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 It's been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 245, you may want to check out that review instead.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.
New firmware released!
Changes made from version 2.80 to 2.90:
– Fixed an issue where incorrect pace/speed smoothing could be applied during certain activities.-
– Changes to support manufacturing.
Thanks for all the wonderful info on your site. Quick question:
If I get the Forerunner 220 without the heart rate strap, will the strap from my Garmin Edge 800 work? They look the same in the pics, but I’d like to make sure.
Hi,
Thank you so much for all your reviews, I’ve read many of them and find them extremely useful. However, I still can’t decide which GPS watch to buy, and this is why. I want a simple watch, the only functions I really need are distance, time, average pace (for the whole run) and instant (or at least) lap pace. Garmin FR110, FR15, FR10 as far as I understand don’t allow you to see both paces during the same run. FR220 seems like the cheapest option to offer this, but for this price you can get a FR 310XT. I would also like quick satellite reception, good satellite connectivity, smooth instant pace (if they offer instant pace) and at least 5hrs battery life. Is really the FR220 the cheapest unit offering these? And, if yes, what is its advantage over a FR 310xt (except size) that costs almost the same? I was also looking up your review of the TomTom, but I didn’t like the fact that the watch falls out of the strap…
Thanks a lot in advance for your help!
Mirna
As for the Garmin models, the main advantage of the FR220 over the FR310XT is really Bluetooth and size. But beyond that, the FR310XT has far more functionality.
Great write up btw, bought my FR10 based on your reviews and been an excellent watch, still love it. Only problem with it is that it doesn’t let me see the average pace as well as instant pace. Are we saying here that the FR220 ‘does’ allow you to see both fields on the same run at the same time? i.e one date field shows instant/current pace whilst the other shows you average pace overall during the run? Thanks
I’m looking for a watch with HRM and the 220 looks great. I do some indoor workouts- cross fit, etc. that I would also like to use the heart rate monitor for. Do I understand correctly that I could set the 220 to Run / Indoor no GPS and it would work fine to monitor heart rate for indoor exercise of any type? Thanks!
Great review. Very deep into details.
I’ve been wearing the watch for a little bit more than 30 days and really like it. However, I’m not using the workouts from the page. I got used to Adidas micoach training plan, which considers how advanced I am into running, but I guess I’ll have to give it a try after my actual plan is over.
Thanks for the review
Firstly, thanks for a great review as always, I bought a 220 based on your detailed review. Have been using the watch for a over a month now. It seems like there is a bug (atleast on my device) on the Data screen settings. I have faced 2 specific issues:
1. The Data screens have changed on their own, different from what I set. I had set Screen 1 to display Distance and Time, and Screen 2 to display Cadence and Pace. When I went on my run, Screen 2 started showing Lap time and Lap distance. I did not change any setting, this happened on its own.
2. After my run, when I tried to set the screens again, there seems to be an issue in displaying 3-metric screens. It is now displaying one metric less than what I try to set. For example, if I set 3 metrics (Distance, Time and Pace) on Screen 1, it shows only Distance and Time. If I set 2 metrics on Screen 2 (with the Middle metric set as ‘Off’), it displays only the Top metric.
Have you heard anything similar from other users or faced it yourself?
Hi! I just got my forerunner 220 in today from clever training. Went through all the set up and things looked great. I started the software update and it has frozen on the main screen. I can get it to power off, but when I turn it back on it’s on the same frozen turn-on screen that just says “GARMIN.” Can anyone help with this?
Thanks for your great reviews! You are amazingly thorough! One question about the 220 and 620: Is there a way to determine how much battery life is left during a run? (i.e., if doing a timed ultramarathon, it would be nice to know whether the watch is going to make through the entire event).
I’m preparing to run more 5k’s and eventually a marathon. Would the 220 be my best option to buy to help me with training for that? What about the Nike + Sports Watch?
Hi Rick
I really like the FR220 and I have had a FR210 (lots of problems) so went to Nike+Sports Watch but it is so limiting (watch and Nike site) that I went back to Garmin….definitely recommend the 220. Get loads more info from the Garmin watches if you are into data etc.
Hi Rick
I think it can be sold with or without a HRM. I had one from the previous watch so that paired ok (Ant+). I do like my HRM as it shows me how hard I am working at running and when I get up to a certain rate….I need to slow down and walk. Others of course would use it differently.
Yup, Trish is correct. It’s sold in a bundle with or, or without it. If you previously have an ANT+ strap then you can pair that to it. And without it, you won’t get heart rate (HR) data. Cheers!
Hi. I have had the forerunner 220 for a while now but recently I am having a problem with my data screens. On screen one, I have selected distance, timer & average page & screen two I have selected lap data. When I preview the screens or when I go for a run only two data fields are displaying in each screen, the bottom field is not displayed. Has anybody encountered this or how do I resolve this?
David
Is this before you’ve started the timer? You might just want to briefly try starting the timer just standing there and see if it shows up while running the watch normally.
David,
Iam facing similar probems with Data screens, had posted a comment on this forum last week (see my comment dated July 16 2014). I tried doing a hard reset as Bob has suggested above, but doesn’t seem to have addressed the problem. I have also escalated to garmin support, but haven’t got a response from them yet. Let me know if you find a solution.
Satish
I have 2 data fields set up – HR and distance and the other screen just pace. On the first screen it shows the HR and HR zones…..never the distance. I have done a reboot as after the 2.9 update as I could not turn off data fields and this worked but still the incorrect field shows – HR zones not distance (even tho on the preview screen it shows the correct field as distance).
Not sure how to get around this.
Hope a repost is okay; no one addressed the question and I did not see it anywhere in the other comments.
Thanks for your great reviews! You are amazingly thorough! One question about the 220 and 620: Is there a way to determine how much battery life is left during a run? I know it is supposed to last 10 hours but assume that can be affected by number of screens being used, etc. (i.e., if doing a timed ultramarathon, it would be nice to know whether the watch is going to make through the entire event).
It depends, in general though, I’d go with the FR220. Here’s why you would want to purchase the FR610 instead:
1) You want some of the basic navigational features of the FR610
2) You want the cycling-specific mode (remember, you can still change the display to ‘Speed’ on the FR220), or you want ANT+ speed/cadence sensor support on the FR610
3) You want to display 4 customizable data fields instead of three, per page.
4) You want Virtual Partner (the FR220 has pace alerts, which is like a floor/ceiling instead)
5) You want weight scale support
Those are the main reasons. Personally, I’ll take the quicker satellite reception and upload of workouts through the phone, as well firmware updates that way. Also remember that the FR220 has significantly more features than it’s older sibling, the FR210 (for example, advanced workout support). So it’s really more of a FR620 ‘Lite’ than it is a FR210 ‘Pro’…if that makes sense.
Thanks for the great review on the 220 and the 620. I’m torn between the two units. My biggest question is regarding the WiFi on the 620. I have an outdated iPhone 4 with Bluetooth 3.0, so I cannot take advantage of the BLE features of either of these units. Will the 620 allow me to sync with my phone via WiFi for uploading data? If so, that would make my decision easier.
Thanks so much for the review…extremely detailed and very helpful. Considering getting the 220 and I know it can be used on a treadmill with the footpod. I hate treadmill training and subject myself to the painful indoor track during Chicago winters. Would the 220 with the footpad accurately track time per mile and distance on an indoor track?
I am confused. I am trying to decide between the Garmin 220 and the Garmin 620. I run a lot on the treadmill and unsure if I need a foot pod. There have been several software upgrades to both units so I am not sure if I still need an external foot pod to measure cadence or if the internal capabilities are now sufficiently accurate. Also, I am not sure if the 220 and the 620 have the same updated functionality. If the recommendation is to select the 220 with the external foot pod would it make more sense to just pay a little more money and get the 620 and use the internal cadence function if the cadence functionality of the 620 is currently superior to the 220 and a foot pod is not needed.
Thanks,
Greg
Hey Ray,
I bought a Forerunner 210 about 7 months ago from Amazon.com. For the last month, it has been acting erratically. Garmin support, has offered to exchange it for a “overhauled” (i.e. refurbished model.) This is a bit frustrating that they sell a defective product and will only exchange it for a used model that they fixed.
The rep told me that if I wanted a new watch, they would give me a new Forerunner 220 for $135 in exchange for my defective 210. Is this worth it?
Thanks,
Curt
Honestly, I’d have no issues getting a refurb unit. Having seen the process, you’re basically getting a brand new unit that’s re-built from the ground up in the same factory as previous units – even the outside is brand new. Tested the same as new units, etc.
I ended up with 3 x refurb or new FR210. But happy with my FR 220. I would take the exchange and get rid of the FR210. The FR220 is much more comfortable on the wrist as well.
Thanks for the support! There’s still a discount, fear not. For 99.99% of products you can use the coupon code, but for a handful (7, to be exact), you have to join the VIP program instead (at the manufacturers request). That includes the FR220– but you’ll still save the 10% and support the site with the VIP program.
It only takes a moment, and there’s more benefits and it also supports the Girls on The Run charity as well. Here’s all the details: link to dcrainmaker.com
Can the 220 display/capture/record heart rate data (or any other ANT+ data sensor, with Live Tracking enabled? You mentioned in the Fenix2 review that the 220/620 have this capability, but I can’t find it in the review for the 220.
I’m torn between the capabilities of the Fenix2 (which is in a different category) and the form factor of the 220.
Yes, it can. The FR220/FR620 are different than the Fenix2 in that regard, they can do both concurrently.
I didn’t mention it in the FR220/FR620 review, since they came prior to the Fenix2 review – and it wasn’t a problem then. It was only an issue starting in the Fenix2.
Hi Ray, great review, thank you! I’m a runner and am considering both the Garmin Forerunner 220 and the TomTom Runner Cardio. They seem pretty similar, would you say one is better than the other or does it really just come down to the built in hrm vs the chest strap?
Overall the FR220 is a more advanced/functional watch, whereas the TomTom Runner Cardio is more simplified watch. So it pretty much comes down to how much you want the built-in HR component.
@Hazel
I had the Nike Sportswatch which is similar to the TomTom (without the HR built in). And I found it too simple. The FR220 is great for a runner and I don’t find a chest strap uncomfortable if you want a HR monitor.
Great review, as always! Quick question: I have the 910xt and my wife is seriously thinking about the FR220. When we get home from our activities, will our workouts be uploaded simultaneously to one Garmin Connect account? Thank you.
It completely depends on how you configure it. Garmin Express allows you to pair a given device to a given account, even on the same computer. So your FR910XT could go to your account, and then the FR220 to her own account – and it’ll do it automatically when you plug the devices in to the computer (or if she sync’s the FR220 through her phone).
Hi all,
Great review, just a quick question….I currently have the 410 and love it but recently have added a gym membership to my training. They have an indoor track and obviously no gps available in there. Am I better adding a foot pod or upgrading to the 220 due to accelerometer? I’ve seen some changes in distance tracked outdoors with my 410 as well. Btw I’m not a techie so simple terms please : )
I read through your review before I’m asking this, but I didn’t see it touched on. My friend just got the 220 and she is training for a race with specific goal paces during training. Example a 9:08 pace for a mile. She says the watch is showing her paces rounded out. Like either a 9:05 or a 9:10. Is this a function that got switched on somehow. Is there a way to make it show actual pace and not have it rounded?
No, it’s only shown in 5s increments. The reality of GPS devices though is that the data has to be smoothed one way or another. So either it’s smoothed at 5s increments, or it’s smoothed for a longer period behind the scenes.
For intervals, what I do is use lap pace instead – which then shows you down to the second.
Hi Ray,
Great review as ever, your reviews have helped me to decide on an Edge810, 2 x Vivofit and FR220 in the last three months!!
Just a quick technical question regarding the FootPod. I was previously using a FR310xt with my FootPod, which I calibrated to my treadmill. I have now paired the same FootPod to my FR220, and wasn’t asked for any calibration info. I had assumed the calibration data was held in the watch, and I’d have to calibrate again, but now I’m wondering if that data is in the footpod!
Any ideas, and if you think the calibration is in the watch, advice on how to force a calibration would be much appreciated.
I don’t think this specific question was covered before. I just got the 220 and so far like it, although the loud beeps with each button press and the vibrations are bothering me a bit. Is it possible to turn off all vibration alerts and beeps with each button press?
I don’t have a unit on me at the moment (at the airport), but within settings you can turn off key tones (when you press a button) and alerts, and whether or not it vibrates or beeps.
I was wondering if you would recommend this watch over the Suunto Ambient 2 R?? I am having a hard time making a choice between the two ?
I basically want it for running both on road and at the gym on the tread mill and to monitor calories whilst doing all forms of exercise ? eg weights as well?
I’m still in a quandary on which watch to get: the FR 220 or the Ambit 2. I know these two watches don’t really compete but I can get an Ambit 2 within $50 – $75 of what I’d pay for the FR 220 so I’m considering it. In any event here’s a question about the FR 220. In the run/walk mode, does the FR 220 record or report data any differently than if I set up an interval run or workout run of similar time parameters? If not, what’s the purpose of this mode/alert? What am I missing? Thanks in advance for your response!
I haven’t seen anyone say it doesn’t get 10 hours, but at the same time, one likely doesn’t see too many FR220 buyers running 10hours in one shot. Realistically the 2S is probably a better watch in terms of time/duration, but I can see the thinking on wanting to go with the 220.
On the one hand, while i am not a triathlete, i would welcome the swim capacity of the Ambit. I dont use alot of the garmin connect features now, so limitations re intervals and workout arent absolute dealbreakers, but some of the garmin feaures are really sweet.. And the battery life would unambigoulsy get me through the jfk50
In addition, the current pricing on the Ambit 2s is so attractive.
On the other hand, the 220 seems like a more refined running product, and the ability to upload with bluetooth and not be tied down to my computer (And i extensively use a iphone ands ipad) are really compelling.
