Unlike the FR210, you just cannot see this with the FR220 due to the unnecessary 5s rounding. The overall effect is a “time lag” on the pace display.
That’s the point… You could not see it on the FR210 either. Sure, it might tell you your pace dropped from 6:28 min/mile to 7:32 min/mile, but due to the inaccuracy of the GPS in the watch, those numbers are both lies. For all you know, you actually sped up by four seconds.
Hello DC, I have a question about alerts and a suggestion for custom workouts.
If I create an interval on the watch (from in settings, not the custom workout) and it repeats indefinitely, will it also alert me on the auto lap of 1 mile along with the intervals? One of my workouts needs me to run the given intervals for a set distance of 2 or 3 miles so I would need to get the beep for mile laps as well as the beeps for the intervals, is this possible? Or, do you know of a way to create this in Garmin connect?
Also, when doing a custom workout it shows pace and the time left on the particular workout step created. It would be awesome if it also showed what step I was on so I know how many I have left. For example, when it says “Run 3:00” and shows the countdown of time left it could say “Step 4 Run 3:00”. Thought you might be able to suggest that to Garmin.
Yeah, the FR210 charging clip is kinda annoying. The FR220 is a major improvement. You can clip it on the watch and attach it to a ceiling fan and it’ll stay on – guarantee it.
It’s actually kinda funny, because I like the new FR220 clip (nearly identical to the Fenix/Tactix/etc) over the FR620 clip. Go figure.
If you loop a rubber band around the end of the charger like a luggage tag, and then loop that around the watch once you attach it to the charger, it’ll keep it on and make it easy to attach/detach.
1) Add the Clock page (it’s an entire page), which means you can press up/down to access it.
2) Add the clock as a data field to one of your customized pages. It should be listed as ‘Time of day’.
Hi! I’ve just got my 220. I don’t use a laptop or pc. Just got an ipad. Is it safe for the watch to charge the battery by using the usb adaptor from the ipad and plug it in the wall outlet? I don’t want to damage it in any way..
hi “rainmaker” :D
I’ve bought this FR220 (partially thanks your review) and I’d like to share some important info for Linux users. Garmin Connect (and sites like Strava) use a browser plugin to directly connect the garmin devices to their internet sites.
There’s no offcial Garmin plugin for Linux, but you can find here an unnofficial one for many linux distros. I’ve test it on Ubuntu+Chromium+Strava and works without problems.
Without this plugin you just have to plug the FR220 to the usb port and it’s detected as any other usb mass storage device. Once there just go to ACTIVTIES folder and upload the .fit file to Strava (or wherever).
I hope this is useful info for many users out there ;)
Hello DC. Do you know if the Live Track function uses the GPS from the watch or the phone? The site says the watch must be paired with a phone to use that function but I was thinking that the phone’s GPS probably does not work the same as the phone’s GPS so in some areas you may have connection with your watch but not your phone like when trail running in certain areas.
Live Track uses your phone’s internet connection, not phone’s gps. You need to be (at least) under GSM coverage area for data transmission, but 3g connection would be better.
Thanks for the awesome reviews. Got a quick question re HRM. I want to buy one to use with my FR220. I’ve used a Polar HRM in the past (not with a Garmin) but wasn’t convinced they were accurate. I want to track HR while running as well as while doing kick-boxing and other sports. All the Ant+ jargon confuses me. Any advice for the best one for me? Thanks.
Generally speaking accuracy of HR straps has to do with a lot of factors, and it’s limited to either Garmin or Polar (as you saw). You can reduce some of these issues as seen in this post: link to dcrainmaker.com
As for the ANT+ jargon, it’s simply the connectivity standard that the Garmin devices use. Sorta like WiFi. The good news is it’s not too confusing in the sense that you have no choice, you have to get an ANT+ strap. Any Garmin branded strap is ANT+. Any Polar branded strap is not. Like Coke and Pepsi, the two of them. Never shall they overlap.
Thanks. I guess I need a Garmin HRM then. I see the HRM3 and the HRM Run. Since I have the 220, is the HRM3 for me? I see no reason to get the HRM Run- is that correct?
How would you compare the satellite acquisition time between the 220 and the 310? I currently have a 305 and am looking to upgrade. Is there a difference in the battery technology between the two?
It’s pretty massive. The FR310XT doesn’t do any satellite pre-caching, so if you start in the same spot the same day it’ll use hotfix and you might get as little as 30 seconds to find a satellite. But, it also could be 2-3 minutes, generally it’s shorter though.
On the FR220, as seen above in the video – it’s generally a very short pickup, seconds often. I can’t remember the last time on either my FR220/FR620 that I saw more than 20-25 seconds.
Hi:
Thank you for great work in this blog! It’s impressive!
I usually run 3 times a week around 10Km each day… and now I’m preparing my second Half. I’d like to buy the FR220 (299$), but I’ve already seen the Polar RC3 for 218$… I think I’m not going to use all the features both watches offer me, but it seems like the FR220 is a much better option. Do you think that the price difference would worth it? (battery life, GPS acquisition, connectivity, workout customization…)
The battery can be replaced in any of them? I’ve read that people tends to replace the entire watch…
I personally think the price difference is worth it. I think the RC3 looks fairly aged compared to the FR220. But, both watches will let you train well. It’s what you make of them.
There are no current market GPS watches with a replaceable battery. The closest to that is the Magellan Switch, which you can put battery packs on.
Thanks for all the information. I purchased the 220 a few weeks ago to replace my beloved 110, and I must say I am not impressed with any of the additional bells and whistles. The pace alerts or essentially worthless and aside from having current pace (which I don’t need, lap pace is fine) this thing does nothing better than my 110 did at twice the price.
But anyway, the question I have regards the satellite pre-caching: The Garmin app gets horrible reviews in the Apple App store (1.5 stars out of 5 on 136 reviews) and I do not want the thing crashing my phone. Is there any other way to communicate the satellite location data to the watch? I run in Boston and this 220 takes a ridiculous amount of time to lock-in as it is, several minutes longer than my 110 ever did. I am nearly ready to simply return it and buy a refurbished 110 (my advice to anyone reading this) but if it could at least find satellites quickly I would look past all the other crap.
As noted above, you can simply plug it into your computer with Garmin Express Fit and it’ll update it. Honestly, it would seem at least logical to try the app. Given at worst it would simply close the app, and not your phone, seems pretty low-risk.
As for all the the other features of your FR220, if you’re not seeing the significant differences between the FR110 and the FR220, I’d really encourage you to read through the review. And then try and do most of those things on the FR110. Just my two cents.
I have been downloading runs and uploading some workouts to the watch with my Garmin Connect account that I’ve had for four years now, but I don’t see anything about satellites. Can you provide anymore detail about where that would sit? The watch is clearly not automatically being updated as it took several minutes just last night to link-up.
I have the FR220 and since applying the 2.50 firmware update I have not had a problem uploading my activities via my iPhone. Before the firmware update I’d have to periodically discard the Bluetooth pairing and re-pair the watch with my iPhone. While there’s a chance that I’ve just not waited long enough to see the bug rear its ugly head again, so far so good.
The love/hate with my Garmin Forerunner 220 continues… This time it’s about Auto Pause.
I set the Auto Pause to activate at 15:00/mi.Stopping at water stops during my training long run, I figured this feature would provide a more accurate time of actual running. The watch would pause on the stop, and then would not resume properly. It was start and pause for about 5 minutes until it just started to work again.
The constant vibrating and beeping were annoying, but nearly as annoying as shorting me 30 minutes and 3 miles on my long run. Everyone else in the group had approx 16 miles and I was around 13. Was I doing something wrong or has anyone else run into this problem using the Auto Pause feature?
I usually run with my dog. I have auto pause set on my 220 to go for a complete stop. When my dog stops to answer the call of nature or we hit a red light, auto pause has worked very well. There is a few second delay both when I stop and when I start up again, but I think it’s been very accurate. I’ve been very happy with auto pause on my 220.
The watch did stop at 15 min miles, but did not resume properly. I kept the pace at 7:30-7:45 and the constant start/pause had me running in the high teens then sub 15 then back up, hence the stop and go. It was completely inaccurate. Maybe using auto pause on complete stop is the answer or just disable the function all together… I expected more from this expensive watch, and I have read about similar issues with the 620.
Thank you for all your reviews, it really help when choosing a watch. Or at least selecting just a few before the final choice. Also, I’m a girl and I’d love in a ‘nice’ looking watch ;)
I’d like to get a gps watch to get informations on the different activities I may have outdoors (distance, time, route, speed…)
I run sometimes, I also go biking sometimes, I really like hiking and or walking in the valleys ou mountains…
I don’t think I’ll use a training program, but I’m interested in knowing the altitude changes specially when hiking.
I’m interested in the Garmin 220, but I’d like to know your opinion on its altimeter. Is it reliable? At least for altitude changes?
I also had a crush on the ambit 2S white, with the multisport option because I’m really into all kind of activities and not one specifically… But I’m not sure I really need all the features it has.
What would you recommend?
Thank you for your answer, Titaina *=)
As Herald notes, neither watch has a barometric altimeter. The Ambit 2s will however track elevation via GPS, and I found it fairly impressive accuracy-wise. You can see some of my photos in the mountains on that in that review.
For hiking and multisports, the 2S is definitely the better way to go.
I can not find the “extended” area. I see that it is in “timeout” but I haven’t found it. I used this watch last month in disneyland and when I went to turn it on it was locked again. It was dark and I had to step over to get it going—-within the first 30 seconds of my half. SOOO, I’m going to have it figured out before my next half!! Thanks
Thanks for a fantastic review! very impressed with your level of detailing. Also, the review and the questions in this section helped me from making a mistake. I was thinking of buying the bundle thinking that it will give me all the data points that you mentioned not realizing that the premium heart rate monitor is different from HRM-Run! So, I’ll buy them separately now. Here is my question:
I am a bit confused between the 220 and Ambit 2S. Although currently I am more into running, with very little casual cycling, but I do hear that running might not be too good for the knees in the long run. just incase I am unable to run for a health/physical reason, what do I do with the 220 as it is only running. Whereas the Ambit 2S has more features and might also be easily used as an outdoor/general purpose watch. I would love to continue to run and keep improving, but need to be fully convinced from a health perspective. I am currently 40 yrs and wish to be careful not to damage something chronically.
Also, when you say walk/run mode, does it have to be both or can the 220 be used only when you’re brisk walking and wish to use it as a basic activity tracker instead of running?
The HR strap that comes with the FR220 is the HRM3, which is the same strap as the HRM-Run, just without the Running Dynamics in the pod. Both straps (the HRM3 after July 2013) include the improved firmware for reducing erroneous drops/spikes.
Run/Walk Mode is a specific mode used primarily in certain marathon training types where the person will run for X minutes (such as 10 minutes), and then walk for X minutes (such as 1 minute). And repeat. Forever.
As for the 2S vs 220, in general, if you’re doing multiple sports (such as cycling), and want more flexibility in configuration of those sports, the 2S is the better option.
I have a forerunner 310xt I mostly run amd cycle but have a edge 500 so only use my 310 for running and hike(no waypoints) is the 220 a good upgrade option?
If you plan to just use it for running, then yup – it’s good. But if you plan to use it for hiking (barometric altimeter, etc…), then honestly the Fenix or Suunto Ambit 2/2s is a better option. Especially in the case of the Ambit because it can also do cycling.
I have encountered a problem with Garmin Connect, not sure if it is exclusively related to the 220:
My device settings are metric, and obviously, I’d like to have the same on Garmin Connect. But Garmin Connect sticks to statute (i.e. miles) and refuses to change this setting.
According to the Garmin Forum, this is an old issue. I’m surprised that only few have highlighted this issue. Perhaps there is a work-around?
Very strange. I tried it several times (with different browsers) from my personal laptop and it didn’t work. Now I did it on my work PC and it works. [To be seen if back home, it still does ;-) ]
As I said, on the Garmin Forum, there are several people complaining about this bug. It might be linked to the computer/browser/add-on configuration. Using a different computer to change the setting seems to be the solution.
I grabbed this watch via CleverTraining and it has been working great …. until I tried to set up and use a half marathon training plan. Got it all scheduled into my Garmin Connect calendar and then synced to my device. The issue I have is the the time zones seem to be out of skew.
I am in New Zealand and have this set in my profile on GC. My watch is set via the satellites and has the correct DateTime for NZ.
In my GC calendar the first activity is for the Monday. The activity on my device shows for the Tuesday. If I select the device activity on Monday and run it, it records for Monday but not against the scheduled activity in the GC calendar. Shows as a separate activity. On the Tuesday the activity still shows as not complete on the device, so I select it and run it. It uploads to GC and shows for Tuesday, so still not recorded against the scheduled Monday activity.
Any ideas on what the problem may be? I have contacted Garmin support twice now, via their support site, and have not had any response at all to either request. Pretty poor service really.
Any help or guidance you can provide greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, the support channel for AUS/NZ from Garmin is horrendous. Honestly, if you can – I’d ring up the US number (not sure if you have access to do that cheaply). You’ll get a human that’s really good in support and can bop the right folks on the head. Given you’re unit is from the US, it makes it all the much easier.
I still have some issues with my 220 but I think there are still problems with Garmin Express, from what I have read on the forums. A lot of angry people.
I do have a quick question. When a workout is created in GC and sent to the device, when you complete the activity, does it create a new activity in the calendar, or mark off the created one as done. I haven’t had these working due to the apparent time zone issue, so I don’t know what to expect. Currently, I end up with two activities in the calendar; the one I created and another once I complete it on the device and it syncs up.
1. I was just wondering if it is possible to use the forerunner 620 replacement wrist bands on the 220?
(I like the white band).
2. I have a 4yr old Garmin ANT+ HR monitor strap, will this be compatible with the new 220 and is there any difference with the new HR monitor straps (ie. is it worth buying a new one?)
1) They certainly look/appear swappable, identical sizing, etc…
2) Yes, it’s compatible. The new one does have some logic in it to reduce spikes/dropouts. So if you experience those today – then this might help. If you don’t experience that, then keep on trucking with what you have.
3) If you plan to use the unit indoors on a treadmill, I’d buy a footpod. Otherwise, no.
I don’t consider myself a super advanced, data centered runner, but after spending a couple of days with the 220 and Garmin Connect, I’m surprised about the lack of features of Garmin’s online tool.
Why don’t they have:
– gear/shoe tracker (to know when to replace your shoes)?
– Recovery heart rate (shown on the device 2min the workout)?
– HR and pace for each km/mile (instead of only by lap)?
Do they really want people to use other online tools?
Garmin is in the business of selling GPS watches. Your watch includes in the purchase price a free lifetime subscription to Garmin Connect, but they don’t make any money off the service itself. In fact considering the number of users and size of data they’re pumping through it… likely costs multiple $millions per year to run including the developer salaries.
As long as Garmin keeps innovating and differentiating from the competition in HARDWARE, they don’t really need to offer so many features in software end. How does tracking shoes help them sell more GPS watches?
A company like MapMyRun, which is now owned by Under Armor (a HUGE apparel company) has more motivation to add things like shoe tracking. You can easily imagine them predicting when your shoes need to be replaced and targeting sales of their shoes at you (or shirts, or shorts, or…)
For more features, you really need to look to other software solutions; there are many out there. I have my favorite, but I am biased. :)
Ok, without getting into endless debates, I agree, Garmin’s selling point are the devices, not the online tools. But if there is anything to learn from Apple, it’s that to be successful you should look beyond devices (i.e. consider a integrated ecosystem like itunes). This is especially true in times where smartphones are increasingly reducing the niche for specialized running tech gear.
Adding the features I mentioned don’t cost much compared to the running costs of the platform. If Garmin really needs the cash, they could easily link it up with some third party company, e.g. a link to an online retailer when your shoes reach a certain mileage.
In the end, it’s also about increasing customer loyalty. If my Garmin is broken and Polar is offering an equally good or better device, I’ll switch brands. (That’s what I did the other way around by purchasing the 220.) If the online platform that comes with the device is well developed and contains all my running history, I have a good reason to stick to it, even if the competition offers better devices.
Garmin makes around $3 billion in sales – they’re not totally incompetent. I would wager the design and management team knows these issues intimately and discusses them often. Don’t you think? I mean.. it’s a publicly traded company. So they’re obliged by law if nothing else. LOL.
Speaking with -A LOT- of Garmin users, there are a huge percentage that never download. Never use Garmin Connect. At all. I bet it’s well over 50%. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the people using the online service consistently (over the life of when they own the watch) is 1 in 20.Then you toss in all the other divisions (aviation, marine, golfing! golfing for pete sakes!), it’s really down to a small niche of consumers using GC.
Vendor lock-in is a two edged sword. Consumers today are savvy and information flows freely.
It’s funny but you know… users have asked for gear tracking for 4 years. And it hasn’t come. And every year the Garmin fitness division is like a money printing machine. Even in the face smartphones. And Polar, And Suunto. Crazy.
I agree 100% with both of you. GC is awful. There are free web-based solutions that are far, far better than GC. Garmin does H/W very, very well. So well that of all the runners I know using a GPS-enabled watch I don’t know a single one using a Suunto or Polar or other competitor. Sometimes when I forget my watch (which won’t be happening now that I have a 220 that I will be using as a day-to-day watch) I use my smartphone which works great but who wants to run with one of those in your hand or strapped to your body?
I was looking at getting a Garmin but I am not sure whether to go with the Forerunner 620 or 220. I am training to do a half marathon and the key feature I would like to be included is quick satellite reception.
Would you also please be able to tell me how the Forerunner 610 and 210 compares to the 620 and 220.
The FR620/220 are noticably quicker than the FR610/210. In general, I find I get satellite in about 5-15 second with the FR620/220, whereas it could be anywhere from 15 seconds to 1-2 minutes with the FR610/210.
Again a very thorough review.
I own the FR31-XT based on your review, but, I have huge problems to upload the workout to 3rd party like Strava or Training Center, the ANT program shuts down all the time, which is a constant annoynce.
My eyes are now on the FR220 which according to your review allows uploading per USB as well, a valuable feature I could not even find in the manual.
Since I use the FR only for running outside (0F – 104F) what running watch would you recommend?
For running recommendations, check out my GPS recommendations guide (recent), which covers all the different running scenarios by categories: link to dcrainmaker.com
Do you know if there is any way to turn off the internal accelerometer or remove the cadence data from the workout on Garmin Connect? I use the watch also for biking and the internal accelerometer gives kinda funky data and graphs (could be used to monitor road quality :) )
Do you find that using it for other activities (e.g., riding) has any impact on the data it collects to calibrate the accelerometer? I like to record my workouts that aren’t necessarily running as well, but wasn’t sure if it had any impact on the way the accelerometer calibrates. Just curious what others have found. Or do you turn of the GPS for these activities?
Yes, no problem. It’ll show data fields and then whenever you feel like it you can start the activity. This is a bit different than most other watches that annoyingly don’t allow you to see data fields when in a paused/not-started state.
Okay, perfect. I’m looking to purchase a gps running watch with heart rate monitor for my mom who runs (both indoor and out) as a birthday gift. She is hard of hearing so I think the vibration alerts is a big plus. I have an older Polar FT60 that I use for general workouts indoors and love to be able to see my starting heart rate prior to beginning the workout. I noticed that flaw on a couple of your other reviews. I think the FR220 will be a great fit for her. Thanks again for the speedy reply.
Thanks for the great review! I use a 310 and love it.. but as I age my eyes are getting worse and I can only see it if one data field is displayed at a time and I hate to run or bike with my reading glasses. Is the screen on the FR220 easier to read than the 310? Have you done comparisons of text size of different models?
I’m in similar situation regarding eyesight. Can’t compare with 310. But it’s much more readable then Suunto M4 I had before. 220 is much more readable despite the fact that with 3 field display text ends up smaller. Absolutely love back-light – it’s actually readable and can stay on whole workout without draining much battery.
I realize that the platform for the 220/620 is closed, but I was wondering if anyone has come up with a “jail break” type modification for the Garmin products. Adding indoor swimming metrics via the accelerometer as well as text / call, etc notifications via bluetooth would be great adds to an already great product. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the in-depth reviews! On the strength of them, I got my the FR220, my first ever running watch, last month.
Overall I like it a lot . There are a couple of things that are at odds with your review and I was wondering if you could help me bring clarity to them:
1. GPS-cache.I run out of work a lot and it still takes more than 2-3 mins for the GPS to latch on from the same starting spot. My understanding is that, the watch “remembers” the satellite and then connects immediately. But this does not happen at all. So my question is: does this depend on location/presence of buildings in the area or a problem with my watch.
2. The auto-pause feature is way too sensitive. I’ve set it to stop at 12:00 min/mile, 20 min/mile pace and even “stop” but it takes at least 15 seconds of the watch stopping and starting before it “realizes” that I am on the move again. So that was really disappointing.
Just wondering if I was missing something there or if that has been the experience with you too?
I have found this to be a big issue as well.
I received my 220 a few days ago and have put about 20 miles on it and am, overall, extremely happy with it with one exception: the Auto-Pause feature. I used this for many years on my older 205 and 305 watches (with pace smoothing set to “more”) and found it quite useful. No matter what I do with the 220 pausing threshold it just does not ‘work’ like the old watches. It constantly pauses and unpauses as I run. I finally turned it off, but I’m a little bummed out that this feature, at least for me, just plain doesn’t work.
Several people complain about the auto-pause feature and all of them seem to have set some threshold manually. Initially, I did the same (15, then 20) and encountered odd behavior. Now I have put it on the default setting (“when stopped”) and it works fine (apart from the normal 2-3s delay). I don’t use for “walking stops” though, i.e. I only expect it to pause when I’m really stopping (at traffic lights, for a pit stop etc).
Those of you complaining about auto-pause, have you tried the default value? Does it work for you?
I’ve noticed less-than-optimal cadence measurements with my 220 (sometimes it measures half-cadence), as well as some GPS inaccuracies (even with the current firmware and GPS updates). Have you seen the same thing? Here are a few activities to sink your teeth into:
For what it’s worth, Garmin has offered to exchange the product, but it would be hard for me to be without ANY watch for up to two weeks, so I have yet to take them up on it, hoping the firmware updates take care of my issues. Any thoughts?
Kevin, Garmin swapped my FR210 for another a while back and I insisted that they allow me to keep the current until the new one arrives, so I wasn’t without one. They either charged me for one and then credited me when they received my old one or at least kept my credit card info on file in case I didn’t return the old. I don’t see any reason they couldn’t do this for you.
Thanks, Ken – Garmin replied saying essentially the same thing.
I put in another run last night, and the cadence seems to be SLOWLY getting more accurate, although it still drops at un-explainable sections in the run.
I read somewhere that perhaps the internal accelerometer has a calibration period where it learns something about the user – perhaps this is what I’m experiencing (or perhaps I’m mis-informed)? I still have yet to get a perfect graph of cadence like I’ve seen here. I’m staying in touch with Garmin on this, and will post if/when the issue is resolved.
The zoom tools are tough to use on Garmin Connect, but it looks to me like the cadence is periodically dropping by approximately half for one sample. Unless you’re hopping on one foot, it clearly seems like a sensor/firmware bug. Doesn’t it?
I agree. On that particular activity, the only times the cadence drops to zero (twice), I had paused the watch. Those are accurate. Something is causing a “half” reading at strange points. My first run registered with surprisingly poor readings and nearly half of the run was measured this way. Perhaps I have a bad device. I just didn’t want to worry if it’s merely a sensor limitation, and I was within the norm for accuracy.
I’ve been noticing odd heart rate curves in the first couple of minutes in the beginning of my runs. Here is an example of my two latest runs.
What is causing this ?
It’s semi-standard HR drops/spikes. As I noted in the , I saw the vast majority of it be solved with the new strap, but not quite 100%. Usually if I do see issues it’s generally in the first few minutes. link to dcrainmaker.com
I have done some testing recently and it seem that is my 220 that is causing this issue. I have looked at some historical activities never noticed this on my Garmin 800 or Iphone with the same strap (4iiii Innovations V100).
What is making even more odd is that if I turn GPS mode off and use it indoors on treadmill I get correct HR curve.
Following up on another post regarding GPS sampling rate; does any one know if it is possible to increase the frequency in sampling rate for the 220? A friend and I ran last weekend–he was using the Garmin 910. His segment times were faster according to Strava — even though he was behind me (!). Strava folks say his sampling rate was much higher. Big bummer for the 220 when it comes to running and Strava!
Wow, thanks for you reply. That is a pretty big fail IMO, especially as Stava has moved more toward running. It sort of invalidates times depending on device.
I have a question regarding the HRM-Run … I understand that the running dynamics numbers are only available with the 620 but the strap works with with the 220 as well (but only provides HR). I thought I read in one of your responses that maybe Garmin will update the firmware someday on the 220 to include the running dynamics on the 220 as well. Do you see that as a possibility? Or will they reserve it for the 620 for the foreseeable future?
I bought the 220 because I prefer buttons over the touch interface. And I’m using an old ANT strap from an older Garmin watch (305) which works just fine for HR with the 220. But I’d like to start looking at running dynamics and if the HRM-Run will support that on the 220 at some point, I’ll buy that strap.
And finally, is the individual running dynamic data viewable to the user (namely HR variability) or just the VO2 max that it calculates along with rest/recovery time … ?
There’s pretty much no chance that Running Dynamics will hit the FR220. From an end-user standpoint, it’s the VO2Max, Recovery Time, and Race Predictor. Plus all the cadence/vertical oscillation/ground contact time components.
I just exited the land of Nike+ and ordered my 220 bundle. I am considering investing in a footpod as well for my occasional indoor runs. While I don’t run fast and I don’t run inside very often, it sounds like a footpod is better than the internal accelerometer for my indoor jaunts.
Has the issue with the footpod recording over the GPS been fixed? (I looked through the comments but didn’t see a resolution although I could have missed it)
Also if I bought the footpod, could I/would I want to leave the pod at home most of the time when I go running outside in order to preserve the GPS readings if the issue hasn’t been fixed?
While testing the FR220, did you notice that when charging the face always reads at 100%? Right out of the box, the watch said it was 100% charged. And now when I’m attempting to charge it fully for the second time when I know the battery is fully drained, it still reads that it’s 100% fully charged. This is incredibly frustrating as I have no way of knowing if it’s truly fully charged. Did you ever encounter this problem?
Thank you!
I did find the update that corrected the issue with the battery report. Thank you for posting your review of the FR220 though, it’s great to know I have this to refer to. It’s much more in depth than anything else I’ve found.
I purchased and use the edge 510 for cycling. Everything works perfect both on the unit and on GC. I recently purchased the 220 and for some reason my phone can not recognize the 220 device but has no problem picking other bluetooth devices.
Do you have any suggestions with pairing the device so I can see both devices in GC?
Android users go check your PlayStore , the new GCMob 2.0 is there.
I had installed the old verson for the 510/810, clicked upgrade, 30 seconds later it was running the new V2.0 on my Nexus 4.
I have the FR220 with firmware 2.2, I have the Garmin Connect app on my iPhone 5s and it say software update available but it’s not showing up on my watch and I can’t tap on anything on the app to start the update. When I go to settings on my watch and then software update it says to go to Garmin Connect to check for updates. Am I missing a step to be able to do the software update from my phone app, I thought I could do it when my watch and phone are connected by Bluetooth?
Hmm, it should come over. Sounds a bit odd. Is this with the new iPhone app as of yesterday, or the older one? In either scenario, I’d check out the Garmin Forums (forums.garmin.com) as well.
I submitted a ticket and this is the response I got from Garmin:
Unfortunately, the Garmin Connect mobile app would only allow you to upload your activities via the iPhone. You would still need to physically connect it to a computer and use Garmin Express to update the software on the device.
I’m not sure what else to do, from your screen shots I see where it ask you if you want to install the update but mine doesn’t give me that option. I have the latest iphone app but there’s no send to device option. Am I missing a step?
Yippee…finally support on Garmin Connect app for Android released yesterday. Haven’t tried yet but will do tonight. Hopefully works with my Samsung GSIII !!
The Android update is now available on the Google Play store.
Whats new?
Updated app requires Android version 4.0+ (Any lower version of Android will continue to get 1.3.2)
Forerunner 220/620 support on select Android devices*
New user interface
vívofit™ support*
Support for connecting, sharing and competing with friends
*Requires Bluetooth Low Energy support/hardware and Android version 4.3 or above
Here’s what Garmin said about compatibility with my Droid RAZR Max HD and the recent Garmin Connect. Motorola has an update to Droid 4.4 in Q1 2014.
Mike
Mike:
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
For the Forerunner 220 to connect to a phone it needs to be Bluetooth Smart compatible. Bluetooth Smart is a low energy, power-efficient technology that can be found in some of the newer Smartphones on the market today. Several Garmin devices* utilize Bluetooth Smart to wirelessly sync with these Smartphones when they are running the Garmin Connect Mobile app. The following is a list of phones that Garmin has tested and deemed compatible to work with our Bluetooth Smart devices:
Android (Requires phone to be running Android 4.3 or higher):
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5
iPhone 5C
iPhone 5S
Garmin will attempt to keep this list up to date with the most popular Smartphones that feature Bluetooth Smart technology however it will be possible that a particular model may exist and appear to work but not be listed as compatible.
If your Smartphone is not listed above it is possible for it to be compatible if it meets the following requirements:
Apple iOS 7.0 and above
Android 4.3 OS and above
Bluetooth 4.0 capable
Garmin Connect Mobile is not compatible with Windows OS phones. If you are not sure or have questions about your phone’s specifications please consult with your wireless provider or phone manufacturer.
*BLE compatible devices include: Forerunner 220, Forerunner 620, and vivofit
I’m in the market for a new watch, I’m having problems with my current Polar FT4 & am trying to decide if something different would be better. I do a lot of strength training type exercising so need something that calculates heart rate & calories, but I also run quite a bit too. I’m curious if there’s a watch that is good for both types of exercising. I have running apps on my phone but I would like to find something that is both good at counting calories & heart rate while doing strength exercises & also has the ability to track my runs.
The FR220 will use HR to determine calories, even while indoors – similar to the Polar FT4. The key difference is that while outdoors, the FR220 will use GPS to automatically determine distance/pace/etc…
The unit doesn’t track a weight room workout though beyond HR. Meaning, it doesn’t track which machines, etc… The closest you can get is the Adidas Smart Run GPS unit – which does walk you through a workout (including machines), but doesn’t actually measure what you did at each machine. Check out my review up above for more info.
I was looking for a device to use similarly and was pointed toward the FR220. It’s a perfect fit if you’re looking for a good GPS watch, but doesn’t have the training programs my Polar FT60 did. Still, I’m thrilled with my purchase, and love having a GPS watch that I can use for regular workouts, too.
Hello I have the Forerunner 220 but I find that the band is pretty small when you run with a warm and thick top (I’m from Canada actually). I don’t find any larger wristband with velcro to change on the Garmin website. It there anything that fit with the 220? Thanks for your advice.
What happens when you turn 1 mile auto-lap on, and then during the run you manually press lap? Will the data for both the per mile lap data be recorded as well as the manual lap up to when you pressed lap, and the next 1 mile alert will start from the last time you pressed lap?
If I use auto-pause, is it possible for me to track the time I rested at the traffic stops? Or if I want to track the stop time at traffic light, I should turn auto-pause off and use manual lap at traffic lights? Basically I want to be able to track my run excluding the stop time, yet know how much time I rested total due to traffic stops.
It’ll reset the lap. There’s only one counter for laps, and it’s controlled whether you use autolap or manual lap.
Yes, with auto-pause you could look later on at Garmin Connect and see an Elapsed Time and Moving Time, so you can just do the difference between them to see stopped time.
Hi again. Your advise a few weeks ago led me to purchase the FR220 and I have to say I love it, absolutely no regrets. The GPS is fast to pick up, and accurate, as is the accelerometer for indoor runs. I’ve used it for non-running workouts like weight and circuit training to continue to track my heart rate and I love it. I’m a smaller frame woman, and it adjusts to my tiny wrist perfectly. My only issue has been with the HR strap rubbing at the bottom edge, just under the snap in unit. I used the soft (and more comfortable) polar straps for years and never had this issue. I read about your lady’s BandAid fix and will try that for my next run, after my current chafe mark heals. My question is, does the FR220 HRM work with Polar straps? If so, any certain one? I saw the previous Garmin strap snapped onto the device from the ends, leaving a gap under the device. Has anyone said that caused less chafing in the area I’m having trouble with? Thanks again…this site is an amazing resource!
Honestly though, in most cases it still pressed the strap in the same spot, which means chaffing is still likely a scenario there (it was for me when I last tried it).
Hm. Ok, I’ll do some experimenting and report back. It’s a bummer…I used 2 different models of Polar straps and 2 models of Polar transmitters, for anywhere from 4-8 hours of workouts a week for 3 years and never a single irritation. The Garmin soft-strap and transmitter combo left me raw by the end of the 1st week, on my second long run. Fingers crossed that the Polar strap or BandAid is a fix!
I’m considering switching from my FR70 to a 220. Battery life for iron-distance tri’s is a concern, however. Naturally, I’d like to come out with a single activity file for the entire event, and I ain’t finishing in under 10 hours ;)
I’ll have an Edge 500 on the bike, and I don’t care much about swim metrics, so coupled with price and form factor, 910s and 310s are both unnecessary and unappealing.
So my questions are:
With the 220, would it be possible to begin the race in “indoor mode” (GPS off), and then switch it to “outdoor mode” (and pick up GPS) in T2, without starting a new activity? This is the battery life workaround I had in mind, but I’m not sure if the device will cooperate.
Coming out of the water, will the 220 will pick up my HRM with a simple cycle through the menus? With the FR70, I do this in T1 to find the HRM, and again in T2 to find the footpod.
I’m also a bit concerned that my ex-post data could be fouled up by whatever the 220’s accelerometer will report during the swim and bike portions, but that’s relatively minor. Any thoughts on this?
With the FR220, it’d be separate activities. But honestly, that’s not that big of a deal. You could practice that and I could get the entire process down to 3-5 seconds. And realistically, satellite pickup will be instant since you’re in the same spot you were 5 seconds prior.
It’ll pickup you HRM automatically.
As for data during the swim/bike, it’ll be funky for cadence, but otherwise distance is fine on bike with GPS (useless on swim either way).
I may have missed this on an earlier post, if so I apologize. Can I turn all of the GPS and tracking functions off and just use the heart rate monitor on either the 210 or 220? I want to use it for calorie counting both while I run, with GPS or during a tread mill run, and then when I go to the gym to lift weights and swim, stair climber, or elliptical. Is this possible with either of these or should I look in a different direction?
I know how to turn off the GPS function. How do I turn off the other tracking functions. When it is measuring only HR, the watch keeps wanting to go to turn off to go to battery saving mode.
First let me say that your “Review” has been more useful to me than even the Garmin PDF Manual. Thanks for your effort and thoroughness!
I am a competitive rower (sculler) and have been using a Forerunner 205 mounted in front of me in my single shell for 4 years, more-or-less happily. But now it’s time to upgrade — to a Forerunner 220 (FR205 was released in Jan, 2006). I’ve been playing with my new FR220 for a few days — running, because the river’s still iced over. I like it so far, and so far there’s only one bummer — namely, you cannot manually start a new lap when on Auto-pause (unlike the FR205). This would not be a problem for runners, but a rower has to stop rowing in order to press the lap-reset button. Also, I like to start my intervals (rowers call them “pieces”) from a dead start.
Hmm, what about with manual stop (non-auto-pause)? I’ve often done the same style of pausing, but hadn’t tried it on the FR220 and laps there with auto pause.
I know you’re still probably a few weeks from your Suunto Ambit2 R review, but have you had enough time with the Ambit2 R to be able to recommend either the Garmin FR 220 or the Ambit2 R one over the other in terms of training features, GPS accuracy, etc.? I’ve been pretty set on purchasing the FR 220, but am going to miss the Virtual Partner feature. I see that the Ambit2 R will have access to a number of apps including the Ghost Runner app that would mimic Virtual Partner.
Also, I find Garmin Connect to be perfect for my needs. How does Suunto’s data tracking site compare?
Accuracy they are pretty much the same. Realistically some of the apps will differentiate them slightly, but you’ve got two pretty similar watches, with the biggest differences being connectivity (Bluetooth, Live Tracking, etc…).
People tend to be split on whether they prefer GC or Suunto. They both have minor pros and cons.
Just a heads-up: the current firmware (2.50) apparently fixes the problem reported above when using the 220 together with a foot pod (according to users on the Garmin forum, haven’t tried it out). Prioritization again works as it should — as long as you have GPS, it’s used.
Not sure if they changed something about the foot pod calibration feature (my foot pod arrives next week only).
I bought this watch a few weeks back after reading your very thorough and enjoyable review.
I am fairly happy with it but last week I tried out the Workouts for the first time. Greate feature – in theory.
However in practice the workout feature is next to useless due to the hypersensitive and inaccurate pace measurements triggering alerts every 20 seconds or so.
My watch is quite new and has the (latest) software version 2.5 the pace measurement swings wildly from too fast to too low. On a second attempt I increased the gap between my limits to a whole minute i.e. min: 6 max: 7 Min/KM aiming to keep a pace of 6:30 per KM but to no avail. Still got alerts every 20 seconds or so. As far as I am concerned this “feature” is unusable – pity.
Hmm, I’ve had pretty good results recently within 20s brackets (i.e. if targeting 6:30, I’d go with 6:20-6:40.)
When looking at your instant pace, are you seeing a lot of fluctuation while running steady? If so, consider hitting up Garmin and see if they can get it all settled.
I’m a fan of the slow/fast pace alerts and I use them often. Perhaps what you’re learning is that your pace varies more than you think. If you’re like me and you run on hilly terrain then you will certain experience more than a minute pace change between running on the flat vs running up a hill. I suggest that you practice with your pace settings on a flat course, such as at a running track, and I think you’ll learn a great deal about your real running pace. For me, I have to either set my pace to have a range of 1-2 minutes, or simply set only the slow or the fast pace alert, but not both. I hope this helps.
Hi Simon,
thank you for the reply and the suggestions.
You are probably right about my pace varying more than I think especially at the start of my run although unlike you, I run in a more or less flat city with no mentionable climbs or descents.
Since my last post I have used the workouts three more times. On two runs I set no pace thresholds for the first 2 KM warm up phase of the workout at all and on another run a very broad range. This way, I had plenty of time to settle into a steady pace before the second phase of the workout with thresholds set.
Through observation, I also understand more how the pace measurement seems to work. As a result I can almost predict its behavior and have less of a problem with it. It seems that the pace calculation works in such a way that it results in a certain time lag, i.e. if it triggers an alarm because I am running too fast and I slow down, it takes more than just a few seconds to calculate this. In fact the alarm sometimes trigger again at least once if not two times before it settles down.
I also suspect the GPS signal reception is playing a role – out in the open (in parks or woodland) I get as good as no alarms but near the finish of my workout (I live in a an inner city residential area with 3-4 story houses left and right) I tend to get alarms again even though i try to keep the same pace. Similarly when taking sharp bends or turning street corners, I presume this affects the distance calculation and hence the pace.
I’ll keep trying as it is a nice feature.
Kind Regards,
John
Hi Rainmaker,
I ran regularly for two years just using a normal watch on pre-measured routes and my natural pace is usually very constant – 6:30 / km.
If the 220 is using GPS to measure the pace then maybe the problem lies with the GPS signal. Last time I used it, I did notice that for certain longer periods in more open ground the watch stopped alerting me for several minutes, but when the environment became a little more built up, it started to go hyper-sensitive again. The overall pace measurement seems to be quite accurate.
Do you know is it possible to switch the basis for the pace measurement from GPS to the internal accelerometer?
I also noticed that there is another place in the menu-tree where you can set pacing alerts i.e. under Settings / Activity Settings / Alerts / Pace. Do you know if these are independent of the alerts used when the watch performs a workout?
Does the watch display overall pace for the current run? I do run/walk intervals so current pace isn’t super helpful. Not sure how the lap feature works? Also when setting up intervals for run/walk can you set target paces for each? Lastly, is it possible to set up interval paces in seconds? Example run 30 seconds/walk 30 seconds? I currently use a phone app that does what I need but I’m tired of dropping my phone and not sure GPS is accurate sometimes.
Yes – all of these things are possible. You can create any combination of pace/time etc intervals using custom workouts. Overall pace and lap pace are available.
[Update]: When I originally published this review, the mobile app was not yet updated for the FR220. Since then, it has become available for iOS. I’ve added an updated section into my FR620 review showing how it works there, and I’ve used it on the FR220 (the usage/functions are 100% identical to the FR620) as well without issue, but just haven’t quite yet written it up here. I’ll be doing that shortly. In the meantime, check out the FR620 review to see how it works. Note that Garmin has not yet released the Android version, and has stated that’s coming in Q1 2014, so sometime between January and March 2014. Please letme know about ur update !
Sorry, yes, the Android app is out now (came out Feb 20th). On the iOS side, things work fairly well for most (not without glitches, though, I just saw an update yesterday). On the Android side, it’s a mixed bag – in large part depending on which phone you have.
Android BLE support varies wildly by exact phone, with some being good, and some being ugly. Thus for things like quick uploads it’s easy (since an app can simply retry). But for Live Tracking and sensors, it tends to be much more ‘visible’ to the end user. Had two rather enlightening discussions on this with the Strava folks and another company at MWC a few weeks ago.
All that said, I’ve still got to simply edit/update the above section with how it works on the app. I’ve used it, taken the photos and screenshots with the FR220…just need to add it in. Sorry!
I’ve definitely had mixed results on Android with my Nexus 5. The pairing resets every time bluetooth is switched off / phone reboots. Because of where I work, that’s every day for me, and usually just before I run! Once re-paired, it connects and syncs to GC fine. Sounds like the underlying Android bluetooth stack is at fault and inconsistent across hardware. Samsung seem to get the best results.
Gingerneil – how did you pair your Nexus 5 with FR220? I’ve update to the latest firmware (v2.50) and still can’t pair my watch. It’s ‘Ready to Pair’ all the time but the phone doesn’t seem to connect to it.
It pairs in the app – not the main bluetooth settings. Fails now and then, but retry and it works fine. Set the 220 into pairing mode, and then hit start in the app. Nothing special.
I used the 220 with the strap while on the treadmill. The treadmill did not pick up my HR and when I hold the handles to measure my HR the watch doesn’t register accurate distance. GPS was disabled. Is there something I need to make the gym equipment to read the HR?
Thank you so much. This explains it well. For indoor running (I am mostly on the treadmill) and to avoid inaccurate distance readings when I am holding the bars, is the foot pod the best way to go? Is there a link to a food pod that goes with the Garmin 220?
The footpod would indeed solve it. There’s a link in the very last table at the end of the review (right before the comments).
Though (if I may), I would generally recommend instead slightly slowing the speed of the treadmill and not holding on. There’s a substantial difference from a workout standpoint in holding on vs not. Just my two cents…
Thank you so much for your in-depth instructions on how to get the most out of the 220. The instruction booklet is pretty much worthless. I just purchased the 220 and everything seems to be in good working order except I can’t get the clock to show the correct time when I have it set to AUTO. The GPS is working. Out of the box the time says it’s 5:11 but it’s actually 10:11 over where I am. I’ve set everything back to default and same thing. I can manually set it but I’m thinking I shouldn’t have to do that. Can you help me figure this out. If it should be automatically changing when I’m connected to GPS then I’m thinking my watch is defective. HELP!!! Thanks a bunch!!!
Hello there again: Okay, so I updated my watch through Garmin Express, updated zone map, and then updated on my watch. It all went through smoothly. I went outside with my GPS and the clock still stayed the same…..7 hours ahead of what my actual time is. So aggravated. Do you think I should return my watch and get another one.
My guess is resetting the watch would probably fix it. Failing that, a quick ring to Garmin support in the morning should get you up and running quickly. I’ve actually not heard of that particular issue noted here, but as is the case with almost every electronic device – resetting generally goes a long way*.
I have only run with my 220 a few times, but today it started beeping and vibrating at me like crazy, so I turned off all of the alerts as well as the scroll feature..leaving me with only my 1st data screen which displays lap time/distance/pace At the end of my run it only recorded 1.5 laps, However, when I log onto garminconnect, it has recorded my entire distance via satellite on the map, but not part of my run??? Any idea why? Thanks so much.
hello again ! i have a another question .. my watch is a garmin forerunner 405 but now im having probems with the battery charge , i have to decide between FR 610 OR FR 220 wich one would you recommend me , THANk you ;-)
If a runner, I’d recommend the FR220. If you’re doing running and cycling, then you’d have to think more carefully on which features are valuable to you.
Personal question. Do you use features on the FR620 that aren’t available on the FR220, and what made you chose to use the FR620 over the FR220 (I thought I saw somewhere this is your main watch right now)? I’m trying to decide between the two watches.
I’m a fairly competitive runner (post collegiate (30yo), ~60miles per week, workouts & races in the mid 16 for 5K), and wasn’t sure if the extra features on the FR620 actually are useful/accurate (VO2, recovery, dynamics) in terms of performing/planning workouts. I do see that the features of extra data screens, wifi uploads, and touchscreen would be nice to have.
For me, it’s primarily the data fields (four per screen) that’s the main item. It’s not 100% break or make for me, but it’s what I personally prefer. I’ve gone a month+ though using solely the FR220 without issue though, so again, it all works out.
I think the Running Dynamics and Recovery/VO2 max features are ‘interesting’, and geeky-cool, but ultimately, they have zero impact on my training.
Thanks for your response. I’ll have to weigh the additional features of the 620 to its cost increase, as I like the idea of those extra features, but not 100% sure of their utility/accuracy/reliability long term.
I’m coming from a 9-year old Polar S625X, which has the recovery & VO2 calc, however they needed to be done separate from runs, which I never did. Their footpod and GPS for distance/speed never worked out for me.
Hi, i just found out your site (what a bummer..) will be here for the long run.
So im a mid-new with the running business. My best distance was 15k (1hour 3xmin) so far and im taking a HM race this May. All these time I use Nike+ to track my distance, pace etc. And I’ve decided to invest a gps watch before the race, im hoping you could make a suggestion to which watch Im going to buy. it’ll be either the Suunto Ambit2 R or the Garmin Forerunner 220. Suggestion please?
Note:i always run with my ipod.
It depends a little bit on what you’re looking for. If it helps, I’ll likely be publishing my Ambit 2R review next week. Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not you find the Bluetooth connectivity pieces worthwhile (which are lacking on the 2R).
i dont fancy much on bluetooth connectivity much, though Garmin has one advantage that is vibration alert. but im really looking forward on the ambit 2R review. i appreciate what you do here, with the review and all..thank you sir.
I just received my Forerunner 220 (upgraded from 405). I’ve loaded it into Garmin Connect and downloaded my training plans. Is there a way to connect via the Ant Stick or do I need to plug in via USB each time?
No. I don’t expect to see that change. It’s been discussed a fair bit above. Ultimately, it’s going to smooth data one way or another. It all kind comes out in the wash.
Gotta say your Reviews are top dollar for info and really helpful. Having said that I’m pretty new to the sports watch community and getting pretty lost in translation with making my decision. I’m currently running, road cycling and x-country skiing (skating style) and in the market for a sports heart rate watch. Cycling sensor isn’t that important for me really as I would probably add the likes of an Edge device to the bike later and then can if I’m right use the HRM heart rate strap with both devices, or am I wrong with that?
My main interest in the Garmin is I hear their GPS is more realiable than other brands in the same price bracket and a lot quicker in picking up the signal?
I’m also not sure the extra features of the 620 are really for me worth the extra cash, even if they seem interesting for number crunching stats. My main question here I think is will the 220 be ok for using when x-country skiing? Purely for heart rate, distance, lap time etc…. And maps when downloading to mobile or laptop after? Yes I’ve looked at the Sunnto AmbitR but still the extra features and money just seem a lot for my needs. My mobile goes everywhere with me pretty much so Bluetooth although not a great tool can be for me pretty handy with a quick transfer to the mobile app. Any advice would be great for a newbie here…….
So I love this watch but the other day it died on me. I went home and charged it overnight, now only halfway through my day it’s back to less then half ?
Does the 220 have the elevation feature for one of the fields? I’m assuming not, but I’d like to make sure. I scrolled through the comments as far as my brain would take me and didn’t see anything so I apologize if it is a repeat question.
The FR220 updates the GPS every second on the display, however, it records data using ‘Smart Recording’, which means the data is plotted generally every 3-7 seconds.
Hey Ray sorry if you already covered this but since the 220 has a built in accelerometer can you use it like the Vivofit and track your daily steps? If so does it sync up with the new Garmin Connect? Or is it strictly for running with no hopes of seeing vivofit like features. Also any word on cycling features for it?
Have you had trouble with sending workouts to the watch? I have contacted Garmin about 6 times with problems having the workouts load to the watch. I am using the sprint tri level 1 program. Even after deleting old files I still have trouble getting more than one or two workouts to show up under my workouts… Even though when I upload, it says it sent 30 plus workouts. When I look at the files on the computer it shows they are there but when I turn the watch on, there are only one or two. Currently, I can’t get ANY to load, even though they show up on the computer when I plug the watch into the computer and look at files.
Android support is available as of March 19th. The app is called: “Garmin Connect Mobile” on the Google Play store. Version 1.3.3 3.90MB
“We’ve been working diligently to support the Forerunner 220 and Forerunner 620 and we can now report that these watches are supported in this release on select Android devices (For compatible devices visit link to Garmin.com). Thanks to everyone for your patience on this! This release also has the following new features:
– New user interface
– vivofit support
– Support for connecting, sharing, and competing with friends”
I downloaded a training calendar to my 220 but now I want to delete it. How do you do this? I’ve tried everything!!! Thank you so much for helping me through this.
Just bought the 220 after my well-loved 405 died. Is it possible to use the 405 charger to charge the 220? It seems you can put the USB from the 220 into the wall charger part of the 405 charger and stick that in the wall plug. Would this somehow be detrimental to the life of the 220? Sorry if this has been asked and answered already. Couldn’t find any info.
Sorry, I guess I didn’t phrase the question correctly (it sounded right in my head) but you answered my question. I can take the charging block from the 405 (the part you actually plug in the wall) and stick the USB charger from the 220 in it in order to avoid charging the 220 through my laptop.
Thanks for your wonderful and thorough reviews. Really helps when making a decision.
Great review of the 220. I recently read your review of the Ambit2R as well and I am having trouble deciding between the two. Seems like interface might be better with 220, but the Ambit2R might be less buggy. Is that fair and do you suggest one over the other? I know that is a difficult question but curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
I would ultimately look at how much the mobile features are of value, or the custom workout features. If either of those are of use to you, I’d go with the FR220. IF however, navigation or cycling modes are of more value, I’d go to the Ambit2R.
Hi, thanks for all the great reviews. I got this baby for xmas from my loving wife to track my running. I had waited a long time for the release of this model as I felt that previous ones were lacking in important features (waterproof, syncing with smartphone, custom workouts). Also it looks way better than the forerunner X10’s.
Usually quick to find GPS and accurate tracking. Greatest value for the money in the midmarket.
One question, is it possible to charge it from a electrical socket ? When traveling this would be great!
Yup, as long as you’ve got a USB power plug adapter hanging around (same one as your cell phone likely uses), you’re good to go. Any USB adapter you find will work.
I bought a ForeRunner 220 for my girlfriend. I’ve read link to dcrainmaker.com to understand the whole elevation correction thing in Garmin Connect. Everything I read from Garmin and this post (and one of your others) indicates that this watch does NOT have a barometric altimeter and therefore when data is uploaded to Garmin Connect elevation correction should be ON by default. This does not seem to be the case. Looking back at many of her activities, I noticed some huge elevation changes which didn’t seem accurate since it is mostly flat around here. Sure enough, each of them have elevation correction turned off and enabling it seems to fix the issue.
Problem is, I don’t want to have to enable this for each and every activity. Anyone else having an issue with it not being enabled by default or know how I can enable it by default?
By default, Garmin Connect should be enabling elevation correction for all non-barometric devices, such as the FR220.
Unfortunately, back on Feb 20th, when they rolled out the new GC, they broke it for both the new and the old GC. Up until yesterday, you couldn’t even change it. Now however, you can change it, and by default, it should load new workouts from today forward with it on by default.
Thanks. I took a closer look and sure enough, recent uploads were fine. Actually, it seemed to enable it for a lot of the previous ones. There is still some weirdness though. For example, sometimes I have to click disable a few times to disable it (and vice versa). And it seems to take some disabling/re-enabling to have it correct the elevation. I’ll be patient and keep an eye on it though. I saw some Garmin support threads about the not being able to change it issue, didn’t see one that said it was fixed just yesterday, so thanks!
Read through most of the comments, maybe I missed sorry if this has been asked:
I just bought the 220. I like it but when I ran on the treadmill..it kept reding my pace as 40 min/mile. Then I stopped and turned off the GPS and it was better. I ran with my iPod and at the end the Garmin was off by over 1 mile versus Nike. My question is: should I continue to turn off the GPS while indoors? I thoought that was the purpose of the internal accelerator? Or should I purchase a footpod/
Thanks for the in depth review.
Kia – turn off the gps when on the treadmill and the internal sensor will take over and estimate pace. I have only used this a few times as I rarely run indoors, but it seems to have worked well. If you keep gps on it will try and work out pace from that, and fail miserably.
FR220 has not worked as advertised since the time I purchased it. Cannot download personalised workouts. Though Garmin have tried when I speak with them to assist – the overall response times and updates from them are disappointing. I’ve tried to return it so that I can get a refund, but have just been given an almighty runaround from them.
Very disappointed with there service, whereas problems I had with my FR70, were sorted out no problems.
Sorry to hear that. I see you’re in Australia, which, in this rare instance is unfortunate as the Garmin support team there is mostly incapable of fixing anything.
One option would be to call the US support line, which while a pain, would likely solve your issue quickly. I know the answer is sucky, but…just giving you a realistic option.
I use FR220 month (6 days a week). I am satisfied. Bothers me but
– Slow response Auto Stop
– Inaccurately GPS (bad record position – start in places where I was not even, and the deviation)
DCRainmaker, thanks for the excellent reviews and the Clever Training discount!. So far my wife and I have been very happy with the FR220. Had one since Nov. 2013. Only issue we’ve had is when adding or changing a training plan from the Garmin Connect website. The transfer seems to work by all appearances but the watch does not update correctly if there was already a training plan on the watch. I found the way to fix it is that I have to manually delete all of the .fit files in the schedules folder(s) first, then transfer the training plan from my calendar at the Garmin Connect website to the watch again. Sometimes I want to just update/change one of those workouts on my calendar but it does not update the watch at all when I do that. It all seems to save correctly on the website and the transfer goes with no complaints but after the watch updates….no change happens on the watch. Am I missing something?
Hmm, I believe removal of some of the plans can result in some oddities from what I’ve seen on a few posts on the Garmin forums, but I thought that was only oddities related switching entire plan types. I’d poke at the Garmin forums a bit more, or give a quick ring to Garmin support. Sorry!
Hey I just wanted to say thank you so much for your reviews. I am looking for my first GPS running watch and was between the Forerunner 220 and the Forerunner 10, and really really appreciated your take on each one of them. I think I’m going with the 220!
Love all the detail you have provided, thank-you!
I did hear that this could be used as a lap counter when swimming laps?
With the cycling side of it, i understand it can calculate the speed you are riding at, however will it calculate the entire distance covered?
No, it doesn’t track laps while swimming. You can certainly wear it swimming, and just use it as a stopwatch of sorts, but it won’t accurately track any distance.
As for cycling, yes, it’ll calculate both current (i.e. speed) as well as totals (i.e. distance).
I am trying to upload a workout (training plan) from connect to the 220, but the website is hanging at “preparing workout”,,,, the problem persists even if I log out and log back in again. Any help?
I had this when trying to use my work laptop on the corporate network. I wondered if something was being blocked by the firewalls. Have you tried a different pc? If you have a smartphone, you can create the workout on the pc, and then send it to the 220 via the smartphone app. Bit of a fiddle, but a possible workaround.
Thanks for your reply. I turned off my firewall and the uploading didn’t work. I had a hunch that my workout plan wasn’t good enough: it was a repetition between a run and a walk for 5 times. I changed the plan to include a cool down at the end of the repetition and the uploading was successful.
Thanks for this very informative review. I’m considering the 220 as my first GPS watch and wondering about the separate heart rate strap. Is it correct that I’ll need to purchase this in order to get my HR and pace times? I’d be grateful if you could include the use of the footpod. Sorry, beginner! Thanks again.
You’ll need a heart rate strap for heart rate, but pace is calculated first from gps, and if this is not available then from the internal sensor. The 220 does not use the hr strap for pace.
If you don’t fancy using a chest strap, take a look at the Mio Link optical wrist hr monitor. You’ll end up paying a little more for 220 + Link, but you be able to banish the hr chest strap.
I’ve never used the footpod. I have found the gps accurate, and the internal sensor great for the treadmill.
I’m looking for a new running watch I can also use for triathlons. My current watch I can start the timer at the start of the swim and when I start the run I can easily start the GPS with one button and from there it was start the mileage with pace continuing the timer so I know my current overall time from the start. Can the FR 220 do this? I don’t care about the mileage during the swim and bike and want to save power for the full IM. I looked at the 310XT but don’t care for the bulky size (wetsuit and I’m pretty skinny) and don’t need to know my transition times and individual parts. I was looking at the tomtom sport and from the reviews I’d have restart the clock for the run so I counted that watch out. Thanks for the input.
Hmm, it’s a bit different. With the FR220 being a purely running focused unit, it will give you odd data if you start it during the swim and then take it running and cycling. Honestly, a unit like the Garmin FR310XT/910XT/Fenix2, or Suunto Ambit 2/2S is a better option.
The problem here is that your paces/distances will look funky (totals) later in the day.
And finally, battery-wise, the FR220 is only about 10hrs, which for most people isn’t enough for a full Ironman.
I had the same question Brento re: using the 220 for an Ironman. I bought the watch even though it can’t do exactly what you want (begin with GPS off, then switch GPS on coming out of T2). That can’t happen without stopping and saving the first activity, and beginning a new activity.
Options are to:
* Run the whole race with GPS off, in which case run pace and distance would be via the internal accelerometer.
* Start with GPS off, stop/save the activity in T2, then re-start a new activity with GPS on.
* Just not even wear the 220 for the swim and bike, and have it waiting in T2.
I’m leaning toward option 1, since having total race time displayed during the run seems more valuable to me than creating a GPS track.
FWIW, I also have an Edge 500 that I’ll use on the bike, and if I want GPS data for the run, I can just take it with me off the bike and tuck it in a pocket for the run. That’s what I did last year, when I had a FR70 on my wrist.
Thank you very much Ray and Dave. I was in hoping I could save the battery by leaving the GPS off. I guess I got lucky with my cheap $80 GPS watch that lasted two seasons and could start recording distance and pace data only from when the GPS was turned on when while saving the current overall time. I guess the 310XT is it. But I’ll look into the Suunto 2S which costs a little more.
I am very interested on this. I also though in another option:
Have the watch in “rest mode” (display the time of the day), and the start it on T2 (with GPS) having the time of the day in one of the screens (activated). Then calculate mentally the time it is taking you to complete the distance (you need to remember the time the race started, which in an IM is not that difficult).
Either that or do what you say about the GPS off. But then, does the accelerometer really give you an accurate pace?
I’d just turn it on in T2. If you turn it on pre-race while in transition to get satellites at that location, and then let it go back to sleep – it’ll likely find satellites in a few seconds at most upon turning back on.
Or, alternatively, focus more on a triathlon watch.
Two days ago I dropped my Timex Run Trainer 1.0 on the floor, at which point the screen went blank. I’ve tried recharging and resetting the watch, but it appears to be completely dead. A bit odd as the floor was carpeted and the fall was only about 3-4 feet… So now I am in the market for a replacement, and I’ve found your reviews extremely helpful. After reading this review and some from other sites, it seemed that this was the watch for me. I went to a local shop just to check the size & fit compared to the Ambit 2S and some other alternatives. As you’ve mentioned, this watch was very comfortable and slimmer than the rest. The only thing that turned me off was that the buttons felt a bit flimsy – they seemed to wiggle side-to-side a little, clicked a bit when pressed, and didn’t have that nice spring loaded feel that I’m used to on other watches. The unit I tried on was just a dumb display model unit from Garmin, so it didn’t have the actual electronics inside. I’m wondering if the feel of the buttons was not like the actual/real watch because it was just a display model? They were out of stock of the actual watch so I couldn’t touch and feel the real deal… Have you heard of the models not having the same button feel? If not, would you say that the buttons on the actual watch feel fine and that I shouldn’t be worried about the quality?
Hmm, hard to know without knowing what that specific unit felt like. I’d agree it’s not quite as ‘springy’ as the Ambit 2S, but definitely not something I’ve really noticed on my production 220 unit here. Hope that helps!
I really like this watch, but I just can’t bring myself to buy a watch with a red ring around its face. I’ve actually tried, but left the store empty-handed. Twice. I hope Garmin releases new colors, soon. A black & gray combination would be especially welcome.
Hi folks – question for the peanut gallery: I was wearing my 220 24/7 for while, and one day noticed that there was a clear film peeling off of the back (covering the sticker that has the SN, etc.). I pulled it off thinking it was just one of those protective things that sometimes come on watches/cellphones/whatever, but it left behind a sticky residue that led me to believe it wasn’t supposed to be removed. Anyone else noticed something similar? I’m assuming (hoping?) water resistance won’t be affected?
Hi, thanks for the thorough and very helpful review!
I have one question: Will the FR220 connect with a bluetooth headset? If it does not now, would this be a software upgrade should Garmin introduce BT headset connectivity in the future or would I have to buy a new watch for that feature? Thanks!
No, the chipset in the FR220 is not a full Bluetooth 4.0 chip that’s capable of transmitting to audio devices, but rather only the Bluetooth Smart sensor portion that connects to a master device.
Hi, thanks so much for the great review. I just switched to this watch from the TomTom runner. So far I love it. A quick question I had was am I able to use my heart rate monitor without starting a run? I work in different workouts in my routine and like to track my heart rate, so just wondering if this is possible. If not I will just continue to discard the work out as I have been doing. Thanks a lot!
Hi. Thanks to Your review I bought this watch and I’m really happy with it. But few days ago Garmin released a new GPS update, from 3.0 to 3.10. After update, I used watch about 3 times and I think is less accurate than it was on 3.0. It is possible to downgrade it somehow? Thank You in advance.
I just got a Garmin 220 last night and I’m wondering about the accuracy after this comment. I updated to the latest firmware as soon as I got it (FW 2.60, GPS 3.10). So far I’ve done one two-mile run. The 220 does not seem as accurate as my old 610. The line is jerky, cuts corner into the water on turns, and made a random jut onto a lawn that I know I didn’t actually make. My 610 was much smoother on this same run.
My wife also has a 220 — hers is on FW 2.50, GPS 3.00). The line for her two runs so far is much smoother. But she runs a bit slower, and she running in parks where the signal is less likely to have been blocked by a building.
In conclusion, this is completely annectodal and only based on a few runs, but my 220 on FW 2.60 seems to be not tracking as well as my 610 on the same run or my wife’s 220 on FW 2.50 on a different run.
Hi,
I have the same problem. Having deactivated and reactivated GPS, my Forerunner could not intercept any GPS signal. I updated to Version 2.6. Things got worse. It took 15 minutes (yes, fifteen!) to intercept the signal. I reinstalled the S/W Update, this time it showed also a GPS module update. After this reinstall. the GPS intercept worked again, but the pace measurement is going crazy – really long time-lags in the current pace make interval workouts, which were OK before the update, almost impossible. Also lots of GPS signal problems as soon as I come within a few meters of a tree or turn a corner. So my FR220 is getting worse with every run. It must be a bug in the S/W Update.
If Garmin doesn’t fix this soon, I am sending this watch back – as it is, the FR220 is completely useless for me.
Hi Ray,
thanks for replying.
Do you know, if I can do a workout with pace alerts on the FR220 with GPS deactivated?
In the last few days, I have done a lot of reading on GPS devices and talked to other runners and it seems that GPS is not a very reliable source for calculating current pace! My main reason for buying this watch however was so that I could do interval training and the workout functionality and the pacing alerts seemed to support this.
So if I can disable GPS and still have these (using accelerometer) then that will be a consolation. Have you tested this?
Honestly, I think you’re being mislead a little bit by others on GPS pace accuracy. Especially if you compare it to the internal accelerometer.
The FR220 is fairly smoothed compared to some past GPS devices. Said differently, if you ask someone about pacing on the FR910XT compared to the Fenix2 compared to the FR10 compaed to the FR620, you’ll get vastly different answers depending on the person.
The smoothest pacing you’d get would be via footpod, not the accelerometer. Mostly because I don’t find the accelerometer to be terribly accurate, and checking the watch does impact accuracy (since you stop moving your arms).
Hi,
thanks, so that means deactivating the GPS is not a solution for me. Well that is a bit dissapointing. What I have observed so far: On a workout interval, the watch reacts very slowly to pace changes updating the current pace (yes current) say every “n” seconds (30s or even longer in my test runs). However with pace alerts active my 220 compares the current pace value to the threshold configured in my workout every say “x” seconds (approx 15 in my tests). Here is the catch: x n. That means I get an alert, I react by speeding up or slowing down, but then I get at least one more alert sometimes two – this is very irritating and I cannot see how this is not a flaw in the software. The value for x should be the same as for n or vice versa otherwise you are bound to get this problem. What I noticed however is that when a fast interval of my workout completes and I slow down quickly to a jog, my 220 adjusts the current pace much faster i.e. within 5 seconds it displays my new pace quite accurately. So the algorithm works differently (better) here.