Thanks heaps for the review. On your recommendations I bought a Forerunner 220 with heart rate monitor and am generally happy with it. I use it for running as well as toning sessions but I am curious how they calculate calories burned? I seem to burn heaps more on runs than I do when doing cardio exercises despite heart rates and total time not being too dissimilar.
And another query, when I upload the sessions to Garmin Connect, the average and maximum heart rates are way lower (by 40 to 70 bpm) than the watch history tells me. This has been for all my workouts! Curiously the graph in Garmin Connect appears to show the correct readings. Have you come across this issue before, or do you have any idea why the sessions are showing different readings to the watch history ? Cheers
Thanks for all your reviews. Amazing website. I bought a Garmin FR 220 and its been really good until a few days ago. I run on a treadmill and FR used to track the miles accurately. Of late though, it has been acting weird (some times when I run in different gym). The miles are not being tracked at all even though I maintain the same pace. It shows 0.2 miles (or very small number) for a mile of my run. I am suspicious it is switching to outdoor mode even when I am indoors.
Any pointers as to how to diagnose and get rid this of issue. Appreciate your help.
Thanks
Sat.
Hola Ray, plwase explain me how the calibration factor of the footpod works. Should it be 100 like in the picture you show? After two runs with my FR220 using GPS and Footpod the calibration factor changes to 102.3, waht this mean? How should i know what is the correct calibration factor? What is best: use the calibration factor or let the watch to calibrate the footpod after several uses?
If you have been out running with the GPS on and the footpod connected, the FR220 will have auto-calibrated. The 100 number on the review pictures show the default setting, which roughly equates to a stride length of 100cm. As yours has auto-calibrated, it shows that your stride length is slightly more, hence the 102.3 number.
There is no need for you to change this, the FR220 has done it all for you.
I’d try and call Garmin Europe support instead. Or, you could do a hard reset (see Garmin Forums for exact instructions), as my bet is that’ll solve it right away.
I am new to your reviews and I have to say very impressed by the in-depth information you provide. After reading through several reviews and the Q&A’s as well, I’m stuck as to which option to purchase. From what I’ve read, I’m torn between the FR10/ 220/ 305.
My run’s consist of activity between 2-4 days/week, and I like knowing my pace, distance, avg. distance and prefer to have the GPS feature as well. I currently use Nike+ Running App on my phone (Samsung GS5) and it does a fairly decent job of mapping my run and the aforementioned features I look for. My only issue is that there is no HRM.
Do any of the models above keep track of HR without having a strap (which I feel s an inconvenience to have to wear); or is there a model/fitness watch brand that you could recommend with those features?
I own a Garmin 220 and love it. One of my favorite features is programming workouts; it really helps during a workout to not have to think about what I have to do next because the watch tells me.
But there’s one thing I can’t figure out how to program. I have a workout coming up that consists of a warmup then three miles of one-minute hard, one-minute recovery, one-minute hard, one-minute recovery then one mile of cool down.
I know that the 220 allows me to program time intervals and it also allows me to program distance intervals. But is there a way to program time intervals within a set number of miles. For example, one minute hard, one minute easy for three miles?
The best bet would be to use the custom workout function on Garmin Connect and then sync your watch with it. That’ll allow you to do exactly what you’re looking for. Super easy to use.
By the custom workout function, you mean the regular workout function in Garmin Connect, right? From what I’ve seen, that only allows me to specify segments by time or distance, not by time segments within a larger distance segment. Or am I missing something?
Thanks anyway. I appreciate how diligent you are in monitoring the comments.
Ahh, I see what you mean by embedding that. No, that’s tougher to do. You’d basically have to create repeat sets within that and assign the time segments according to a best guesstimate on how many you’d want to do.
So I made the leap and purchased the FR220. And of course I’ve come across a new comparison, that for some reason wasn’t apparent the first time round; the FR15. I’m seeing that it has quite a few features of the FR220, at about $72 less cost (this is with HRM and footpod- to compensate for the FR220’s accelerometer). haven’t had the opportunity to run with the FR220 yet, due to work timing, but was curious as to whether or not the v2.90 has the Auto-pause feature of the FR15?
Could I get a brief comparison (not as in depth as the charts, just something quick) as to whether you feel the extra cost of the FR220 is worthwhile compared to FR15?
Thanks again for your time DC,
your advice and assistance is always appreciated
I’d say the core reasons to go FR220 over FR15 is that you want either customized workouts, more data field customization, or you want Bluetooth sync via phone.
For me, I’d probably go with FR220 myself, but I think for most people the FR15 is a very solid option.
Does the FR15 display all of the same graph information as the FR220? And is the Bluetooth for the Live feature only, or does it save the use of always having to connect to a computer after a run?
Online they display the same information. But on the device the FR220 displays far more information (see the data pages listed in each review). Bluetooth on the FR220 is for Live Tracking, as well as pushing completed workouts to Garmin Connect, and also downloading workouts and satellite cache information. Both units allow you to upload via computer instead if you want (USB).
Thank you for being so attentive with your replies, it’s greatly appreciated. I believe I’m am going to stay with the FR220 for the shear convenience of everything that it offers (BT, accelerometer built in, uploading without having to connect w/my computer; and it was fairly spot on after taking it for its first run :) )
I just honestly feel the extra money is worth the hassle free integration of the FR220 :)
Thank you once again for your attentiveness,
it’s been extremely helpful!
Awesome review. I was tossing up between the 620 and 220 for a few months and I think your reviews really helped me to make the right decision for me. I purchased the 220 and I absolutely love it. I think having 4 data fields on the one screen would have been an added bonus but I can make do with 3.
I have made my Garmin connect sync up with Runkeeper which was what I was using before. I’ve noticed that the calories burned are different, Garmin says I burn fewer calories than Runkeeper…. but this must be more accurate with the heart-monitor.
And about the heart-monitor…. I had never used one before I bought the 220… and I’m not sure this is normal or not but I experience a lot of chaffing from the constant friction of the sensor. I try to put it as tight as possible but going 20+km of running with it and I find I have chaffed, blistered and burnt wounds from it.
I just recently purchased the 220 after reading your review. I am wondering when doing circuit workouts ( at the gym) what options do you need to switch off to ensure a accurate calorie count. I have been turning of the GPS but sometimes it turns it self back on and I still get a ‘distance’ . Is there an option to disable the distance for the use of circuit work.
Just turning off the GPS is the best option. It’s probably not turning itself back on, but rather the distance is coming from the accelerometer thinking you’re on a treadmill. There’s isn’t a way to disable that, but no worries since calories comes from HR anyway.
Hola Ray, I have set the watch to display only one main screen with: Distance, Pace, HR.
Yesterday i run an interval workout from one of the Garmin’s own plans. The workout was 5 intervals of 3 minutes within a pace of: 5:55-605 min/km with easy jogs from: 7:30-8:00 min/km.
When an interval workout is performed during the workout a new display screen is automatically created showing your pace within the zones and the time remaining of the interval.
I observe that when i was running the first display screen shows a pace different, normally lower than the one show in the second screen (the automatic screen created by the interval). Why you think is that?
It sounds like one of the screens is showing instant pace, and the other lap pace. The lap pace would be applicable to that segment of the workout and effectively the average pace for that segment.
You don’t seem to know that if you hit the top right button twice(unlocks device) then click agian BEFORE the sati lite syncs, it will just be you and the acceleramiter, no gps unless you click back witch bottem right and take te time to sync.
Now, one thing I don’t know is how to, say, if I needed to time somone holding their breath… Must I click 4 times just to time them? What if it’s urgent? Is there no way to make the crodograph fast access like a non-gps timex watch with the forerunner 220?
Thanks a bunch, let me know if you know!
Thanks for the great review of the 220, which I have now read multiple times. Based on that, I now have the 220 and it is a great piece of running electronics. Today I finished a long run and somehow did not save the run data. I have been using the watch all week. So, I wanted to know if there is an “auto save” setting somewhere. I have looked at the manual to no avail.
Thanks and keep up the good work. Your reviews are awesome.
No automatic save method, but it does ask you at the completion of each run. The only way out of it would be to actively say ‘Discard’ for the run. :-/
Great review and great website. thanks ! i am considering getting either a FR15 or 220 (leaning more towards FR15 because i’m only a beginner runner). I notice you mentioned both models can be use in gym (by turning off the GPS) but it only counts calories if a HRM is worn. I am not planning to get a HRM as i couldn’t see much use of it(don’t really care about my HR….should i? ). Will it count my calories without a HRM if i’m running outdoors?
Also- the FR220 has a “ON-UNIT INTERVAL FEATURE” but the FR15 doesn’t (saw this on your FR15 review-comparison table). what does the this feature do?
In being newer to the technological aspect of running, I was curious as to what information does the footpod and/or accelerometer track other than cadence? Does it affect HR monitoring or provide a better accuracy for mapping the run or elevations?
It tracks pace and distance (and cadence as noted), that’s it. So sometimes on trails with switchbacks or places where GPS might struggle a bit (or on a treadmill), that’s the main reason to use it. No elevation data or impact on HR monitoring.
Does the 220 have customized interval inputs? Can it handle a workout like: 10 mins hard (marathon pace), 2 minutes easy, 8 minutes hard (1/2 mar. pace), 4 minutes easy, 6 minutes hard (10k pace), 6 minutes easy, 4 minutes hard (5k pace), 8 minutes easy, 2 minutes hard (faster than 5k pace), with a open warm up and cool down on either end? Or does it just handle say 2 minutes hard and 1 minute easy and repeat itself?
Thanks for the awsome review, I’ve read it and others many times. I’ve got some questions regarding how to properly charge.
Here we go:
Is charging with an iphone chord dangerous for the watch battery? Also, if I charge every night, even when it’s not completely empty, will this cause the battery to corrode faster like it does with a smartphone? Should I not be worrying about this so early? Is it replaceable? Sorry to bombard you with questions, I’m just scared I’ve been doing the wrong thing for the past 3 nights of me owning the 220. Thanks a bunch!
The iPhone cord won’t fit into the FR220. But, if you’re talking about the USB charging block there’s no issues at all with using that. USB is designed so that the device only pulls the power it needs. I have no idea the last time I actually used a Garmin charging block – I use pretty much anything around, including an Apple one.
Oh, and as for charging it every night – there is some (small) bit of truth in terms of charging cycles (often around 1,000 for a given device). In most peoples cases they’ll kill the device in some other manner far before you erode charge holding via charging cycles. That said, I typically charge mine every few days.
Thanks for telling me, I had no idea. That makes things a whole lot easier! I realize u probs got better things 2 do than answer my paragraph of questions, but if someone could, please glance through and see if you can enlighten me…the sooner I know the better, even if experience will teach me this XC season.
If you wouldn’t mind, I’ve generated a few more questions from my running with this being my first gps:
I set my data fields so that I have lap time, timer, and lap pace for shorter workouts, and distance, time, and lap time for longer runs. It got me thinking, is there a way to preset all of the configurations and toggle them on that way?
Also, I ran today for my 5th time just doing three 7:20 miles and the pace thingy (regular pace mode) kept on fluctuating without settling in for a long time. It went from 7:00 pace to 7:50 to 6:30 to 6:00 pace and back to 7:20 in about 10 minuets. It’s frusterating because it took us so long to figure out what we were at, though we were clearly running one pace continuously. I’ll admit that I always keep te gps off and after runs or if I accidently turn it on trying to use the crosograph I’ll turn it off via system settings. I hope that doesn’t mess with the satellite caching thing, and I’ve also hooked up inside a few times by accident but really fast for a gps watch too, as you said. For some reason my watch seems to hook up at the same speed no matter where I am. Is that a defect or a technological advancement. And did the pace fluctuate because of the neighborhood I ran in because there are no trees but i dont know if the gps doesn’t work in some places… I mean- it does say global! Right? No one else in my group had a gps today so I couldn’t compare my issues but I think they are genuine to this watch.
And for the grand fanaly:
The watch also offers “average pace”, “lap pace”, and “pace”- aren’t those the same thing? I’ve been through many seasons if XC and track- but now I feel like a running noob.
That’s a bit wide for pace fluctuations. Usually you’ll see +/- about 10-15 seconds at most.
Double-check that you’re on the latest firmware update for the FR220. Else, you can try resetting the unit, that might help.
For me, most of the time I use lap pace, with either auto-lap set (long runs) or manual laps for the different segments of a workout (such as intervals). That allows me to pace for that specific segment and hit precise paces for a given workout portion.
I have the FR 220 and just got a Garmin footpod b/c I’ve been on the treadmill a lot. When on the treadmill, I turn off GPS and use the footpod. But I’m unclear on the calibration technique, even after reading the above comments. I THINK it just calibrates by running outside… Is this correct? If so, do I need to manually connect the footpod or does the FR220 use the GPS data to calibrate the footpod without me doing anything? Also, on GC is there anywhere to tell if the data was collected form GPS vs footpod? Thanks!
Yup, correct. The FR220 will use GPS to automatically calibrate as you run outside. That’s it. By default the unit will use GPS (and there isn’t a way to change it). Unless the GPS drops out, in which case it’ll failover to footpod.
No issues there, the unit will go with live tracking for the full duration of the battery spec’s. On the phone side, it doesn’t use the phone’s GPS, which means the battery impact is low there.
Can’t be more happy and satisfied with a product.
The FR220 its THE watch for RUNNERS who likes data and customization, even for casual because they can play with the display. I mean, this watch has it all, its 100% a runners watch. One of the most important features for me is that i don’t need to depend of a computer to config a workout or to change any feature (this only happens with uploaded workouts). The costume options to change in the watch are all valuable for the runner: you need a top heart rate alarm? you can use the ones in your training zones or create one by yourself in the watch! the same for pace. You want alarms? you got vibration, audible and visual with colors! and you can also turn off each one at will. Are you running a workout you made in the web page but you realize your don’t like it during the workout? Don’t stop, just press the back button until the watch ends the workout and continue running a free season and any of your data is lost…that is very cool! Accuracy…the best. Lost GPS? (by the way i got signal within 15 seconds even in cloudy days) got the internal acelerometer, waterproof, Bluetooth for the phone upload, upload complete training plans to the watch, calendar, three display screens plus HR screen and workout screen, very stable GPS while running, auto stop…UUFFF!! and so on!!….so…what else is need it?
Very recommend, the price can scary you at first but you wont regret at all.
One thing that I did not see was the ability for the watch to have multiple user profiles. I am sure that others in my house will use the watch when I am not looking and I want to make sure all our training data is not intermingled.
Nope, I don’t think this will happen. But the colors are pretty dull anyway, don’t dwell on these details in my advice, look at the important features you need/
Hi,
I tried to see if this question came up but i couldn’t find it.
I have a vivfit right now and I do love it but since getting it I have picked my workouts a lot more, so i was thinking about upgrading to the FR220 but it still lacks some of the function I like about the Vivofit. I know about the FR15 but my question is do you think those function, like daily traking and maybe the smart notification will ever come to the FR220 or are those feature not so important to people who use this watch.
Hi ,
I would like to ask you if is possible to set personal interval training on unit ,
like 2×2000 rec 3′ + 2×1500 rec.3′ + 4 x500 rec. 1′ .
I think you already said that is possible through garmin connect,
but is also possible to do it on the watch? Like on the garmin 610 that I had before.
Thank you
Hi, Ray.
I’ve been having some issues with transfering my workouts to my I-phone 5S via Bluetooth. The 220 shows a “Phone Connect” message but the workout is not transfered. I saw other people complaining abou that. Do you know what the problem is? Any clue how to fix it?
Thanks!
PS: Love your blog, by the way. I’m reading it from the beginning, like a book (almost finishing 2013 posts. : )
I know there were some issues earlier in the week with Garmin Connect for certain users, I don’t know if those have been resolved (mine seemed largely OK when others were having issues, so hard for me to validate).
My FR220 is having problems charging. At first when I connect it, it appears to be charging. Less than 30 seconds later, the the watch just turns on and does not charge. I then disconnect, and try again. After several attempts, it may connect and let me upload and recharge. It is very annoying, does anyone else have this problem?
Hmm, try grabbing an eraser and cleaning off the contacts on the back of the watch first. Then, try a different USB port (you may have already tried that) – preferably on a different charging device.
Thanks for you great review!
I was wondering why there aren’t any other color choices for te gr 220. Does garmin have some weird philosophy that everyone’s watch must look the same because it bugs me that I can’t get my school colors as my watch! Otherwise this would be perfect… Do you think there’s a way I could customize it myself with paints and stuff? Is there a turorial for that anywhere? Thanks
It’s mostly due to the scaling out of distribution. If they had watches in all sorts of colors than retailers would be expected to have those on-hand. They did this in the past a bit and the retailers ended up getting somewhat upset either because they had colors onhand nobody wanted, or they didn’t have what someone wanted.
The way they’re trying to address it now by going towards fully interchangeable straps. All recent units (FR220/FR620/Fenix/Fenix2) are using the same strap – thus enabling you to swap straps and slowly increasing the colors of the straps.
Colored straps!?!?! That’s news to me! Awsome! Where do I find those- I’ve looked all over online and it couldn’t find any even on amazon… Do I have to buy those in stores?
Thanks a ton!
Do you think that wearing a GPS watch all day is weird? I guess it’s a bit annoying having to hit 4 buttons just to time something and then be asked to save it after everyteime, so Is there a way to that you know to quickly crodograph like my non-gps timex? I wish it was simpler.
Also, should I be shutting my watch off when I’m not using it or does the battery drain if I leave it on all night? I’d like to hear what you think,
Just bought a 220. My last watch was a Garmin 610, which had started resetting every time I pressed the Start button. The 610 had what was probably the worst in a long line of horrible charging cradles from Garmin. I suspect that if the charger was more reliable, the watch would have lasted longer. The new cradle for the 220 seems much better.
Anyhow, the new watch is amazingly light, which is great, but tends to reduce the impact of the vibrating alerts, compared to the 610.
Hey Ray,
Thanks for the review. In a recent firmware upgrade, “elevation” became a choice for the data screen.
It tells you the current elevation at any given time. It seems to me that, since it knows elevation during an activity, that some simple math could yield a cumulative “elevation gain” data field. Any idea if this is coming?
I’ve given up on the Fenix and downshifted. I love the 220, but miss my cumulative gain field.
So I’ve had only one major issue with the 220 so far, and it has to do with Garmin Connect. Everything in my profile is set to Standard (miles, feet, inches) but when I post from the Connect App to Facebook everything is posted in Metric and a foreign language (Italian or French I believe). I have looked all over the website to find a way to change this, but so far no luck. Do you or any of your readers know how to resolve this?
I’m wondering if these newer 620/220 watches have the auto-lap by position function that you describe here link to dcrainmaker.com and that my 305 has as well. I can’t find no mention of it in the respective manuals, whereas on the 305’s and others’ it is clearly mentioned. I find it remarkable that apparently no running apps for the phone, including the half-baked Garmin one, include this very useful feature.
When I used the Garmin Forerunner 220 today, I noticed that the pace was not showing up on my screen. I have it set to show the pace but yet it is not calculating my pace. Does anyone know why this is happening or how i can correct it?
I struggle to really understand Garmin’s justification for no cycle mode. While the obvious statement is to set it apart from the 620/XT/ Fenix watches, the reality is you can, and most people still do, use this watch for cycling.
As a result the functionality is there, as the speed/cadence sensor isn’t so important, but in the process of not having a bike mode, Garmin are merely messing up the functionality they’d like this watch to have for running, i.e records etc. In having to change all the data, or just have screwed up, unrealistic records, the watch just looks bad on Garmin, so in my humble opinion, as long as Garmin can’t stop you using this watch on a bike, they might as well add the few lines of code to separate records and datascreens between bike and run (no need for extra sensors) and stop it messing everything up, thus ruining the watch’s rep.
Hi,
first, thanks for the great reviews!
Does the 220 have a configuration to show HR and Pace on one screen?
I tested the Forerunner 15 and what bothered me the most is that I have to switch between 4 screens over and over while running (Screen 1, Screen 2, HR, Time), just to get my Pace and HR.
Now, I am currently looking for a GPS watch with this feature (best would be Time, Pace and HR on one Screen). If you can’t configure the 220 with this setting, can you recommend another watch?
is it possible to set target zones for data fields other than pace and HR? specifically cadence? I just returned my tomtom multisport, which was great, but didn’t track the one thing I really needed to improve. So, I am debating between the Forerunner 220 or possibly the Ambit2R. While I appreciated the multisport nature of the TomTom, I might just need to get a bike-specific unit at another time as there’s nothing as unobtrusive and affordable that has the same feature set. Any thoughts are VERY appreciated.
Thinking about getting the forerunner 220 but not sure it is the best hrm for my needs. I have started trying to get in better shape and lose weight. Currently I don’t run. I use elliptical machines, walk outside, hike outside, do strength training and fitness classes. I want to know my heart rate during workouts and my calorie burn. It would also be nice to have the gps functions for when I go on walks outside, but my phone does this too so maybe that isn’t necessary. I want the hrm to sync to my phone wirelessly. Would the forerunner 220 be the best hrm for this purposes? Thanks!
My opinion, if you don’t do races and will always have your phone on walks, then I’d stick with it. Now that being said you may want to get a Bluetooth HRM, pair it to your phone, but you need an app that can use the data from your HRM. I know some exist.
Can you post some pics of the 220 with 2 data fields and 1 data field showing? The only pics I see anywhere on line all show three fields unless it’s the heart rate screen. I’m thinking about upgrading my wife’s 210 because her biggest gripe is being able to read the display.
Do you know if you can charge this watch on the move without it resetting itself? I do a few races over 10/12 hours and last year ended up using 2 110’s merging the data and lost all the splits
I learned that after finishing a run if I leave the 220 on the resume/save/discard menu, my recovery rate will be displayed. Is this saved for further review?
It’s saved in the fit file as an event. Most software ignores it. If you use the Sporttracks PC program with OMB’s fit file importer plugin (cost option, but it’s only a few euros and it’s worth it for things like this), it’ll be visible. There are others too, but none which I use so I honestly don’t remember what they are.
Thanks for all you do. Your passion and commitment in providing detailed information to help make informed decisions is greatly appreciated.
This is probably a noob question, but instead of charging the 220 through a computer usb port, can i use an adapter and charge through a wall outlet? I would like to bring the 220 wherever i go, but not so much a laptop.
When using live tracking, does it drain the battery any quicker on the watch? I’m running a half tomorrow and I’d like to use this feature so my family can track me and know when I’m going to be passing them. I can carry my phone with me.
Used live tracking with my FR 220 for a half a couple of months ago. Worked great. The FR 220 battery doesn’t get drained much faster with live tracking on (there’s *way* more than enough battery to last for a half, or a full, marathon with live tracking on). The phone battery gets hit a bit because it’s essentially sending out short bursts of data every few seconds, but it’s not that bad at all because the watch is doing the GPS work, which is what kills a phone’s battery.
Hi!
I’m seriously thinking about buying this watch and your review helped me a lot with deciding. But I still have 2 questions:
1. Is there a cadans function on the watch without footpod? I see it’s one of the variables you can select for the screenviews
2. Is it possible to setup intervals with the watch without using garmin connect? And I don’t mean walk/run (like on my FR10), more like 300m run/30sec rest/600m run/30sec rest/…etc.
Hi!
I’m seriously thinking about buying this watch and your review helped me a lot with deciding. But I still have 2 questions:
1. Is there a cadans function on the watch without footpod? I see it’s one of the variables you can select for the screenviews.
2. Is it possible to setup intervals with the watch without using garmin connect? And I don’t mean walk/run (like on my FR10), more like 300m run/30sec rest/600m run/30sec rest/…etc.
1) Yes, it’ll automatically determine running cadence without a footpod.
2) Yes, you can do both custom on Garmin Connect, but also on unit interval creation.
Can you elaborate on how to set up a custom interval on the watch itself? I’m setting up C25K intervals for my son but couldn’t figure out how to set up 1:30 run/1:30 rest then 3:00 run/3:00 rest. Any help would be appreciated!
I was wondering if there are other data analysis tools out there like sporttracks that anyone recommends. I tried that but it was incredibly buggy and gave nothing but problems when I used it. The wife and I use Garmin products and Mio. I don’t mind paying for something but it better be good.
I was wondering if any GPS watches had live tracking capabilities, but without the burden of carrying a phone on the run as well? I’d love to track my friends workouts, but she doesn’t want to carry her phone as well.
Thanks so much for your help. I got myself an Suunto Ambit 2s from Clever and I’m still deciding on a watch for my GF. Perhaps waiting for the Timex One GPS+. Thanks for all your hard work.
Great reviews. I’ve switched to Garmin because of these. Thanks!
Anyway, I just got the fr220 but im not sure if it has issues. I created a workout in garmin training center programmed this way: 10 min warm up, 4 min run and 1 min walk until distance of10km and lastly 10min cool down. It was transferred to my FR220 but when i do the workout, it doesnt stop after 10km. I thought it might be counting my warm up which is about 1km, so I continued to run but i reached more than 12 and the 4-1 run walk still continues and the distance is more than 12k.
No, that was just when I grabbed the screenshot on that particular unit (I had multiple units during the beta and final production unit cycle). I don’t have one with me at the airport now, but I believe it has 2MB of space. Most workouts are about 50KB per hour on the FR220, so that’s about 40 hours on the device.
Again, that does depend on me remembering that it’s 2MB…
Is there anyway to overcome the glaring lack of accuracy when using the 220 indoors on a treadmill? (for instance, a way to force the watch to only use the footpod?)
I have a footpod, it recognizes it, I assume that it is calibrated since I ran with it outdoors yesterday, but today it still is over 1 minute off with pace. any ideas?.
Do I need to turn the footpod off (on my Garmin) when running outdoors? I keep it on my shoe all the time and the Garmin always recognizes it when I turn on the Garmin. I assumed when I’m outside and my GPS is on (by default), the GPS is used. Am I right?
Hi Guys, How do you enable hrv/r-r on the 220? On firstbeats page is says the 220 and 620 are manually compatible at this time with the athlete program but only gives instructions on how to enable it on the 620. As you are no doubt aware, no hrv data and the programs a binary paperweight.
Does the CleverTraining 10% discount still work? I tried ordering a 220 but it says the code (DCR10WHP) is not valid. The 220 isn’t discounted or anything- it’s still full price.
Hi Terrance, I think you now have to sign up to the vip program to get the discount. Membership costs $5 last time I looked so that’s still incredible value imho.
For the FR220 and about 7 other products you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP membership to save 10% (per requirement of Garmin). It only takes a second to sign-up and you still save a ton, plus benefit Girls On The Run as well. Details here: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks for clarifying (both you and Rob). I’m more than happy to support you since your reviews are what helped me choose the 220 as my first GPS watch in the first place!
Still can’t decide between Garmin 220 or Garmin 15. Although I run mnay miles a week a basic watch works for me. Both reviews you had were very helpful.
Could someone please explain if you see any difference (both whilst running and in analysis after an upload) between the smart recording on the 220 and the 1 second recording on the 610/620?
Would the smart recording be slower to react to a change of pace either in “pace” or “lap pace” mode? I prefer to use “lap pace”, so I can’t imagine I would see a lag due to smart recording?
Also, are you able to change the background to black in training mode? (the review says you can in time mode)
You won’t typically see any difference while running, but might see substantial difference post-running. The core difference is that in 1s-mode you get once per second, smart recording varies between 4-7s, sometimes as high as 10-15s. This means you might not get super-current data.
There is no smart recording view mode on the watch, so whatever you have as far as pace/lap pace, etc… is what’s shown and seen. So there’s no lag during the run. It’s juts about recording.
My wife is getting more into running and looking into getting a Garmin (I have a 620 & 610) – considering FR15 or FR220. The activity tracker appeals to her, but she’s also quite keen to do a 5K-10K race.