I checked the forums and several other people have similar problems. I really like the watch and hope that Garmin come up with a solution. I opened a support case last week but they just referred me to FAQs. Maybe I will have to call them like you said.
Regards,
John
Hi, thanks for the great review! I just picked up a Garmin FR220 today, and used it on my run home from work. It’s got all the features I need, and seems to work great.
That said, it has what is, for me, a FATAL FLAW: You can’t charge it while recording an event. That means that even if you bring a portable charger along, there is no way to record an event longer than its battery life. I’ve got many races on the horizon that will take me WAY beyond the 10 hour mark. If I could just plug in a portable charger and keep recording this would be the perfect watch. As it is, I think I need to return it.
Any recommendations on a running watch similar to the FR220 (and hopefully similar price range) with the ability to recharge mid run (or with 30+ hours of GPS battery life at the standard 1sample/sec rate)? Can you recharge mid-run with the FR620? I don’t really care about vertical oscillation, VO2max, etc. All I really want is distance, heart rate, time, and elevation gained in a watch that will go the distance.
Unfortunately, none of the budget to mid-range Garmin models support charging while underway. Some of the high-end running ones don’t either (FR620). However, the Fenix/Fenix2 does, and that’s honestly a better watch for ultrarunners.
Thanks for the reply. I think the Fenix 2 is what I will go for. Despite not swimming, and not riding much, the battery life/rechargability and the barometric altimeter will be worth it. And who knows, maybe I will jump into a lake sometime and see if I remember how to swim…
Ironically, the FR220 doesn’t record @ 1 sample/second. My 2-year-old FR610 gets 5.0 hours on 1-second sampling (unfortunately my recent, hilly 50km took me 5.3 hours…) I haven’t compared to “smart sampling”.
djconnel, smart recording and 1-second recording are very similar for power consumption; smart recording samples every second, gives you the same distance and pace as 1-second, but doesn’t record every sample, rather just enough to reconstruct the route reasonably accurately (so generally more around twisty routes than along straight sections). Saves memory, saves a bit of power on memory writes, probably burns a bit more CPU power deciding which ones to write. So there is very little impact on battery life. It isn’t smart sampling, it’s smart recording.
It’s a different story with the UltraTrac mode on the fenix watches, where the GPS sampling is less frequent. GPS sampling is the biggest power consumer on these watches so cutting the sample rate really pushes the battery life up.
That’s what I had thought, then I read this comment on the Garmin forum: link to forums.garmin.com
I should have read further, however, since there was a later response in agreement with what you said.
My understanding about smart recording was it would determine if linear interpolation was adequate to reproduce intermediate points, and if so, it would omit those points, up to a sampling interval of 7 seconds by my observation. However, as you note, this still requires 1-second location determination. A dynamic location determination, actually not requesting position to save battery charge, would potentially miss a sharp turn following a relatively straight-line linear path.
I was trying to explain my relatively weak battery performance….
Only getting 5 hours out of a 610 is surprisingly short. Was the life better when it was newer?
I use my 620 in one-second recording all the time and a four-hour marathon plus some time on before the start used less than half the battery (specced at up to 10 hours).
I post as McBadger on the Garmin forums, incidentally, so some of those posts are me.
I think it was better when newer (Dec 2012). But I have no firm measurements of that. It is disappointing, I agree. It’s not been used daily; mostly on weekends.
Thanks for the outstanding reviews you provide Can you tell me if the Garmin 220 can be set for distance alerts. I take walk breaks every 2K rather than after a set period of time. So I run 2K and walk 1 minute. I have looked at the manual but it refers only to time elapsed alerts and not distance elapsed. I really don’t care if it alerts me after one minute as I can track that but its nice not to have to looking at the watch for the elapsed distance.
Hi Linda,
You could achieve something close to what you want by defining a workout with, for example, a step of 2KM followed by a step of 5 minutes followed by a step of 2KM and so on. You could just define the first two and then have the workout repeat these two steps several times. If you activate the workout at the start of you run then at the end of each step the watch will announce the next step by a series of beeps. Its technically not what you asked (distance alerts) but it would still meet your requirement.
Regards,
John
Perhaps some others can relate, while I’ve searched through this message-board I can’t seem to find others with similar problems.
Today was the first time I used the FR220 for an interval-training and the pace was just terrible. I was doing 800M(4x) with 400M (4x) at a low pace and it took the watch approximately over a minute to adjust the pace (correctly). Very annoying and therefore not suitable to use for intervals (in this instance). With my old Polar RC3 GPS the latency was within the 10-25 seconds range, which was acceptable. Though what makes it even more odd: on Garmin Connect the lap times seems to be quite ok with what I should be.
This is my one big issue with the FR220 – the current pace is soooo smoothed that its useless for intervals (although I’ve used it OK for runs where I am aiming to hit a pace for >1mile). I setup the intervals as a custom workout using GC, and then use avg lap pace on the watch to know if I am hitting my splits. I also set the pace goals for the intervals very wide so that I dont get stupid amounts of pace alerts as the current pace varies hugely around what I’m actually doing (which is why I think they must smooth it so much for the display). It drives me mad that the interval pace alerts are based on current pace and not avg lap pace – seems stupid to me when you set the goal pace for the interval overall in the setup of thw workout.
@Michael Schilder – the 220 does not allow 1-s recording.
Perhaps I haven’t read Ray’s review carefully enough or did he not mentioned this? (I’m guessing the first). Although that is indeed stupid and makes this watch useless for intervals (or should the specially designed option be used for intervals?).
I’m not sure if the internal interval option does any different – I think it’s just an ‘on watch’ way of defining a specific type of custom workout.
It’s frustrating, but I work around it as detailed in my reply. I need to look at the watch to see my lap pace for that interval, but other than that it’s fine. Saying that…. Garmin could make it much better by using avg lap pace for the alerts.
Is the 220 able to sync to the computer wirelessly using an +ANT dongle? I’ve looked up the +ANT dongle on the Garmin web site and under compatible products, the 220 isn’t listed. Was wondering if it was omitted by mistake.
Maybe I missed it in the review but once your data has been uploaded to garmin connect, how to you clear your data from your watch. Want to make sure I have enough space for my marathon on Monday.
Thanks!
You can go into history on the watch, and delete individual activities. Or, while plugged in to a computer, you can delete activities out of the ‘Activities’ folder.
That said, the FR220 has a TON of storage capacity. So I’d be pretty surprised if you hit the limit.
Good luck in Boston, I’ll be cheering for ya somewhere on the course!
I take it there is no way to install later versions of the GPS chipset file. I updated to 3.1 and the accuracy is even worse than how inaccurate this watch already was. If anyone knows how to go back to 3.0 that would be helpful. I am so fed up with this watch’s accuracy that I am actually considering going back to my 410!
If you see my comment above, I’m experiencing the same issue. I haven’t looked into how to downgrade the firmware. Ideally, I would hope that Garmin fixes it.
Do you know if they corrected the issue with the foot pod now that they are up to version 2.6? And did the foot pod issue also impacted the 620? I’m in the market for a new watch since my 305 died in the middle of my last half marathon and I am debating which one to get. I have more faith in the footpod than the accelerometer in the watch and that is one of my pros/cons.
Hi Ray,
Do you know if they corrected the issue with the foot pod now that they are up to version 2.6? And did the foot pod issue also impacted the 620? I’m in the market for a new watch since my 305 died in the middle of my last half marathon and I am debating which one to get. I have more faith in the footpod than the accelerometer in the watch and that is one of my pros/cons.
Hi,
I’m a new owner of a forerunner 220 and I would like to know if my girl friend and me can user the same watch for our training (2 possibles configurations???) but not in the same time of course. Thank you.
Yup, she can use it, however there’s only one user profile. The two items that would be impacted would be:
1) Calorie calculations (primarily if her weight/age is significantly different than yours).
2) Treadmill ‘learning’ of paces for indoor use, based on outdoor running.
However, you can easily setup the watch to upload to your own Garmin Connect accounts assuming you have separate computers.
Obviously this is a great watch and I want to congratulate you for the commitment to disseminate it. But one thing I still do not understand, and maybe you can explain to me. What is the reason you have not commented on the fact the forerunner 220 does not show the average speed? Surely you well know that you can set between speed and average pace (definition, system, format) , but unlike average pace, average speed will appear only in the historical of the running. Logical that this was a gross error of Garmin, since the intention was also to make the average speed shown on the display during running. Also, you should know that the average speed may not be important for advanced runners, but it certainly is very popular for other users. So I think the brilliance of his review was overshadowed by you have not clarified this point so important. Tks, Bob
Hi,
Thanks for all of your reviews, I’ve found them very helpful and informative. I am however, still trying to decide between the Garmin 220 & 610. I will mainly be using it for running, but I am also hoping to use it as a heart rate monitor to track indoor aerobic workouts (ie classes, spin etc) and calories burned. I have only ever used the Nike+ Running app and am looking to upgrade. Any advice as to which Garmin to choose? Being a women I have to say the 220 looks smaller, lighter and more appealing in general, but the price of the 610 is great right now for the product and all of its features. TIA
Hi,
Thanks for all of your reviews, I’ve found them very helpful and informative. I am however, still trying to decide between the Garmin 220 & 610. I will mainly be using it for running, but I am also hoping to use it as a heart rate monitor to track indoor aerobic workouts (ie classes, spin etc) and calories burned. I have only ever used the Nike+ Running app and am looking to upgrade. Any advice as to which Garmin to choose? Being a women I have to say the 220 looks smaller, lighter and more appealing in general, but the price of the 610 is great right now for the product and all of its features. Thanks
Thanks for the great review!! Only thing holding me back from buying are the color choices. Since apparently I’m not the only one disliking them….do you by any chance know if Garmin is planning on offering the 220 model in additional colors anytime soon? Thanks in advance :)
I don’t see that likely right now. I would have expected them to announced any new colors in time for the spring (typically done at Boston Marathon). Given that didn’t happen, next ‘window’ would be fall (often happens in September/October).
Great review as always Rainmaker. I have an FR 220, and got a good sized scratch on the face of it that id like to remove if possible. Is there anything that you (or anyone) suggests.
Thanks for the great review. I found it very useful and think this would be a great watch for marathon training. I just have a few questions, when doing tempo runs or anything that is pace specific does the unit give you an average predicted mile time or does it jump around because it gives actual speed at that instant? I use the RC3 GPS and RCX5 and find that the pace jumps so much (because it shows current speed) that I have a hard time hitting a specific split. Would I be able to set up a display that shows current lap, previous lap and total time if doing a workout on the track? I guess I just want a traditional stopwatch for track and speed workouts with some added GPS and download features, would you recommend this watch?
I don’t really have any problems with pace jumpiness on the FR220 or FR620. The data fields offered on the FR220 are a bit more restrictive, but I’ve listed them all up above in a chart so you can see which ones are there.
Typically speaking on a track, I focus on time, rather than pace. And then simply do pace in my head. The reason being is that all GPS watches struggle on tracks due to the near-nonstop curving nature of them. Thus, it’s more accurate to do time math since the distances are well known.
Ray thanks. Bought both last month and have been using them since than. It works like a charm. Only complain right now is the intermittent issue pairing the FR220 with my Nexus 4 Android phone.
Has there been any update from Garmin or other companies as to whether or not the FR220 will sync directly to other Android apps? ie: MapMyRun / Runtastic / etc..
No, there are no plans to do so. Instead, you’ll likely see said companies tie in directly with Garmin’s new API, thus enabling near-instant access to the activities from the 3rd party site after uploading via the Garmin Connect app.
still struggling to find an answer to the mile/km problem. i live in south africa and miles are NEVER used so i really need to change all data to km’s, but can’t find where to do it! the watch records in km while training but then gives feedback and breakdowns in miles. Useless to me!
Within Garmin Connect under settings you can change it there (for the web site). On the mobile app, it’s also under settings (called Units). And finally, on the watch, it’s also under settings (called Units too).
This bug appears only with certain browsers (versions). Just try it with another computer, at work, your grandma’s etc. Once you managed to change it, your account will keep the setting.
Hi DC, thanks for the fantastic review (and all of your reviews!)
I am a beginning runner that really enjoys the feedback from Nike+ but wants to get away from swinging my cellphone around while I run. I was looking at the Nike GPS Watch, but am interested in the Tom Tom Runner as it’s an open platform and a more recent iteration from the same team.
Then I see the FR 220 and… I really want this watch! However, I’m open to saving a bit of money. I use the indoor track at work but I like to run outdoors now the weather’s eased up. So, I’m not all that pushed about a heart strap but footpod support (or the Runner’s tech) would be nice. For a beginner like me, do you think I’m better off sticking with the Runner? Or perhaps I could get a FR 210?
……. Or there’s a way to convince my wife I need the FR 220? :)
First of all, thank you for a wonderfully thorough review. I often read your reviews to decide which watches I should purchase.
Anyway, I’ve been reading through the posts here and I just need clarification: as of today (4/24/14), does the Garmin 220 with updated firmware record cadence data from a footpod without disrupting the recording of GPS information? I understand that the footpod does not override GPS data during outdoor runs, but can I still get cadence data from the footpod without overriding the GPS?
By the way, to some of the other posters, cadence is useful data, especially for minimalist runners. The quicker the cadence, the more mid-foot your landing would be.
I picked up a 220 over the weekend and have been playing with it and found two updates from your original published post:
1 – Garmin Connect PRs. On “your” web dashboard, there is a button at the PRs, next to Show/Hide, for “Send to Device”. Connect the 220 via USB, hit send to device, and it transfers your web records to your watch.
2 – Mobile connectivity. As you already know, the android app is out and working. Under supported devices on Garmin’s Support site, they list the Samsung Note 2, Note 3, S3, and S4, as well as the HTC One.
I can verify that it works without a hitch on a AT&T’s version of the HTC One (M8) [the new as of 4/14 HTC]. I don’t know if it works on the original HTC One (M7) [releases 3/2013].
If I remember well, a new firmware was due end of Q1 2014 to make the lap banner configurable. (Currently, it only shows time, not distance, pace HR or anything else).
Any news on that?
Also, last week I took the watch to the Alps, staying at around 3000m altitude (9000ft+). I was shocked to see that the watch front/glass kind of pushed out of the frame leaving a gap of 1-2 mm between glass and body. I assume this was to compensate for the low pressure in altitude. Back in the valleys it went back to normal. I’m afraid that this will have an impact on waterproofness. Anybody has experienced that before? Any thoughts?
Hi, great review and information! I just got my 220 from Clever Training to replace my old 205 – which I still love in its way, but the 220 is SO much thinner and lighter on my wrist, I love the feel of it.
One question I can’t find the answer to here – there is no way to confirm while wearing the watch what the current battery charge is, is there? Seems to me like maybe I can only see that when I plug it in for charging. Seems sort of odd, but whatever.
One feature of the 220 I dislike is, upon hitting the stop button during a run, a window pops up with the option to Resume, and showing the elapsed time, but blocking the other display fields. It would be much preferable to be able to see the other fields while the watch is paused. E.g., you stop the unit during a long run to take a break, or at a red light, and won’t be able to see stats other than elapsed time until you hit resume…
I have been looking through the comments and I apologize if this question is in there somewhere. I had mentioned quite some time ago about my watch going nutty…it seems that it is pausing right after i hit the start button. I have gotten all of the proper updates, shut the watch off then back on…now I have had to turn Auto-pause off in order for it to seem to work (haven’t tested it since I did that, outside) Is there a problem currently with the 220? Also, the treadmill distance on my run the other day suddenly went from being spot on to being wayyyy off towards the end of my run, not to mention extremely slow for the pace I was running (even for a treadmill, which always shows me quite a bit slower)…Any insight from you on what to do would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
Are there any plans to bring a cycling function to the FR220 like you mention in the FR620 review? I want to start swimming and cycling training and adding cycling to the FR220 would cut down on having to buy an Edge unit.
Last I chatted with them a few weeks ago, there wasn’t. Still seems like a strange decision to me, given other units in same price range do offer an other/bike mode.
I’ve made it all the way to comment 1245! I recently lost my old 405 and am debating either getting the 10 or the 220. I’ve read both of your reviews on these two devices (excellent work, BTW) and I had one question regarding these devices and a function the 405 used to have. I could program in a 6 mile run and it would show as an option in the display field a ‘distance to end.’ Now I can obviously calculate that by simple math, but it was really convenient to be able to glance down and instantly see I had X distance left in a run. Does the 10 or 220 have this functionality built in?
Thanks again, I’ll be buying either device soon through this site!
-Jeff
You mentioned Garmin ending Ant+ weight scale support. Is there a plan to support Wifi scales through Garmin Connect in the future? Are they working on their own scale/partnership like with Tanita before? Would be nice to step on a Wifi scale at home and have everything sync up with Connect.
Thanks for your great review of the product Ray. I believe it will help me I deciding which watch to get. I think I just have a couple of questions before I make a decision.
1. Are the pace alerts set to go off at a user defined distance (I want an alert every 100m let’s say) or is it just every few seconds when it checks for pace.
2. Can you set pace alerts to go off while doing an interval workout. We commonly do 16x400m repeats and was just wondering if pace alerts can be used in conjunction with intervals.
3. During the run, if I understand correctly, the 220 gives your mile pace in 5 second intervals and calculates the total pace (when the run is finished) to a exact while the 620 gives the mile and total pace to the exact second?
4. Although the 220 measures the current pace in 5 second intervals, can I still set my 16x400m workout at a 4:32 pace? Or will it be a 4:30 or 4:35 pace?
5. On the actual interval workout, once I set recovery (1 minute) and press start, does it give beep alerts once the recovery is up and start my next interval automatically or does it start my interval when I start running? Also is it set to lap at the distance or can I change it to lap the 400m based on position?
6. Last question I promise. How does the watch feel moving at a 4:20 pace? Is it too shaky when running that fast? Just wondering if I should use it during races or not.
Thanks for your time Ray and I apologize for the extensive questions. I’m a serious runner and finally decided a GPS watch would be great to have (I’m always that one guy who calculates paces in his head every 200m during races and every 1/4 mile during long runs). Also, based on my desire mainly to use the watch for long run days and interval workouts, would you recommend the 220 or the 620?
1) Pace Alerts: No, they go off whenever you stray for a few seconds.
2) It’d be better in that scenario to use a custom workout. Much more flexible. End resultant is cleaner and would ensure that pace alerts aren’t randomly going off while in rest/recovery.
3) Almost. The FR220 will give you mile summary pace to the exact second, but just the instant-pace while running is rounded to the :05 seconds. Same with the FR620.
4) For a custom workout you can.
5) With any of the custom workouts or intervals, once you start, think of it more like a roller coast ride. You’re not really in control anymore. You’re just along for the ride. It’ll transition to the next segment of the workout automatically and you just need to be running at that point (or walking).
6) A 4:20/mile or 4:20/km? About the fastest I’ll get in any workouts is 4:45-5:00/mile. So not sure below that. But at that pace I use it to pace just fine. As for 4:20/km I don’t have any issues viewing there at all at that pace, and I often train slightly faster than that.
Finally, do keep in mind though that GPS units in general struggle on a track. Thus, if you’re looking to do these on a track, you might be off a few seconds and it’s honestly best to just know the seconds per 100m for your intervals. If you’re talking outside on a non-constant-curving route, then no problem at all.
Thanks for the quick reply! In relation to question six I was meaning 4:20 per mile. If it works well for you at 5:00 I think it should be fine at 4:20. The answer to question three was really helpful and I think I’ll go with the 220. As far as track goes, it shouldn’t be too bad. Luckily I’m not on the track too often so the Garmin will still provide benefit to me on long runs if it’s inaccurate on the curves. Custom workouts is what I find most attractive about this watch. I will be buying the red FR 220 and using it during starting in the summer. Thanks for the review and responses Ray!
Hi I have one question about the GPS units display, I used to have the 610 and it was able to show my location in BNG when I went into the settings and I would like to know if the 220 can do the same? Great review by the way!
Thanks for all your thorough reviews, and also for the Clever Training discount!
I recently got the 220 to replace my old clunky 305, and have noticed an odd discrepancy in the distance and pace calculation. My 305 tends to overmeasure my distance on straight routes and undermeasure routes with lots of turns (and subsequently give slighty fast/slow paces). The 220 so far as been more spot on for straight routes, but undermeasures by a greater amount on curvy routes than the 305. When I look at the GPS tracks on the map post-run, the lines bounce around a similar amount for both the 220 and 305, so it seems like the 220 is adjusting for GPS error just by subtracting a small amount of distance between recorded points. Do you know if this is by design (since it kind of makes sense to do this to improve accuracy for road runners) or is it something buggy with my unit?
You can save one interval program, sorta a ‘most recent’ to have on hand. But you can download/create multiple custom workouts, which give you the same functionality (actually, way more functionality). No limit I’m aware of there.
I have some questions about the FR220, can you set the alarm to wake up in vibration only? and I need the HR strap for measure calories, distance and speed?
Hello Ray,
well after three months, I am getting extremely close to sending back my FR220, if that’s still possible, that is.
I checked out the forums at Garmin.com and there are lots and lots of disgruntled owners of 220s and 620s with exactly the same problems that I have – unreliable current pace and, as a result, lack of support interval training. Added to that are the other problems with the WiFi and the downloading of scheduled workouts via the calendar at Garmin Connect. These problems are minor and tolerable but taken altogether this product is just not acceptable. To add insult to injury, I have not had a single response from Garmin Support after 7 days and 4 contacts.
Pity, as I really, really like the features promised by this watch. Hence my question to you – what other watch would you recommend as a replacement for the Forerunner 220. If I get my money back I am willing to spend more cash next time for a watch with these or similar features, it just has to be reliable. Suuntu or Polar or something else?
Regards,
John
Sorry to hear you’re having troubles. Have you tried calling Garmin support instead of e-mailing? I know it’s a pain, but honestly, it’ll get you resolved likely near instantly (even if that means a new unit to you). Plus, it has the added benefit of costing Garmin a heck of a lot more – which is ideal for forcing the company to resolve issues.
Do keep in mind though that looking at company forums as a barometer for issues is like going to the hospital as a barometer for people needing medical assistance. The only reason one goes to a company forum is to get help with something that’s broken…just like a hospital.
The GPS on my 220 stopped working the other day. After an hour on the phone with Garmin support, they said they could not fix it and will send me a replacement. This watch is under six months old. Has anyone else had this problem?
Both my husband and I have a 220 and we’re both having the same problem. We ran Wednesday night and the watch connected just fine but once we started running it seemed to lose it and didn’t track the run at all. We thought maybe it was the weather b/c it was a little overcast (even though I’ve run in worse weather and it worked before). Now this morning, a bright cloudless sunny day, and it didn’t work again. Haven’t called Garmin support to report it yet so we’ll see how it goes when I do.
I’m having a lot of the same issues as everyone else – satellite connection inaccurate and extremely slow to link up. None of my totals work (everything is listed as 0 – monthly and weekly), and all my activities and records deleted themselves. I turned the watch off and now it won’t turn back on. It just sits at the Garmin logo screen for eternity. I have tried calling Garmin support 4 times at different times of the day. Each time, I’m told the wait time is between 30-35 minutes – and this is specifically for the Forerunner support option. No way I’m waiting on hold that long. I’ve tried e-mailing support to no avail. This is utter chaos.
I experienced the problem where GPS suddenly stopped working. Turns out that the GPS software on the watch was corrupted. When you go to your menu and then System and then About, GPS Version was 0.00.
I used WebUpdater to reinstall 2.6 software and then installed the 3.1 GPS software. Last two runs have been great.
I apologize, Menu, then Settings, then System, then About.
Related.. I have never noticed when connecting via Bluetooth to the Garmin Connect app where the download of updated satellite data occurs. Satellite lock is very slow. However, when I connect through Express Fit, I do get the updated GPS data and it locks in very fast. Just a tip if you’re depending on the app for that…
Thanks a ton Geoff – after two weeks of increasing frustration I’m happy to have read your instructions. This was exactly what the problem was and what solved it. Relief!!
Ray,
I’m a casual runner; I bike as well. Primary sport is tennis (I play competitively); so running and biking is mostly training for tennis. I have an FR60, but am looking to upgrade. I’d like a GPS watch (which will preferably sync via wifi and bluetooth), has a cycling mode and will sync with my Garmin bike speed/cadence sensor. Do I necessarily have to plonk down serious money for either a FR620 (cycling mode being launched in June on this device via a firmware upgrade, I presume) or a Fenix2? I’d like to preferably stick with the Garmin family of devices. Do share your views – your advice would be very valuable for me.
Yeah, I’d say it’s down to the FR620 and Fenix2. There’s also the FR910XT, but that’s likely a bit big for what you want (though, it’ll be on sale starting tomorrow for about 38% off, via Clever Training).
The FR620 update will solve the cycling mode/sensor problem there, though, the FEnix2 already has it. Both sync via Bluetooth, but only the 620 via WiFi.
The other option would be the Suunto lineup. Something like the 2S might be an option and is cheaper and covers everything you’d want. Though, it’d be outside the Garmin line-up that you’re looking for and wouldn’t do BT/WiFi sync either.
No plans to do so. From discussions with them about it back a few months ago, the power design in the unit doesn’t really support a lower power 24×7 mode for the accelerometer.
Hi,
I’m planning on getting a GPS watch solely for running, and I’m sorta caught between this one and the 310xt. Both seem to have similar features, except the 220 can upload workouts which would be fantastic for me as I’m terrible at keeping a running log. I was just wondering if the 220 is worth the extra money or is there something else you might recommend?
1) If purely a runner (not a triathlete), then most of the FR310XT features will probably not be used (if triathlete, then skip discussion and go with 310XT)
2) If remembering to plug into computer and upload is a limiter, go with FR220.
3) If size is an issue, go with FR220
4) If you’re running really long (more than 10 hours), go with FR310XT
I am a kind of distracted runner who has a heck of a time keeping a steady pace. From your excellent review it sounds like 220 might not be the best choice for me because pace alerts dont work well. You mention three other watches that did this “nicely”. Any chance you can share that info?
We saw a few firmware updates that tried to address that, and seems to have resolved most of the unexpected alerts for most folks (both FR220/620). Thus, I wouldn’t let that be a core decider at this point.
which updates for the 220 would those be? I would be very, very interested in having this problem resolved. I bought my 220 in January and none of the updates that I have seen since then 2.5, 2.6 and not even the one released this week 2.7, address the pace alert problem. Did I miss something here?
Actually my FR220 had V2.5 on it when I bought it in January. I have been “testing it through” since. The alarms are based on current pace, which can be all over the place, especially if you vary your pace as in interval training. Only the lap pace seems to be reliable. Unfortunately the alarms cannot be set to work based on lap pace. A whole bunch of 220 and 620 users are talking about this on the Garmin forums, many ex-610/210 users who found their old watches far superior, but Garmin don’t seem to care much about this. V2.6 and now V2.7 don’t address this problem at all.
Yesterday’s training step was a 10KM with steady pace of 6:30/KM, so I set up a workout with a single 1KM step repeated 10 times, that way I get lap pace figure for the current KM. I set the pace targets at 6:15 (min) and 6:45(max). Thats wide enough. Alarms were going off on average every 30 seconds or so for about 8 of the 10Kms. I have long since turned off the audio alerts and leave the vibrations on.
There are two major but separate problems with the pacing in the FR220: 1) current pace wandering up and down suddenly for no apparent reason and 2) current pace lagging way behind real pace and lap pace as displayed i.e. after slowing down at the end of a workout segment (interval) it adjusts current pace in steps of 5 seconds/KM every 5 seconds or so sometimes taking up to more than a minute to adjust pac from say 5:30 to 7:30/KM. This happens only now and then but all in all the effect is that you just cannot believe what the 220 is telling you about your pace.
Like I said its not just my watch, lots of folks reporting identical the same behaviour also with the 620.
Hmm, bummer. I’d look at having Garmin try and swap it out.
While I recognize there are folks with issues on the Garmin forums, do keep in mind that only people with issues go to the Garmin forums. And to that end, if you look in the sub-forums for different watches, there’s always people who see similar behavior on any other watch (including the much loved older ones). Not saying you’re not seeing an issue (since it sounds like you are), I’m just saying you should ring Garmin support and have them swap it out.
For reference last night I did 30″ sprints with a FR620 and FR15 from walking pace to 5:00/mile pace, and it stabilized within about 10-15 seconds.
this is the error message I get when I try to sync:
“It looks like there isn’t an ANT stick connected. Make sure your ANT stick is plugged in to your computer’s USB port and try again.”
I am connected. I turned off and on my computer, and powered off and on the F220… Still the same error message…..
What does this mean?
Yeah, that error message is for other devices (like a FR910XT or similiar). The FR220 uses USB directly to the unit to sync. Validate/see if it’s showing in Windows Explorer, which will tell you whether or not your computer sees the device. Else, it’s probably best to ring up Garmin Support to get help quickly (or, see the Garmin Express portion of the Garmin Forums at http://forums.garmin.com)
Thanks for the thorough review! I used you Amazon link to buy a FR 220. My FR 305 died today and I was trying to decide between the FR 620 and FR 220. Your review convinced me that the 220 is a great way to go.
I saw the previous comments on using the 220 during an Ironman – in regards to battery life concerns. I have an 810 on my bike for the ride so I really only need a watch for the run. I don’t want the 310 or 910 as I really don’t like the bulk and have no need for the additional functionality. My plan would be to put it on in T2. My question is does it pick up GPS relatively well on the go. My current Timex Global Trainer can struggle to find a GPS if I start running without first setting the GPS. Often, if I start before it sets, it never ends up finding a satalite.
If you grab satellites before the race in that current spot and then turn it off (well, just standby), once you hit T2 it’ll likely find satellites in about 1-3 seconds.
Great review. I now find myself not able to purchase anything without reading it here first.
Question for you though, you may have discussed this above but I did not see it (sorry). I currently own a Garmin 500 edge. Can I use the heart rate strap from for this watch?
Would the Garmin FR220 be a good choice for gym workouts (e.g., cardio classes and weight lifting)? I know that the FR220 is geared for runners, but I don’t usually run outdoors so the GPS feature would not get much use. I’m hoping to get a HRM that will work with Mio Link. Any other recommendations? Thanks.
It’ll capture calories fairly accurately assuming there’s a heart rate strap connected with it. The Mio Link is fine in that particular regard. Though, by the same token for most gym scenarios it might just be easier/cheaper to connect the Mio Link to various apps via Bluetooth Smart.
Hi. Thanks for the fab review.
I’m just about to purchase the 220 for running purposes mostly and I like to train with a HR monitor. It sounds like this is fine for running, though does the HR monitor / time / calories function work when not running , if required – For example when using a rowing machine.
Hi. Thanks for the fab review.
It sounds like the 220 is great for running, though does the HR monitor specifically work as well as time / calories function when not running , if required – For example when using a rowing machine.
Hi Ray,
thank you so much for all your in-depth reviews. I am now on my 3rd GPS watch, mainly encouraged by your blog.
I have had a Garmin 410 for skiing/snowboarding, running and cycling and then moved on to the Polar RC3GPS because of better heartrate measurements. However, last year I started kayaking and the Polar is not water proofed for swimming, so when capsizing I am always worried about the watch.
So now I moved on the the FR220 and have been happy with reception of the heart rate monitor (the watch is mounted in front of me, not on my wrist, so distance is a little further). However in comparison to the Polar RC3GPS, the speed measurements is too slow in updating for my taste. You speak about “pace stability” as being good, but I believe this has the downside of the speed updating very slowly. It feels like the watch is roughly 5 seconds delayed, when I alter the speed. Eg. starting from 0km/h and going full throttle takes maybe 20-30seconds. But the watch is way behind and updates very slowly, so I feel like I get unreliable measurements. Also, I use the watch to push me so I know when I drop below (not using alerts, just manually) a certain speed. But it seems like the watch doesn’t really notice when I stray off… Do you recognise this behaviour? It is very noticeable in a direct comparison to my Polar. And it makes the watch almost useless for my purpose. We use speed and not pace while kayaking, does this have an effect? Or is there a setting, to get it to be more sensitive?
Thanks for you help!
Ray,
You sound as if you’d prefer the 220 to the 620 if it were not for the 3 vs 4 data screens issue. May I ask your reason for this? Is the touchscreen more of a hindrance? Is the GPS connectivity any faster on the 620 due to the wifi ?
Lastly, I was checking the history of updates to other devices and it would not appear to me that Garmin adds many significant features to any of their devices after launch… So I assume the chances of navigation being added should NOT be factored into the decision to buy a 620 vs the 220?
I think it’s mostly just that the FR220 is significantly cheaper. That’s really the primary reason behind the comment. During the review cycle I spent pretty much the first half on the FR220, and then switched the second half to the FR620 + the FR220. So I was much more comfortable with the FR220 buttons at that point. Ultimately, it’s really a non-issue.
The GPS connectivity on both is the same (reception time). I would not factor in navigation getting onto the FR620. You can however factor in bike mode happening very shortly for the FR620.
Do you know if there is any chance of a bike mode (or even just a “non-running” mode, that could also be used for hiking, skiing, etc.) being added to the 220 too?
Reading carefully about your review on 310XT and 220, and thanks for your deeply anaylsis.
Now i`m really confused on those two itmes.I spend half time on running and another on cycling downtown.
actually,speed and cadence sensor is preferred but not necessary.the basic functions required for cycling is just for Speed fields(speed ,average Speed,max speed),time fields(lap time,accelerate time) and distance(lap distance and accelerate distance)
I do think typically this cycling function requirement is somehow to replace the cycling computer like cateye and sigma and i have no idea to some extent whether the GPS watch can do the same work like cycling computer?as your review,220 only can dispaly only 13 fields .Is there my basic function and data can be recorded by GPS sensor and show me when i conncet to Garmin Conncetion?
For the function of specific running,definitely,220 have advantage than 310xt on bluetooth vs ant+usb ,more bettery life,my waterproof ability,lighter weight,more sensitive GPS receive.And the 4 fields display with huge size to the 3 fields display with watch-like look will depends on different runners
I prefer 220 than 310xt for its latest function and dislike for 310xt look especially 310xt is too old to buy though it only $170 right now.
If 220 can do the same works like basic bike computer,I think that is enough to give up to buy 310xt for me.
Hello Gingerneil ,
Thanks for your reply. That means I did a wise thing not to order a HRM with FR 220.
How is your experience with FR 220. This is my second GPS watch . My first one was 410. I am stlill very happy with FR 410. But now a days it is giving less battery. It doesnt last long for more than 75 minutes.
Yep – you did the right thing!
I was in exactly the same position. I was starting marathon training with a watch that would go from 50% battery to nothing in about 5 minutes. I even changed the battery in the 410 (took some soldering), but I still wasnt confident that it would last a long training run or a marathon (about 3:35 for me).
I’m very happy with my 220. The only issue I have is the current pace is too variable/smoothed to enable me to use it for intervals of less than about 800m. I dont mind that, as I normally go by avg lap pace anyway – creating custom workouts on garmin connect and setting the pace goals very wide (about 1min/mile) around my goal pace so it doesnt beep all the time!
As a veteran runner the gadgets have come a little late but I still get a lot of fun out of running to explore. For me the blue tooth facility is totally useless as my devices all use MS windows and I cannot anyway see the point in linking to my smart phone.
I have an old Garmin FR 205 which is almost impossible to run with without getting sores on the wrist especially in hot climates and it also has a short battery life. So weight and comfortability are a priority. Also I think quick gps start up is important – I don’t want to wait for satellites to be found. Accuracy of measurements and exportability are also important. In France for example, for mapping your trail, one of the best sites is link to mygpsfiles.com as it is, as far as I know, the only site that has access to French IGN Topo maps ie the equivalent of UK Ord Survey maps. But you need GPX file formats to use these mapping systems. Smart phone apps will provide GPX format files but can you get these from gps watches?
I am considering getting a Garmin FR 220 or a Suunto Ambit 2 R or 2 S (some good deals on 2S in UK). As I do not want bluetooth, Ambits seem better especially with apps facility but they are more expensive than the Garmin and they weigh nearly twice as much (same as the old fr 205) – which makes me wonder whether they are comfortable on the wrist when running in the heat. I don’t need the gps watch for swimming but would also like to monitor bike rides and trekking. Any advice?
Hello,
In one of the images above, you show the details of the run as date, distance, time, pace and calories. I cannot get the “pace”, I get “Avg Speed” instead. On the second page, I get Avg Speed, Calories, Avg HR, Max HR and Cadence.
Is there a way to show the details differently that how my watch is currently configured?
Loved the review. Super thorough. I found it through my interest in a watch with highly customizable interval training capabilities.
I have a question:
With using the Garmin Connect is there a limit on how many steps i can add on? I had a Timex Ironman 150 with 16 interval units available to customize. I wonder how much Garmin FR220 can do. I honestly tried to read though the comments, to see if someone has asked this question already, but there was just too much!
You mentioned in the review of the FR220 and in the review of the FR620 that your wife liked the FR220 a lot. Then she tried the FR620 and that became her favorite. In comparing the two watches, it seems the big difference is the running metrics. Is that what swayed her or was there something else? I don’t think the run metrics will be a big thing for me but I know that each product carries a certain amount of intangibles that can mean one product gets favored over another. She liked the colors of the FR220 better, so what about the FR620 made that watch the one of choice for her? I actually favor the FR620 colors but am trying to justify the extra cash. Just curious what swayed her.
On a side note, I bought both the 910xt and the Fenix2 but am returning them. It really bugged me that the 910xt couldn’t be used as a day to day watch – to and from a workout or if I ride my bike to work and forget my “work” watch. And for the Fenix2, not having a quick release made me think that I would just stick with a Garmin 500 on my bike. That has lead me to looking for a regular running watch. My thought is that I would use it for everyday running. For triathlons, I would put it on under my wetsuit and just turn on the run function when I got to that portion of the race. I would use the Garmin 500 for the bike. That’s what I currently do, just with lower level equipment – a polar heart rate monitor that doesn’t track pace and a cadence/speed CatEye. I was a swimmer in high school and really am not worried or interested in swim metrics so that just leaves the bike and the run and it brings me to the waterproof FR220 or the FR620. So, just curious about what turned the tide to the FR620 for your wife? Thanks so much.
Hi, do you know if the 220 accounts for outside temperature in its calorie count (without the heart rate monitor)? I noticed that it said I burned more calories on a 10 mile run at 74 degrees (about 112-116/mile) than on a 14 mile run at 57 degrees (82-83/mile). The former was slower than the latter (8:20 pace vs. 7:48) but that difference in pace hasn’t seemed to result in different calorie counts for other runs. I’m not really very concerned with calories, just curious, and I want to make sure something’s not mis-calibrated. Thanks!
It doesn’t account for temperature (it has no temperature sensor). It’s first driven by HR, and then lacking that it would be driven by pace/distance/weight/gender. Though, that’s a pretty big gam for calories for just a minor change in pace.
I used Last Lap Pace all the time on my 205…until I lost it last week. I like everything about the 220 except I don’t see Last Lap data fields available. Are they?
I would strongly recommend that you do your research on the many bugs inherent in this GPS device. I ran a marathon on June 14, 2014 (Niagara Ultra Races Marathon) and due the extremely inaccurate readings (probably due to some moderate tree foliage), I ran a much faster pace than I had planned for. By the half way mark (21.1 km), my distance covered read 20 km on the watch! By then my race had been ruined, and I just did my best to finish.
And yes, my watch had all the latest firmware and software updates applied (2.70 watch, 3.10 GPS).
My last Garmin watch, a 405CX had none of the inaccuracy problems of the 220 (although the 405 died on me very suddenly for no reason).
I would absolutely NOT recommend this watch to anyone who wants an accurate, reliable, bug-free watch. I suspect the problems I encountered cannot be fixed with the endless firmware updates that Garmin provides. Someone suggested that the cheap GPS receiver in the watch may be the culprit. BUYER BEWARE.
For a trail run (and/or that with high tree cover), you’re going to see some variance. That said, it’s quite rare that you’d see a ‘shorter’ distance, unless there are loopage back on each other or lots of twists and turns (switchbacks). I’d be curious to see the GPS track. Being off by that much at the half-way mark would be sorta understandable if it was measuring long, but being under is as I said really tough to do and generally indicative of a short course and/or something being shorted (i.e. auto-pause on, triggered via switchbacks or tree cover). You can validate that by looking at elapsed vs actual time.
As for providing updates/fixes, all companies (that are worthwhile) provide updates to their devices. It allows them to improve it. I’m not sure one can really complain about that.
Have just received today my new Forerunner 220. Haven’t had a run as yet but just familiarising myself with its features. I’m having difficulty locating satellites. I’ve been outside for around 30 minutes and still has not detected satellites. I’ve ensured the GPS function is on. Is there something else I’m not aware of I need to do?
Have you synced it yet? Even if you didn’t have a workout to upload yet, but syncing it will let the watch download satellite info which will speed up satellite acquisition.
Here is a quick question, and as always the answer is much appreciated.
With using the Garmin Connect is there a limit on how many steps i can add on? I had a Timex Ironman 150 with 16 interval units available to customize. I wonder how much Garmin FR220 can do.
Thanks for the great review. I’m trying to decide if I should purchase the watch now or wait for a new version. Have you heard of a new release coming or know how often they are typically released?
On that note as well, is there any indication as to whether the next round of Garmins will have heart rate monitors built into the watch, whether it be the Mio version or Garmin’s own variant?
Hi, do you know if the 220 accounts for outside temperature in its calorie count (without the heart rate monitor)? I noticed that it said I burned more calories on a 10 mile run at 74 degrees (about 112-116/mile) than on a 14 mile run at 57 degrees (82-83/mile). The former was slower than the latter (8:20 pace vs. 7:48) but that difference in pace hasn’t seemed to result in different calorie counts for other runs. I’m not really very concerned with calories, just curious, and I want to make sure something’s not mis-calibrated. Thanks!
Hi! First thanks for your really useful reviews, and second sorry for my English.
I am a Garmin fan, and after reading your reviews I decided to update my 405 with the 220. I returned the first one thinking I was unlucky and I got the crappy one, but after some trainings with the new one I am strongly convinced that Garmin has made a big mistake with the new chipsets. The 220 isn’t accurate, it drives me crazy while running, not reliable and better avoid commenting on the map reading I get afterwards.
I tried running with my three gps devices and the only one with discrepancies and crazy pace was the 220. I feel really disappointed and I am not sure about what to do now.
I did my first workout today on my new FR220. (purchased from Clevertraining). Unfortunately my eyes are old and I can’t see the tiny description of what I’m supposed to do for each workout transition and no, I’m not going to wear my reading glasses on my runs! Would be great if Garmin would update the firmware to show the workout details full screen with a start button press to clear it. I might stand a chance. Today was easy, slow easy run with a warm down. Reps are going to have me squinting. You young guys won’t think this so is funny down the road.
I’m doing the fitness workouts right now based on heart rate alerts and I’ve already set zone alarms on the watch. Will the workout zones conflict with the preset zones? I couldn’t really tell during my run which alert was triggering.
Hi, Very useful reviews and support answering all kind of question.
I’ve notice something with my unit:
First time I used, i run on Trendmill for 10 Km and it recorded 9.6km, not bad.
During some days I used indoors and more or less it took correct distances.
Now, after 4 months, with a lot of workouts done, I come back to the treadmill, and now it record 800-850 meters for ever Km. So, When I end my Indoor 10K, it says I’ve only donde ran 8.2 Km.
I know its imposible to redefine the distance of my steps in the, and that it takes my workouts to adapt it to my normal distance step, but it seems that It’s worst than the first time I used, when it worked with default table of distance steps…
Will I improve that if I completely reset the clock?
It’s updated to 2.7 soft, 3.1 GPS,
Thank you for a great review. What does the display show when the watch is in Auto Pause mode? Can this display be configured? I am asking since my actual watch doesn’t show any useful information when paused and I would at least like to see the time of the day.
Hey Ray. I know you mentioned that the footpod would over write the GPS data in your review so I always make sure to remove it when running outside and then reactivate it when running on the treadmill. Does that still hold true? I upgraded to firmware 2.8 last night and noticed as part of the release notes it indicated that GPS will now calibrate the footpod too. Haven’t tried it yet but will look to see what the calibration factor looks like at some point this weekend.
When it first started out, it would incorrectly override it. Then that was fixed (good). Now, as of yesterday they’ve also added in GPS calibration as well of the footpod as you noted, but I haven’t had the chance to try it out yet.
Ray – does the instantaneous pace now come from the footpod? This is something users on the Garmin forum have been asking for due to poor instant pace from the gps.
I don’t know. I’ll try and find out, and/or do some tests (I think I need to find a way to put a treadmill outside…). Though, that would first require me having a treadmill.
Today ran 4 miles slow. Calibration factor says 101.1 for foot pod. I will check with my friend Spock so he can start the analysis and see if this is logical over time. Will report back with his findings.
Today I took my FR220 to do track intervals today, and I noticed that the instant pace takes about 15-20 seconds to stabilize. Did any of you ever figure out if instant pace will now come from the footpod in firmware 2.8/2.9?
To answer my own question, with FW 2.9, the instant pace now stabilizes in less than five seconds. But I had to do a master reset (search on YouTube for the procedure) to get it to do so. So all is working well now!
I noticed on the Clever Training website for the 220 it features a Virtual Partner, though in your review it doesn’t have one. Which is correct?
Is there an android app now available? I do not want to buy an iphone.
I am quite keen to get one of these watches as I do like the Garmin website. I used to have a FR210 but I had it replaced 3 times so gave up and bought a Nike GPS sportwatch but find the Nike website does not give enough data and breakdowns on your runs. I can’t compare runs with runs like I could on the Garmin site to see if I have improved etc.
Thanks for that – I have bought one and its on charge. I paid reasonable price here in New Zealand, thanks to Kiwivelo. Looking forward to using it. Now I just have to update my phone to suit!
Hi,
Just wondered if all 220 models have the HRM Feature incorporated and just need the Strap for it to work, some are advertised with HRM, and some not. I have a strap with mine, but will it work with my friends, who’s came without?
I don’t know if this bug has been mentioned or not? Tonight for the third time, I went out to run and part way through my run I noticed it had no pace indicators. they were just “–” marks. I realized that at some point the watch lost the GPS version and it read “0.00” instead of “3.10” or whatever the current version is. Do you know what causes this? Really annoying to have to go and try and redownload the update to get pace information. The software version never changed it still read “2.60.” Thanks for the help
-Clint
I’d definitely try and re-download the update. Not sure if you were using a computer or a phone to upload, but I’d use Garmin Express (computer) to ensure it’s all set. Very odd though, haven’t heard of that before.
I currently using the 310XT model and I think about changing it to 220 (I can sell mine and buy the 220 at the same price, so money wise, it’s not a problem).
I’m wondering which one is better? the 310Xt has longer battery life (when GPS is on) (BTW, by GPS on does it mean while running or while the watch is turned on?)
It really depends on whether you want a smaller watch or a watch with more functions. The FR310XT for the most part has more functionality (minus Bluetooth related features), but it’s much larger.
Hi – I purchased last week and went for my first run with the watch today. It didn’t seem to be very accurate as the pace had a wide range and after i loaded my data the map didn’t have my route correctly – according to this I never returned! That said, the total time is correct. Any suggestions?
Hmm, I’d try a hard reset first. If that doesn’t clear up the satellite issues than ring up Garmin to have them swap out the unit (you can ask them for a cross-ship to get you a unit quicker).
Hey rainmaker,I find this review very,extremely awesome for I am new to these garmin watches.im trying to buy one for my wife,it’s her birthday next week and she would absolutely live getting a garmin as a gift,my question to you is,which would you prefer,this fr220 or fr405?
Stan – From a female point of view and a new user of the FR220, I would recommend it for your wife. I have the white/purple one and it fits well and is super comfortable. I have small wrists, similar size to Rays wife and even though it looks large, it just feels right.
As for features, I have not tested enough as only been on one run then had to do night shift. It worked perfectly and I love it and can’t wait to go for another run.
Cool thx a lot Trish,for my wife also has small wrist,she is very petite.i searched and called many places,big five,sports authority,sports chalet etc…sports chalet had it in stock but only in blk/red.i really wanted the purple/white one for her because it looks more girly lol.It was kinda difficult to find but I managed to find it at an r.e.i store today. I could have ordered it online but wanted to make sure I can pick up and have it ready for her bday on Wednesday. Hope she likes it! Thx for the help.
Does the Heart Rate Page allow for any customization? Its set up for 2 fields (HR and Zone), but can you add a field … such as time or pace … or change the HR fields?
I know the Two User data pages are customization, but I got used to the Garmin 210 Heart Rate screen that would show HR as well as distance and pace.
In case you were still wondering what the bizarre file naming scheme was all about, there is a post on the Garmin forums that seems to have cracked it :
went for a 6km run yesterday and over the course of the run the watch seemed to gradually drift off (to the north) of my actual position. the starting point and general shape of the course are correct but by the end it is around 300m off. there are some trees along the course, although mostly at the beginning when it was most accurate. do you think this is caused by a problem with the watch itself or some other factor?
thanks
Every once in a while I’ll see offsets like that from people (across a range of devices from the FR305 to current generation devices). Never really had a clear idea what causes it. Sometimes it might help to wait a few extra seconds at the beginning of a run before you press start (perhaps 15-30 seconds).
thanks for the reply, It had a lock for probably 5 minutes before I started running.. I am hoping it might have been a general gps system issue so not anything wrong with the watch itself which I really like. Anyway went for a long run today and it seemed to be spot on so hopefully all is well.
I just got the FR220 about a month ago and have some serious concerns with the pace lagging. I’m a slower run walker and also recovering from an injury, so at first I thought I was just running slower than normal. I then ran with both my new 220 and my old 305 to compare the current paces and saw how the 220 takes over a minute to catch up to my current pace as shown on the 305. The average paces were within 2-3 seconds on both watches, so it is capturing and chewing on the same data as the 305, but as a run walker, current pace is very important. *** My questions are: is the 220 THAT slow to record and display an accurate current pace or is there something wrong with my unit (I have updated all the software)…is this something that Garmin could fix with an update or bug fix…or us this just a design choice they made and I need to eliminate walk breaks? *** thanks for your input!
No, it’s not normal. If you’re on the latest firmware and have fully reset the unit – then I’d ring up Garmin support. It shouldn’t take more than a handful of seconds to reflect instant pace changes.
Thanks for your help. I did what you suggested and still no better.
So then, I went out for a run wearing my old 305 as well as my new 220, uploaded the data to Garmin Connect and talked to Garmin Help Desk. It is clear from the readings that the 305 is much quicker to respond and the 220 is lagging by almost a minute. eg, the 220 says I’m running at a 15 min pace and the 305 says I’m at an 11 min pace. Or, during a walk break, the 220 says I’m at a 13 min pace and the 305 says I’m at an 17 min pace. So this is not matter of the pace being off by a few seconds; it is off my a few minutes! The 220 catches up with the 305 after about a minute…not 5 or even 15 seconds, and the average pace is spot on between both the 220 and 305.
Garmin is escalating my problem and I suggested that they look at the data in the uploads and they will see exactly what I am talking about.
The Help Desk also said that Garmin is working on a software update for the 620 series that has to do with a lag in the lap pace, and since these are sister devices, it might be the same issue with the 220.
Fingers crossed. I love this watch except for this key issue. Thanks for your help and support.
Great review! I own a 305 heart rate monitor strap and was wondering if it would pair with the 220? Also, do you know if there are any improvements with the 220 HR strap or is it identical to the 305 HR strap? Thanks!
Thanks, Rainmaker! I ended up buying the 220 yesterday and took it out for my first trot. Works well so far! Only thing is it seems so flimsy compared to my 305 – hopefully it doesn’t break easily.
great review as usual! I own a FR 220 HR and have two questions:
– Having used it twice for triathlon and noticed that after the swim session the HR monitor doesn’t start automatically. I know the HR strap doesn’t work on water, but I assumed that once out of water it would get that info (also it DOES count the calories consumed at the end of the race…) (my Timex HR Zone trainer works just fine). Any advice? Is my HR monitor that has some problems or it’s just like that?
– Is there a way to save a training session WITHOUT saving the records eventually set on THAT session (i.e. every time I use it on bike I’ll break every record of my previous runs :-( )?
I know this is an old thread, but since I’m fairly new to triathlon this issue popped up.
In my first triathlon I had the same iddues as Vincenzo.
I’m 100% sure i had HR reading before the swim. I know it for sure, because it was my first tri and I was joking about how high my HR ins “rest” was.
I’m using the FR220 for tri as this is my only watch (and was only running at the time I bought it)
Now since my 2nd triathlon I know for sure that the issue lies in the watch.
I started (again) out of the water with HR reading – Started my recording, and just pushed the lap button going in and out transition area. On the bike I recently have an Garmin Edge and thisone picked up HR instantly in T1. So I know it’s no failure of the HR strap.
when leaving T2 and only relying on my FR220 – HR recording was again gone.
Have you any ideas how to have HR reading during the run?
Hi Ray, thank you for the consistently well written reviews on GPS watches. I searched this review and it’s comments and, maybe I missed it, but I’m wondering does the FR 220 allow setting up custom workouts on-watch instead of through GC like the 310XT does?
Thanks. I bought one today. Technically it has an interval workout feature that can be edited on-watch, but if you go to My Workouts, which is where I would expect custom workouts to be, it tells me to Download workouts from Garmin Connect. I don’t want to have an account on Garmin Connect. Seems I should have said that specifically in my original post. Oh well, for my training this year the editable interval workouts will do.
Or maybe I need to update the firmware? I’m at 2.20. If so, it seems I’ll be bullied into signing up on Garmin Connect to get it.
I do also have a recently bricked 15 month old 310XT about which I’ve contacted Garmin, hopefully they will hook me up so I can have true custom workouts on-watch again.
Sorry, I thought you meant downloaded workouts. Yes, it has the basic interval function, but for the complex pieces you have to create on Garmin Connect. Unfortunately Garmin Connect mobile doesn’t support creation there.
On a whim today I downloaded Garmin Training Center, and it turns out even though it was last updated in 2011, it recognizes and appears to fully support the 220. So I have a way to make custom workouts without using Garmin Connect. I’m happy about that.
Ray, after 7(!) years my trusty Garmin Forerunner 305 is starting to have problems (backlight stopped working). This review has persuaded me to buy the FR 220. But reading some of the comments makes me concerned that this new unit may not be as reliable. Do you think an extended warranty is worthwhile, or do you think that the newer Garmin products are as reliable as the older ones, based on your extensive usage? Thanks.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review! I have bought the 220 (in awesome purple) and it is FABULOUS! We’re even heading to Paris in Sept so I’ll be checking out your fave runs on your other page for then! Thank you!!!!
Hi… How is the calorie count comparison between the calories with the HRM strap and without it (just using GPS)? given that you can enter your physical stats, do the numbers come out roughly the same? I don’t want to have to wear a strap….
I am looking for a watch that has no external piece requirements, GPS, HRM, calorie counting, basic watch features for a runner, and isn’t too pricey. What would you recommend?
It would be AWESOME if it also incorporated activity tracking features too, but I can’t seem to find a good one!
Hi! I am running my first 10k trail run in September and was considering buying a watch. There are so many out there in the market that I was getting a headache and couldn’t make up my mind. My husband found your website and has been bugging me to read your reviews and comments. I think he wants to buy me a watch for my birthday! :)
I finally picked the Garmin 220 with the additional foot pod. Thank you for the extensive easy to read and full of photos review section. I spent almost an hour navigating your site!!!
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I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
I’ve tried the Garmin website, but have not had much luck. I had the 220 in my backpack for 36 hours, but not in active mode. Now the calendar and the time is off. I cannot use any functions, I just keep getting the message. “Acquire a GPS fix to start the timer”.
I tried a regular reset per the instructions in the manual. Do I have to do master reset? And if so, how do I do this? Please help, I have my long run tomorrow. Thank you!
TT
Have turned it on to receive GPS at least once? Even if only for two minutes?
Yes, I was being impatient – all is right in the world again, thanks.
Ray, I think you need to set up discussion forums on your web site. :) I can help. I’ve set up lots.
True.
But the challenge I have right now with forums is time. Specifically, that I can’t keep up with questions/etc here, and ultimately, most folks would still come here and ask questions, and then other folks would file into the forums and ask more questions. And while most folks would be happy to have more engagement, the concern I have is that people would expect me to be able to cover both locales.
Some, from what I’ve heard/seen in other comments here, would also expect companies to cover both locales. And while Garmin doesn’t actively comment on their products posts, many (most?) other companies do. Those companies are less likely to try and support forums. Here, they get simple notifications and watch things and respond. Forums are an entirely different beast.
So ultimately, at the moment, it’s my way to trying to keep on top of things…which, given it’s 2:48AM on a Saturday night and I’m still trying to catch-up on the day, I tend to not be very good at. :-/
Can of worms. Understood.
Ray,
first of all, thanks a lot for all your great support!
I’d say you could easily ignore some of the questions and update your review instead more explicitly to take into account new elements or to clarify issues. A number of questions are repetitions or get solved on their own.
The saying is true: “If you want to get things done (or in this case get an answer), ask a busy person.”
I’m a former collegiate runner and still run competitively. I’ve never owned a GPS watch, but am looking to purchase one for more detailed analysis, workout-tracking purposes, as well as pacing for races. I may have misunderstood this in your review, but the current pace feature on the 220 only rounds to the nearest 5 second interval? (i.e. if you’re actually running 5:52 pace, it will display as 5:50) I think you replied to another user that you can see the actual pace per lap, but wouldn’t this negate the purpose of owning a GPS watch, particularly for pacing during races? If I’m aiming for 5:50 pace for a 10 mile race, but in reality am running over that with no way of finding out until the lap is complete (mile marker), then that ~2 second gap you’re virtually unaware of is a major drawback. I suppose you could set auto laps to shorter intervals or is there another way around this? The pace alert only tells you if you’re over or under, not specifics, correct (and you obviously wouldn’t set it to such a specific range)? As I said earlier, I’ve never owned a GPS watch so I apologize if I’m missing something.
The whole notion of “instant” pace on the watch is a bit misleading.
Since pace is based off distance and time, the problem comes down to the accuracy of wrist-sized consumer GPS watches figuring out your distance accurately. The problem gets worse for small distances (under 100 feet).
There is a long history of watch makers trying to work around this – “smoothing” the pace so it shows the last 30 seconds, etc. Letting you pick smoothing. And now picking a 5 second accuracy. The reality is you are not going to get much better than 5 second accuracy on instant pace anyway.
If you want to use a GPS watch for accurate (sub 5 second / mile) pacing in a race, you are going to be absolutely disappointed in the results. With Garmin you’ll get about 1-3% variation in distance accuracy. So assuming a 6:00/mile that’s a 3-10 second / mile.
You can absolutely pick a shorter distance, such as 0.25 mile for laps – if you can do the math in your head. For races, better keep your eye on the mile markers on the side of the road (assuming those are accurate.. LOL)
This is a *serious* limitation to the FR220. I have recently upgraded from the FR210 (due to broken strap, fading battery) and find this very frustrating!
While I realize that a GPS watch cannot guarantee “absolute” accuracy of less than 5s/km, but it is still useful to see your “relative” pace. In other words to see if you are speeding up or slowing down. Unlike the FR210, you just cannot see this with the FR220 due to the unnecessary 5s rounding. The overall effect is a “time lag” on the pace display.
GRRRRR!
That’s the point… You could not see it on the FR210 either. Sure, it might tell you your pace dropped from 6:28 min/mile to 7:32 min/mile, but due to the inaccuracy of the GPS in the watch, those numbers are both lies. For all you know, you actually sped up by four seconds.
TL;DR: Confidence Interval.
Incidentally the Suunto Ambit 2 also has a 0:05 precision for current pace.
Hello DC, I have a question about alerts and a suggestion for custom workouts.
If I create an interval on the watch (from in settings, not the custom workout) and it repeats indefinitely, will it also alert me on the auto lap of 1 mile along with the intervals? One of my workouts needs me to run the given intervals for a set distance of 2 or 3 miles so I would need to get the beep for mile laps as well as the beeps for the intervals, is this possible? Or, do you know of a way to create this in Garmin connect?
Also, when doing a custom workout it shows pace and the time left on the particular workout step created. It would be awesome if it also showed what step I was on so I know how many I have left. For example, when it says “Run 3:00” and shows the countdown of time left it could say “Step 4 Run 3:00”. Thought you might be able to suggest that to Garmin.
Thanks!
No, in workout/interval modes you won’t get autolap notifications. Unfortunately, you can only have a single ‘lap’ type event at once.
I do agree with your last suggestion, it would make sense.
How is the clip for charging? The one on the 210 got terrible reviews.
Yeah, the FR210 charging clip is kinda annoying. The FR220 is a major improvement. You can clip it on the watch and attach it to a ceiling fan and it’ll stay on – guarantee it.
It’s actually kinda funny, because I like the new FR220 clip (nearly identical to the Fenix/Tactix/etc) over the FR620 clip. Go figure.
Does the FR220 charging clip work with the FR620 by any chance? I like the secure nature of the FR220 clip. Thank you.
No, unfortunately not (though, in a bit of a pinch you can actually kinda-sorta make it work with enough pressure…).
Thanks for the update. Kind of a bummer because I have pets that constantly bump into the charger of my FR620 and cause it to lose connection.
If you loop a rubber band around the end of the charger like a luggage tag, and then loop that around the watch once you attach it to the charger, it’ll keep it on and make it easy to attach/detach.
How do I display the current time when running?
Simply enable the clock page within the settings, it’s under data pages.
I want the clock as a data field or when I am running how do I go from the datafield screen(s) to the clock?
You have two choices:
1) Add the Clock page (it’s an entire page), which means you can press up/down to access it.
2) Add the clock as a data field to one of your customized pages. It should be listed as ‘Time of day’.
Thanks Ray,
I will look again but I don’t think ‘time of day’ was a valid data field.
When I was running this past weekend pressing up/down only went thru data screens; I will try to see if I can add the clock.
Actually, sorry, just #1 on the FR220 is an option. No worries, once you add it, it’ll simply be another data page.
Hi! I’ve just got my 220. I don’t use a laptop or pc. Just got an ipad. Is it safe for the watch to charge the battery by using the usb adaptor from the ipad and plug it in the wall outlet? I don’t want to damage it in any way..
Thanks a lot.
Luciano (Argentina)
Yes, it’s safe.
hi “rainmaker” :D
I’ve bought this FR220 (partially thanks your review) and I’d like to share some important info for Linux users. Garmin Connect (and sites like Strava) use a browser plugin to directly connect the garmin devices to their internet sites.
There’s no offcial Garmin plugin for Linux, but you can find here an unnofficial one for many linux distros. I’ve test it on Ubuntu+Chromium+Strava and works without problems.
Without this plugin you just have to plug the FR220 to the usb port and it’s detected as any other usb mass storage device. Once there just go to ACTIVTIES folder and upload the .fit file to Strava (or wherever).
I hope this is useful info for many users out there ;)
thanks again for your reviews and posts
I forgot mention that Achlinux+Chromium+Garminplugin works fine also. This time I’ve test it with connect.garmin.com
Hello DC. Do you know if the Live Track function uses the GPS from the watch or the phone? The site says the watch must be paired with a phone to use that function but I was thinking that the phone’s GPS probably does not work the same as the phone’s GPS so in some areas you may have connection with your watch but not your phone like when trail running in certain areas.
Any info you have is much appreciated.
Live Track uses your phone’s internet connection, not phone’s gps. You need to be (at least) under GSM coverage area for data transmission, but 3g connection would be better.
Thanks for the awesome reviews. Got a quick question re HRM. I want to buy one to use with my FR220. I’ve used a Polar HRM in the past (not with a Garmin) but wasn’t convinced they were accurate. I want to track HR while running as well as while doing kick-boxing and other sports. All the Ant+ jargon confuses me. Any advice for the best one for me? Thanks.
Generally speaking accuracy of HR straps has to do with a lot of factors, and it’s limited to either Garmin or Polar (as you saw). You can reduce some of these issues as seen in this post: link to dcrainmaker.com
As for the ANT+ jargon, it’s simply the connectivity standard that the Garmin devices use. Sorta like WiFi. The good news is it’s not too confusing in the sense that you have no choice, you have to get an ANT+ strap. Any Garmin branded strap is ANT+. Any Polar branded strap is not. Like Coke and Pepsi, the two of them. Never shall they overlap.
Thanks. I guess I need a Garmin HRM then. I see the HRM3 and the HRM Run. Since I have the 220, is the HRM3 for me? I see no reason to get the HRM Run- is that correct?
Yup, correct on both. HRM3 is what you’d want.
How would you compare the satellite acquisition time between the 220 and the 310? I currently have a 305 and am looking to upgrade. Is there a difference in the battery technology between the two?
It’s pretty massive. The FR310XT doesn’t do any satellite pre-caching, so if you start in the same spot the same day it’ll use hotfix and you might get as little as 30 seconds to find a satellite. But, it also could be 2-3 minutes, generally it’s shorter though.
On the FR220, as seen above in the video – it’s generally a very short pickup, seconds often. I can’t remember the last time on either my FR220/FR620 that I saw more than 20-25 seconds.
Hi:
Thank you for great work in this blog! It’s impressive!
I usually run 3 times a week around 10Km each day… and now I’m preparing my second Half. I’d like to buy the FR220 (299$), but I’ve already seen the Polar RC3 for 218$… I think I’m not going to use all the features both watches offer me, but it seems like the FR220 is a much better option. Do you think that the price difference would worth it? (battery life, GPS acquisition, connectivity, workout customization…)
The battery can be replaced in any of them? I’ve read that people tends to replace the entire watch…
Thank you very much!