It seems odd to me that the FR15 supports Virtual Partner, but not in a core running watch, like the 220. I know this can be programmed with a workout, but at the risk of constant alerts, if dropping below the pace.
Virtual Partner would tip the balance towards the 220, any idea if it is a likely update?
No, the FR15 doesn’t support virtual partner, but rather Virtual Pacer, the same as the FR220. I don’t expect either watch to get full blown Virtual Partner.
Hello. Just got the watch for myself and I am very happy about it. Your review helped a lot for the choice, thanks!
A side note: I am disappointed though that there can’t be a cycling mode. I was really taken by surprise on that one, since I had a Forerunner 305 which is a model from 2006 that does really well switching between Running/Cycling/Other, so I didn’t imagine that the 220 would come a feature less than the 305.
Especially since now you can connect via Bluetooth (with Android too), which uploads directly to Garmin Connect, which now pairs automatically to Endomondo.
So now each time after a biking workout I have to go change the sport on Endomondo or all my stats and PR are wrong.
I think the thing to keep in mind is that while the FR305 has it, it’s also a multisport watch. When it came out, it was $399US. Over time it declined in price, but ultimately it’s from a separate product line aimed at triathletes versus runners.
Hi, I’ve had my 220 for about 3 weeks, and over the last few days the GPS has stopped working. I am wondering if it’s because I live in CA and I am currently in NYC. have you heard that the GPS is territorial or could something else be wrong. I bought the watch for this trip, but sadly can’t get the best use out of it. Any suggestions welcome, and yes it’s has the most recent updates.
Sadly I have to give up running and find a lower impact way to stay fit and exercise. I have a FR220/HR monitor and footpod and wonder if this will work with a cross trainer/elliptical machine?
Thanks….I suspected that would be the case. Now it seems like my watch may be redundant. Just when I find one that I really like. Great site Ray…love reading all your stories and reviews. Don’t know how you do this all in 24hrs!
Thanks for this review Ray, it’s so much better than the user manual!!! I truly love my FR220 (yes, I’ve got the purple one) and your article helped me understand it better.
I saw recently that another watch company enabled smartwatch features on model that didn’t have those features at launch. Do you have any inside info as to whether Garmin might enable those kinds of features like smartphone notifications or media controls or is that just wishful thinking on my part? They have the know-how as shown by other Garmin products and the Bluetooth Smart is just asking for more to do.
Hi – I live in England and have a Forerunner 110 which works fine in its very basic way, but the strap has split, so I am looking for a replacement. I generally run for fun and fitness to support my main hobby, which is squash and I play at a good standard. I do run a number of 10K races per year and like to analyse performance, and would like to add more structure to my running in terms of training plans, rather than just plodding the same old courses for aerobic and endurance work. I have an ANT+ heartrate monitor. I would be curious to assess the metrics during a squash game (assuming I could get the heart rate monitor strap to stay in place). Given that, which would be the best watch and would a foot pod be necessary, or would an internal accelerometer do the trick. I have considered both the 15 and the 220, but I’m also drawn towards the Polar M400 and wouldn’t mind the investment into a new bluetooth HR strap for it as long as it would be worth it (and it could stay in place during the rigors of squash).
I’m sure Ray will be along to correct me if I’m wrong but for running purposes both the fr15 and m400 will require a footpod as their accelerometers are not enabled for running like the fr220’s. Also iirc on the m400 footpod support will be added in a future firmware update. As for the heart rate monitor see how you get on with yours, if it’s problematic then look into the rhythm dual band optical arm strap monitor. Above all remember garmin is ant+ and the M400 BT smart. It kind of gets expensive if you let it. I have both types of footpod, but luckily most devices like my tickr are now dual band.
Thanks both. I guess I’ve played squash for over 35 years without monitoring metrics, so I will get by without. It was interesting to gauge some thoughts on the possibilities.
I’ll have to make my choice over the 15, the 220 or go over to the Polar side and consider the M400 for making my running training more efficient. The 15 has the simple run/walk function which can be used to create repetitive intervals. I can always obtain training programmes from Garmin Connect if I want something different, although I know I can’t put them on the watch on the 15. But I really liked your M400 review and I am very much drawn to the host of features available on it. Given that early indications show it is only likely to be about £30 more expensive (with BT HR strap) compared to the 15 (without HR strap, my old one is compatible) in the UK; and £35 cheaper than the 220 (without strap), given the features of the M400 makes it an attractive proposition – I’m hoping for a benevolent Christmas,if I can wait that long and / or the temporary use of parcel tape still holds the broken 110 strap in the the meantime
Thank you for the informative article. I enjoyed all the pictures as well. I ended up purchasing the Forerunner 220 based off the review and have loved it ever since. Keep up the good work.
This is probably a dumb question but is not being able to feel the vibration alerts a common experience? It was coldish and wet out today so if I didn’t pay attention I wouldn’t have been able to feel the vibration because my wrists were too cold.
This isn’t really a complaint about the watch, it’s just something I hadn’t considered.
No common. Though, I’ve certainly missed it every once in a while, especially if I was in the middle of doing something that required more attention (such as running across traffic), or, if I had the watch outside of clothing (very possible).
Happens to me fairly often – basiclly on every >10k run I check whether it’s still registering as I will not have felt a vibe for several ks. It may have been the weather, we’re at the end of the dry season now (which makes the HRM band even more obnoxious than ususal).
I just got a Forerunner 220 because on paper it seemed as if it would do everything I wanted. Maybe not. I set the auto lap feature to record every 1 km. When I went for a run I clicked my own laps which seemed to cancel the auto lap setting. Can I set it to record each km even when I’m clicking other points at shorter intervals along the way? If not, is there any other GPS watch that will allow me to do this? Thanks for any advice from anyone.
I’m in run/walk mode in the middle of a long run. I decide I want to change my run/walk alerts (perhaps to lengthen or shorten the run period). Do I have to stop the timer to change the run/walk (or any other) settings? Am I missing something? Is there a way to get to the menu or change settings while keeping the timer going? Many thanks!
Great, comprehensive review. One question I have – can I plug the USB cable into a wall charger to charge the unit? I don’t always have my laptop with me when I travel.
Thanks!
Hi, can you do lap recall with this watch where you can go back and look at mile or lap splits? I’ve been running with the Garmin 110 and a lot of times will do a workout with a Timex simply so I can go back and look at mile splits easily.
Yes, you can access lap history after the activity is complete on the watch (or online/phone app). Or, you can do so for the just completed lap during the activity.
Hi, what settings do I have to change to be able to see my total activities history for more than two months back?
Histroy -> Totals ->Weekly
or
Histroy -> Totals ->Monthly
the earliest I see is September in both cases…
What do I do if I want more history?
Thanks
I’m not sure why would Garmin would put out that the 220 is not capable of a low power mode needed for Smart Notifications. It has Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Smart or whatever the consortium is calling it now and is capable if continually passing data via live tracking. I think it’s technically capable and that Garmin will fall behind competitors if they don’t add the feature. Fortunately for consumers the market life on Garmin watches tends to last a few years so there’s time to add features via firmware updates.
It’s not a case of having Bluetooth Smart, it’s a case of being able to be in a low-power standby mode for weeks that can still intercept the Bluetooth Smart stack notifications. Adding it during activity mode would probably be pretty straight forward (when the device is active), doing it in low-power standby mode is entirely different.
Hi; thanks for the fantastic review. I have just bought fr220 and disappointed after 3 runs with it. In each run it starts perfect with good gps, stable current pace data etc. but then current pace is becoming much more faster than my pace. ( extremely low like 1″, 2″ min) I stop the watch and resume again, then all is normal. have you experienced such problem? Thanks and best regards…
I understand that the 220 doesn’t have cycling mode due to market segmentation reasons, but I really hope they will implement it in the nearest future. Direct competitor Polar M400 has running and cycling mode and it is cheaper. This should trigger garmin to implement it on the 220 too.
I’m not sure if this has been covered, and sorry if it has (there are, after all, more than 1600 posts!), but this thing has happened to me a couple of times: accidentally pressing the lap button during a run. Not only does this give you a lap mark where you don’t want one (which isn’t serious of course), but it also then switches to marking a lap only at every mile (or km, depending on what you have chosen) beyond where you accidentally marked a lap. For example, if I accidentally press the lap button at 1.35 miles, the next lap marker won’t happen until 2.35 miles, and you won’t get one at 2 miles. Of course, one solution is when you next get to a round mile or km to press the lap button, but it seems a bit silly to me. Can you turn the lap button off? Thanks by the way for your work.
Hi Ray, Love your reviews. I am having a hard time deciding between the 220 and the 610. I originally wanted the Ambit2 S but like the idea of the training features on the Garmin watches. Do you find you actually used those features on your 610? My main struggle in choosing now is the 1S vs Smart recording intervals. Is it likely the 220 will have a firmware update to include 1s? I run a lot of trails as well as road and my previous GPS (MotoActv now broken) was very inaccurate when I got into twist and turns in wooded areas. I am about to start marathon training but will still be doing a lot of trail runs/races throughout the year. What would you recommend?? Thanks.
Hi, you mention connectivity via USB but I don’t see a USB cable in your “unpacking” shots, only the charging cable which I assume is a mains charger.
Do you have to buy this separately?
My Garmin forerunner 320’s battery is on its way out and I can’t run past 9 miles, so I need a new watch.
I know I am losing the virtual partner, the 1 second data recording and the mapping but will I miss anything else in the FR220? I have a cycling computer so I don’t really need the bike functionality.
Finally, could I use the heart rate monitor that came with my edge 800?
Hey. Not exactly sure when it stopped but I am no longer able to sync my 220 and iPhone/iPad. I am no longer able to pair the devices following the instructions. My 220 has the latest update as do my iDevices. When I go to the iTunes store, the Gamin Connect app says the app in not available in U.S. stores. I’m in NY State. I’ve tried everything, including searching the web for others with my dilemma. I sent an email to Garmin but based on others, I’m not holding my breath for an answer. Curiously, when trying to pair, the 220 says the watch is paired, but my iDevices say the pairing failed. Have you heard of any issues?
Hi. I have a timex run trainer, but am getting really frustrated as the USB connection keeps failing (and however I clean the connections it only works very occasionally. I’m thinking of replacing it with the Garmin 220 as this has a wire free upload which might be more reliable. Can I use the heart rate strap from the Timex with the Garmin? And before I put the Garmin on my Christmas list, do you think this sounds sensible.
Hi, thank you for your review.
Is there the ability to turn off the alerts for each mile ran and or pace and just use the gps and interval run function?
Hi Ray, it is the first time that I comment. Thank you for your deep reviews, they are really helpful.
This said, I have some doubts that I hope you can help me with:
1- Given that by getting a FR210 instead of a FR220 I would save more than $100 (depending on the store), is it worth to get a FR220?. I just run, and all I need to know is my HR, the distance and my instant pace (min/km).
2- I have an old Polar F7. Would its HR strap work with the FR210 or the FR220 or do I need to get a new one from Garmin?
3- Battery replacement: It’s almost impossible to replace the battery in both the FR210 and the FR220, right?. Is there any nowadays gps-hr monitor where it is kind of easy to do this?
Hi, I bought my daughter the 220. I would love to be able to see the features on the ipad that I do on our desktop but the app does not seem to work right? Do you have another suggestion for this?
I use a Garmin 800 for cycling, but am thinking of using the 220 for paddling. Any thoughts? I have heard of someone taping a foot pod to the paddle for extra accuracy/data.
I’ve tried taping a pod to there on my kayak’s, the data is blah at best, but usually horrible.
That said, as a GPS watch to measure you’re route, it’s great. But, for paddling it’s honestly overkill and you can probably save about half the cost by going with something like the FR15 or even the FR10. Just my two cents.
I’ve recently purchased the 220 and love it; however, my son also wants one just like it. Are there any recommended places to find quality watches that fit children that aren’t cartoon characters and at least look like and feel like a entry level GPS or Sports watch?
I’ve held off posting this question in hopes that pouring over all of your reviews and a good chunk of the comments for each would lead me to a decision.
Alas, I’m asking for your opinion.
-I’m primarily a trail/ultra runner
-train by HR
-appreciate good elevation data (realtime?)
-prefer light/minimal design (but would relent, if convinced)
-upload to Strava
-like the idea of vibration alerts but never used
-have never used a GPS watch but would not have trouble navigating complexity
Price being equal–I can get each for around $230 (new, with HR kit)–which gets your vote? (And why? If you have time):
Hmm, I’d probably go with either the FR910XT or actually the Suunto Ambit2S (not on your list, but worthy of consideration and in that price range). Both are longer lasting options for ultra runners. The Ambit has more navigation capabilities than the FR910XT, and the 910XT has more capabilities than the other options.
Great site. Trying to decide between M400, FR220 or Other. I see your recommend M400, but a couple of features I am looking for are still not released so wondering if it work holding out for the M400 based on my usage.
I am a runner and occasional biker. Outdoor running is primary activity . The data metrics which are important to me are:
– Cadence (SPM) with footpod outdoors
– Heart Rate
– Pace with manual intervals
M400 – shows a lot of promise
– Does not support Android sync yet – Supposed to be released in Dec 2014?
– Does not support Cadence (SPM) without foot pod – No planned date for footpod support
– When you add in the HRM and external footpod support the cost comparison to FR220 starts to balance
FR220
– The whole outdoor footpod overriding GPS has been resolved correct?
Great review! Very detailed and answers every question I can imagine and then some. I just bought the watch from amazon and am now quite confident that I made the right choice.
I’m not sure what exactly happened to my HRM but the 220 was not always picking up a rate/value… I changed the battery and now my 220 is not picking up the HRM at all… Did the HRM die on me? It’s less than a year old and it seems they are pretty expensive… I did try more than one battery and the 220 did not pickup the HRM at all…
Thanks in advance..
Any chance the battery is in backwards? Failing that, I’d just ring up Garmin – they’ll usually swap out without any issues (especially since it’s less than a year old).