I personally think the price difference is worth it. I think the RC3 looks fairly aged compared to the FR220. But, both watches will let you train well. It’s what you make of them.
There are no current market GPS watches with a replaceable battery. The closest to that is the Magellan Switch, which you can put battery packs on.
Hello-
Thanks for all the information. I purchased the 220 a few weeks ago to replace my beloved 110, and I must say I am not impressed with any of the additional bells and whistles. The pace alerts or essentially worthless and aside from having current pace (which I don’t need, lap pace is fine) this thing does nothing better than my 110 did at twice the price.
But anyway, the question I have regards the satellite pre-caching: The Garmin app gets horrible reviews in the Apple App store (1.5 stars out of 5 on 136 reviews) and I do not want the thing crashing my phone. Is there any other way to communicate the satellite location data to the watch? I run in Boston and this 220 takes a ridiculous amount of time to lock-in as it is, several minutes longer than my 110 ever did. I am nearly ready to simply return it and buy a refurbished 110 (my advice to anyone reading this) but if it could at least find satellites quickly I would look past all the other crap.
Thanks for the help!
As noted above, you can simply plug it into your computer with Garmin Express Fit and it’ll update it. Honestly, it would seem at least logical to try the app. Given at worst it would simply close the app, and not your phone, seems pretty low-risk.
As for all the the other features of your FR220, if you’re not seeing the significant differences between the FR110 and the FR220, I’d really encourage you to read through the review. And then try and do most of those things on the FR110. Just my two cents.
Thanks for the quick reply.
I have been downloading runs and uploading some workouts to the watch with my Garmin Connect account that I’ve had for four years now, but I don’t see anything about satellites. Can you provide anymore detail about where that would sit? The watch is clearly not automatically being updated as it took several minutes just last night to link-up.
Thanks!
You can grab it here: link to connect.garmin.com
I have the FR220 and since applying the 2.50 firmware update I have not had a problem uploading my activities via my iPhone. Before the firmware update I’d have to periodically discard the Bluetooth pairing and re-pair the watch with my iPhone. While there’s a chance that I’ve just not waited long enough to see the bug rear its ugly head again, so far so good.
The love/hate with my Garmin Forerunner 220 continues… This time it’s about Auto Pause.
I set the Auto Pause to activate at 15:00/mi.Stopping at water stops during my training long run, I figured this feature would provide a more accurate time of actual running. The watch would pause on the stop, and then would not resume properly. It was start and pause for about 5 minutes until it just started to work again.
The constant vibrating and beeping were annoying, but nearly as annoying as shorting me 30 minutes and 3 miles on my long run. Everyone else in the group had approx 16 miles and I was around 13. Was I doing something wrong or has anyone else run into this problem using the Auto Pause feature?
I usually run with my dog. I have auto pause set on my 220 to go for a complete stop. When my dog stops to answer the call of nature or we hit a red light, auto pause has worked very well. There is a few second delay both when I stop and when I start up again, but I think it’s been very accurate. I’ve been very happy with auto pause on my 220.
The watch did stop at 15 min miles, but did not resume properly. I kept the pace at 7:30-7:45 and the constant start/pause had me running in the high teens then sub 15 then back up, hence the stop and go. It was completely inaccurate. Maybe using auto pause on complete stop is the answer or just disable the function all together… I expected more from this expensive watch, and I have read about similar issues with the 620.
Hello,
Thank you for all your reviews, it really help when choosing a watch. Or at least selecting just a few before the final choice. Also, I’m a girl and I’d love in a ‘nice’ looking watch ;)
I’d like to get a gps watch to get informations on the different activities I may have outdoors (distance, time, route, speed…)
I run sometimes, I also go biking sometimes, I really like hiking and or walking in the valleys ou mountains…
I don’t think I’ll use a training program, but I’m interested in knowing the altitude changes specially when hiking.
I’m interested in the Garmin 220, but I’d like to know your opinion on its altimeter. Is it reliable? At least for altitude changes?
I also had a crush on the ambit 2S white, with the multisport option because I’m really into all kind of activities and not one specifically… But I’m not sure I really need all the features it has.
What would you recommend?
Thank you for your answer, Titaina *=)
the 220 doesn´t have an “altimeter” – it gets height after the run on the Garmin Connect website via map services
so no actual height during activity
As Herald notes, neither watch has a barometric altimeter. The Ambit 2s will however track elevation via GPS, and I found it fairly impressive accuracy-wise. You can see some of my photos in the mountains on that in that review.
For hiking and multisports, the 2S is definitely the better way to go.
Thank you both for your answer!
I’ll go for it (the 2S) then! *=)
I can not find the “extended” area. I see that it is in “timeout” but I haven’t found it. I used this watch last month in disneyland and when I went to turn it on it was locked again. It was dark and I had to step over to get it going—-within the first 30 seconds of my half. SOOO, I’m going to have it figured out before my next half!! Thanks
Menu > Settings > Activity Settings > Timeout
Normal: 5mins
Extended: 25mins
Thanks for a fantastic review! very impressed with your level of detailing. Also, the review and the questions in this section helped me from making a mistake. I was thinking of buying the bundle thinking that it will give me all the data points that you mentioned not realizing that the premium heart rate monitor is different from HRM-Run! So, I’ll buy them separately now. Here is my question:
I am a bit confused between the 220 and Ambit 2S. Although currently I am more into running, with very little casual cycling, but I do hear that running might not be too good for the knees in the long run. just incase I am unable to run for a health/physical reason, what do I do with the 220 as it is only running. Whereas the Ambit 2S has more features and might also be easily used as an outdoor/general purpose watch. I would love to continue to run and keep improving, but need to be fully convinced from a health perspective. I am currently 40 yrs and wish to be careful not to damage something chronically.
Also, when you say walk/run mode, does it have to be both or can the 220 be used only when you’re brisk walking and wish to use it as a basic activity tracker instead of running?
this might help me justify my purchase.
Your comment confuses me: Why get the HRM run instead of the bundle? The HRM run only adds data when used with the 620, right?
The HR strap that comes with the FR220 is the HRM3, which is the same strap as the HRM-Run, just without the Running Dynamics in the pod. Both straps (the HRM3 after July 2013) include the improved firmware for reducing erroneous drops/spikes.
Run/Walk Mode is a specific mode used primarily in certain marathon training types where the person will run for X minutes (such as 10 minutes), and then walk for X minutes (such as 1 minute). And repeat. Forever.
As for the 2S vs 220, in general, if you’re doing multiple sports (such as cycling), and want more flexibility in configuration of those sports, the 2S is the better option.
I have a forerunner 310xt I mostly run amd cycle but have a edge 500 so only use my 310 for running and hike(no waypoints) is the 220 a good upgrade option?
If you plan to just use it for running, then yup – it’s good. But if you plan to use it for hiking (barometric altimeter, etc…), then honestly the Fenix or Suunto Ambit 2/2s is a better option. Especially in the case of the Ambit because it can also do cycling.
I just want to say thanks for such a fantastic review. I’m looking to purchase my 1st GPS and think your reviews swung it for me.
Thanks
Can the forerunner 220 be used just as a HRM for gym workouts? I wont need GPS data on HITT.
Thanks!
Yes, simply disable the GPS when indoors and it’ll use the HRM for calorie burn.
I have encountered a problem with Garmin Connect, not sure if it is exclusively related to the 220:
My device settings are metric, and obviously, I’d like to have the same on Garmin Connect. But Garmin Connect sticks to statute (i.e. miles) and refuses to change this setting.
According to the Garmin Forum, this is an old issue. I’m surprised that only few have highlighted this issue. Perhaps there is a work-around?
Hmm, I just swapped mine to Metric and it shows everything in Metric, not miles (my normal).
I’d ring up Garmin support, I wonder if there’s something ‘stuck’ on your account preventing it.
Very strange. I tried it several times (with different browsers) from my personal laptop and it didn’t work. Now I did it on my work PC and it works. [To be seen if back home, it still does ;-) ]
As I said, on the Garmin Forum, there are several people complaining about this bug. It might be linked to the computer/browser/add-on configuration. Using a different computer to change the setting seems to be the solution.
The Fr620 ouners have started to get the new GPS 3.00 update.we should see it today as well.
Hi Ray
I grabbed this watch via CleverTraining and it has been working great …. until I tried to set up and use a half marathon training plan. Got it all scheduled into my Garmin Connect calendar and then synced to my device. The issue I have is the the time zones seem to be out of skew.
I am in New Zealand and have this set in my profile on GC. My watch is set via the satellites and has the correct DateTime for NZ.
In my GC calendar the first activity is for the Monday. The activity on my device shows for the Tuesday. If I select the device activity on Monday and run it, it records for Monday but not against the scheduled activity in the GC calendar. Shows as a separate activity. On the Tuesday the activity still shows as not complete on the device, so I select it and run it. It uploads to GC and shows for Tuesday, so still not recorded against the scheduled Monday activity.
Any ideas on what the problem may be? I have contacted Garmin support twice now, via their support site, and have not had any response at all to either request. Pretty poor service really.
Any help or guidance you can provide greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Wayne
Hmm, that’s definitely odd.
Unfortunately, the support channel for AUS/NZ from Garmin is horrendous. Honestly, if you can – I’d ring up the US number (not sure if you have access to do that cheaply). You’ll get a human that’s really good in support and can bop the right folks on the head. Given you’re unit is from the US, it makes it all the much easier.
Hi Ray
I still have some issues with my 220 but I think there are still problems with Garmin Express, from what I have read on the forums. A lot of angry people.
I do have a quick question. When a workout is created in GC and sent to the device, when you complete the activity, does it create a new activity in the calendar, or mark off the created one as done. I haven’t had these working due to the apparent time zone issue, so I don’t know what to expect. Currently, I end up with two activities in the calendar; the one I created and another once I complete it on the device and it syncs up.
Cheers
Wayne
No, there’s no correlation between the two.
Thank you for a great review!
1. I was just wondering if it is possible to use the forerunner 620 replacement wrist bands on the 220?
(I like the white band).
2. I have a 4yr old Garmin ANT+ HR monitor strap, will this be compatible with the new 220 and is there any difference with the new HR monitor straps (ie. is it worth buying a new one?)
3. Is it worth buying the foot pod with the 220?
Thank you,
Barb
1) They certainly look/appear swappable, identical sizing, etc…
2) Yes, it’s compatible. The new one does have some logic in it to reduce spikes/dropouts. So if you experience those today – then this might help. If you don’t experience that, then keep on trucking with what you have.
3) If you plan to use the unit indoors on a treadmill, I’d buy a footpod. Otherwise, no.
I don’t consider myself a super advanced, data centered runner, but after spending a couple of days with the 220 and Garmin Connect, I’m surprised about the lack of features of Garmin’s online tool.
Why don’t they have:
– gear/shoe tracker (to know when to replace your shoes)?
– Recovery heart rate (shown on the device 2min the workout)?
– HR and pace for each km/mile (instead of only by lap)?
Do they really want people to use other online tools?
Garmin is in the business of selling GPS watches. Your watch includes in the purchase price a free lifetime subscription to Garmin Connect, but they don’t make any money off the service itself. In fact considering the number of users and size of data they’re pumping through it… likely costs multiple $millions per year to run including the developer salaries.
As long as Garmin keeps innovating and differentiating from the competition in HARDWARE, they don’t really need to offer so many features in software end. How does tracking shoes help them sell more GPS watches?
A company like MapMyRun, which is now owned by Under Armor (a HUGE apparel company) has more motivation to add things like shoe tracking. You can easily imagine them predicting when your shoes need to be replaced and targeting sales of their shoes at you (or shirts, or shorts, or…)
For more features, you really need to look to other software solutions; there are many out there. I have my favorite, but I am biased. :)
Ok, without getting into endless debates, I agree, Garmin’s selling point are the devices, not the online tools. But if there is anything to learn from Apple, it’s that to be successful you should look beyond devices (i.e. consider a integrated ecosystem like itunes). This is especially true in times where smartphones are increasingly reducing the niche for specialized running tech gear.
Adding the features I mentioned don’t cost much compared to the running costs of the platform. If Garmin really needs the cash, they could easily link it up with some third party company, e.g. a link to an online retailer when your shoes reach a certain mileage.
In the end, it’s also about increasing customer loyalty. If my Garmin is broken and Polar is offering an equally good or better device, I’ll switch brands. (That’s what I did the other way around by purchasing the 220.) If the online platform that comes with the device is well developed and contains all my running history, I have a good reason to stick to it, even if the competition offers better devices.
Garmin makes around $3 billion in sales – they’re not totally incompetent. I would wager the design and management team knows these issues intimately and discusses them often. Don’t you think? I mean.. it’s a publicly traded company. So they’re obliged by law if nothing else. LOL.
Speaking with -A LOT- of Garmin users, there are a huge percentage that never download. Never use Garmin Connect. At all. I bet it’s well over 50%. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the people using the online service consistently (over the life of when they own the watch) is 1 in 20.Then you toss in all the other divisions (aviation, marine, golfing! golfing for pete sakes!), it’s really down to a small niche of consumers using GC.
Vendor lock-in is a two edged sword. Consumers today are savvy and information flows freely.
It’s funny but you know… users have asked for gear tracking for 4 years. And it hasn’t come. And every year the Garmin fitness division is like a money printing machine. Even in the face smartphones. And Polar, And Suunto. Crazy.
I agree 100% with both of you. GC is awful. There are free web-based solutions that are far, far better than GC. Garmin does H/W very, very well. So well that of all the runners I know using a GPS-enabled watch I don’t know a single one using a Suunto or Polar or other competitor. Sometimes when I forget my watch (which won’t be happening now that I have a 220 that I will be using as a day-to-day watch) I use my smartphone which works great but who wants to run with one of those in your hand or strapped to your body?
Looks like Garmin actually decided it was time for an overhaul of GC:
link to garmin.blogs.com
Let’s hope it’s not just a design and social upgrade, but also addressing some more technical shortcomings of the existing version.
Hi,
I was looking at getting a Garmin but I am not sure whether to go with the Forerunner 620 or 220. I am training to do a half marathon and the key feature I would like to be included is quick satellite reception.
Would you also please be able to tell me how the Forerunner 610 and 210 compares to the 620 and 220.
Thanks heaps
The FR620/220 are noticably quicker than the FR610/210. In general, I find I get satellite in about 5-15 second with the FR620/220, whereas it could be anywhere from 15 seconds to 1-2 minutes with the FR610/210.
Thanks Ray. Based on this review, I just purchased the device. I look forward to comparing it to the Nike+ I have been suffering with for over a year.
Again a very thorough review.
I own the FR31-XT based on your review, but, I have huge problems to upload the workout to 3rd party like Strava or Training Center, the ANT program shuts down all the time, which is a constant annoynce.
My eyes are now on the FR220 which according to your review allows uploading per USB as well, a valuable feature I could not even find in the manual.
Since I use the FR only for running outside (0F – 104F) what running watch would you recommend?
For running recommendations, check out my GPS recommendations guide (recent), which covers all the different running scenarios by categories: link to dcrainmaker.com
Hi Ray,
Do you know if there is any way to turn off the internal accelerometer or remove the cadence data from the workout on Garmin Connect? I use the watch also for biking and the internal accelerometer gives kinda funky data and graphs (could be used to monitor road quality :) )
Thanks and regards,
Levente
No, I’m not aware of any method, sorry!
Hi Ray,
Do you find that using it for other activities (e.g., riding) has any impact on the data it collects to calibrate the accelerometer? I like to record my workouts that aren’t necessarily running as well, but wasn’t sure if it had any impact on the way the accelerometer calibrates. Just curious what others have found. Or do you turn of the GPS for these activities?
Alison
Can you see your heart rate on the FR220 prior to starting your run? Or only once you are running will the Heart Rate stat show on the data pages?
Yes, no problem. It’ll show data fields and then whenever you feel like it you can start the activity. This is a bit different than most other watches that annoyingly don’t allow you to see data fields when in a paused/not-started state.
Okay, perfect. I’m looking to purchase a gps running watch with heart rate monitor for my mom who runs (both indoor and out) as a birthday gift. She is hard of hearing so I think the vibration alerts is a big plus. I have an older Polar FT60 that I use for general workouts indoors and love to be able to see my starting heart rate prior to beginning the workout. I noticed that flaw on a couple of your other reviews. I think the FR220 will be a great fit for her. Thanks again for the speedy reply.
Thanks for the great review! I use a 310 and love it.. but as I age my eyes are getting worse and I can only see it if one data field is displayed at a time and I hate to run or bike with my reading glasses. Is the screen on the FR220 easier to read than the 310? Have you done comparisons of text size of different models?
I haven’t compared actual text size. But, I find the contrast a little sharper on the FR220 than the 310XT.
I’m in similar situation regarding eyesight. Can’t compare with 310. But it’s much more readable then Suunto M4 I had before. 220 is much more readable despite the fact that with 3 field display text ends up smaller. Absolutely love back-light – it’s actually readable and can stay on whole workout without draining much battery.
I realize that the platform for the 220/620 is closed, but I was wondering if anyone has come up with a “jail break” type modification for the Garmin products. Adding indoor swimming metrics via the accelerometer as well as text / call, etc notifications via bluetooth would be great adds to an already great product. Thanks!
Hi Ray,
Thanks so much for the in-depth reviews! On the strength of them, I got my the FR220, my first ever running watch, last month.
Overall I like it a lot . There are a couple of things that are at odds with your review and I was wondering if you could help me bring clarity to them:
1. GPS-cache.I run out of work a lot and it still takes more than 2-3 mins for the GPS to latch on from the same starting spot. My understanding is that, the watch “remembers” the satellite and then connects immediately. But this does not happen at all. So my question is: does this depend on location/presence of buildings in the area or a problem with my watch.
2. The auto-pause feature is way too sensitive. I’ve set it to stop at 12:00 min/mile, 20 min/mile pace and even “stop” but it takes at least 15 seconds of the watch stopping and starting before it “realizes” that I am on the move again. So that was really disappointing.
Just wondering if I was missing something there or if that has been the experience with you too?
Thanks so much again!
Sanjay
I have found this to be a big issue as well.
I received my 220 a few days ago and have put about 20 miles on it and am, overall, extremely happy with it with one exception: the Auto-Pause feature. I used this for many years on my older 205 and 305 watches (with pace smoothing set to “more”) and found it quite useful. No matter what I do with the 220 pausing threshold it just does not ‘work’ like the old watches. It constantly pauses and unpauses as I run. I finally turned it off, but I’m a little bummed out that this feature, at least for me, just plain doesn’t work.
Several people complain about the auto-pause feature and all of them seem to have set some threshold manually. Initially, I did the same (15, then 20) and encountered odd behavior. Now I have put it on the default setting (“when stopped”) and it works fine (apart from the normal 2-3s delay). I don’t use for “walking stops” though, i.e. I only expect it to pause when I’m really stopping (at traffic lights, for a pit stop etc).
Those of you complaining about auto-pause, have you tried the default value? Does it work for you?
Who is been copied?
link to blog.sina.cn
I’ve noticed less-than-optimal cadence measurements with my 220 (sometimes it measures half-cadence), as well as some GPS inaccuracies (even with the current firmware and GPS updates). Have you seen the same thing? Here are a few activities to sink your teeth into:
50K Race: link to connect.garmin.com
5mi. run (bad cadence): link to connect.garmin.com
8+ mi. run (funky cadence drop): link to connect.garmin.com
For what it’s worth, Garmin has offered to exchange the product, but it would be hard for me to be without ANY watch for up to two weeks, so I have yet to take them up on it, hoping the firmware updates take care of my issues. Any thoughts?
Kevin, Garmin swapped my FR210 for another a while back and I insisted that they allow me to keep the current until the new one arrives, so I wasn’t without one. They either charged me for one and then credited me when they received my old one or at least kept my credit card info on file in case I didn’t return the old. I don’t see any reason they couldn’t do this for you.
Thanks, Ken – Garmin replied saying essentially the same thing.
I put in another run last night, and the cadence seems to be SLOWLY getting more accurate, although it still drops at un-explainable sections in the run.
Here is the link: link to connect.garmin.com
I read somewhere that perhaps the internal accelerometer has a calibration period where it learns something about the user – perhaps this is what I’m experiencing (or perhaps I’m mis-informed)? I still have yet to get a perfect graph of cadence like I’ve seen here. I’m staying in touch with Garmin on this, and will post if/when the issue is resolved.
The zoom tools are tough to use on Garmin Connect, but it looks to me like the cadence is periodically dropping by approximately half for one sample. Unless you’re hopping on one foot, it clearly seems like a sensor/firmware bug. Doesn’t it?
Aaron,
I agree. On that particular activity, the only times the cadence drops to zero (twice), I had paused the watch. Those are accurate. Something is causing a “half” reading at strange points. My first run registered with surprisingly poor readings and nearly half of the run was measured this way. Perhaps I have a bad device. I just didn’t want to worry if it’s merely a sensor limitation, and I was within the norm for accuracy.
I’ve been noticing odd heart rate curves in the first couple of minutes in the beginning of my runs. Here is an example of my two latest runs.
What is causing this ?
Attached picture:
link to dl.dropboxusercontent.com
Rgs
It’s semi-standard HR drops/spikes. As I noted in the , I saw the vast majority of it be solved with the new strap, but not quite 100%. Usually if I do see issues it’s generally in the first few minutes. link to dcrainmaker.com
I have done some testing recently and it seem that is my 220 that is causing this issue. I have looked at some historical activities never noticed this on my Garmin 800 or Iphone with the same strap (4iiii Innovations V100).
What is making even more odd is that if I turn GPS mode off and use it indoors on treadmill I get correct HR curve.
Rgs
Following up on another post regarding GPS sampling rate; does any one know if it is possible to increase the frequency in sampling rate for the 220? A friend and I ran last weekend–he was using the Garmin 910. His segment times were faster according to Strava — even though he was behind me (!). Strava folks say his sampling rate was much higher. Big bummer for the 220 when it comes to running and Strava!
No, unfortunately not possible – it’s set/stuck on Smart Recording. Your friend’s 910XT can be set for 1-second recording.
Wow, thanks for you reply. That is a pretty big fail IMO, especially as Stava has moved more toward running. It sort of invalidates times depending on device.
I have a question regarding the HRM-Run … I understand that the running dynamics numbers are only available with the 620 but the strap works with with the 220 as well (but only provides HR). I thought I read in one of your responses that maybe Garmin will update the firmware someday on the 220 to include the running dynamics on the 220 as well. Do you see that as a possibility? Or will they reserve it for the 620 for the foreseeable future?
I bought the 220 because I prefer buttons over the touch interface. And I’m using an old ANT strap from an older Garmin watch (305) which works just fine for HR with the 220. But I’d like to start looking at running dynamics and if the HRM-Run will support that on the 220 at some point, I’ll buy that strap.
And finally, is the individual running dynamic data viewable to the user (namely HR variability) or just the VO2 max that it calculates along with rest/recovery time … ?
Thanks!
There’s pretty much no chance that Running Dynamics will hit the FR220. From an end-user standpoint, it’s the VO2Max, Recovery Time, and Race Predictor. Plus all the cadence/vertical oscillation/ground contact time components.
I just exited the land of Nike+ and ordered my 220 bundle. I am considering investing in a footpod as well for my occasional indoor runs. While I don’t run fast and I don’t run inside very often, it sounds like a footpod is better than the internal accelerometer for my indoor jaunts.
Has the issue with the footpod recording over the GPS been fixed? (I looked through the comments but didn’t see a resolution although I could have missed it)
Also if I bought the footpod, could I/would I want to leave the pod at home most of the time when I go running outside in order to preserve the GPS readings if the issue hasn’t been fixed?
Yes, the footpod now doesn’t override GPS.
Does this or some other device work with a stationary cycle or elliptical for distance, pace calories and heart rate
While testing the FR220, did you notice that when charging the face always reads at 100%? Right out of the box, the watch said it was 100% charged. And now when I’m attempting to charge it fully for the second time when I know the battery is fully drained, it still reads that it’s 100% fully charged. This is incredibly frustrating as I have no way of knowing if it’s truly fully charged. Did you ever encounter this problem?
Thank you!
I did find the update that corrected the issue with the battery report. Thank you for posting your review of the FR220 though, it’s great to know I have this to refer to. It’s much more in depth than anything else I’ve found.
I purchased and use the edge 510 for cycling. Everything works perfect both on the unit and on GC. I recently purchased the 220 and for some reason my phone can not recognize the 220 device but has no problem picking other bluetooth devices.
Do you have any suggestions with pairing the device so I can see both devices in GC?
The phone control panel won’t recognize it, only within the app (for the FR220), for the Edge, it shows up in the control panel too.
Android users go check your PlayStore , the new GCMob 2.0 is there.
I had installed the old verson for the 510/810, clicked upgrade, 30 seconds later it was running the new V2.0 on my Nexus 4.
I have the FR220 with firmware 2.2, I have the Garmin Connect app on my iPhone 5s and it say software update available but it’s not showing up on my watch and I can’t tap on anything on the app to start the update. When I go to settings on my watch and then software update it says to go to Garmin Connect to check for updates. Am I missing a step to be able to do the software update from my phone app, I thought I could do it when my watch and phone are connected by Bluetooth?
Hmm, it should come over. Sounds a bit odd. Is this with the new iPhone app as of yesterday, or the older one? In either scenario, I’d check out the Garmin Forums (forums.garmin.com) as well.
I submitted a ticket and this is the response I got from Garmin:
Unfortunately, the Garmin Connect mobile app would only allow you to upload your activities via the iPhone. You would still need to physically connect it to a computer and use Garmin Express to update the software on the device.
I’m not sure what else to do, from your screen shots I see where it ask you if you want to install the update but mine doesn’t give me that option. I have the latest iphone app but there’s no send to device option. Am I missing a step?
Yippee…finally support on Garmin Connect app for Android released yesterday. Haven’t tried yet but will do tonight. Hopefully works with my Samsung GSIII !!
link to forums.garmin.com
Garmin Connect 2.0
The Android update is now available on the Google Play store.
Whats new?
Updated app requires Android version 4.0+ (Any lower version of Android will continue to get 1.3.2)
Forerunner 220/620 support on select Android devices*
New user interface
vívofit™ support*
Support for connecting, sharing and competing with friends
*Requires Bluetooth Low Energy support/hardware and Android version 4.3 or above
Last edited by KROWLEY3; Yesterday at 06:16 PM.
Here’s what Garmin said about compatibility with my Droid RAZR Max HD and the recent Garmin Connect. Motorola has an update to Droid 4.4 in Q1 2014.
Mike
Mike:
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
For the Forerunner 220 to connect to a phone it needs to be Bluetooth Smart compatible. Bluetooth Smart is a low energy, power-efficient technology that can be found in some of the newer Smartphones on the market today. Several Garmin devices* utilize Bluetooth Smart to wirelessly sync with these Smartphones when they are running the Garmin Connect Mobile app. The following is a list of phones that Garmin has tested and deemed compatible to work with our Bluetooth Smart devices:
Android (Requires phone to be running Android 4.3 or higher):
HTC One
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung Galaxy S3
Samsung Galaxy S4
Apple:
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5
iPhone 5C
iPhone 5S
Garmin will attempt to keep this list up to date with the most popular Smartphones that feature Bluetooth Smart technology however it will be possible that a particular model may exist and appear to work but not be listed as compatible.
If your Smartphone is not listed above it is possible for it to be compatible if it meets the following requirements:
Apple iOS 7.0 and above
Android 4.3 OS and above
Bluetooth 4.0 capable
Garmin Connect Mobile is not compatible with Windows OS phones. If you are not sure or have questions about your phone’s specifications please consult with your wireless provider or phone manufacturer.
*BLE compatible devices include: Forerunner 220, Forerunner 620, and vivofit
I’m in the market for a new watch, I’m having problems with my current Polar FT4 & am trying to decide if something different would be better. I do a lot of strength training type exercising so need something that calculates heart rate & calories, but I also run quite a bit too. I’m curious if there’s a watch that is good for both types of exercising. I have running apps on my phone but I would like to find something that is both good at counting calories & heart rate while doing strength exercises & also has the ability to track my runs.
The FR220 will use HR to determine calories, even while indoors – similar to the Polar FT4. The key difference is that while outdoors, the FR220 will use GPS to automatically determine distance/pace/etc…
The unit doesn’t track a weight room workout though beyond HR. Meaning, it doesn’t track which machines, etc… The closest you can get is the Adidas Smart Run GPS unit – which does walk you through a workout (including machines), but doesn’t actually measure what you did at each machine. Check out my review up above for more info.
I was looking for a device to use similarly and was pointed toward the FR220. It’s a perfect fit if you’re looking for a good GPS watch, but doesn’t have the training programs my Polar FT60 did. Still, I’m thrilled with my purchase, and love having a GPS watch that I can use for regular workouts, too.
Hello I have the Forerunner 220 but I find that the band is pretty small when you run with a warm and thick top (I’m from Canada actually). I don’t find any larger wristband with velcro to change on the Garmin website. It there anything that fit with the 220? Thanks for your advice.
Thanks for the great review.
What happens when you turn 1 mile auto-lap on, and then during the run you manually press lap? Will the data for both the per mile lap data be recorded as well as the manual lap up to when you pressed lap, and the next 1 mile alert will start from the last time you pressed lap?
If I use auto-pause, is it possible for me to track the time I rested at the traffic stops? Or if I want to track the stop time at traffic light, I should turn auto-pause off and use manual lap at traffic lights? Basically I want to be able to track my run excluding the stop time, yet know how much time I rested total due to traffic stops.
It’ll reset the lap. There’s only one counter for laps, and it’s controlled whether you use autolap or manual lap.
Yes, with auto-pause you could look later on at Garmin Connect and see an Elapsed Time and Moving Time, so you can just do the difference between them to see stopped time.
Hi again. Your advise a few weeks ago led me to purchase the FR220 and I have to say I love it, absolutely no regrets. The GPS is fast to pick up, and accurate, as is the accelerometer for indoor runs. I’ve used it for non-running workouts like weight and circuit training to continue to track my heart rate and I love it. I’m a smaller frame woman, and it adjusts to my tiny wrist perfectly. My only issue has been with the HR strap rubbing at the bottom edge, just under the snap in unit. I used the soft (and more comfortable) polar straps for years and never had this issue. I read about your lady’s BandAid fix and will try that for my next run, after my current chafe mark heals. My question is, does the FR220 HRM work with Polar straps? If so, any certain one? I saw the previous Garmin strap snapped onto the device from the ends, leaving a gap under the device. Has anyone said that caused less chafing in the area I’m having trouble with? Thanks again…this site is an amazing resource!
The pod works with Polar straps, here’s a bit more detail: link to dcrainmaker.com
Honestly though, in most cases it still pressed the strap in the same spot, which means chaffing is still likely a scenario there (it was for me when I last tried it).
Hm. Ok, I’ll do some experimenting and report back. It’s a bummer…I used 2 different models of Polar straps and 2 models of Polar transmitters, for anywhere from 4-8 hours of workouts a week for 3 years and never a single irritation. The Garmin soft-strap and transmitter combo left me raw by the end of the 1st week, on my second long run. Fingers crossed that the Polar strap or BandAid is a fix!
Hi Ray —
I’m considering switching from my FR70 to a 220. Battery life for iron-distance tri’s is a concern, however. Naturally, I’d like to come out with a single activity file for the entire event, and I ain’t finishing in under 10 hours ;)
I’ll have an Edge 500 on the bike, and I don’t care much about swim metrics, so coupled with price and form factor, 910s and 310s are both unnecessary and unappealing.
So my questions are:
With the 220, would it be possible to begin the race in “indoor mode” (GPS off), and then switch it to “outdoor mode” (and pick up GPS) in T2, without starting a new activity? This is the battery life workaround I had in mind, but I’m not sure if the device will cooperate.
Coming out of the water, will the 220 will pick up my HRM with a simple cycle through the menus? With the FR70, I do this in T1 to find the HRM, and again in T2 to find the footpod.
I’m also a bit concerned that my ex-post data could be fouled up by whatever the 220’s accelerometer will report during the swim and bike portions, but that’s relatively minor. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
With the FR220, it’d be separate activities. But honestly, that’s not that big of a deal. You could practice that and I could get the entire process down to 3-5 seconds. And realistically, satellite pickup will be instant since you’re in the same spot you were 5 seconds prior.
It’ll pickup you HRM automatically.
As for data during the swim/bike, it’ll be funky for cadence, but otherwise distance is fine on bike with GPS (useless on swim either way).
I may have missed this on an earlier post, if so I apologize. Can I turn all of the GPS and tracking functions off and just use the heart rate monitor on either the 210 or 220? I want to use it for calorie counting both while I run, with GPS or during a tread mill run, and then when I go to the gym to lift weights and swim, stair climber, or elliptical. Is this possible with either of these or should I look in a different direction?
Yes, if you turn them off it’ll just use the HR strap for calorie monitoring indoors.
I know how to turn off the GPS function. How do I turn off the other tracking functions. When it is measuring only HR, the watch keeps wanting to go to turn off to go to battery saving mode.
To put the FR220 into indoor mode: Menu > Settings > System > GPS > Off
Thank you for answering this question! I’ve been trying to figure out the same thing!
Ray —
First let me say that your “Review” has been more useful to me than even the Garmin PDF Manual. Thanks for your effort and thoroughness!
I am a competitive rower (sculler) and have been using a Forerunner 205 mounted in front of me in my single shell for 4 years, more-or-less happily. But now it’s time to upgrade — to a Forerunner 220 (FR205 was released in Jan, 2006). I’ve been playing with my new FR220 for a few days — running, because the river’s still iced over. I like it so far, and so far there’s only one bummer — namely, you cannot manually start a new lap when on Auto-pause (unlike the FR205). This would not be a problem for runners, but a rower has to stop rowing in order to press the lap-reset button. Also, I like to start my intervals (rowers call them “pieces”) from a dead start.
Any comments and/or advice?
Hmm, what about with manual stop (non-auto-pause)? I’ve often done the same style of pausing, but hadn’t tried it on the FR220 and laps there with auto pause.
Awesome review!
I know you’re still probably a few weeks from your Suunto Ambit2 R review, but have you had enough time with the Ambit2 R to be able to recommend either the Garmin FR 220 or the Ambit2 R one over the other in terms of training features, GPS accuracy, etc.? I’ve been pretty set on purchasing the FR 220, but am going to miss the Virtual Partner feature. I see that the Ambit2 R will have access to a number of apps including the Ghost Runner app that would mimic Virtual Partner.
Also, I find Garmin Connect to be perfect for my needs. How does Suunto’s data tracking site compare?
Accuracy they are pretty much the same. Realistically some of the apps will differentiate them slightly, but you’ve got two pretty similar watches, with the biggest differences being connectivity (Bluetooth, Live Tracking, etc…).
People tend to be split on whether they prefer GC or Suunto. They both have minor pros and cons.
Which one did you pick?…….im in a similar dilemma.
Thanks
Just a heads-up: the current firmware (2.50) apparently fixes the problem reported above when using the 220 together with a foot pod (according to users on the Garmin forum, haven’t tried it out). Prioritization again works as it should — as long as you have GPS, it’s used.
Not sure if they changed something about the foot pod calibration feature (my foot pod arrives next week only).
Cheers, Kaspar
Hi,
I bought this watch a few weeks back after reading your very thorough and enjoyable review.
I am fairly happy with it but last week I tried out the Workouts for the first time. Greate feature – in theory.
However in practice the workout feature is next to useless due to the hypersensitive and inaccurate pace measurements triggering alerts every 20 seconds or so.
My watch is quite new and has the (latest) software version 2.5 the pace measurement swings wildly from too fast to too low. On a second attempt I increased the gap between my limits to a whole minute i.e. min: 6 max: 7 Min/KM aiming to keep a pace of 6:30 per KM but to no avail. Still got alerts every 20 seconds or so. As far as I am concerned this “feature” is unusable – pity.
Thanks for the review,
Regards,
John
Hmm, I’ve had pretty good results recently within 20s brackets (i.e. if targeting 6:30, I’d go with 6:20-6:40.)
When looking at your instant pace, are you seeing a lot of fluctuation while running steady? If so, consider hitting up Garmin and see if they can get it all settled.
I’m a fan of the slow/fast pace alerts and I use them often. Perhaps what you’re learning is that your pace varies more than you think. If you’re like me and you run on hilly terrain then you will certain experience more than a minute pace change between running on the flat vs running up a hill. I suggest that you practice with your pace settings on a flat course, such as at a running track, and I think you’ll learn a great deal about your real running pace. For me, I have to either set my pace to have a range of 1-2 minutes, or simply set only the slow or the fast pace alert, but not both. I hope this helps.
Hi Simon,
thank you for the reply and the suggestions.
You are probably right about my pace varying more than I think especially at the start of my run although unlike you, I run in a more or less flat city with no mentionable climbs or descents.
Since my last post I have used the workouts three more times. On two runs I set no pace thresholds for the first 2 KM warm up phase of the workout at all and on another run a very broad range. This way, I had plenty of time to settle into a steady pace before the second phase of the workout with thresholds set.
Through observation, I also understand more how the pace measurement seems to work. As a result I can almost predict its behavior and have less of a problem with it. It seems that the pace calculation works in such a way that it results in a certain time lag, i.e. if it triggers an alarm because I am running too fast and I slow down, it takes more than just a few seconds to calculate this. In fact the alarm sometimes trigger again at least once if not two times before it settles down.
I also suspect the GPS signal reception is playing a role – out in the open (in parks or woodland) I get as good as no alarms but near the finish of my workout (I live in a an inner city residential area with 3-4 story houses left and right) I tend to get alarms again even though i try to keep the same pace. Similarly when taking sharp bends or turning street corners, I presume this affects the distance calculation and hence the pace.
I’ll keep trying as it is a nice feature.
Kind Regards,
John
Hi Rainmaker,
I ran regularly for two years just using a normal watch on pre-measured routes and my natural pace is usually very constant – 6:30 / km.
If the 220 is using GPS to measure the pace then maybe the problem lies with the GPS signal. Last time I used it, I did notice that for certain longer periods in more open ground the watch stopped alerting me for several minutes, but when the environment became a little more built up, it started to go hyper-sensitive again. The overall pace measurement seems to be quite accurate.
Do you know is it possible to switch the basis for the pace measurement from GPS to the internal accelerometer?
I also noticed that there is another place in the menu-tree where you can set pacing alerts i.e. under Settings / Activity Settings / Alerts / Pace. Do you know if these are independent of the alerts used when the watch performs a workout?
Regards,
John
Does the watch display overall pace for the current run? I do run/walk intervals so current pace isn’t super helpful. Not sure how the lap feature works? Also when setting up intervals for run/walk can you set target paces for each? Lastly, is it possible to set up interval paces in seconds? Example run 30 seconds/walk 30 seconds? I currently use a phone app that does what I need but I’m tired of dropping my phone and not sure GPS is accurate sometimes.
Yes, average pace (for the whole run) is one of the pace options. A lot of people use that for a race, I included.
Yes – all of these things are possible. You can create any combination of pace/time etc intervals using custom workouts. Overall pace and lap pace are available.
[Update]: When I originally published this review, the mobile app was not yet updated for the FR220. Since then, it has become available for iOS. I’ve added an updated section into my FR620 review showing how it works there, and I’ve used it on the FR220 (the usage/functions are 100% identical to the FR620) as well without issue, but just haven’t quite yet written it up here. I’ll be doing that shortly. In the meantime, check out the FR620 review to see how it works. Note that Garmin has not yet released the Android version, and has stated that’s coming in Q1 2014, so sometime between January and March 2014. Please letme know about ur update !
Sorry, yes, the Android app is out now (came out Feb 20th). On the iOS side, things work fairly well for most (not without glitches, though, I just saw an update yesterday). On the Android side, it’s a mixed bag – in large part depending on which phone you have.
Android BLE support varies wildly by exact phone, with some being good, and some being ugly. Thus for things like quick uploads it’s easy (since an app can simply retry). But for Live Tracking and sensors, it tends to be much more ‘visible’ to the end user. Had two rather enlightening discussions on this with the Strava folks and another company at MWC a few weeks ago.
All that said, I’ve still got to simply edit/update the above section with how it works on the app. I’ve used it, taken the photos and screenshots with the FR220…just need to add it in. Sorry!
I’ve definitely had mixed results on Android with my Nexus 5. The pairing resets every time bluetooth is switched off / phone reboots. Because of where I work, that’s every day for me, and usually just before I run! Once re-paired, it connects and syncs to GC fine. Sounds like the underlying Android bluetooth stack is at fault and inconsistent across hardware. Samsung seem to get the best results.
Gingerneil – how did you pair your Nexus 5 with FR220? I’ve update to the latest firmware (v2.50) and still can’t pair my watch. It’s ‘Ready to Pair’ all the time but the phone doesn’t seem to connect to it.
Thanks.
It pairs in the app – not the main bluetooth settings. Fails now and then, but retry and it works fine. Set the 220 into pairing mode, and then hit start in the app. Nothing special.
Please ignore my previous question. I’d tried to pair using Android Bluetooth setting. Using Garmin Mobile Connect and could pair now.
Thanks anyway.
thanks for the reply i’ll wait for pics and screenshots .. ;-)
I used the 220 with the strap while on the treadmill. The treadmill did not pick up my HR and when I hold the handles to measure my HR the watch doesn’t register accurate distance. GPS was disabled. Is there something I need to make the gym equipment to read the HR?
There’s only one treadmill to my knowledge that supports ANT+ heart rate straps, made by Woodway, and about $10K a shot.
Unfortunately, only analog straps are supported on 99% of treadmills, and ANT+ is all digital.
Thank you so much. This explains it well. For indoor running (I am mostly on the treadmill) and to avoid inaccurate distance readings when I am holding the bars, is the foot pod the best way to go? Is there a link to a food pod that goes with the Garmin 220?
The footpod would indeed solve it. There’s a link in the very last table at the end of the review (right before the comments).
Though (if I may), I would generally recommend instead slightly slowing the speed of the treadmill and not holding on. There’s a substantial difference from a workout standpoint in holding on vs not. Just my two cents…
Thank you so much for your in-depth instructions on how to get the most out of the 220. The instruction booklet is pretty much worthless. I just purchased the 220 and everything seems to be in good working order except I can’t get the clock to show the correct time when I have it set to AUTO. The GPS is working. Out of the box the time says it’s 5:11 but it’s actually 10:11 over where I am. I’ve set everything back to default and same thing. I can manually set it but I’m thinking I shouldn’t have to do that. Can you help me figure this out. If it should be automatically changing when I’m connected to GPS then I’m thinking my watch is defective. HELP!!! Thanks a bunch!!!
If you haven’t had a chance yet, do an update on the watch to get the latest time zone map. Then head back outside and ensure it gets full GPS.
You’ll use Garmin Express to get the software updates for the FR220.
Thank you so much!!!!
Hello there again: Okay, so I updated my watch through Garmin Express, updated zone map, and then updated on my watch. It all went through smoothly. I went outside with my GPS and the clock still stayed the same…..7 hours ahead of what my actual time is. So aggravated. Do you think I should return my watch and get another one.
My guess is resetting the watch would probably fix it. Failing that, a quick ring to Garmin support in the morning should get you up and running quickly. I’ve actually not heard of that particular issue noted here, but as is the case with almost every electronic device – resetting generally goes a long way*.
*Said as an IT person…
I have only run with my 220 a few times, but today it started beeping and vibrating at me like crazy, so I turned off all of the alerts as well as the scroll feature..leaving me with only my 1st data screen which displays lap time/distance/pace At the end of my run it only recorded 1.5 laps, However, when I log onto garminconnect, it has recorded my entire distance via satellite on the map, but not part of my run??? Any idea why? Thanks so much.
hello again ! i have a another question .. my watch is a garmin forerunner 405 but now im having probems with the battery charge , i have to decide between FR 610 OR FR 220 wich one would you recommend me , THANk you ;-)
If a runner, I’d recommend the FR220. If you’re doing running and cycling, then you’d have to think more carefully on which features are valuable to you.
yes , runner ! thank you very much
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the great reviews.
Personal question. Do you use features on the FR620 that aren’t available on the FR220, and what made you chose to use the FR620 over the FR220 (I thought I saw somewhere this is your main watch right now)? I’m trying to decide between the two watches.
I’m a fairly competitive runner (post collegiate (30yo), ~60miles per week, workouts & races in the mid 16 for 5K), and wasn’t sure if the extra features on the FR620 actually are useful/accurate (VO2, recovery, dynamics) in terms of performing/planning workouts. I do see that the features of extra data screens, wifi uploads, and touchscreen would be nice to have.
For me, it’s primarily the data fields (four per screen) that’s the main item. It’s not 100% break or make for me, but it’s what I personally prefer. I’ve gone a month+ though using solely the FR220 without issue though, so again, it all works out.
I think the Running Dynamics and Recovery/VO2 max features are ‘interesting’, and geeky-cool, but ultimately, they have zero impact on my training.
Thanks for your response. I’ll have to weigh the additional features of the 620 to its cost increase, as I like the idea of those extra features, but not 100% sure of their utility/accuracy/reliability long term.
I’m coming from a 9-year old Polar S625X, which has the recovery & VO2 calc, however they needed to be done separate from runs, which I never did. Their footpod and GPS for distance/speed never worked out for me.
Hi, i just found out your site (what a bummer..) will be here for the long run.
So im a mid-new with the running business. My best distance was 15k (1hour 3xmin) so far and im taking a HM race this May. All these time I use Nike+ to track my distance, pace etc. And I’ve decided to invest a gps watch before the race, im hoping you could make a suggestion to which watch Im going to buy. it’ll be either the Suunto Ambit2 R or the Garmin Forerunner 220. Suggestion please?
Note:i always run with my ipod.
It depends a little bit on what you’re looking for. If it helps, I’ll likely be publishing my Ambit 2R review next week. Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not you find the Bluetooth connectivity pieces worthwhile (which are lacking on the 2R).
i dont fancy much on bluetooth connectivity much, though Garmin has one advantage that is vibration alert. but im really looking forward on the ambit 2R review. i appreciate what you do here, with the review and all..thank you sir.
I just received my Forerunner 220 (upgraded from 405). I’ve loaded it into Garmin Connect and downloaded my training plans. Is there a way to connect via the Ant Stick or do I need to plug in via USB each time?
Only via USB or Bluetooth Smart (via your mobile phone with the Garmin Connect Mobile app).
Is there a way to disable the pacing in increments of 5’s and show actual pace? If not, is this possibly an update in the future?
No. I don’t expect to see that change. It’s been discussed a fair bit above. Ultimately, it’s going to smooth data one way or another. It all kind comes out in the wash.
Hi Ray,
Gotta say your Reviews are top dollar for info and really helpful. Having said that I’m pretty new to the sports watch community and getting pretty lost in translation with making my decision. I’m currently running, road cycling and x-country skiing (skating style) and in the market for a sports heart rate watch. Cycling sensor isn’t that important for me really as I would probably add the likes of an Edge device to the bike later and then can if I’m right use the HRM heart rate strap with both devices, or am I wrong with that?
My main interest in the Garmin is I hear their GPS is more realiable than other brands in the same price bracket and a lot quicker in picking up the signal?
I’m also not sure the extra features of the 620 are really for me worth the extra cash, even if they seem interesting for number crunching stats. My main question here I think is will the 220 be ok for using when x-country skiing? Purely for heart rate, distance, lap time etc…. And maps when downloading to mobile or laptop after? Yes I’ve looked at the Sunnto AmbitR but still the extra features and money just seem a lot for my needs. My mobile goes everywhere with me pretty much so Bluetooth although not a great tool can be for me pretty handy with a quick transfer to the mobile app. Any advice would be great for a newbie here…….
Cheers again and keep the great reviews coming.
Matt
So I love this watch but the other day it died on me. I went home and charged it overnight, now only halfway through my day it’s back to less then half ?
Does the 220 have the elevation feature for one of the fields? I’m assuming not, but I’d like to make sure. I scrolled through the comments as far as my brain would take me and didn’t see anything so I apologize if it is a repeat question.
No, it does not.
elevation was added in firmware version 2.80
hi does the fr220 have a per second update of the gps feature.
The FR220 updates the GPS every second on the display, however, it records data using ‘Smart Recording’, which means the data is plotted generally every 3-7 seconds.
Hey Ray sorry if you already covered this but since the 220 has a built in accelerometer can you use it like the Vivofit and track your daily steps? If so does it sync up with the new Garmin Connect? Or is it strictly for running with no hopes of seeing vivofit like features. Also any word on cycling features for it?
No plans to bring that functionality to either the FR220 or FR620. It’s a different battery profile on how that would work.
Have you had trouble with sending workouts to the watch? I have contacted Garmin about 6 times with problems having the workouts load to the watch. I am using the sprint tri level 1 program. Even after deleting old files I still have trouble getting more than one or two workouts to show up under my workouts… Even though when I upload, it says it sent 30 plus workouts. When I look at the files on the computer it shows they are there but when I turn the watch on, there are only one or two. Currently, I can’t get ANY to load, even though they show up on the computer when I plug the watch into the computer and look at files.
Android support is available as of March 19th. The app is called: “Garmin Connect Mobile” on the Google Play store. Version 1.3.3 3.90MB
“We’ve been working diligently to support the Forerunner 220 and Forerunner 620 and we can now report that these watches are supported in this release on select Android devices (For compatible devices visit link to Garmin.com). Thanks to everyone for your patience on this! This release also has the following new features:
– New user interface
– vivofit support
– Support for connecting, sharing, and competing with friends”
Yup, it was actually released back on Feb 20th. :)
I downloaded a training calendar to my 220 but now I want to delete it. How do you do this? I’ve tried everything!!! Thank you so much for helping me through this.
Just bought the 220 after my well-loved 405 died. Is it possible to use the 405 charger to charge the 220? It seems you can put the USB from the 220 into the wall charger part of the 405 charger and stick that in the wall plug. Would this somehow be detrimental to the life of the 220? Sorry if this has been asked and answered already. Couldn’t find any info.
No, different connector to the watch.
Of course, you can easily use the USB charging block (that’s universal) with either watch. Enjoy!
Sorry, I guess I didn’t phrase the question correctly (it sounded right in my head) but you answered my question. I can take the charging block from the 405 (the part you actually plug in the wall) and stick the USB charger from the 220 in it in order to avoid charging the 220 through my laptop.
Thanks for your wonderful and thorough reviews. Really helps when making a decision.
Yup, absolutely. I do it constantly while travelling the world. Enjoy!
Great review of the 220. I recently read your review of the Ambit2R as well and I am having trouble deciding between the two. Seems like interface might be better with 220, but the Ambit2R might be less buggy. Is that fair and do you suggest one over the other? I know that is a difficult question but curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
I would ultimately look at how much the mobile features are of value, or the custom workout features. If either of those are of use to you, I’d go with the FR220. IF however, navigation or cycling modes are of more value, I’d go to the Ambit2R.
Hi, thanks for all the great reviews. I got this baby for xmas from my loving wife to track my running. I had waited a long time for the release of this model as I felt that previous ones were lacking in important features (waterproof, syncing with smartphone, custom workouts). Also it looks way better than the forerunner X10’s.
Usually quick to find GPS and accurate tracking. Greatest value for the money in the midmarket.
One question, is it possible to charge it from a electrical socket ? When traveling this would be great!
Yup, as long as you’ve got a USB power plug adapter hanging around (same one as your cell phone likely uses), you’re good to go. Any USB adapter you find will work.
I bought a ForeRunner 220 for my girlfriend. I’ve read link to dcrainmaker.com to understand the whole elevation correction thing in Garmin Connect. Everything I read from Garmin and this post (and one of your others) indicates that this watch does NOT have a barometric altimeter and therefore when data is uploaded to Garmin Connect elevation correction should be ON by default. This does not seem to be the case. Looking back at many of her activities, I noticed some huge elevation changes which didn’t seem accurate since it is mostly flat around here. Sure enough, each of them have elevation correction turned off and enabling it seems to fix the issue.
Problem is, I don’t want to have to enable this for each and every activity. Anyone else having an issue with it not being enabled by default or know how I can enable it by default?
By default, Garmin Connect should be enabling elevation correction for all non-barometric devices, such as the FR220.
Unfortunately, back on Feb 20th, when they rolled out the new GC, they broke it for both the new and the old GC. Up until yesterday, you couldn’t even change it. Now however, you can change it, and by default, it should load new workouts from today forward with it on by default.
Thanks. I took a closer look and sure enough, recent uploads were fine. Actually, it seemed to enable it for a lot of the previous ones. There is still some weirdness though. For example, sometimes I have to click disable a few times to disable it (and vice versa). And it seems to take some disabling/re-enabling to have it correct the elevation. I’ll be patient and keep an eye on it though. I saw some Garmin support threads about the not being able to change it issue, didn’t see one that said it was fixed just yesterday, so thanks!
Read through most of the comments, maybe I missed sorry if this has been asked:
I just bought the 220. I like it but when I ran on the treadmill..it kept reding my pace as 40 min/mile. Then I stopped and turned off the GPS and it was better. I ran with my iPod and at the end the Garmin was off by over 1 mile versus Nike. My question is: should I continue to turn off the GPS while indoors? I thoought that was the purpose of the internal accelerator? Or should I purchase a footpod/
Thanks for the in depth review.
Kia – turn off the gps when on the treadmill and the internal sensor will take over and estimate pace. I have only used this a few times as I rarely run indoors, but it seems to have worked well. If you keep gps on it will try and work out pace from that, and fail miserably.
FR220 has not worked as advertised since the time I purchased it. Cannot download personalised workouts. Though Garmin have tried when I speak with them to assist – the overall response times and updates from them are disappointing. I’ve tried to return it so that I can get a refund, but have just been given an almighty runaround from them.
Very disappointed with there service, whereas problems I had with my FR70, were sorted out no problems.
Hi Allen-
Sorry to hear that. I see you’re in Australia, which, in this rare instance is unfortunate as the Garmin support team there is mostly incapable of fixing anything.
One option would be to call the US support line, which while a pain, would likely solve your issue quickly. I know the answer is sucky, but…just giving you a realistic option.
Cheers.
I use FR220 month (6 days a week). I am satisfied. Bothers me but
– Slow response Auto Stop
– Inaccurately GPS (bad record position – start in places where I was not even, and the deviation)
DCRainmaker, thanks for the excellent reviews and the Clever Training discount!. So far my wife and I have been very happy with the FR220. Had one since Nov. 2013. Only issue we’ve had is when adding or changing a training plan from the Garmin Connect website. The transfer seems to work by all appearances but the watch does not update correctly if there was already a training plan on the watch. I found the way to fix it is that I have to manually delete all of the .fit files in the schedules folder(s) first, then transfer the training plan from my calendar at the Garmin Connect website to the watch again. Sometimes I want to just update/change one of those workouts on my calendar but it does not update the watch at all when I do that. It all seems to save correctly on the website and the transfer goes with no complaints but after the watch updates….no change happens on the watch. Am I missing something?
Thanks for the support via Clever Training!
Hmm, I believe removal of some of the plans can result in some oddities from what I’ve seen on a few posts on the Garmin forums, but I thought that was only oddities related switching entire plan types. I’d poke at the Garmin forums a bit more, or give a quick ring to Garmin support. Sorry!
Hey I just wanted to say thank you so much for your reviews. I am looking for my first GPS running watch and was between the Forerunner 220 and the Forerunner 10, and really really appreciated your take on each one of them. I think I’m going with the 220!
Claire
Consider using the Clever Training LINK to save 10% on your 220 purchase.I did. Helps Ray a bit too.
I like my 220. Had a 110 before that.
Mike
Oh! Sure thing! Mutually beneficial :)
Done – thanks again! So appreciate the reviews and can’t wait to get my new 220!
Hi Ray
Is my hr monitor on timex ironman t5k143 compatible with this. Does the 220 strap measure cadence or is it the watch that does this.
The watch measures cadence on the FR220, not the strap. That strap isn’t ANT+, so it wouldn’t be compatible for the heart rate portion.
Hi Rainmaker. I’m confused, I thought the 220 required another component to measure cadence. Am I wrong on that?
Nope, it’s built-in to the unit (the FR220). The older FR210 would have required a footpod.
Hi there,
Love all the detail you have provided, thank-you!
I did hear that this could be used as a lap counter when swimming laps?
With the cycling side of it, i understand it can calculate the speed you are riding at, however will it calculate the entire distance covered?
Thank-you
No, it doesn’t track laps while swimming. You can certainly wear it swimming, and just use it as a stopwatch of sorts, but it won’t accurately track any distance.
As for cycling, yes, it’ll calculate both current (i.e. speed) as well as totals (i.e. distance).
Hi Ray
On this note, will the 220 record HR while swimming with the necessary HR strap (eg Wahoo TICKR, Mio Link etc)
Cheers!
If you have a Mio Link next to it, it will track HR underwater. But not with the TICKR. I needs to be no more than about 1-2″ away from the watch.
I am trying to upload a workout (training plan) from connect to the 220, but the website is hanging at “preparing workout”,,,, the problem persists even if I log out and log back in again. Any help?
Thanks.
I had this when trying to use my work laptop on the corporate network. I wondered if something was being blocked by the firewalls. Have you tried a different pc? If you have a smartphone, you can create the workout on the pc, and then send it to the 220 via the smartphone app. Bit of a fiddle, but a possible workaround.
Thanks for your reply. I turned off my firewall and the uploading didn’t work. I had a hunch that my workout plan wasn’t good enough: it was a repetition between a run and a walk for 5 times. I changed the plan to include a cool down at the end of the repetition and the uploading was successful.
Thanks for this very informative review. I’m considering the 220 as my first GPS watch and wondering about the separate heart rate strap. Is it correct that I’ll need to purchase this in order to get my HR and pace times? I’d be grateful if you could include the use of the footpod. Sorry, beginner! Thanks again.
You’ll need a heart rate strap for heart rate, but pace is calculated first from gps, and if this is not available then from the internal sensor. The 220 does not use the hr strap for pace.
If you don’t fancy using a chest strap, take a look at the Mio Link optical wrist hr monitor. You’ll end up paying a little more for 220 + Link, but you be able to banish the hr chest strap.
I’ve never used the footpod. I have found the gps accurate, and the internal sensor great for the treadmill.
I’m looking for a new running watch I can also use for triathlons. My current watch I can start the timer at the start of the swim and when I start the run I can easily start the GPS with one button and from there it was start the mileage with pace continuing the timer so I know my current overall time from the start. Can the FR 220 do this? I don’t care about the mileage during the swim and bike and want to save power for the full IM. I looked at the 310XT but don’t care for the bulky size (wetsuit and I’m pretty skinny) and don’t need to know my transition times and individual parts. I was looking at the tomtom sport and from the reviews I’d have restart the clock for the run so I counted that watch out. Thanks for the input.
Hi Brento-
Hmm, it’s a bit different. With the FR220 being a purely running focused unit, it will give you odd data if you start it during the swim and then take it running and cycling. Honestly, a unit like the Garmin FR310XT/910XT/Fenix2, or Suunto Ambit 2/2S is a better option.
The problem here is that your paces/distances will look funky (totals) later in the day.
And finally, battery-wise, the FR220 is only about 10hrs, which for most people isn’t enough for a full Ironman.
Sorry!
I had the same question Brento re: using the 220 for an Ironman. I bought the watch even though it can’t do exactly what you want (begin with GPS off, then switch GPS on coming out of T2). That can’t happen without stopping and saving the first activity, and beginning a new activity.
Options are to:
* Run the whole race with GPS off, in which case run pace and distance would be via the internal accelerometer.
* Start with GPS off, stop/save the activity in T2, then re-start a new activity with GPS on.
* Just not even wear the 220 for the swim and bike, and have it waiting in T2.
I’m leaning toward option 1, since having total race time displayed during the run seems more valuable to me than creating a GPS track.
FWIW, I also have an Edge 500 that I’ll use on the bike, and if I want GPS data for the run, I can just take it with me off the bike and tuck it in a pocket for the run. That’s what I did last year, when I had a FR70 on my wrist.
Thank you very much Ray and Dave. I was in hoping I could save the battery by leaving the GPS off. I guess I got lucky with my cheap $80 GPS watch that lasted two seasons and could start recording distance and pace data only from when the GPS was turned on when while saving the current overall time. I guess the 310XT is it. But I’ll look into the Suunto 2S which costs a little more.
I am very interested on this. I also though in another option:
Have the watch in “rest mode” (display the time of the day), and the start it on T2 (with GPS) having the time of the day in one of the screens (activated). Then calculate mentally the time it is taking you to complete the distance (you need to remember the time the race started, which in an IM is not that difficult).
Either that or do what you say about the GPS off. But then, does the accelerometer really give you an accurate pace?
I’d just turn it on in T2. If you turn it on pre-race while in transition to get satellites at that location, and then let it go back to sleep – it’ll likely find satellites in a few seconds at most upon turning back on.
Or, alternatively, focus more on a triathlon watch.
Two days ago I dropped my Timex Run Trainer 1.0 on the floor, at which point the screen went blank. I’ve tried recharging and resetting the watch, but it appears to be completely dead. A bit odd as the floor was carpeted and the fall was only about 3-4 feet… So now I am in the market for a replacement, and I’ve found your reviews extremely helpful. After reading this review and some from other sites, it seemed that this was the watch for me. I went to a local shop just to check the size & fit compared to the Ambit 2S and some other alternatives. As you’ve mentioned, this watch was very comfortable and slimmer than the rest. The only thing that turned me off was that the buttons felt a bit flimsy – they seemed to wiggle side-to-side a little, clicked a bit when pressed, and didn’t have that nice spring loaded feel that I’m used to on other watches. The unit I tried on was just a dumb display model unit from Garmin, so it didn’t have the actual electronics inside. I’m wondering if the feel of the buttons was not like the actual/real watch because it was just a display model? They were out of stock of the actual watch so I couldn’t touch and feel the real deal… Have you heard of the models not having the same button feel? If not, would you say that the buttons on the actual watch feel fine and that I shouldn’t be worried about the quality?
Hmm, hard to know without knowing what that specific unit felt like. I’d agree it’s not quite as ‘springy’ as the Ambit 2S, but definitely not something I’ve really noticed on my production 220 unit here. Hope that helps!
I really like this watch, but I just can’t bring myself to buy a watch with a red ring around its face. I’ve actually tried, but left the store empty-handed. Twice. I hope Garmin releases new colors, soon. A black & gray combination would be especially welcome.
Ray — thanks for the 220 review. I might have missed this, but does the watch provide lap heart rate averages?
Keith
No, the 620 can, but not the 220.
Hi folks – question for the peanut gallery: I was wearing my 220 24/7 for while, and one day noticed that there was a clear film peeling off of the back (covering the sticker that has the SN, etc.). I pulled it off thinking it was just one of those protective things that sometimes come on watches/cellphones/whatever, but it left behind a sticky residue that led me to believe it wasn’t supposed to be removed. Anyone else noticed something similar? I’m assuming (hoping?) water resistance won’t be affected?
Thanks,
David
Strange. I actually just unpackaged a FR220 today, and it has no film on the back at all (thus, none to fall off). Odd.
David’s not the only one. I think the film is thin enough to not be noticeable until the volatile. Here it is peeling off on my two year old FR210:
link to i.imgur.com
P.S Notice the Sugru (white, unfortunately) on the worn out, non-replaceable wrist strap. Buying an FR220 soon just to avoid this.
Hi, thanks for the thorough and very helpful review!
I have one question: Will the FR220 connect with a bluetooth headset? If it does not now, would this be a software upgrade should Garmin introduce BT headset connectivity in the future or would I have to buy a new watch for that feature? Thanks!
No, the chipset in the FR220 is not a full Bluetooth 4.0 chip that’s capable of transmitting to audio devices, but rather only the Bluetooth Smart sensor portion that connects to a master device.
Thank you! I ordered the FR220 through the Clever Training link. Thanks again!!
Hi, thanks so much for the great review. I just switched to this watch from the TomTom runner. So far I love it. A quick question I had was am I able to use my heart rate monitor without starting a run? I work in different workouts in my routine and like to track my heart rate, so just wondering if this is possible. If not I will just continue to discard the work out as I have been doing. Thanks a lot!
-Mike
Yup, just simply turn off the GPS and use it that way.
Hi. Thanks to Your review I bought this watch and I’m really happy with it. But few days ago Garmin released a new GPS update, from 3.0 to 3.10. After update, I used watch about 3 times and I think is less accurate than it was on 3.0. It is possible to downgrade it somehow? Thank You in advance.
I just got a Garmin 220 last night and I’m wondering about the accuracy after this comment. I updated to the latest firmware as soon as I got it (FW 2.60, GPS 3.10). So far I’ve done one two-mile run. The 220 does not seem as accurate as my old 610. The line is jerky, cuts corner into the water on turns, and made a random jut onto a lawn that I know I didn’t actually make. My 610 was much smoother on this same run.
My wife also has a 220 — hers is on FW 2.50, GPS 3.00). The line for her two runs so far is much smoother. But she runs a bit slower, and she running in parks where the signal is less likely to have been blocked by a building.
In conclusion, this is completely annectodal and only based on a few runs, but my 220 on FW 2.60 seems to be not tracking as well as my 610 on the same run or my wife’s 220 on FW 2.50 on a different run.
Hi,
I have the same problem. Having deactivated and reactivated GPS, my Forerunner could not intercept any GPS signal. I updated to Version 2.6. Things got worse. It took 15 minutes (yes, fifteen!) to intercept the signal. I reinstalled the S/W Update, this time it showed also a GPS module update. After this reinstall. the GPS intercept worked again, but the pace measurement is going crazy – really long time-lags in the current pace make interval workouts, which were OK before the update, almost impossible. Also lots of GPS signal problems as soon as I come within a few meters of a tree or turn a corner. So my FR220 is getting worse with every run. It must be a bug in the S/W Update.