Thanks for your quick reply, Ray. I was pretty confused about the face up or down especially with no + or – sign anywhere. I then watched a YouTube video and learn that the plus would be facing me…. I then read more and came across a Garmin post about waiting 10 minutes between old and new battery or the HRM module can overload ….
I’ll follow up with Garmin and I appreciate your advice.
On a different note, I would like to know if there is a way to change my setting in 220 to show more than three months of activities (right now the earliest I show is week of September 21….
I am trying to figure out which watch i should purchase as my first watch. Growing up i was an athlete and have in one form or another always participated in athletics but have not kept myself in the shape i should have.I recently decided to join a running group and sign up for a half marathon. I do not bike or swim so i do not need a watch with those functions. I have compared the garmin 10, 210 and 220. Several of the running group members have the 10 and love it. A few have the 210 and say the only difference is ethe time and one extra run detail on the screen. I have read your reviews and like the idea of having the downloadable workouts the 220 offers as i anticipate moving shortly and to an area which does not have running group. My concern is that i will only use the functions for a short bit and then use the watch in a similar fashion as what the 10 and 210 offer. The price differences are 10-$99 210-$140 and 220-$250. Any recommendations? Thank you
So I’m going to use my 220 for my first Aquathon.
Any idea how I should do this.
1 Start the watch/rec and pause it during the Swims, resuming for the Runs.
2 Rec the whole thing (use manual laps / splits to rec Swim/Run)?
3 Just hit rec and let it be cause it’s all to hard.
Any help / anyone done this before etc.
Honestly, I’d actually start and stop it for each activity. Because you’ll be in the same spot each time, GPS will be found within 1-2 seconds at most. If you practice at home on your couch for a few minutes, you can memorize the start/stop button combinations and probably get down the entire process to 3-4 seconds.
Thanks Ray.
I hope one day Garmin (or a competor) comes up with a GPS Run / Swim (open & pool) watch with HRM for both, realising most of us have a bike specific GPS already.
Until then the 220/620 & Edge will do.
I have some questions related to the heart rate monitor on the 220 :
Would I be able to capture my heart rate while doing an elliptical machine or stairmaster workout?
If so, what mode should I use? I assume then I could upload it and look at a graph of heart rate vs time.
Also if so, I assume I’d be able to use the HRM feature while biking and still use my existing cycle computer for time, distance, and speed. (My cycle computer doesn’t have HRM capabilities.)
Thanks for the great review! Before finding it, I had purchased a 220 to replace my malfunctioning 110, so this served as an expanded (and much better written) user manual.
You also saved me from a possible poor purchase decision; I was considering a footpad, but knowing that it overrides GPS eliminated that idea.
Why doesnt this watch support older bluetooth technology because the Garmin 510 and 810 do?
Would this make it heavier/bigger and more expensive or they wouldnt do it?
Both Technologies?
Thanks
Battery life would be killed, legacy Bluetooth draws a significant amount of battery (the reason why it’s in no smaller wearables these days). Whereas the Bluetooth Smart portion of the stack draws virtually no battery.
Hi Dc,
I do hope that you can help me. I have the Garmin220 for Christmas. I charged it up via lap top..but for some reason everything is in Spanish! I am convinced that I have not selected this .How can I get it to function in English? All help greatly received. Thank you
@Denise kelvey-Brown Do a master reset on the watch. To perform the master reset:
Power off watch (press and hold Light, Yes on prompt)†
Press and hold Start/Stop and Lap/Reset
Press and hold Light (three buttons should now be pressed in)
After first beep, release Start/Stop
After second beep, release Lap/Reset
Release Light
It should come back and let you choose English as the language.
Do the white watch band parts discolor over time? I’ve had white watches before and worry it won’t stay nice looking, especially when I swear all over it… Thanks!
I have just picked up a shiny new Forerunner 220 which due to local availability issues, I was only able to get the version that came bundled with the HRM3 soft strap. I already own a Scosche Rhythm + heart rate monitor and was considering selling the HRM3 soft strap as it is unused at this point in time.
My questions are:
1. Is there any reason why I would want to keep the HRM3 soft strap (e.g. availability to other metrics that the Scosche Rhythm + is unable to provide?)
2. When I did the software update to software version 3.10/ GPS version 3.30 a new screen appeared under Settings_System_About “Advanced heartbeat analytics by Firstbeat” – Is this just referring to the calorie burn algorithm or is there some other heart rate analysis feature I have missed?
Hey Ray, thanks for your work in making this such an awesome resource for GPS watches! After poring over your reviews for ages I went with the 220. I love it so far, but I took it on my first long run today and noticed some oddities. For example, here’s the route it thinks we ran: link to snag.gy.
For the most part, pretty good! However, there was one section near the bottom of the map that you can see where the watch just kind of spazzed out. That entire section was run on the same road the sections around it were run on, but the watch thinks I veered off and ran through a few houses. Is that normal behavior due to satellite drop or something, or something I should talk to Garmin about? Also in general it seems to actually UNDER estimate runs by a little bit, which seems a bit off — mapping out the route using point by point clicking on MapMyRun yields a 15.25 mile run while the garmin reported. 15. Obviously 0.25 miles over 15 is not too bad, but I could see it getting problematic over the course of a marathon. Is this normal?
Hey Ray, thanks for your work in making this such an awesome resource for GPS watches! After poring over your reviews for ages I went with the 220. I love it so far, but I took it on my first long run today and noticed some oddities. For example, here’s the route it thinks we ran: link to snag.gy.
For the most part, pretty good! However, there was one section near the bottom of the map that you can see where the watch just kind of spazzed out. That entire section was run on the same road the sections around it were run on, but the watch thinks I veered off and ran through a few houses. Is that normal behavior due to satellite drop or something, or something I should talk to Garmin about? Also in general it seems to actually UNDER estimate runs by a little bit, which seems a bit off — mapping out the route using point by point clicking on MapMyRun yields a 15.25 mile run while the garmin reported. 15. Obviously 0.25 miles over 15 is not too bad, but I could see it getting problematic over the course of a marathon. Is this normal?
Nice review. Very helpful. I see that the 220 will talk to and iOs device via smart bluetooth and I understand that it WON’t talk to a smart bluetooth HR monitor. Will it update to a macbook that’s equipped with smart bluetooth or bluetooth antennae or is USB connection required?
Hi Ray, your review was really useful. I’d like to ask you for a bit of advice. What is the watch in your opinion that has the most reliable pace alerts for somebody who wants to do a steady 6 minute per mile within a range no wider than 20 secs (i.e. between 5.50 and 6.10). I was planning to buy the Garmin 220 but your review made me totally change my mind… Thanks a lot.
Hi Ray, your review was really useful. I’d like to ask you for a bit of advice. What is the watch in your opinion that has the most reliable pace alerts for somebody who wants to do a steady 6 minute per mile within a range no wider than 20 secs (i.e. between 5.50 and 6.10). I was planning to buy the Garmin 220 but your review made me totally change my mind… Thanks a lot.
Hi Ray! Could you help me to make a decision. I`m choosing between Polar m400, TomTom Runner and Garmin FR220. Is FR 220 only one of them which has option automatically switch on internal accelerometer when GPS signal lost? The second advantage for me is that 220 display cadence on data screen. May be you can give me advice for some other devices having both of these functions? Please answer, I have a birthday on 9th of Jan and need to ask for present :)
Hi,
I recently got a 220 and had it set to auto lap but it vibrated and switched off at every mile which I then had to stop and press resume for it to start again. Is there a way off keeping the auto lap on but not for it to switch off at every lap. I did switch the auto lap off on my next run but then it did not show my mile splits.
Hope you can clarify for me.
I really, really, really appreciate your reviews on the site. They are by far the most helpful out there. I am just getting in to the wearable technology as I am an avid runner, and felt they could really help boost my training. I bought the Garmin15 to dip my toe into the water because I really liked the fact that you could also use it to track your daily steps in addition to your runs. However, I am finding the fact that it does not sync via bluetooth and having to sync it manually a little annoying. And the GPS signal does not pick up as quickly as I would like it too (it’s not fun waiting in the cold Canadian winters!), so I am thinking of returning it to purchase a new watch, perhaps the Garmin Forerunner220. I know if I get the 220 I will lose the step counter component I really enjoy, so are there any other watches you can recommend or is there a way for the 220 to also track walking activity (I do a lot of walking as well).
Thank you so much!
Thea
Hi Ray again! PLEASE help me to make a decision. I`m choosing between Polar m400, TomTom Runner and Garmin FR220. Is FR 220 only one of them which has option automatically switch on internal accelerometer when GPS signal lost? The second advantage for me is that 220 display cadence on data screen. May be you can give me advice for some other devices having both of these functions? Please answer, I have a birthday TOMORROW and need to ask for present :)
Hello,
Anyone here syncs their 220 with a Samsung Galaxy s5? Previously I had an iPhone 4 and was not able to connect the 220 to the iPhone. I switched over to Samsung recently. However, I can’t upload via Bluetooth although the Garmin Connect mobile app and the 220 are successfully paired.
Hello,
Anyone here with an S5 maybe able to please tell me how to correct a recurring problem. I always get the message that “sync failed. Sync upload error. Please try again. ”
My s5 and 220 are paired when I get this message. Trying for a week now.
Hello,
Anyone here with an S5 maybe able to please tell me how to correct a recurring problem. I always get the message that “sync failed. Sync upload error. Please try again. ”
My s5 and 220 are paired when I get this message. Trying for a week now.
Only thing I can think of is to throw the app off your phone and fetch it anew from the Play store. A previous version had this kind of trouble but the current one does not. Hopefully an entirely new install will get rid of your hiccup.
I use a note 4 and cannot connect via the bluetooth icon; however, if you download the free connect app and open, it can connect via the app. Just ensure the bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Once inside the connect app, click on “devices” and there should be a “plus sign” to add a new device. Once you add the device the watch seemlessly connects and uploads your runs. Hope that helps.
is it possible to send runs from computer to the watch? I’ve tried on a few occasions, and it says transfer complete. unable to find the run on the watch. ideas?
But no, you can’t use Bluetooth on a PC/Mac to connect to the FR220. Only from the iOS/Android apps. Or, by just plugging the USB cable in directly to your computer.
I’ve read: “Though, they do contain a cycling mode with full support for ANT+ speed/cadence sensors.”
But on Garmin website they don’t mention FR220 as a compatible device for ANT+ speed/cadence sensors for biking.
Have you try it?
Hi Ray! Thank you for your great reviewes! I`v bought Garmin FR220 and enjoing a lot! I think you should correct your rating for 2014 where Polar M400 beat FR220. May be they are in different segments. FR220 is the best in their price categore as running watch and M400 may be the best multisport and activities tracker. But for pure runners FR220 the best choice:
1. Cadence info
2. Vibro alarm
3. Automaticaly use internal accel. when lost signal GPS
4. Longer life batt.
5. Garmin connect flexebility
6. Less weight
7. Real durable.
Tnak you!!!
Thanks. There’s nothing wrong with the FR220 – it’s a great little watch.
But, at the same time, it’s not a better value for the money, which is a key factor in my recommendation. For many people, the M400 is simply a more capable watch these days. It includes daily activity and sleep tracking (the FR220 doesn’t), it includes upcoming Bluetooth Smart alerts and music control (the FR220 doesn’t), and includes multiple sport profiles (the FR220 doesn’t). The weight and battery life are a wash. And the cadence and internal accelerometer are also a wash, since Polar is adding that shortly too. Durability is a wash too.
I did a quick search on google and on DC Rainmaker twitter and found still no news regarding the cadence via internal accelerometer update. It was a quick search, so take it with a grain of salt.
I am currently using the Garmin Forerunner 15 and use the run/walk function. This function only goes up to 10min 30 sec. I want to be able to program for example 5 min walk with a 20 min run, but am unable. Can this model allow me to program intervals greater than 10min 30 sec? It is hard to find this specific information in reviews, so if you can recommend other watches that have this feature i would appreciate it.
Hi all! Want to summarise my own experience in this 2 most hot qwestions: pace lag and usability during intervals. I`v bought FR220 1 week ago and read a lot of information about it as before buyin and after. First feature i was interested in after my first use was curent pace lag and then i understand that FR220 also good in interval training. My advice here: most of us have 2 types of trainings: long distance and intervals.
So on long distance you run with constant pace for a long time. Here i use 2 data screens: ds1 – heart rata (my tachometer), lap pace (my speedometer) and cadence (my perfomance of technic). ds2 – total measures of distance, time, avg pace. All u need is turn on Auto lap function and you will have information about your pace every km/mile and also lap pace info on ds1 will reset with every km/mile. It`s quite enough to control your pace during long run.
On intervals – you change pace from time/distance. During intervals you will have additional data screen with interval info. If u use pace goal you`ll see infomation of LAP PACE at the top (on ds it will name PACE but it is LAP PACE) and time/distance countdown at the bottom. When new interval switch on, lap pace will reset, so u have no pace lag if u start to change pace at the same time and save it on the, approximately, at the same level during interval.
So, now I am not use instant pace and try to make different types of intervals in GC if i need to control my pace for sure.
One thing I need from my FR220 now is to save AutoLap function every km, during interval training. But its not crusial.
Tnaks Garmin for great device for pure running and Ray for great informational resource!
Hi,
I have the Forerunner since July 2014 and I’m very happy with all its functionality but I’m having a problem I had with other previous forerunners. After I’ve been running for about over an hour, the HR stops working so I guess the HR strap is not transmitting to the watch and I can’t collect the HR data anymore, have you have the same problem?
Patricia
I’m wondering if the 4iiii Innovations V100 viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor V100 would link up to my Forerunner. I am looking to use the Sweatbeat HRV app and this is one that seems like it would work with both pieces. Does anyone have any inisghts? I do have the Garmin strap, but it doesn’t seem to be compatible with the Sweatbeat apps.
Since the FR220 and all the latest garmins have a color screen instead of the classic lcd I was wondering whether the readability in sunlight is ok? Or can I expect problems in that department, like when using a smartphone in direct sunlight?