If Garmin doesn’t fix this soon, I am sending this watch back – as it is, the FR220 is completely useless for me.
John
Hi John-
Have you contacted Garmin support? Or at least done a reset on the unit?
Hi Ray,
thanks for replying.
Do you know, if I can do a workout with pace alerts on the FR220 with GPS deactivated?
In the last few days, I have done a lot of reading on GPS devices and talked to other runners and it seems that GPS is not a very reliable source for calculating current pace! My main reason for buying this watch however was so that I could do interval training and the workout functionality and the pacing alerts seemed to support this.
So if I can disable GPS and still have these (using accelerometer) then that will be a consolation. Have you tested this?
John
Honestly, I think you’re being mislead a little bit by others on GPS pace accuracy. Especially if you compare it to the internal accelerometer.
The FR220 is fairly smoothed compared to some past GPS devices. Said differently, if you ask someone about pacing on the FR910XT compared to the Fenix2 compared to the FR10 compaed to the FR620, you’ll get vastly different answers depending on the person.
The smoothest pacing you’d get would be via footpod, not the accelerometer. Mostly because I don’t find the accelerometer to be terribly accurate, and checking the watch does impact accuracy (since you stop moving your arms).
Hi,
thanks, so that means deactivating the GPS is not a solution for me. Well that is a bit dissapointing. What I have observed so far: On a workout interval, the watch reacts very slowly to pace changes updating the current pace (yes current) say every “n” seconds (30s or even longer in my test runs). However with pace alerts active my 220 compares the current pace value to the threshold configured in my workout every say “x” seconds (approx 15 in my tests). Here is the catch: x n. That means I get an alert, I react by speeding up or slowing down, but then I get at least one more alert sometimes two – this is very irritating and I cannot see how this is not a flaw in the software. The value for x should be the same as for n or vice versa otherwise you are bound to get this problem. What I noticed however is that when a fast interval of my workout completes and I slow down quickly to a jog, my 220 adjusts the current pace much faster i.e. within 5 seconds it displays my new pace quite accurately. So the algorithm works differently (better) here.
I checked the forums and several other people have similar problems. I really like the watch and hope that Garmin come up with a solution. I opened a support case last week but they just referred me to FAQs. Maybe I will have to call them like you said.
Regards,
John
Hi, thanks for the great review! I just picked up a Garmin FR220 today, and used it on my run home from work. It’s got all the features I need, and seems to work great.
That said, it has what is, for me, a FATAL FLAW: You can’t charge it while recording an event. That means that even if you bring a portable charger along, there is no way to record an event longer than its battery life. I’ve got many races on the horizon that will take me WAY beyond the 10 hour mark. If I could just plug in a portable charger and keep recording this would be the perfect watch. As it is, I think I need to return it.
Any recommendations on a running watch similar to the FR220 (and hopefully similar price range) with the ability to recharge mid run (or with 30+ hours of GPS battery life at the standard 1sample/sec rate)? Can you recharge mid-run with the FR620? I don’t really care about vertical oscillation, VO2max, etc. All I really want is distance, heart rate, time, and elevation gained in a watch that will go the distance.
Thanks!
Hi Cory-
Unfortunately, none of the budget to mid-range Garmin models support charging while underway. Some of the high-end running ones don’t either (FR620). However, the Fenix/Fenix2 does, and that’s honestly a better watch for ultrarunners.
Thanks for the reply. I think the Fenix 2 is what I will go for. Despite not swimming, and not riding much, the battery life/rechargability and the barometric altimeter will be worth it. And who knows, maybe I will jump into a lake sometime and see if I remember how to swim…
Cheers,
Cory
Ironically, the FR220 doesn’t record @ 1 sample/second. My 2-year-old FR610 gets 5.0 hours on 1-second sampling (unfortunately my recent, hilly 50km took me 5.3 hours…) I haven’t compared to “smart sampling”.
djconnel, smart recording and 1-second recording are very similar for power consumption; smart recording samples every second, gives you the same distance and pace as 1-second, but doesn’t record every sample, rather just enough to reconstruct the route reasonably accurately (so generally more around twisty routes than along straight sections). Saves memory, saves a bit of power on memory writes, probably burns a bit more CPU power deciding which ones to write. So there is very little impact on battery life. It isn’t smart sampling, it’s smart recording.
It’s a different story with the UltraTrac mode on the fenix watches, where the GPS sampling is less frequent. GPS sampling is the biggest power consumer on these watches so cutting the sample rate really pushes the battery life up.
That’s what I had thought, then I read this comment on the Garmin forum:
link to forums.garmin.com
I should have read further, however, since there was a later response in agreement with what you said.
My understanding about smart recording was it would determine if linear interpolation was adequate to reproduce intermediate points, and if so, it would omit those points, up to a sampling interval of 7 seconds by my observation. However, as you note, this still requires 1-second location determination. A dynamic location determination, actually not requesting position to save battery charge, would potentially miss a sharp turn following a relatively straight-line linear path.
I was trying to explain my relatively weak battery performance….
Only getting 5 hours out of a 610 is surprisingly short. Was the life better when it was newer?
I use my 620 in one-second recording all the time and a four-hour marathon plus some time on before the start used less than half the battery (specced at up to 10 hours).
I post as McBadger on the Garmin forums, incidentally, so some of those posts are me.
I think it was better when newer (Dec 2012). But I have no firm measurements of that. It is disappointing, I agree. It’s not been used daily; mostly on weekends.
Thanks for the outstanding reviews you provide Can you tell me if the Garmin 220 can be set for distance alerts. I take walk breaks every 2K rather than after a set period of time. So I run 2K and walk 1 minute. I have looked at the manual but it refers only to time elapsed alerts and not distance elapsed. I really don’t care if it alerts me after one minute as I can track that but its nice not to have to looking at the watch for the elapsed distance.
Thanks!
No, it’s only based on time. You can’t set distance in there.
Hi Linda,
You could achieve something close to what you want by defining a workout with, for example, a step of 2KM followed by a step of 5 minutes followed by a step of 2KM and so on. You could just define the first two and then have the workout repeat these two steps several times. If you activate the workout at the start of you run then at the end of each step the watch will announce the next step by a series of beeps. Its technically not what you asked (distance alerts) but it would still meet your requirement.
Regards,
John
Perhaps some others can relate, while I’ve searched through this message-board I can’t seem to find others with similar problems.
Today was the first time I used the FR220 for an interval-training and the pace was just terrible. I was doing 800M(4x) with 400M (4x) at a low pace and it took the watch approximately over a minute to adjust the pace (correctly). Very annoying and therefore not suitable to use for intervals (in this instance). With my old Polar RC3 GPS the latency was within the 10-25 seconds range, which was acceptable. Though what makes it even more odd: on Garmin Connect the lap times seems to be quite ok with what I should be.
This is my one big issue with the FR220 – the current pace is soooo smoothed that its useless for intervals (although I’ve used it OK for runs where I am aiming to hit a pace for >1mile). I setup the intervals as a custom workout using GC, and then use avg lap pace on the watch to know if I am hitting my splits. I also set the pace goals for the intervals very wide so that I dont get stupid amounts of pace alerts as the current pace varies hugely around what I’m actually doing (which is why I think they must smooth it so much for the display). It drives me mad that the interval pace alerts are based on current pace and not avg lap pace – seems stupid to me when you set the goal pace for the interval overall in the setup of thw workout.
@Michael Schilder – the 220 does not allow 1-s recording.
Perhaps I haven’t read Ray’s review carefully enough or did he not mentioned this? (I’m guessing the first). Although that is indeed stupid and makes this watch useless for intervals (or should the specially designed option be used for intervals?).
I’m not sure if the internal interval option does any different – I think it’s just an ‘on watch’ way of defining a specific type of custom workout.
It’s frustrating, but I work around it as detailed in my reply. I need to look at the watch to see my lap pace for that interval, but other than that it’s fine. Saying that…. Garmin could make it much better by using avg lap pace for the alerts.
I will be using your method instead, guess so even with tempo-runs (which are a variation on intervals). Though Garmin SHOULD know better!
Fwiw, recording interval is listed inside the comparison charts. It’s in the first chunk.
They’d listened. It has been resolved in the latest firmware:
“Changed alerts during running workouts to be based on lap pace/speed rather than instantaneous pace/speed.”
Kudos for Garmin!
Full changelog: link to www8.garmin.com
Fantastic news – that’s the one thing that really really annoyed me!
Oh, and reading the change log, great to see the have put an accuracy field in. That’s another big issue ticked off.
@Koen, Did you put your watch on “one second recording” instead of “smart recording” that might solve your problem.
I haven’t looked into this feature, so probably not. Thanks for the help!
As Neil commented: this option isn’t available on the FR220
Is the 220 able to sync to the computer wirelessly using an +ANT dongle? I’ve looked up the +ANT dongle on the Garmin web site and under compatible products, the 220 isn’t listed. Was wondering if it was omitted by mistake.
Thanks, Pete
No, it’s not able to do ANT file transfers like the 310XT/910XT and a few others.
Maybe I missed it in the review but once your data has been uploaded to garmin connect, how to you clear your data from your watch. Want to make sure I have enough space for my marathon on Monday.
Thanks!
You can go into history on the watch, and delete individual activities. Or, while plugged in to a computer, you can delete activities out of the ‘Activities’ folder.
That said, the FR220 has a TON of storage capacity. So I’d be pretty surprised if you hit the limit.
Good luck in Boston, I’ll be cheering for ya somewhere on the course!
I take it there is no way to install later versions of the GPS chipset file. I updated to 3.1 and the accuracy is even worse than how inaccurate this watch already was. If anyone knows how to go back to 3.0 that would be helpful. I am so fed up with this watch’s accuracy that I am actually considering going back to my 410!
If you see my comment above, I’m experiencing the same issue. I haven’t looked into how to downgrade the firmware. Ideally, I would hope that Garmin fixes it.
Hi Ray,
Do you know if they corrected the issue with the foot pod now that they are up to version 2.6? And did the foot pod issue also impacted the 620? I’m in the market for a new watch since my 305 died in the middle of my last half marathon and I am debating which one to get. I have more faith in the footpod than the accelerometer in the watch and that is one of my pros/cons.
Thank you in advance!
Alfie
The accelerometer in the 220 works great. I wouldn’t mess with a foot pod.
Mike
Yes, it’s corrected (ordering) within 2.6.
Hi Ray,
Do you know if they corrected the issue with the foot pod now that they are up to version 2.6? And did the foot pod issue also impacted the 620? I’m in the market for a new watch since my 305 died in the middle of my last half marathon and I am debating which one to get. I have more faith in the footpod than the accelerometer in the watch and that is one of my pros/cons.
Thank you in advance!
In 2.6 it is properly ordering them now.
Thank you Ray and sorry for the double post as the mobile site kept giving me an error when I tried to post.
Hi,
I’m a new owner of a forerunner 220 and I would like to know if my girl friend and me can user the same watch for our training (2 possibles configurations???) but not in the same time of course. Thank you.
Jean
Yup, she can use it, however there’s only one user profile. The two items that would be impacted would be:
1) Calorie calculations (primarily if her weight/age is significantly different than yours).
2) Treadmill ‘learning’ of paces for indoor use, based on outdoor running.
However, you can easily setup the watch to upload to your own Garmin Connect accounts assuming you have separate computers.
Will it pair to more than one iPhone/app for the upload, then?
No, not to two separate iOS devices unfortunately.
Obviously this is a great watch and I want to congratulate you for the commitment to disseminate it. But one thing I still do not understand, and maybe you can explain to me. What is the reason you have not commented on the fact the forerunner 220 does not show the average speed? Surely you well know that you can set between speed and average pace (definition, system, format) , but unlike average pace, average speed will appear only in the historical of the running. Logical that this was a gross error of Garmin, since the intention was also to make the average speed shown on the display during running. Also, you should know that the average speed may not be important for advanced runners, but it certainly is very popular for other users. So I think the brilliance of his review was overshadowed by you have not clarified this point so important. Tks, Bob
Hi,
Thanks for all of your reviews, I’ve found them very helpful and informative. I am however, still trying to decide between the Garmin 220 & 610. I will mainly be using it for running, but I am also hoping to use it as a heart rate monitor to track indoor aerobic workouts (ie classes, spin etc) and calories burned. I have only ever used the Nike+ Running app and am looking to upgrade. Any advice as to which Garmin to choose? Being a women I have to say the 220 looks smaller, lighter and more appealing in general, but the price of the 610 is great right now for the product and all of its features. TIA
Hi,
Thanks for all of your reviews, I’ve found them very helpful and informative. I am however, still trying to decide between the Garmin 220 & 610. I will mainly be using it for running, but I am also hoping to use it as a heart rate monitor to track indoor aerobic workouts (ie classes, spin etc) and calories burned. I have only ever used the Nike+ Running app and am looking to upgrade. Any advice as to which Garmin to choose? Being a women I have to say the 220 looks smaller, lighter and more appealing in general, but the price of the 610 is great right now for the product and all of its features. Thanks
Sorry for the double post, it kept giving me an error and saying it couldn’t post, but I guess it had, twice
Thanks for the great review!! Only thing holding me back from buying are the color choices. Since apparently I’m not the only one disliking them….do you by any chance know if Garmin is planning on offering the 220 model in additional colors anytime soon? Thanks in advance :)
I don’t see that likely right now. I would have expected them to announced any new colors in time for the spring (typically done at Boston Marathon). Given that didn’t happen, next ‘window’ would be fall (often happens in September/October).
Great review as always Rainmaker. I have an FR 220, and got a good sized scratch on the face of it that id like to remove if possible. Is there anything that you (or anyone) suggests.
Hi,
Thanks for the great review. I found it very useful and think this would be a great watch for marathon training. I just have a few questions, when doing tempo runs or anything that is pace specific does the unit give you an average predicted mile time or does it jump around because it gives actual speed at that instant? I use the RC3 GPS and RCX5 and find that the pace jumps so much (because it shows current speed) that I have a hard time hitting a specific split. Would I be able to set up a display that shows current lap, previous lap and total time if doing a workout on the track? I guess I just want a traditional stopwatch for track and speed workouts with some added GPS and download features, would you recommend this watch?
Thanks,
I don’t really have any problems with pace jumpiness on the FR220 or FR620. The data fields offered on the FR220 are a bit more restrictive, but I’ve listed them all up above in a chart so you can see which ones are there.
Typically speaking on a track, I focus on time, rather than pace. And then simply do pace in my head. The reason being is that all GPS watches struggle on tracks due to the near-nonstop curving nature of them. Thus, it’s more accurate to do time math since the distances are well known.
Can I pair this watch with a Mio Link HR sensor?
Yes, no problem.
Ray thanks. Bought both last month and have been using them since than. It works like a charm. Only complain right now is the intermittent issue pairing the FR220 with my Nexus 4 Android phone.
Hi, Great review. Does it continue working in training mode while charging with a portable battery pack?
No, neither the FR220 or FR620 support that. They both flip into a charging mode.
Has there been any update from Garmin or other companies as to whether or not the FR220 will sync directly to other Android apps? ie: MapMyRun / Runtastic / etc..
No, there are no plans to do so. Instead, you’ll likely see said companies tie in directly with Garmin’s new API, thus enabling near-instant access to the activities from the 3rd party site after uploading via the Garmin Connect app.
So which Garmin watches do continue working in training mode while charging?
The FR310XT, 910XT, Fenix, Fenix2, and Tactix all-do – off the top of my head.
I have an FR 220, and got a good sized scratch on the face of it that id like to remove if possible. Is there anything that you (or anyone) suggests.
I’m not aware of anything. You may want to check out the Garmin Forums, as someone might have an idea there (forums.garmin.com).
still struggling to find an answer to the mile/km problem. i live in south africa and miles are NEVER used so i really need to change all data to km’s, but can’t find where to do it! the watch records in km while training but then gives feedback and breakdowns in miles. Useless to me!
Within Garmin Connect under settings you can change it there (for the web site). On the mobile app, it’s also under settings (called Units). And finally, on the watch, it’s also under settings (called Units too).
This bug appears only with certain browsers (versions). Just try it with another computer, at work, your grandma’s etc. Once you managed to change it, your account will keep the setting.
Hi DC, thanks for the fantastic review (and all of your reviews!)
I am a beginning runner that really enjoys the feedback from Nike+ but wants to get away from swinging my cellphone around while I run. I was looking at the Nike GPS Watch, but am interested in the Tom Tom Runner as it’s an open platform and a more recent iteration from the same team.
Then I see the FR 220 and… I really want this watch! However, I’m open to saving a bit of money. I use the indoor track at work but I like to run outdoors now the weather’s eased up. So, I’m not all that pushed about a heart strap but footpod support (or the Runner’s tech) would be nice. For a beginner like me, do you think I’m better off sticking with the Runner? Or perhaps I could get a FR 210?
……. Or there’s a way to convince my wife I need the FR 220? :)
Thanks again for all your great work. Take care.
Hello!
First of all, thank you for a wonderfully thorough review. I often read your reviews to decide which watches I should purchase.
Anyway, I’ve been reading through the posts here and I just need clarification: as of today (4/24/14), does the Garmin 220 with updated firmware record cadence data from a footpod without disrupting the recording of GPS information? I understand that the footpod does not override GPS data during outdoor runs, but can I still get cadence data from the footpod without overriding the GPS?
By the way, to some of the other posters, cadence is useful data, especially for minimalist runners. The quicker the cadence, the more mid-foot your landing would be.
Thanks!
The most in-depth review of a running watch I’ve ever read. Awesome job!
I picked up a 220 over the weekend and have been playing with it and found two updates from your original published post:
1 – Garmin Connect PRs. On “your” web dashboard, there is a button at the PRs, next to Show/Hide, for “Send to Device”. Connect the 220 via USB, hit send to device, and it transfers your web records to your watch.
2 – Mobile connectivity. As you already know, the android app is out and working. Under supported devices on Garmin’s Support site, they list the Samsung Note 2, Note 3, S3, and S4, as well as the HTC One.
I can verify that it works without a hitch on a AT&T’s version of the HTC One (M8) [the new as of 4/14 HTC]. I don’t know if it works on the original HTC One (M7) [releases 3/2013].
If I remember well, a new firmware was due end of Q1 2014 to make the lap banner configurable. (Currently, it only shows time, not distance, pace HR or anything else).
Any news on that?
Also, last week I took the watch to the Alps, staying at around 3000m altitude (9000ft+). I was shocked to see that the watch front/glass kind of pushed out of the frame leaving a gap of 1-2 mm between glass and body. I assume this was to compensate for the low pressure in altitude. Back in the valleys it went back to normal. I’m afraid that this will have an impact on waterproofness. Anybody has experienced that before? Any thoughts?
thankx so much for this great revue, makes my life so much easier, and I really feel that I use my new, yes purple, forerunner 220 to it’s max!!!
Hi, great review and information! I just got my 220 from Clever Training to replace my old 205 – which I still love in its way, but the 220 is SO much thinner and lighter on my wrist, I love the feel of it.
One question I can’t find the answer to here – there is no way to confirm while wearing the watch what the current battery charge is, is there? Seems to me like maybe I can only see that when I plug it in for charging. Seems sort of odd, but whatever.
One feature of the 220 I dislike is, upon hitting the stop button during a run, a window pops up with the option to Resume, and showing the elapsed time, but blocking the other display fields. It would be much preferable to be able to see the other fields while the watch is paused. E.g., you stop the unit during a long run to take a break, or at a red light, and won’t be able to see stats other than elapsed time until you hit resume…
If you just press ‘back’ (lower right button), the window goes away and you can scroll through your stats while stopped. Enjoy!
Hi Ray…
I have been looking through the comments and I apologize if this question is in there somewhere. I had mentioned quite some time ago about my watch going nutty…it seems that it is pausing right after i hit the start button. I have gotten all of the proper updates, shut the watch off then back on…now I have had to turn Auto-pause off in order for it to seem to work (haven’t tested it since I did that, outside) Is there a problem currently with the 220? Also, the treadmill distance on my run the other day suddenly went from being spot on to being wayyyy off towards the end of my run, not to mention extremely slow for the pace I was running (even for a treadmill, which always shows me quite a bit slower)…Any insight from you on what to do would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
Hi Amanda-
No, the problem you describe isn’t something I’ve heard of. I’d ring up Garmin support as you’re best option.
Sorry!
Are there any plans to bring a cycling function to the FR220 like you mention in the FR620 review? I want to start swimming and cycling training and adding cycling to the FR220 would cut down on having to buy an Edge unit.
Last I chatted with them a few weeks ago, there wasn’t. Still seems like a strange decision to me, given other units in same price range do offer an other/bike mode.
My Forerunner 220 having sync error while syncing with Android app (on samsung note 3).
Please advise.
Your fastest path to resolution is likely just a quick call to Garmin support.
Fastest way to get a replacement charger for the 220?
Generally a local running shop might have them. In a huge pinch you can actually make a Fenix/Tactix charger work, if you have a friend with one.
Hi Ray,
I’ve made it all the way to comment 1245! I recently lost my old 405 and am debating either getting the 10 or the 220. I’ve read both of your reviews on these two devices (excellent work, BTW) and I had one question regarding these devices and a function the 405 used to have. I could program in a 6 mile run and it would show as an option in the display field a ‘distance to end.’ Now I can obviously calculate that by simple math, but it was really convenient to be able to glance down and instantly see I had X distance left in a run. Does the 10 or 220 have this functionality built in?
Thanks again, I’ll be buying either device soon through this site!
-Jeff
No distance to end option in the Garmin running series. The TomTom does have that, fwiw, in the goals function.
You mentioned Garmin ending Ant+ weight scale support. Is there a plan to support Wifi scales through Garmin Connect in the future? Are they working on their own scale/partnership like with Tanita before? Would be nice to step on a Wifi scale at home and have everything sync up with Connect.
I’m not aware of any plans there.
Thanks for your great review of the product Ray. I believe it will help me I deciding which watch to get. I think I just have a couple of questions before I make a decision.
1. Are the pace alerts set to go off at a user defined distance (I want an alert every 100m let’s say) or is it just every few seconds when it checks for pace.
2. Can you set pace alerts to go off while doing an interval workout. We commonly do 16x400m repeats and was just wondering if pace alerts can be used in conjunction with intervals.
3. During the run, if I understand correctly, the 220 gives your mile pace in 5 second intervals and calculates the total pace (when the run is finished) to a exact while the 620 gives the mile and total pace to the exact second?
4. Although the 220 measures the current pace in 5 second intervals, can I still set my 16x400m workout at a 4:32 pace? Or will it be a 4:30 or 4:35 pace?
5. On the actual interval workout, once I set recovery (1 minute) and press start, does it give beep alerts once the recovery is up and start my next interval automatically or does it start my interval when I start running? Also is it set to lap at the distance or can I change it to lap the 400m based on position?
6. Last question I promise. How does the watch feel moving at a 4:20 pace? Is it too shaky when running that fast? Just wondering if I should use it during races or not.
Thanks for your time Ray and I apologize for the extensive questions. I’m a serious runner and finally decided a GPS watch would be great to have (I’m always that one guy who calculates paces in his head every 200m during races and every 1/4 mile during long runs). Also, based on my desire mainly to use the watch for long run days and interval workouts, would you recommend the 220 or the 620?
Hi Neil-
1) Pace Alerts: No, they go off whenever you stray for a few seconds.
2) It’d be better in that scenario to use a custom workout. Much more flexible. End resultant is cleaner and would ensure that pace alerts aren’t randomly going off while in rest/recovery.
3) Almost. The FR220 will give you mile summary pace to the exact second, but just the instant-pace while running is rounded to the :05 seconds. Same with the FR620.
4) For a custom workout you can.
5) With any of the custom workouts or intervals, once you start, think of it more like a roller coast ride. You’re not really in control anymore. You’re just along for the ride. It’ll transition to the next segment of the workout automatically and you just need to be running at that point (or walking).
6) A 4:20/mile or 4:20/km? About the fastest I’ll get in any workouts is 4:45-5:00/mile. So not sure below that. But at that pace I use it to pace just fine. As for 4:20/km I don’t have any issues viewing there at all at that pace, and I often train slightly faster than that.
Finally, do keep in mind though that GPS units in general struggle on a track. Thus, if you’re looking to do these on a track, you might be off a few seconds and it’s honestly best to just know the seconds per 100m for your intervals. If you’re talking outside on a non-constant-curving route, then no problem at all.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the quick reply! In relation to question six I was meaning 4:20 per mile. If it works well for you at 5:00 I think it should be fine at 4:20. The answer to question three was really helpful and I think I’ll go with the 220. As far as track goes, it shouldn’t be too bad. Luckily I’m not on the track too often so the Garmin will still provide benefit to me on long runs if it’s inaccurate on the curves. Custom workouts is what I find most attractive about this watch. I will be buying the red FR 220 and using it during starting in the summer. Thanks for the review and responses Ray!
Hi I have one question about the GPS units display, I used to have the 610 and it was able to show my location in BNG when I went into the settings and I would like to know if the 220 can do the same? Great review by the way!
Thanks for the great review. You helped me so much for choosing the product.
Thanks for all your thorough reviews, and also for the Clever Training discount!
I recently got the 220 to replace my old clunky 305, and have noticed an odd discrepancy in the distance and pace calculation. My 305 tends to overmeasure my distance on straight routes and undermeasure routes with lots of turns (and subsequently give slighty fast/slow paces). The 220 so far as been more spot on for straight routes, but undermeasures by a greater amount on curvy routes than the 305. When I look at the GPS tracks on the map post-run, the lines bounce around a similar amount for both the 220 and 305, so it seems like the 220 is adjusting for GPS error just by subtracting a small amount of distance between recorded points. Do you know if this is by design (since it kind of makes sense to do this to improve accuracy for road runners) or is it something buggy with my unit?
Hi Kate, not just your unit – I have yet to run a marathon where my 220 grants me more than 41.8k (instead of 42.2k, for the metrically impaired).
Hey, how many interval programs can you set? multiple or just one
thanks
You can save one interval program, sorta a ‘most recent’ to have on hand. But you can download/create multiple custom workouts, which give you the same functionality (actually, way more functionality). No limit I’m aware of there.
First of all: thans for your great reviews. I never buy a watch without reading your review!
The FR620 is limited to contain 10 custom workout at the same time. I’m guessing it’s the same for the FR220.
Hi Ray,
I have some questions about the FR220, can you set the alarm to wake up in vibration only? and I need the HR strap for measure calories, distance and speed?
Thanks in advance
Hello Ray,
well after three months, I am getting extremely close to sending back my FR220, if that’s still possible, that is.
I checked out the forums at Garmin.com and there are lots and lots of disgruntled owners of 220s and 620s with exactly the same problems that I have – unreliable current pace and, as a result, lack of support interval training. Added to that are the other problems with the WiFi and the downloading of scheduled workouts via the calendar at Garmin Connect. These problems are minor and tolerable but taken altogether this product is just not acceptable. To add insult to injury, I have not had a single response from Garmin Support after 7 days and 4 contacts.
Pity, as I really, really like the features promised by this watch. Hence my question to you – what other watch would you recommend as a replacement for the Forerunner 220. If I get my money back I am willing to spend more cash next time for a watch with these or similar features, it just has to be reliable. Suuntu or Polar or something else?
Regards,
John
Sorry to hear you’re having troubles. Have you tried calling Garmin support instead of e-mailing? I know it’s a pain, but honestly, it’ll get you resolved likely near instantly (even if that means a new unit to you). Plus, it has the added benefit of costing Garmin a heck of a lot more – which is ideal for forcing the company to resolve issues.
Do keep in mind though that looking at company forums as a barometer for issues is like going to the hospital as a barometer for people needing medical assistance. The only reason one goes to a company forum is to get help with something that’s broken…just like a hospital.
The GPS on my 220 stopped working the other day. After an hour on the phone with Garmin support, they said they could not fix it and will send me a replacement. This watch is under six months old. Has anyone else had this problem?
Both my husband and I have a 220 and we’re both having the same problem. We ran Wednesday night and the watch connected just fine but once we started running it seemed to lose it and didn’t track the run at all. We thought maybe it was the weather b/c it was a little overcast (even though I’ve run in worse weather and it worked before). Now this morning, a bright cloudless sunny day, and it didn’t work again. Haven’t called Garmin support to report it yet so we’ll see how it goes when I do.
I’m having a lot of the same issues as everyone else – satellite connection inaccurate and extremely slow to link up. None of my totals work (everything is listed as 0 – monthly and weekly), and all my activities and records deleted themselves. I turned the watch off and now it won’t turn back on. It just sits at the Garmin logo screen for eternity. I have tried calling Garmin support 4 times at different times of the day. Each time, I’m told the wait time is between 30-35 minutes – and this is specifically for the Forerunner support option. No way I’m waiting on hold that long. I’ve tried e-mailing support to no avail. This is utter chaos.
I experienced the problem where GPS suddenly stopped working. Turns out that the GPS software on the watch was corrupted. When you go to your menu and then System and then About, GPS Version was 0.00.
I used WebUpdater to reinstall 2.6 software and then installed the 3.1 GPS software. Last two runs have been great.
Hope that helps someone. Thanks!
I apologize, Menu, then Settings, then System, then About.
Related.. I have never noticed when connecting via Bluetooth to the Garmin Connect app where the download of updated satellite data occurs. Satellite lock is very slow. However, when I connect through Express Fit, I do get the updated GPS data and it locks in very fast. Just a tip if you’re depending on the app for that…
Thanks a ton Geoff – after two weeks of increasing frustration I’m happy to have read your instructions. This was exactly what the problem was and what solved it. Relief!!
Ray,
I’m a casual runner; I bike as well. Primary sport is tennis (I play competitively); so running and biking is mostly training for tennis. I have an FR60, but am looking to upgrade. I’d like a GPS watch (which will preferably sync via wifi and bluetooth), has a cycling mode and will sync with my Garmin bike speed/cadence sensor. Do I necessarily have to plonk down serious money for either a FR620 (cycling mode being launched in June on this device via a firmware upgrade, I presume) or a Fenix2? I’d like to preferably stick with the Garmin family of devices. Do share your views – your advice would be very valuable for me.
Yeah, I’d say it’s down to the FR620 and Fenix2. There’s also the FR910XT, but that’s likely a bit big for what you want (though, it’ll be on sale starting tomorrow for about 38% off, via Clever Training).
The FR620 update will solve the cycling mode/sensor problem there, though, the FEnix2 already has it. Both sync via Bluetooth, but only the 620 via WiFi.
The other option would be the Suunto lineup. Something like the 2S might be an option and is cheaper and covers everything you’d want. Though, it’d be outside the Garmin line-up that you’re looking for and wouldn’t do BT/WiFi sync either.
Hi,
Are you aware of Garmin having plans to add the Activity Tracker feature to FR220 via firmware upgrade?
Thanks!
No plans to do so. From discussions with them about it back a few months ago, the power design in the unit doesn’t really support a lower power 24×7 mode for the accelerometer.
Hi,
I’m planning on getting a GPS watch solely for running, and I’m sorta caught between this one and the 310xt. Both seem to have similar features, except the 220 can upload workouts which would be fantastic for me as I’m terrible at keeping a running log. I was just wondering if the 220 is worth the extra money or is there something else you might recommend?
Thanks
I’d look at a few core things:
1) If purely a runner (not a triathlete), then most of the FR310XT features will probably not be used (if triathlete, then skip discussion and go with 310XT)
2) If remembering to plug into computer and upload is a limiter, go with FR220.
3) If size is an issue, go with FR220
4) If you’re running really long (more than 10 hours), go with FR310XT
Those would be my core considerations.
I’m having a problem syncing PR’s from the website to the 220. It keeps failing. Any idea what’s the fix?
I’m having a problem syncing PR’s from the website to the 220. It keeps failing. Any idea what’s the fix? Thanks
I am a kind of distracted runner who has a heck of a time keeping a steady pace. From your excellent review it sounds like 220 might not be the best choice for me because pace alerts dont work well. You mention three other watches that did this “nicely”. Any chance you can share that info?
We saw a few firmware updates that tried to address that, and seems to have resolved most of the unexpected alerts for most folks (both FR220/620). Thus, I wouldn’t let that be a core decider at this point.
Hi Ray,
which updates for the 220 would those be? I would be very, very interested in having this problem resolved. I bought my 220 in January and none of the updates that I have seen since then 2.5, 2.6 and not even the one released this week 2.7, address the pace alert problem. Did I miss something here?
Regards,
John
Did you test it though? In my case it did seem to calm it down after 2.50.