No issues at all in sunlight. While having color, they use a slightly different screen type so you don’t get the challenges that cell phone screens have.
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one? I’ve run marathon and half marathon, and I’m really happy with my 310, the only problem I have is that the history records are saved with wrong date. At certain point it happens to change the date to yesterday all the past events. Don’t know if this happened to you too. It seems to be a software issue.
Besides from that, I’m really happy, but the Bluetooth connection it seems to be great. I don’t upload frequently the data due all the stuff you have to do to download to the computer.
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one? I’ve run marathon and half marathon, and I’m really happy with my 310, the only problem I have is that the history records are saved with wrong date. At certain point it happens to change the date to yesterday all the past events. Don’t know if this happened to you too.
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one? I’ve run marathon and half marathon, and I’m really happy with my 310, but the Bluetooth seems to be great
Ássuming you wear a heart rate monitor once the activity is uploaded to Garmin connect you can see the calories.
Probably also on the watch itself, never checked.
Does the forerunner 220 retain its data once the battery is empty? I have lost several workouts on my Timex Ironman due to an empty battery: all data is lost once the battery is depleted.
Had a real strange occurrence recently with the 220 that maybe you have seen before. Was in Oregon on business and decided to do a run along the Willamette at 4:30 AM (nice and peaceful at this time). I took a wrong turn and while making a u-turn, stepped off the path and into the mud and I took a little spill (only thing injured was my ego). But the watch tacked on 1/4 mile to my run and when I analyzed the track, it had me running out into the middle of the Willamette. Have you ever seen this before as in have not had an issue with the watch before or after this?
Thank you for taking the time to do all these great reviews!
Weird, never seen anything like that. Every once in a while you see GPS go wonky in watches, but never quite tied to falling. The only thing I could think is if there was some sort of strong GPS blockage while you fell (either body or elsewhere), but that seems sorta unlikely.
HI, Ray! I`m sorry for double message. I`v posted one similar on Scosche Rhythm +, but it also about FR220.
After I`v paired HRM wih my FR220 It is imposible to synchronize with garmin connect via bluetooth on my phone. I need to turn off HRM to send data from FR220 to my smarphone. Is it normal?
No, I think it’s unrelated to the Scosche. It sounds just like an issue with Garmin Connect Mobile and you’re FR220. I’d simply just re-establish the pairing between your FR220 and the GCM app.
The autolap feature works primarily on distance. So you could use it on a track, but round tracks are tricky for all GPS units, so it won’t usually hit the exact same point every time. For track use, I’d recommend just manual laps.
I, too, would like to know if the 220 can sync data to Garmin Connect via the bluetooth connection on the Mac. Is the data sent to Garmin Connect when sync’d via bluetooth to the iPhone? I currently have bad issues with the FR210 and the USB pin connector trying to get my Mac to sync to it and would like to know if the 220 provides a better interface for this (i.e. bluetooth AND usb options).
I currently have a 310xt, and it’s on its last legs. The battery is almost totally gone, and it’s not easily replaced, unless I swap out the whole unit.
Can you tell me if the battery on the 220 is any better? What happens when it reaches its EOL, will we have to send it in for a new unit?
Eventually all batteries die unfortunately. There are no longer any mainstream GPS watches on the market with replaceable batteries, so you’ll pretty much have to send any unit in for repair eventually.
That said, lots of folks are happy with the FR220, some 18 months later.
Thanks, Ray. I appreciate your patience with repeat questions. Keyword searches only go so far on this page – either there are almost no hits, or a dozens and dozens to sort through.
One more question that I have not seen an answer to in the manual: Does it matter how this FR220 is recharged – as in, can it be fully recharged with every run? When it’s plugged into the computer to upload, it automatically starts charging.
Or is it better for battery longevity to not plug in until the battery is very low, then plug in and charge to full?
In theory it’s better to take it down lower and then recharge to full. But in reality…it really doesn’t matter. Your far more likely to kill the watch in some other manner, or just move on to a new model due to new technology before that time happens (realistically at least 3-5 years from now). I personally don’t worry about it (and most don’t).
Garmin typically releases new Forerunner (running-focused) watches in two areas: The fall in September-ish, and the spring roughly around the timeframe of the Boston Marathon. That’s not always the case (for example, they didn’t last year at Boston).
And typically they operate on a 2-year release cycle – meaning you’re more likely to see the FR220/620 refreshed in the fall. Yet, without activity tracking they’re losing a lot of sales on the FR220 – so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them push up something either. On the flipside, the Vivoactive is basically a FR220 replacement.
Hey Ray….I bought the FR220 a week ago because I needed something to start training with but now I’m thinking the Vivoactive is a better bang for the buck. My question is….is the VA just as easy to read when running as he FR220 is? and does it have all the same hardware and features the FR220 has?
and thanks for all your detailed reviews!…it been very helpful.
It’s easy to read, though I’d probably give a very slight edge to the FR220’s screen in terms of contrast.
It has more features/hardware. I’d check out my Product Comparison Tool on the sidebar to run through all the features. But the main one that the Vivoactive lacks is custom workout creation and intervals. Meanwhile, it has Connect IQ – so apps could potentially fill that gap.
Great review, so I bought one. Can I get the Autolap feature to beep/alert each 1km/mile WITHOUT it also storing that lap time? (ie it lets me tell it what laps to store **only** by button press). This is useful when in a marathon etc, and I want it to tell me when it thinks we’ve gone another km, but I want to store the officially marked km as my lap times)
Aha, can I? Looking at my 220, I have the ability to set walk/run, hear rate and pace alerts. Can’t sere a way to set distance alerts without using AutoLap?
I had some problems with the foot pod from garmin . I ran 8km with gps and foot pod on .. , smoothly – on a route known to me .. no stadium ( using forerunner 220 ). all fine. then .. I turned of gps.. , and I ran 4 km on a 400m stadium (10 laps) trying to see how accurate is the foot pod. at the end it showed to me 4.23km. I did not find any good tutorial about how I could calibrate it . do have any advice how to do it proprely? thank you.
Here’s a formula for manual calibration:
actual known distance run / foot pod measured distance * your watch’s current calibration value
So, for your 4km run on the 400m track, in inside lane: 4.0/4.23 * whatever your current calibration number was.
If it was 1000, then: 4.0/4.23 * 1000 = 945.62 So, set your calibration value to about 946.
Just curious to know how accurate the calorie burn is on the 220. I have used about 6 or 7 times and it seems to be really low. HR strap is on snug with great contact and I am not seeing any drops when reviewing on Garmin Connect. I ran 4 miles in about 37mins with average HR of 175 and max of 181 and its showing I burned 310 calories. With my Wahoo HRM and app it shows over 400.
It would depend on your weight a bit. 310 seems a touch bit low – but at the same time, if you’re a smaller gal than 400 would be likely a touch bit high.
Can the auto-pause be disabled altogether? I’m ready to purchase this watch but that’s a sticking point. In a race setting the timer never stops. I don’t want it stopping on training runs either!
Been using the 220 for a while and it’s awesome! I was wondering if anybody else who uses it knows if recurring alarms can be set, ie: if I wanted to do a continuous and rotating abb workout, it would beep convinienty every 30 seconds and standby five for me to get into another position, or just wait until I start the next set. I know I could just look at the watch–but if there is a function Id like to know about it… And if anyone happens to have contact up at Garmin maybe you could put a word in for me . It could be added in an update if it isn’t already in the software. PS: Thanks for the extreeemly detailed review Mr Rainmaker, I read them just cuz I’m obsessed with running gear PSPS: and I love your job!
Thank you so much for the thorough reviews you provide. When running in Heart Rate Zone 2, for example, I have found recently that it takes a lot more effort to get my heart rate up to the necessary beats per minute (135-148). I believe that this is a sign of improved fitness, but is there a resource you could recommend that would help me understand how to accurately adjust my Heart Rate Zones via the Garmin Connect website?
I took my resting heart rate today, and it was 55bpm. I entered that into the Garmin Connect website under my profile (in the Training Zones section). I just want to make sure I am not messing myself up by playing around with the Heart Rate Zones.
Does this watch only give pace in 5 second intervals or can it be changed to display exact pace in seconds? If it cannot be changed, does the 620 display exact pace in seconds? Thanks, Jason
Hi,
Does 220 have any other activity option than running?
I play tennis but and ‘running’ as activity option on during the match. I do not think that it is giving me the correct distance covered in a match. It shows way more than what my mobile Endomondo app does?
Do you know what could be the issue?
I’ve had a Garmin 610 for just shy of 2 years now…& am on the 4th stick! At $40 ea, I may spend more on the ANT than the watch itself. Add to that, the hideous customer service from Garmin in trying to deal with the problem. So I’m considering replacing the watch when this ANT loses connectivity (& it will).
I’m looking for feedback, either the Polar M400 or Garmin FR220. Obviously, I’m skeptical of another Garmin (this is the 2nd failed unit in 5 years). Does the FR220 plug into the computer via USB? (the 610 only connects via the continuously failing ANT) I like the slightly smaller size of the Garmin (& the purple) & I’m used to how they work both on the unit & the Connect Software. But I have been so frustrated with this FR610 that I’m willing to consider the Polar M400…which is less expensive, seems more intuitive, DOES plug in to the USB, has the benefit of also replacing a fitness tracker…but looks really bulky (so I don’t know that I’d wear it as a daily tracker anyway).
I run distance, mostly trail…that’s it. I don’t bike, I don’t swim, hate the treadmill, so those functions (or not) are wasted on me. I run, strength train, yoga, pilates. I’m often under trees so GPS connectivity is important. For someone like me…is the Garmin 220 worth giving them another chance (& the extra $$) or do you think the Polar M400 would be sufficient?
After installing the latest firmware which claimed to improve the accuracy of current pace, I am finding the current pace now worthless. For example lets say that I am running at a 7:30 pace and my lap pace is also around 7:30. If I increase my pace to 7:00, the lap pace almost immediately starts to get less little by little, but the current pace stays at 7:30 for 10 to 20 seconds. Has anyone else had this problem? Before the “fix” it worked reasonably well.
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You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
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.
New firmware released!
Changes made from version 2.80 to 2.90:
– Fixed an issue where incorrect pace/speed smoothing could be applied during certain activities.-
– Changes to support manufacturing.
What’s up with this data-field called “unknown”? Is it included for some futuristic feature?
If it was known, then it wouldn’t be called unknown. Now would it?
Thanks for all the wonderful info on your site. Quick question:
If I get the Forerunner 220 without the heart rate strap, will the strap from my Garmin Edge 800 work? They look the same in the pics, but I’d like to make sure.
Sorry, I just read through all of the previous repliess and see that my question was already answered in post #70; yes it will work.
Hi,
Thank you so much for all your reviews, I’ve read many of them and find them extremely useful. However, I still can’t decide which GPS watch to buy, and this is why. I want a simple watch, the only functions I really need are distance, time, average pace (for the whole run) and instant (or at least) lap pace. Garmin FR110, FR15, FR10 as far as I understand don’t allow you to see both paces during the same run. FR220 seems like the cheapest option to offer this, but for this price you can get a FR 310XT. I would also like quick satellite reception, good satellite connectivity, smooth instant pace (if they offer instant pace) and at least 5hrs battery life. Is really the FR220 the cheapest unit offering these? And, if yes, what is its advantage over a FR 310xt (except size) that costs almost the same? I was also looking up your review of the TomTom, but I didn’t like the fact that the watch falls out of the strap…
Thanks a lot in advance for your help!
Mirna
The TomTom does do both (all models).
As for the Garmin models, the main advantage of the FR220 over the FR310XT is really Bluetooth and size. But beyond that, the FR310XT has far more functionality.
Great write up btw, bought my FR10 based on your reviews and been an excellent watch, still love it. Only problem with it is that it doesn’t let me see the average pace as well as instant pace. Are we saying here that the FR220 ‘does’ allow you to see both fields on the same run at the same time? i.e one date field shows instant/current pace whilst the other shows you average pace overall during the run? Thanks
Great review. I ‘d like to buy this watch. I have a Zephyr Bluetooth strap. Is it compatible with this watch or i have to buy a bundle?
No, the FR220 is unable to connect to any Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth legacy straps. Only ANT+ straps.
Many thanks for this detailed review. This was very very felpful for me, thanks again for taking the time to do it so professionaly.
Has the footpod problem (i.e. automatically overriding GPS) been solved yet?
Yes
I’m looking for a watch with HRM and the 220 looks great. I do some indoor workouts- cross fit, etc. that I would also like to use the heart rate monitor for. Do I understand correctly that I could set the 220 to Run / Indoor no GPS and it would work fine to monitor heart rate for indoor exercise of any type? Thanks!
Yup, that’s correct. Enjoy!
Great review. Very deep into details.
I’ve been wearing the watch for a little bit more than 30 days and really like it. However, I’m not using the workouts from the page. I got used to Adidas micoach training plan, which considers how advanced I am into running, but I guess I’ll have to give it a try after my actual plan is over.
Thanks for the review
Firstly, thanks for a great review as always, I bought a 220 based on your detailed review. Have been using the watch for a over a month now. It seems like there is a bug (atleast on my device) on the Data screen settings. I have faced 2 specific issues:
1. The Data screens have changed on their own, different from what I set. I had set Screen 1 to display Distance and Time, and Screen 2 to display Cadence and Pace. When I went on my run, Screen 2 started showing Lap time and Lap distance. I did not change any setting, this happened on its own.
2. After my run, when I tried to set the screens again, there seems to be an issue in displaying 3-metric screens. It is now displaying one metric less than what I try to set. For example, if I set 3 metrics (Distance, Time and Pace) on Screen 1, it shows only Distance and Time. If I set 2 metrics on Screen 2 (with the Middle metric set as ‘Off’), it displays only the Top metric.
Have you heard anything similar from other users or faced it yourself?
I had a similar problem with the Data Screens. A master/hard reset solved the problem. The Data Screens now behave as they should.
Thanks Bob, Will try and hard reset.
Hi! I just got my forerunner 220 in today from clever training. Went through all the set up and things looked great. I started the software update and it has frozen on the main screen. I can get it to power off, but when I turn it back on it’s on the same frozen turn-on screen that just says “GARMIN.” Can anyone help with this?
~Stacy
Thanks for your great reviews! You are amazingly thorough! One question about the 220 and 620: Is there a way to determine how much battery life is left during a run? (i.e., if doing a timed ultramarathon, it would be nice to know whether the watch is going to make through the entire event).
Thanks in advance!!!
I’m preparing to run more 5k’s and eventually a marathon. Would the 220 be my best option to buy to help me with training for that? What about the Nike + Sports Watch?
Hi Rick
I really like the FR220 and I have had a FR210 (lots of problems) so went to Nike+Sports Watch but it is so limiting (watch and Nike site) that I went back to Garmin….definitely recommend the 220. Get loads more info from the Garmin watches if you are into data etc.
Thanks Trish. I appreciate the feedback. Do you know if the FR220 comes with the heart rate monitor or is is separate and is it necessary?
Hi Rick
I think it can be sold with or without a HRM. I had one from the previous watch so that paired ok (Ant+). I do like my HRM as it shows me how hard I am working at running and when I get up to a certain rate….I need to slow down and walk. Others of course would use it differently.
Yup, Trish is correct. It’s sold in a bundle with or, or without it. If you previously have an ANT+ strap then you can pair that to it. And without it, you won’t get heart rate (HR) data. Cheers!
Hi. I have had the forerunner 220 for a while now but recently I am having a problem with my data screens. On screen one, I have selected distance, timer & average page & screen two I have selected lap data. When I preview the screens or when I go for a run only two data fields are displaying in each screen, the bottom field is not displayed. Has anybody encountered this or how do I resolve this?
David
Is this before you’ve started the timer? You might just want to briefly try starting the timer just standing there and see if it shows up while running the watch normally.
Yes before I start the timer but it does not appear when I start the timer either? Maybe I will just reboot the watch?
David,
Iam facing similar probems with Data screens, had posted a comment on this forum last week (see my comment dated July 16 2014). I tried doing a hard reset as Bob has suggested above, but doesn’t seem to have addressed the problem. I have also escalated to garmin support, but haven’t got a response from them yet. Let me know if you find a solution.
Satish
I have 2 data fields set up – HR and distance and the other screen just pace. On the first screen it shows the HR and HR zones…..never the distance. I have done a reboot as after the 2.9 update as I could not turn off data fields and this worked but still the incorrect field shows – HR zones not distance (even tho on the preview screen it shows the correct field as distance).
Not sure how to get around this.
Hope a repost is okay; no one addressed the question and I did not see it anywhere in the other comments.
Thanks for your great reviews! You are amazingly thorough! One question about the 220 and 620: Is there a way to determine how much battery life is left during a run? I know it is supposed to last 10 hours but assume that can be affected by number of screens being used, etc. (i.e., if doing a timed ultramarathon, it would be nice to know whether the watch is going to make through the entire event).
Thanks in advance!!!
Good day!
Can you help me?
Nowdays we have sale price for Garmin 610 = 312$. Usual price for Garmin 220 = 391$ and Garmin 220 with sale = 328$
What is the better decision? 610 or 220?
It depends, in general though, I’d go with the FR220. Here’s why you would want to purchase the FR610 instead:
1) You want some of the basic navigational features of the FR610
2) You want the cycling-specific mode (remember, you can still change the display to ‘Speed’ on the FR220), or you want ANT+ speed/cadence sensor support on the FR610
3) You want to display 4 customizable data fields instead of three, per page.
4) You want Virtual Partner (the FR220 has pace alerts, which is like a floor/ceiling instead)
5) You want weight scale support
Those are the main reasons. Personally, I’ll take the quicker satellite reception and upload of workouts through the phone, as well firmware updates that way. Also remember that the FR220 has significantly more features than it’s older sibling, the FR210 (for example, advanced workout support). So it’s really more of a FR620 ‘Lite’ than it is a FR210 ‘Pro’…if that makes sense.
Just my two cents…
Dear Rainmaker!
Thank you very much for comment.
Ray,
Thanks for the great review on the 220 and the 620. I’m torn between the two units. My biggest question is regarding the WiFi on the 620. I have an outdated iPhone 4 with Bluetooth 3.0, so I cannot take advantage of the BLE features of either of these units. Will the 620 allow me to sync with my phone via WiFi for uploading data? If so, that would make my decision easier.
Thanks
If you’re phone supports creating a WiFi hotspot, yes (so other devices can use it).
Thanks for the quick reply. I can use my phone as a hotspot. This makes my decision much easier.
No problem. Just to be clear, that’s FR620 only (not FR220).
Is anyone able to comment on #1430? I have not been able to find this info in the review or in other comments. Appreciate the help.
Thanks so much for the review…extremely detailed and very helpful. Considering getting the 220 and I know it can be used on a treadmill with the footpod. I hate treadmill training and subject myself to the painful indoor track during Chicago winters. Would the 220 with the footpad accurately track time per mile and distance on an indoor track?
Yup, no problems on an indoor track – same as on a treadmill. Actual accuracy may vary from person to person however.
I am confused. I am trying to decide between the Garmin 220 and the Garmin 620. I run a lot on the treadmill and unsure if I need a foot pod. There have been several software upgrades to both units so I am not sure if I still need an external foot pod to measure cadence or if the internal capabilities are now sufficiently accurate. Also, I am not sure if the 220 and the 620 have the same updated functionality. If the recommendation is to select the 220 with the external foot pod would it make more sense to just pay a little more money and get the 620 and use the internal cadence function if the cadence functionality of the 620 is currently superior to the 220 and a foot pod is not needed.
Thanks,
Greg
Hey Ray,
I bought a Forerunner 210 about 7 months ago from Amazon.com. For the last month, it has been acting erratically. Garmin support, has offered to exchange it for a “overhauled” (i.e. refurbished model.) This is a bit frustrating that they sell a defective product and will only exchange it for a used model that they fixed.
The rep told me that if I wanted a new watch, they would give me a new Forerunner 220 for $135 in exchange for my defective 210. Is this worth it?
Thanks,
Curt
Honestly, I’d have no issues getting a refurb unit. Having seen the process, you’re basically getting a brand new unit that’s re-built from the ground up in the same factory as previous units – even the outside is brand new. Tested the same as new units, etc.
Full details on how it works: link to dcrainmaker.com
That said, I’d definitely take $135 for a FR220 if they’d let you do that. That’s a very solid deal.
I ended up with 3 x refurb or new FR210. But happy with my FR 220. I would take the exchange and get rid of the FR210. The FR220 is much more comfortable on the wrist as well.
Thanks Ray and Trish!
Is there a new discount code ? DCR10TXS seemed to have expired.
Hi Hai-
Thanks for the support! There’s still a discount, fear not. For 99.99% of products you can use the coupon code, but for a handful (7, to be exact), you have to join the VIP program instead (at the manufacturers request). That includes the FR220– but you’ll still save the 10% and support the site with the VIP program.
It only takes a moment, and there’s more benefits and it also supports the Girls on The Run charity as well. Here’s all the details: link to dcrainmaker.com
Again, thanks for the support!
My eyes are getting worse with aging…I intended to ask for a response to #1420.
Can the 220 display/capture/record heart rate data (or any other ANT+ data sensor, with Live Tracking enabled? You mentioned in the Fenix2 review that the 220/620 have this capability, but I can’t find it in the review for the 220.
I’m torn between the capabilities of the Fenix2 (which is in a different category) and the form factor of the 220.
Yes, it can. The FR220/FR620 are different than the Fenix2 in that regard, they can do both concurrently.
I didn’t mention it in the FR220/FR620 review, since they came prior to the Fenix2 review – and it wasn’t a problem then. It was only an issue starting in the Fenix2.
Cheers.
Hi Ray, great review, thank you! I’m a runner and am considering both the Garmin Forerunner 220 and the TomTom Runner Cardio. They seem pretty similar, would you say one is better than the other or does it really just come down to the built in hrm vs the chest strap?
Overall the FR220 is a more advanced/functional watch, whereas the TomTom Runner Cardio is more simplified watch. So it pretty much comes down to how much you want the built-in HR component.
I thought that might be the case, thank you! I think I might go for the Garmin.
@Hazel
I had the Nike Sportswatch which is similar to the TomTom (without the HR built in). And I found it too simple. The FR220 is great for a runner and I don’t find a chest strap uncomfortable if you want a HR monitor.
Great review, as always! Quick question: I have the 910xt and my wife is seriously thinking about the FR220. When we get home from our activities, will our workouts be uploaded simultaneously to one Garmin Connect account? Thank you.
It completely depends on how you configure it. Garmin Express allows you to pair a given device to a given account, even on the same computer. So your FR910XT could go to your account, and then the FR220 to her own account – and it’ll do it automatically when you plug the devices in to the computer (or if she sync’s the FR220 through her phone).
Hi all,
Great review, just a quick question….I currently have the 410 and love it but recently have added a gym membership to my training. They have an indoor track and obviously no gps available in there. Am I better adding a foot pod or upgrading to the 220 due to accelerometer? I’ve seen some changes in distance tracked outdoors with my 410 as well. Btw I’m not a techie so simple terms please : )
I read through your review before I’m asking this, but I didn’t see it touched on. My friend just got the 220 and she is training for a race with specific goal paces during training. Example a 9:08 pace for a mile. She says the watch is showing her paces rounded out. Like either a 9:05 or a 9:10. Is this a function that got switched on somehow. Is there a way to make it show actual pace and not have it rounded?
No, it’s only shown in 5s increments. The reality of GPS devices though is that the data has to be smoothed one way or another. So either it’s smoothed at 5s increments, or it’s smoothed for a longer period behind the scenes.
For intervals, what I do is use lap pace instead – which then shows you down to the second.
Hi Ray,
Great review as ever, your reviews have helped me to decide on an Edge810, 2 x Vivofit and FR220 in the last three months!!
Just a quick technical question regarding the FootPod. I was previously using a FR310xt with my FootPod, which I calibrated to my treadmill. I have now paired the same FootPod to my FR220, and wasn’t asked for any calibration info. I had assumed the calibration data was held in the watch, and I’d have to calibrate again, but now I’m wondering if that data is in the footpod!
Any ideas, and if you think the calibration is in the watch, advice on how to force a calibration would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Paul
The FR220 ‘hides’ it, which is kinda annoying, as you just have to run with it instead so that it automatically calibrates it.
Thank you very much.
Regarding the live tracking feature, assuming this feature uses mobile data (maybe not?), how much data would you say it uses for a half marathon?
I don’t think this specific question was covered before. I just got the 220 and so far like it, although the loud beeps with each button press and the vibrations are bothering me a bit. Is it possible to turn off all vibration alerts and beeps with each button press?
I don’t have a unit on me at the moment (at the airport), but within settings you can turn off key tones (when you press a button) and alerts, and whether or not it vibrates or beeps.
Thank you! I missed these settings when I first looked.
I was wondering if you would recommend this watch over the Suunto Ambient 2 R?? I am having a hard time making a choice between the two ?
I basically want it for running both on road and at the gym on the tread mill and to monitor calories whilst doing all forms of exercise ? eg weights as well?
Thanks for your reviews btw
I’m still in a quandary on which watch to get: the FR 220 or the Ambit 2. I know these two watches don’t really compete but I can get an Ambit 2 within $50 – $75 of what I’d pay for the FR 220 so I’m considering it. In any event here’s a question about the FR 220. In the run/walk mode, does the FR 220 record or report data any differently than if I set up an interval run or workout run of similar time parameters? If not, what’s the purpose of this mode/alert? What am I missing? Thanks in advance for your response!
Real life battery life question.
I am trying to decide whether to get the ambit 2s or 2r or the 220.
I use the garmin 405 , don’t do a lot a fancy stuff with it, but the like the opportunity to use workouts.
I am training for the jfk50 and would hope to finish in less than 10 hours
I like the features of the 220 better than the suuntos, but really do want to think that the battery would take me through the race.
I have seen the forum comments generally supporting the 10 hour life, any real world experience?
I haven’t seen anyone say it doesn’t get 10 hours, but at the same time, one likely doesn’t see too many FR220 buyers running 10hours in one shot. Realistically the 2S is probably a better watch in terms of time/duration, but I can see the thinking on wanting to go with the 220.
Thanks
I remain torn
On the one hand, while i am not a triathlete, i would welcome the swim capacity of the Ambit. I dont use alot of the garmin connect features now, so limitations re intervals and workout arent absolute dealbreakers, but some of the garmin feaures are really sweet.. And the battery life would unambigoulsy get me through the jfk50
In addition, the current pricing on the Ambit 2s is so attractive.
On the other hand, the 220 seems like a more refined running product, and the ability to upload with bluetooth and not be tied down to my computer (And i extensively use a iphone ands ipad) are really compelling.
close call any advice would be welcome
Yeah, it’s really a personal call. If you’re a pure runner, I prefer the FR220. But if you go multisport or hiking, then the 2S is a better call.
Thanks heaps for the review. On your recommendations I bought a Forerunner 220 with heart rate monitor and am generally happy with it. I use it for running as well as toning sessions but I am curious how they calculate calories burned? I seem to burn heaps more on runs than I do when doing cardio exercises despite heart rates and total time not being too dissimilar.
And another query, when I upload the sessions to Garmin Connect, the average and maximum heart rates are way lower (by 40 to 70 bpm) than the watch history tells me. This has been for all my workouts! Curiously the graph in Garmin Connect appears to show the correct readings. Have you come across this issue before, or do you have any idea why the sessions are showing different readings to the watch history ? Cheers
Thanks for all your reviews. Amazing website. I bought a Garmin FR 220 and its been really good until a few days ago. I run on a treadmill and FR used to track the miles accurately. Of late though, it has been acting weird (some times when I run in different gym). The miles are not being tracked at all even though I maintain the same pace. It shows 0.2 miles (or very small number) for a mile of my run. I am suspicious it is switching to outdoor mode even when I am indoors.