Actually my FR220 had V2.5 on it when I bought it in January. I have been “testing it through” since. The alarms are based on current pace, which can be all over the place, especially if you vary your pace as in interval training. Only the lap pace seems to be reliable. Unfortunately the alarms cannot be set to work based on lap pace. A whole bunch of 220 and 620 users are talking about this on the Garmin forums, many ex-610/210 users who found their old watches far superior, but Garmin don’t seem to care much about this. V2.6 and now V2.7 don’t address this problem at all.
How far apart are you setting your pace alarms (meaning, high/low)?
Yesterday’s training step was a 10KM with steady pace of 6:30/KM, so I set up a workout with a single 1KM step repeated 10 times, that way I get lap pace figure for the current KM. I set the pace targets at 6:15 (min) and 6:45(max). Thats wide enough. Alarms were going off on average every 30 seconds or so for about 8 of the 10Kms. I have long since turned off the audio alerts and leave the vibrations on.
There are two major but separate problems with the pacing in the FR220: 1) current pace wandering up and down suddenly for no apparent reason and 2) current pace lagging way behind real pace and lap pace as displayed i.e. after slowing down at the end of a workout segment (interval) it adjusts current pace in steps of 5 seconds/KM every 5 seconds or so sometimes taking up to more than a minute to adjust pac from say 5:30 to 7:30/KM. This happens only now and then but all in all the effect is that you just cannot believe what the 220 is telling you about your pace.
Like I said its not just my watch, lots of folks reporting identical the same behaviour also with the 620.
Hmm, bummer. I’d look at having Garmin try and swap it out.
While I recognize there are folks with issues on the Garmin forums, do keep in mind that only people with issues go to the Garmin forums. And to that end, if you look in the sub-forums for different watches, there’s always people who see similar behavior on any other watch (including the much loved older ones). Not saying you’re not seeing an issue (since it sounds like you are), I’m just saying you should ring Garmin support and have them swap it out.
For reference last night I did 30″ sprints with a FR620 and FR15 from walking pace to 5:00/mile pace, and it stabilized within about 10-15 seconds.
this is the error message I get when I try to sync:
“It looks like there isn’t an ANT stick connected. Make sure your ANT stick is plugged in to your computer’s USB port and try again.”
I am connected. I turned off and on my computer, and powered off and on the F220… Still the same error message…..
What does this mean?
Yeah, that error message is for other devices (like a FR910XT or similiar). The FR220 uses USB directly to the unit to sync. Validate/see if it’s showing in Windows Explorer, which will tell you whether or not your computer sees the device. Else, it’s probably best to ring up Garmin Support to get help quickly (or, see the Garmin Express portion of the Garmin Forums at http://forums.garmin.com)
Thanks alot. My computer sees the Garmin FR220. I will call the support tomorrow….
Thanks for the thorough review! I used you Amazon link to buy a FR 220. My FR 305 died today and I was trying to decide between the FR 620 and FR 220. Your review convinced me that the 220 is a great way to go.
Glad I could help!
I saw the previous comments on using the 220 during an Ironman – in regards to battery life concerns. I have an 810 on my bike for the ride so I really only need a watch for the run. I don’t want the 310 or 910 as I really don’t like the bulk and have no need for the additional functionality. My plan would be to put it on in T2. My question is does it pick up GPS relatively well on the go. My current Timex Global Trainer can struggle to find a GPS if I start running without first setting the GPS. Often, if I start before it sets, it never ends up finding a satalite.
If you grab satellites before the race in that current spot and then turn it off (well, just standby), once you hit T2 it’ll likely find satellites in about 1-3 seconds.
Great review. I now find myself not able to purchase anything without reading it here first.
Question for you though, you may have discussed this above but I did not see it (sorry). I currently own a Garmin 500 edge. Can I use the heart rate strap from for this watch?
thanks.
No problems using the strap from the Edge 500.
Would the Garmin FR220 be a good choice for gym workouts (e.g., cardio classes and weight lifting)? I know that the FR220 is geared for runners, but I don’t usually run outdoors so the GPS feature would not get much use. I’m hoping to get a HRM that will work with Mio Link. Any other recommendations? Thanks.
It’ll capture calories fairly accurately assuming there’s a heart rate strap connected with it. The Mio Link is fine in that particular regard. Though, by the same token for most gym scenarios it might just be easier/cheaper to connect the Mio Link to various apps via Bluetooth Smart.
Thank you so much for this review. I’m an amateur runner, and I’ve just purchased this product based on your review!
Hi. Thanks for the fab review.
I’m just about to purchase the 220 for running purposes mostly and I like to train with a HR monitor. It sounds like this is fine for running, though does the HR monitor / time / calories function work when not running , if required – For example when using a rowing machine.
Thanks so much :)
Hi. Thanks for the fab review.
It sounds like the 220 is great for running, though does the HR monitor specifically work as well as time / calories function when not running , if required – For example when using a rowing machine.
Thanks so much :)
Yes, when not in GPS mode you can use the HR strap inside for HR driven metrics (i.e. a gym).
Brilliant. Thanks so much.
Hi,
Wanting to share with the husband as we train at different times, does this have multiple user profiles? would this matter?
Or can we separately upload to our own Garmin Connects with whoevers using the watch for that workout?
Thanks
No, only one user profile.
The biggest thing you’ll lose with two people using the same watch are:
1) Inaccuracy indoors on a treadmill
2) Calories would likely be off as well, since your weight/age/gender are different.
Hi Ray,
thank you so much for all your in-depth reviews. I am now on my 3rd GPS watch, mainly encouraged by your blog.
I have had a Garmin 410 for skiing/snowboarding, running and cycling and then moved on to the Polar RC3GPS because of better heartrate measurements. However, last year I started kayaking and the Polar is not water proofed for swimming, so when capsizing I am always worried about the watch.
So now I moved on the the FR220 and have been happy with reception of the heart rate monitor (the watch is mounted in front of me, not on my wrist, so distance is a little further). However in comparison to the Polar RC3GPS, the speed measurements is too slow in updating for my taste. You speak about “pace stability” as being good, but I believe this has the downside of the speed updating very slowly. It feels like the watch is roughly 5 seconds delayed, when I alter the speed. Eg. starting from 0km/h and going full throttle takes maybe 20-30seconds. But the watch is way behind and updates very slowly, so I feel like I get unreliable measurements. Also, I use the watch to push me so I know when I drop below (not using alerts, just manually) a certain speed. But it seems like the watch doesn’t really notice when I stray off… Do you recognise this behaviour? It is very noticeable in a direct comparison to my Polar. And it makes the watch almost useless for my purpose. We use speed and not pace while kayaking, does this have an effect? Or is there a setting, to get it to be more sensitive?
Thanks for you help!
Ray,
You sound as if you’d prefer the 220 to the 620 if it were not for the 3 vs 4 data screens issue. May I ask your reason for this? Is the touchscreen more of a hindrance? Is the GPS connectivity any faster on the 620 due to the wifi ?
Lastly, I was checking the history of updates to other devices and it would not appear to me that Garmin adds many significant features to any of their devices after launch… So I assume the chances of navigation being added should NOT be factored into the decision to buy a 620 vs the 220?
I think it’s mostly just that the FR220 is significantly cheaper. That’s really the primary reason behind the comment. During the review cycle I spent pretty much the first half on the FR220, and then switched the second half to the FR620 + the FR220. So I was much more comfortable with the FR220 buttons at that point. Ultimately, it’s really a non-issue.
The GPS connectivity on both is the same (reception time). I would not factor in navigation getting onto the FR620. You can however factor in bike mode happening very shortly for the FR620.
Do you know if there is any chance of a bike mode (or even just a “non-running” mode, that could also be used for hiking, skiing, etc.) being added to the 220 too?
There’s unfortunately no current plans to do so.
Ray
Reading carefully about your review on 310XT and 220, and thanks for your deeply anaylsis.
Now i`m really confused on those two itmes.I spend half time on running and another on cycling downtown.
actually,speed and cadence sensor is preferred but not necessary.the basic functions required for cycling is just for Speed fields(speed ,average Speed,max speed),time fields(lap time,accelerate time) and distance(lap distance and accelerate distance)
I do think typically this cycling function requirement is somehow to replace the cycling computer like cateye and sigma and i have no idea to some extent whether the GPS watch can do the same work like cycling computer?as your review,220 only can dispaly only 13 fields .Is there my basic function and data can be recorded by GPS sensor and show me when i conncet to Garmin Conncetion?
For the function of specific running,definitely,220 have advantage than 310xt on bluetooth vs ant+usb ,more bettery life,my waterproof ability,lighter weight,more sensitive GPS receive.And the 4 fields display with huge size to the 3 fields display with watch-like look will depends on different runners
I prefer 220 than 310xt for its latest function and dislike for 310xt look especially 310xt is too old to buy though it only $170 right now.
If 220 can do the same works like basic bike computer,I think that is enough to give up to buy 310xt for me.
How do you think?
Looking forwards to your suggestion
Hello Ray,
I have a FR 410 and I have the Heart rate Monitor which I got with FR 410.
Can I use the same HRM with the FR 220 ,
Thanks…
You certainly can. Any ant+ strap will work fine. (Incidentally, I did exactly the same – coming from a 410 to!)
Hello Gingerneil ,
Thanks for your reply. That means I did a wise thing not to order a HRM with FR 220.
How is your experience with FR 220. This is my second GPS watch . My first one was 410. I am stlill very happy with FR 410. But now a days it is giving less battery. It doesnt last long for more than 75 minutes.
Heavily excited to get a new GPS FR 220.
Yep – you did the right thing!
I was in exactly the same position. I was starting marathon training with a watch that would go from 50% battery to nothing in about 5 minutes. I even changed the battery in the 410 (took some soldering), but I still wasnt confident that it would last a long training run or a marathon (about 3:35 for me).
I’m very happy with my 220. The only issue I have is the current pace is too variable/smoothed to enable me to use it for intervals of less than about 800m. I dont mind that, as I normally go by avg lap pace anyway – creating custom workouts on garmin connect and setting the pace goals very wide (about 1min/mile) around my goal pace so it doesnt beep all the time!
Thank you.
As a veteran runner the gadgets have come a little late but I still get a lot of fun out of running to explore. For me the blue tooth facility is totally useless as my devices all use MS windows and I cannot anyway see the point in linking to my smart phone.
I have an old Garmin FR 205 which is almost impossible to run with without getting sores on the wrist especially in hot climates and it also has a short battery life. So weight and comfortability are a priority. Also I think quick gps start up is important – I don’t want to wait for satellites to be found. Accuracy of measurements and exportability are also important. In France for example, for mapping your trail, one of the best sites is link to mygpsfiles.com as it is, as far as I know, the only site that has access to French IGN Topo maps ie the equivalent of UK Ord Survey maps. But you need GPX file formats to use these mapping systems. Smart phone apps will provide GPX format files but can you get these from gps watches?
I am considering getting a Garmin FR 220 or a Suunto Ambit 2 R or 2 S (some good deals on 2S in UK). As I do not want bluetooth, Ambits seem better especially with apps facility but they are more expensive than the Garmin and they weigh nearly twice as much (same as the old fr 205) – which makes me wonder whether they are comfortable on the wrist when running in the heat. I don’t need the gps watch for swimming but would also like to monitor bike rides and trekking. Any advice?
If it helps you at all – over the past half year, the 220 has been doing excellently in South African summer. No niggles whatsoever.
Hello,
In one of the images above, you show the details of the run as date, distance, time, pace and calories. I cannot get the “pace”, I get “Avg Speed” instead. On the second page, I get Avg Speed, Calories, Avg HR, Max HR and Cadence.
Is there a way to show the details differently that how my watch is currently configured?
Thanks,
to answer my own question:
–> settings –>system–>running: show pace
Hi Rainmaker,
Loved the review. Super thorough. I found it through my interest in a watch with highly customizable interval training capabilities.
I have a question:
With using the Garmin Connect is there a limit on how many steps i can add on? I had a Timex Ironman 150 with 16 interval units available to customize. I wonder how much Garmin FR220 can do. I honestly tried to read though the comments, to see if someone has asked this question already, but there was just too much!
Thanks for your reply in advance!
Cheers,
Hedvig
You mentioned in the review of the FR220 and in the review of the FR620 that your wife liked the FR220 a lot. Then she tried the FR620 and that became her favorite. In comparing the two watches, it seems the big difference is the running metrics. Is that what swayed her or was there something else? I don’t think the run metrics will be a big thing for me but I know that each product carries a certain amount of intangibles that can mean one product gets favored over another. She liked the colors of the FR220 better, so what about the FR620 made that watch the one of choice for her? I actually favor the FR620 colors but am trying to justify the extra cash. Just curious what swayed her.
On a side note, I bought both the 910xt and the Fenix2 but am returning them. It really bugged me that the 910xt couldn’t be used as a day to day watch – to and from a workout or if I ride my bike to work and forget my “work” watch. And for the Fenix2, not having a quick release made me think that I would just stick with a Garmin 500 on my bike. That has lead me to looking for a regular running watch. My thought is that I would use it for everyday running. For triathlons, I would put it on under my wetsuit and just turn on the run function when I got to that portion of the race. I would use the Garmin 500 for the bike. That’s what I currently do, just with lower level equipment – a polar heart rate monitor that doesn’t track pace and a cadence/speed CatEye. I was a swimmer in high school and really am not worried or interested in swim metrics so that just leaves the bike and the run and it brings me to the waterproof FR220 or the FR620. So, just curious about what turned the tide to the FR620 for your wife? Thanks so much.
For her it was entirely 3 data fields vs 4 data fields. Simple, but the deal killer.
Hi, do you know if the 220 accounts for outside temperature in its calorie count (without the heart rate monitor)? I noticed that it said I burned more calories on a 10 mile run at 74 degrees (about 112-116/mile) than on a 14 mile run at 57 degrees (82-83/mile). The former was slower than the latter (8:20 pace vs. 7:48) but that difference in pace hasn’t seemed to result in different calorie counts for other runs. I’m not really very concerned with calories, just curious, and I want to make sure something’s not mis-calibrated. Thanks!
It doesn’t account for temperature (it has no temperature sensor). It’s first driven by HR, and then lacking that it would be driven by pace/distance/weight/gender. Though, that’s a pretty big gam for calories for just a minor change in pace.
I used Last Lap Pace all the time on my 205…until I lost it last week. I like everything about the 220 except I don’t see Last Lap data fields available. Are they?
I would strongly recommend that you do your research on the many bugs inherent in this GPS device. I ran a marathon on June 14, 2014 (Niagara Ultra Races Marathon) and due the extremely inaccurate readings (probably due to some moderate tree foliage), I ran a much faster pace than I had planned for. By the half way mark (21.1 km), my distance covered read 20 km on the watch! By then my race had been ruined, and I just did my best to finish.
And yes, my watch had all the latest firmware and software updates applied (2.70 watch, 3.10 GPS).
My last Garmin watch, a 405CX had none of the inaccuracy problems of the 220 (although the 405 died on me very suddenly for no reason).
I would absolutely NOT recommend this watch to anyone who wants an accurate, reliable, bug-free watch. I suspect the problems I encountered cannot be fixed with the endless firmware updates that Garmin provides. Someone suggested that the cheap GPS receiver in the watch may be the culprit. BUYER BEWARE.
Congrats on the race.
For a trail run (and/or that with high tree cover), you’re going to see some variance. That said, it’s quite rare that you’d see a ‘shorter’ distance, unless there are loopage back on each other or lots of twists and turns (switchbacks). I’d be curious to see the GPS track. Being off by that much at the half-way mark would be sorta understandable if it was measuring long, but being under is as I said really tough to do and generally indicative of a short course and/or something being shorted (i.e. auto-pause on, triggered via switchbacks or tree cover). You can validate that by looking at elapsed vs actual time.
As for providing updates/fixes, all companies (that are worthwhile) provide updates to their devices. It allows them to improve it. I’m not sure one can really complain about that.
Have just received today my new Forerunner 220. Haven’t had a run as yet but just familiarising myself with its features. I’m having difficulty locating satellites. I’ve been outside for around 30 minutes and still has not detected satellites. I’ve ensured the GPS function is on. Is there something else I’m not aware of I need to do?
Have you synced it yet? Even if you didn’t have a workout to upload yet, but syncing it will let the watch download satellite info which will speed up satellite acquisition.
Hi there,
Here is a quick question, and as always the answer is much appreciated.
With using the Garmin Connect is there a limit on how many steps i can add on? I had a Timex Ironman 150 with 16 interval units available to customize. I wonder how much Garmin FR220 can do.
THANKS
Within Garmin Connect I believe it’s still 20 unique steps (repeats don’t count against that).
Thanks for the great review. I’m trying to decide if I should purchase the watch now or wait for a new version. Have you heard of a new release coming or know how often they are typically released?
Thanks!
On average, Garmin replaces devices about every two years. The FR220 has been out about 8 months.
On that note as well, is there any indication as to whether the next round of Garmins will have heart rate monitors built into the watch, whether it be the Mio version or Garmin’s own variant?
I don’t expect to see that from Garmin anytime soon.
Hi, do you know if the 220 accounts for outside temperature in its calorie count (without the heart rate monitor)? I noticed that it said I burned more calories on a 10 mile run at 74 degrees (about 112-116/mile) than on a 14 mile run at 57 degrees (82-83/mile). The former was slower than the latter (8:20 pace vs. 7:48) but that difference in pace hasn’t seemed to result in different calorie counts for other runs. I’m not really very concerned with calories, just curious, and I want to make sure something’s not mis-calibrated. Thanks!
Hi Love, I answered this from you a few days ago here: link to dcrainmaker.com
Cheers.
Hi! First thanks for your really useful reviews, and second sorry for my English.
I am a Garmin fan, and after reading your reviews I decided to update my 405 with the 220. I returned the first one thinking I was unlucky and I got the crappy one, but after some trainings with the new one I am strongly convinced that Garmin has made a big mistake with the new chipsets. The 220 isn’t accurate, it drives me crazy while running, not reliable and better avoid commenting on the map reading I get afterwards.
I tried running with my three gps devices and the only one with discrepancies and crazy pace was the 220. I feel really disappointed and I am not sure about what to do now.
I did my first workout today on my new FR220. (purchased from Clevertraining). Unfortunately my eyes are old and I can’t see the tiny description of what I’m supposed to do for each workout transition and no, I’m not going to wear my reading glasses on my runs! Would be great if Garmin would update the firmware to show the workout details full screen with a start button press to clear it. I might stand a chance. Today was easy, slow easy run with a warm down. Reps are going to have me squinting. You young guys won’t think this so is funny down the road.
I’m doing the fitness workouts right now based on heart rate alerts and I’ve already set zone alarms on the watch. Will the workout zones conflict with the preset zones? I couldn’t really tell during my run which alert was triggering.
Hi, Very useful reviews and support answering all kind of question.
I’ve notice something with my unit:
First time I used, i run on Trendmill for 10 Km and it recorded 9.6km, not bad.
During some days I used indoors and more or less it took correct distances.
Now, after 4 months, with a lot of workouts done, I come back to the treadmill, and now it record 800-850 meters for ever Km. So, When I end my Indoor 10K, it says I’ve only donde ran 8.2 Km.
I know its imposible to redefine the distance of my steps in the, and that it takes my workouts to adapt it to my normal distance step, but it seems that It’s worst than the first time I used, when it worked with default table of distance steps…
Will I improve that if I completely reset the clock?
It’s updated to 2.7 soft, 3.1 GPS,
Thanks
Thank you for a great review. What does the display show when the watch is in Auto Pause mode? Can this display be configured? I am asking since my actual watch doesn’t show any useful information when paused and I would at least like to see the time of the day.
Hey Ray. I know you mentioned that the footpod would over write the GPS data in your review so I always make sure to remove it when running outside and then reactivate it when running on the treadmill. Does that still hold true? I upgraded to firmware 2.8 last night and noticed as part of the release notes it indicated that GPS will now calibrate the footpod too. Haven’t tried it yet but will look to see what the calibration factor looks like at some point this weekend.
When it first started out, it would incorrectly override it. Then that was fixed (good). Now, as of yesterday they’ve also added in GPS calibration as well of the footpod as you noted, but I haven’t had the chance to try it out yet.
Ray – does the instantaneous pace now come from the footpod? This is something users on the Garmin forum have been asking for due to poor instant pace from the gps.
I don’t know. I’ll try and find out, and/or do some tests (I think I need to find a way to put a treadmill outside…). Though, that would first require me having a treadmill.
ok thanks for the replies. I will post back what I notice after my weekend runs.
Ran 8 miles this morning and footpod calibration says 98.9. That’s usually about right for me. Let me know what everyone else sees.
Today ran 4 miles slow. Calibration factor says 101.1 for foot pod. I will check with my friend Spock so he can start the analysis and see if this is logical over time. Will report back with his findings.
Today I took my FR220 to do track intervals today, and I noticed that the instant pace takes about 15-20 seconds to stabilize. Did any of you ever figure out if instant pace will now come from the footpod in firmware 2.8/2.9?
To answer my own question, with FW 2.9, the instant pace now stabilizes in less than five seconds. But I had to do a master reset (search on YouTube for the procedure) to get it to do so. So all is working well now!
I noticed on the Clever Training website for the 220 it features a Virtual Partner, though in your review it doesn’t have one. Which is correct?
Is there an android app now available? I do not want to buy an iphone.
I am quite keen to get one of these watches as I do like the Garmin website. I used to have a FR210 but I had it replaced 3 times so gave up and bought a Nike GPS sportwatch but find the Nike website does not give enough data and breakdowns on your runs. I can’t compare runs with runs like I could on the Garmin site to see if I have improved etc.
Yes they have an Android app working for this watch.
Hi Trish-
Thanks for the heads up. The FR220 does not have Virtual Partner, but rather has the pace alerts. I’ve let the CT folks know to tweak it.
Sorry for the confusion!
Thanks for that – I have bought one and its on charge. I paid reasonable price here in New Zealand, thanks to Kiwivelo. Looking forward to using it. Now I just have to update my phone to suit!
Hi,
Just wondered if all 220 models have the HRM Feature incorporated and just need the Strap for it to work, some are advertised with HRM, and some not. I have a strap with mine, but will it work with my friends, who’s came without?
Many Thanks
Dave
Yup, you can add in the HR strap later to any FR220 – they all have the same code on them. Many people simply add a strap later on, totally normal.
Hello Ray,
I don’t know if this bug has been mentioned or not? Tonight for the third time, I went out to run and part way through my run I noticed it had no pace indicators. they were just “–” marks. I realized that at some point the watch lost the GPS version and it read “0.00” instead of “3.10” or whatever the current version is. Do you know what causes this? Really annoying to have to go and try and redownload the update to get pace information. The software version never changed it still read “2.60.” Thanks for the help
-Clint
I’d definitely try and re-download the update. Not sure if you were using a computer or a phone to upload, but I’d use Garmin Express (computer) to ensure it’s all set. Very odd though, haven’t heard of that before.
Does anyone know if the GPS is off automatically when it is in watch mode or do you have to disable it when not in use?
Automatically disabled when in watch mode. You know it’s in watch mode when you hit any button and see the padlock.
Thanks Jason. Still learning about the watch. Went for a 5.5k run this morning and loved the auto pause when at traffic lights, crossing the roads.
You are welcome. I’m still learning too but definitely enjoy the watch.
Hi Rainmaker,
I currently using the 310XT model and I think about changing it to 220 (I can sell mine and buy the 220 at the same price, so money wise, it’s not a problem).
I’m wondering which one is better? the 310Xt has longer battery life (when GPS is on) (BTW, by GPS on does it mean while running or while the watch is turned on?)
Thanks,
Gidi
It really depends on whether you want a smaller watch or a watch with more functions. The FR310XT for the most part has more functionality (minus Bluetooth related features), but it’s much larger.
Hi – I purchased last week and went for my first run with the watch today. It didn’t seem to be very accurate as the pace had a wide range and after i loaded my data the map didn’t have my route correctly – according to this I never returned! That said, the total time is correct. Any suggestions?
Hi Jen-
Have you updated the firmware on the unit?
I believe so. I have software version 2.8 and GPS version 3.1
I may have figured it out after re-reading your post. The bar at the top never went fully green. I waited about 5 min and decided to just go.
Hmm, I’d try a hard reset first. If that doesn’t clear up the satellite issues than ring up Garmin to have them swap out the unit (you can ask them for a cross-ship to get you a unit quicker).
Ahh, perfect – yes, waiting is indeed important. Have a good weekend.
Hey rainmaker,I find this review very,extremely awesome for I am new to these garmin watches.im trying to buy one for my wife,it’s her birthday next week and she would absolutely live getting a garmin as a gift,my question to you is,which would you prefer,this fr220 or fr405?
*love
Easily the FR220.
Stan – From a female point of view and a new user of the FR220, I would recommend it for your wife. I have the white/purple one and it fits well and is super comfortable. I have small wrists, similar size to Rays wife and even though it looks large, it just feels right.
As for features, I have not tested enough as only been on one run then had to do night shift. It worked perfectly and I love it and can’t wait to go for another run.
Cool thx a lot Trish,for my wife also has small wrist,she is very petite.i searched and called many places,big five,sports authority,sports chalet etc…sports chalet had it in stock but only in blk/red.i really wanted the purple/white one for her because it looks more girly lol.It was kinda difficult to find but I managed to find it at an r.e.i store today. I could have ordered it online but wanted to make sure I can pick up and have it ready for her bday on Wednesday. Hope she likes it! Thx for the help.
Does the Heart Rate Page allow for any customization? Its set up for 2 fields (HR and Zone), but can you add a field … such as time or pace … or change the HR fields?
I know the Two User data pages are customization, but I got used to the Garmin 210 Heart Rate screen that would show HR as well as distance and pace.
Thanks
In case you were still wondering what the bizarre file naming scheme was all about, there is a post on the Garmin forums that seems to have cracked it :
link to forums.garmin.com
As always, an awesome review too. Thanks for spending the time and effort to do these reviews. It’s a wonderful resource.
went for a 6km run yesterday and over the course of the run the watch seemed to gradually drift off (to the north) of my actual position. the starting point and general shape of the course are correct but by the end it is around 300m off. there are some trees along the course, although mostly at the beginning when it was most accurate. do you think this is caused by a problem with the watch itself or some other factor?
thanks
Every once in a while I’ll see offsets like that from people (across a range of devices from the FR305 to current generation devices). Never really had a clear idea what causes it. Sometimes it might help to wait a few extra seconds at the beginning of a run before you press start (perhaps 15-30 seconds).
thanks for the reply, It had a lock for probably 5 minutes before I started running.. I am hoping it might have been a general gps system issue so not anything wrong with the watch itself which I really like. Anyway went for a long run today and it seemed to be spot on so hopefully all is well.
I just got the FR220 about a month ago and have some serious concerns with the pace lagging. I’m a slower run walker and also recovering from an injury, so at first I thought I was just running slower than normal. I then ran with both my new 220 and my old 305 to compare the current paces and saw how the 220 takes over a minute to catch up to my current pace as shown on the 305. The average paces were within 2-3 seconds on both watches, so it is capturing and chewing on the same data as the 305, but as a run walker, current pace is very important. *** My questions are: is the 220 THAT slow to record and display an accurate current pace or is there something wrong with my unit (I have updated all the software)…is this something that Garmin could fix with an update or bug fix…or us this just a design choice they made and I need to eliminate walk breaks? *** thanks for your input!
No, it’s not normal. If you’re on the latest firmware and have fully reset the unit – then I’d ring up Garmin support. It shouldn’t take more than a handful of seconds to reflect instant pace changes.
Thanks for your help. I did what you suggested and still no better.
So then, I went out for a run wearing my old 305 as well as my new 220, uploaded the data to Garmin Connect and talked to Garmin Help Desk. It is clear from the readings that the 305 is much quicker to respond and the 220 is lagging by almost a minute. eg, the 220 says I’m running at a 15 min pace and the 305 says I’m at an 11 min pace. Or, during a walk break, the 220 says I’m at a 13 min pace and the 305 says I’m at an 17 min pace. So this is not matter of the pace being off by a few seconds; it is off my a few minutes! The 220 catches up with the 305 after about a minute…not 5 or even 15 seconds, and the average pace is spot on between both the 220 and 305.
Garmin is escalating my problem and I suggested that they look at the data in the uploads and they will see exactly what I am talking about.
The Help Desk also said that Garmin is working on a software update for the 620 series that has to do with a lag in the lap pace, and since these are sister devices, it might be the same issue with the 220.
Fingers crossed. I love this watch except for this key issue. Thanks for your help and support.
Did this get resolved?
Great review! I own a 305 heart rate monitor strap and was wondering if it would pair with the 220? Also, do you know if there are any improvements with the 220 HR strap or is it identical to the 305 HR strap? Thanks!
Yes, it will. And yes, the strap is improved to reduce spikes/dropouts.
Thanks, Rainmaker! I ended up buying the 220 yesterday and took it out for my first trot. Works well so far! Only thing is it seems so flimsy compared to my 305 – hopefully it doesn’t break easily.
Hi Ray,
great review as usual! I own a FR 220 HR and have two questions:
– Having used it twice for triathlon and noticed that after the swim session the HR monitor doesn’t start automatically. I know the HR strap doesn’t work on water, but I assumed that once out of water it would get that info (also it DOES count the calories consumed at the end of the race…) (my Timex HR Zone trainer works just fine). Any advice? Is my HR monitor that has some problems or it’s just like that?
– Is there a way to save a training session WITHOUT saving the records eventually set on THAT session (i.e. every time I use it on bike I’ll break every record of my previous runs :-( )?
Thank again for your incredible work!
Vincenzo
1) Hmm, I’d definitely ensure that you have the HR showing pre-swim. Usually most devices do auto-resume, so that’s odd.
2) No, unfortunately not.
Grazie mille Ray!
I know this is an old thread, but since I’m fairly new to triathlon this issue popped up.
In my first triathlon I had the same iddues as Vincenzo.
I’m 100% sure i had HR reading before the swim. I know it for sure, because it was my first tri and I was joking about how high my HR ins “rest” was.
I’m using the FR220 for tri as this is my only watch (and was only running at the time I bought it)
Now since my 2nd triathlon I know for sure that the issue lies in the watch.
I started (again) out of the water with HR reading – Started my recording, and just pushed the lap button going in and out transition area. On the bike I recently have an Garmin Edge and thisone picked up HR instantly in T1. So I know it’s no failure of the HR strap.
when leaving T2 and only relying on my FR220 – HR recording was again gone.
Have you any ideas how to have HR reading during the run?
Hi Ray, thank you for the consistently well written reviews on GPS watches. I searched this review and it’s comments and, maybe I missed it, but I’m wondering does the FR 220 allow setting up custom workouts on-watch instead of through GC like the 310XT does?
Thanks
Yes it does. Enjoy!
Thanks. I bought one today. Technically it has an interval workout feature that can be edited on-watch, but if you go to My Workouts, which is where I would expect custom workouts to be, it tells me to Download workouts from Garmin Connect. I don’t want to have an account on Garmin Connect. Seems I should have said that specifically in my original post. Oh well, for my training this year the editable interval workouts will do.
Or maybe I need to update the firmware? I’m at 2.20. If so, it seems I’ll be bullied into signing up on Garmin Connect to get it.
I do also have a recently bricked 15 month old 310XT about which I’ve contacted Garmin, hopefully they will hook me up so I can have true custom workouts on-watch again.
Sorry, I thought you meant downloaded workouts. Yes, it has the basic interval function, but for the complex pieces you have to create on Garmin Connect. Unfortunately Garmin Connect mobile doesn’t support creation there.
On a whim today I downloaded Garmin Training Center, and it turns out even though it was last updated in 2011, it recognizes and appears to fully support the 220. So I have a way to make custom workouts without using Garmin Connect. I’m happy about that.
Thanks again for your work on these reviews, Ray.
Ray, after 7(!) years my trusty Garmin Forerunner 305 is starting to have problems (backlight stopped working). This review has persuaded me to buy the FR 220. But reading some of the comments makes me concerned that this new unit may not be as reliable. Do you think an extended warranty is worthwhile, or do you think that the newer Garmin products are as reliable as the older ones, based on your extensive usage? Thanks.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review! I have bought the 220 (in awesome purple) and it is FABULOUS! We’re even heading to Paris in Sept so I’ll be checking out your fave runs on your other page for then! Thank you!!!!
Hi… How is the calorie count comparison between the calories with the HRM strap and without it (just using GPS)? given that you can enter your physical stats, do the numbers come out roughly the same? I don’t want to have to wear a strap….
I am looking for a watch that has no external piece requirements, GPS, HRM, calorie counting, basic watch features for a runner, and isn’t too pricey. What would you recommend?
It would be AWESOME if it also incorporated activity tracking features too, but I can’t seem to find a good one!
Hi! I am running my first 10k trail run in September and was considering buying a watch. There are so many out there in the market that I was getting a headache and couldn’t make up my mind. My husband found your website and has been bugging me to read your reviews and comments. I think he wants to buy me a watch for my birthday! :)
I finally picked the Garmin 220 with the additional foot pod. Thank you for the extensive easy to read and full of photos review section. I spent almost an hour navigating your site!!!