Any pointers as to how to diagnose and get rid this of issue. Appreciate your help.
Thanks
Sat.
Hola Ray, plwase explain me how the calibration factor of the footpod works. Should it be 100 like in the picture you show? After two runs with my FR220 using GPS and Footpod the calibration factor changes to 102.3, waht this mean? How should i know what is the correct calibration factor? What is best: use the calibration factor or let the watch to calibrate the footpod after several uses?
best regards
Hello,
If you have been out running with the GPS on and the footpod connected, the FR220 will have auto-calibrated. The 100 number on the review pictures show the default setting, which roughly equates to a stride length of 100cm. As yours has auto-calibrated, it shows that your stride length is slightly more, hence the 102.3 number.
There is no need for you to change this, the FR220 has done it all for you.
Paul
Gracias Paul!!!
after 2.90 update my second data screen shows only 1 data (although i have turned on all three ). i sent emails but no answer. is this a bug?
I’d try and call Garmin Europe support instead. Or, you could do a hard reset (see Garmin Forums for exact instructions), as my bet is that’ll solve it right away.
Hello DC,
I am new to your reviews and I have to say very impressed by the in-depth information you provide. After reading through several reviews and the Q&A’s as well, I’m stuck as to which option to purchase. From what I’ve read, I’m torn between the FR10/ 220/ 305.
My run’s consist of activity between 2-4 days/week, and I like knowing my pace, distance, avg. distance and prefer to have the GPS feature as well. I currently use Nike+ Running App on my phone (Samsung GS5) and it does a fairly decent job of mapping my run and the aforementioned features I look for. My only issue is that there is no HRM.
Do any of the models above keep track of HR without having a strap (which I feel s an inconvenience to have to wear); or is there a model/fitness watch brand that you could recommend with those features?
Thank you for your time,
Jo
Jo – read his review of the Tom Tom Cardio: link to dcrainmaker.com
I own a Garmin 220 and love it. One of my favorite features is programming workouts; it really helps during a workout to not have to think about what I have to do next because the watch tells me.
But there’s one thing I can’t figure out how to program. I have a workout coming up that consists of a warmup then three miles of one-minute hard, one-minute recovery, one-minute hard, one-minute recovery then one mile of cool down.
I know that the 220 allows me to program time intervals and it also allows me to program distance intervals. But is there a way to program time intervals within a set number of miles. For example, one minute hard, one minute easy for three miles?
Thanks,
Dave
The best bet would be to use the custom workout function on Garmin Connect and then sync your watch with it. That’ll allow you to do exactly what you’re looking for. Super easy to use.
By the custom workout function, you mean the regular workout function in Garmin Connect, right? From what I’ve seen, that only allows me to specify segments by time or distance, not by time segments within a larger distance segment. Or am I missing something?
Thanks anyway. I appreciate how diligent you are in monitoring the comments.
Dave
Ahh, I see what you mean by embedding that. No, that’s tougher to do. You’d basically have to create repeat sets within that and assign the time segments according to a best guesstimate on how many you’d want to do.
So I made the leap and purchased the FR220. And of course I’ve come across a new comparison, that for some reason wasn’t apparent the first time round; the FR15. I’m seeing that it has quite a few features of the FR220, at about $72 less cost (this is with HRM and footpod- to compensate for the FR220’s accelerometer). haven’t had the opportunity to run with the FR220 yet, due to work timing, but was curious as to whether or not the v2.90 has the Auto-pause feature of the FR15?
Could I get a brief comparison (not as in depth as the charts, just something quick) as to whether you feel the extra cost of the FR220 is worthwhile compared to FR15?
Thanks again for your time DC,
your advice and assistance is always appreciated
I’d say the core reasons to go FR220 over FR15 is that you want either customized workouts, more data field customization, or you want Bluetooth sync via phone.
For me, I’d probably go with FR220 myself, but I think for most people the FR15 is a very solid option.
Does the FR15 display all of the same graph information as the FR220? And is the Bluetooth for the Live feature only, or does it save the use of always having to connect to a computer after a run?
Online they display the same information. But on the device the FR220 displays far more information (see the data pages listed in each review). Bluetooth on the FR220 is for Live Tracking, as well as pushing completed workouts to Garmin Connect, and also downloading workouts and satellite cache information. Both units allow you to upload via computer instead if you want (USB).
Thank you for being so attentive with your replies, it’s greatly appreciated. I believe I’m am going to stay with the FR220 for the shear convenience of everything that it offers (BT, accelerometer built in, uploading without having to connect w/my computer; and it was fairly spot on after taking it for its first run :) )
I just honestly feel the extra money is worth the hassle free integration of the FR220 :)
Thank you once again for your attentiveness,
it’s been extremely helpful!
Awesome review. I was tossing up between the 620 and 220 for a few months and I think your reviews really helped me to make the right decision for me. I purchased the 220 and I absolutely love it. I think having 4 data fields on the one screen would have been an added bonus but I can make do with 3.
I have made my Garmin connect sync up with Runkeeper which was what I was using before. I’ve noticed that the calories burned are different, Garmin says I burn fewer calories than Runkeeper…. but this must be more accurate with the heart-monitor.
And about the heart-monitor…. I had never used one before I bought the 220… and I’m not sure this is normal or not but I experience a lot of chaffing from the constant friction of the sensor. I try to put it as tight as possible but going 20+km of running with it and I find I have chaffed, blistered and burnt wounds from it.
Is there anything I can do for that?
Yup, here’s how to fix that: link to dcrainmaker.com
Hi
I just recently purchased the 220 after reading your review. I am wondering when doing circuit workouts ( at the gym) what options do you need to switch off to ensure a accurate calorie count. I have been turning of the GPS but sometimes it turns it self back on and I still get a ‘distance’ . Is there an option to disable the distance for the use of circuit work.
Hopefully this makes sense!
Thanks
Just turning off the GPS is the best option. It’s probably not turning itself back on, but rather the distance is coming from the accelerometer thinking you’re on a treadmill. There’s isn’t a way to disable that, but no worries since calories comes from HR anyway.
Hola Ray, I have set the watch to display only one main screen with: Distance, Pace, HR.
Yesterday i run an interval workout from one of the Garmin’s own plans. The workout was 5 intervals of 3 minutes within a pace of: 5:55-605 min/km with easy jogs from: 7:30-8:00 min/km.
When an interval workout is performed during the workout a new display screen is automatically created showing your pace within the zones and the time remaining of the interval.
I observe that when i was running the first display screen shows a pace different, normally lower than the one show in the second screen (the automatic screen created by the interval). Why you think is that?
Gracias.
Hola Ray, please any help with this?
It sounds like one of the screens is showing instant pace, and the other lap pace. The lap pace would be applicable to that segment of the workout and effectively the average pace for that segment.
You don’t seem to know that if you hit the top right button twice(unlocks device) then click agian BEFORE the sati lite syncs, it will just be you and the acceleramiter, no gps unless you click back witch bottem right and take te time to sync.
Now, one thing I don’t know is how to, say, if I needed to time somone holding their breath… Must I click 4 times just to time them? What if it’s urgent? Is there no way to make the crodograph fast access like a non-gps timex watch with the forerunner 220?
Thanks a bunch, let me know if you know!
Hey Ray:
Thanks for the great review of the 220, which I have now read multiple times. Based on that, I now have the 220 and it is a great piece of running electronics. Today I finished a long run and somehow did not save the run data. I have been using the watch all week. So, I wanted to know if there is an “auto save” setting somewhere. I have looked at the manual to no avail.
Thanks and keep up the good work. Your reviews are awesome.
No automatic save method, but it does ask you at the completion of each run. The only way out of it would be to actively say ‘Discard’ for the run. :-/
Thanks. I must have selected “discard” somehow.
Great review and great website. thanks ! i am considering getting either a FR15 or 220 (leaning more towards FR15 because i’m only a beginner runner). I notice you mentioned both models can be use in gym (by turning off the GPS) but it only counts calories if a HRM is worn. I am not planning to get a HRM as i couldn’t see much use of it(don’t really care about my HR….should i? ). Will it count my calories without a HRM if i’m running outdoors?
Also- the FR220 has a “ON-UNIT INTERVAL FEATURE” but the FR15 doesn’t (saw this on your FR15 review-comparison table). what does the this feature do?
thanks heaps!
Interval feature means you can quickly create a set of intervals with a warm-up, a main set, and then a cool-down.
Cool thanks. Will the calories count still work on the FR15 for outdoors if I don’t wear a HRM?
Yes, though the numbers will differ since w/o a strap it just goes into super-basic mode for calories where it’s basically just doing mass & distance.
In being newer to the technological aspect of running, I was curious as to what information does the footpod and/or accelerometer track other than cadence? Does it affect HR monitoring or provide a better accuracy for mapping the run or elevations?
Thank you for your answers in advance :-)
It tracks pace and distance (and cadence as noted), that’s it. So sometimes on trails with switchbacks or places where GPS might struggle a bit (or on a treadmill), that’s the main reason to use it. No elevation data or impact on HR monitoring.
Is there a way to see on the watch, phone app or web app, how much time was spent in each HR Zone for a specific run?
Not within the Garmin platform. But 3rd party apps like Training Peaks, Sport Tracks and Strava all support it.
Thanks. Pretty weak that they don’t provide it.
Does the 220 have customized interval inputs? Can it handle a workout like: 10 mins hard (marathon pace), 2 minutes easy, 8 minutes hard (1/2 mar. pace), 4 minutes easy, 6 minutes hard (10k pace), 6 minutes easy, 4 minutes hard (5k pace), 8 minutes easy, 2 minutes hard (faster than 5k pace), with a open warm up and cool down on either end? Or does it just handle say 2 minutes hard and 1 minute easy and repeat itself?
Yes, via custom workouts on Garmin Connect and then transferring it to the watch. No problems there.
Great….thank you!
Thanks for the awsome review, I’ve read it and others many times. I’ve got some questions regarding how to properly charge.
Here we go:
Is charging with an iphone chord dangerous for the watch battery? Also, if I charge every night, even when it’s not completely empty, will this cause the battery to corrode faster like it does with a smartphone? Should I not be worrying about this so early? Is it replaceable? Sorry to bombard you with questions, I’m just scared I’ve been doing the wrong thing for the past 3 nights of me owning the 220. Thanks a bunch!
The iPhone cord won’t fit into the FR220. But, if you’re talking about the USB charging block there’s no issues at all with using that. USB is designed so that the device only pulls the power it needs. I have no idea the last time I actually used a Garmin charging block – I use pretty much anything around, including an Apple one.
Oh, and as for charging it every night – there is some (small) bit of truth in terms of charging cycles (often around 1,000 for a given device). In most peoples cases they’ll kill the device in some other manner far before you erode charge holding via charging cycles. That said, I typically charge mine every few days.
Thanks for telling me, I had no idea. That makes things a whole lot easier! I realize u probs got better things 2 do than answer my paragraph of questions, but if someone could, please glance through and see if you can enlighten me…the sooner I know the better, even if experience will teach me this XC season.
If you wouldn’t mind, I’ve generated a few more questions from my running with this being my first gps:
I set my data fields so that I have lap time, timer, and lap pace for shorter workouts, and distance, time, and lap time for longer runs. It got me thinking, is there a way to preset all of the configurations and toggle them on that way?
Also, I ran today for my 5th time just doing three 7:20 miles and the pace thingy (regular pace mode) kept on fluctuating without settling in for a long time. It went from 7:00 pace to 7:50 to 6:30 to 6:00 pace and back to 7:20 in about 10 minuets. It’s frusterating because it took us so long to figure out what we were at, though we were clearly running one pace continuously. I’ll admit that I always keep te gps off and after runs or if I accidently turn it on trying to use the crosograph I’ll turn it off via system settings. I hope that doesn’t mess with the satellite caching thing, and I’ve also hooked up inside a few times by accident but really fast for a gps watch too, as you said. For some reason my watch seems to hook up at the same speed no matter where I am. Is that a defect or a technological advancement. And did the pace fluctuate because of the neighborhood I ran in because there are no trees but i dont know if the gps doesn’t work in some places… I mean- it does say global! Right? No one else in my group had a gps today so I couldn’t compare my issues but I think they are genuine to this watch.
And for the grand fanaly:
The watch also offers “average pace”, “lap pace”, and “pace”- aren’t those the same thing? I’ve been through many seasons if XC and track- but now I feel like a running noob.
That’s a bit wide for pace fluctuations. Usually you’ll see +/- about 10-15 seconds at most.
Double-check that you’re on the latest firmware update for the FR220. Else, you can try resetting the unit, that might help.
For me, most of the time I use lap pace, with either auto-lap set (long runs) or manual laps for the different segments of a workout (such as intervals). That allows me to pace for that specific segment and hit precise paces for a given workout portion.
I have the FR 220 and just got a Garmin footpod b/c I’ve been on the treadmill a lot. When on the treadmill, I turn off GPS and use the footpod. But I’m unclear on the calibration technique, even after reading the above comments. I THINK it just calibrates by running outside… Is this correct? If so, do I need to manually connect the footpod or does the FR220 use the GPS data to calibrate the footpod without me doing anything? Also, on GC is there anywhere to tell if the data was collected form GPS vs footpod? Thanks!
Yup, correct. The FR220 will use GPS to automatically calibrate as you run outside. That’s it. By default the unit will use GPS (and there isn’t a way to change it). Unless the GPS drops out, in which case it’ll failover to footpod.
When using the live track feed what’s the battery and data usage like? I’m running a marathon and enjoy my music. Will it hold out for 4+ hours?
No issues there, the unit will go with live tracking for the full duration of the battery spec’s. On the phone side, it doesn’t use the phone’s GPS, which means the battery impact is low there.
Can’t be more happy and satisfied with a product.
The FR220 its THE watch for RUNNERS who likes data and customization, even for casual because they can play with the display. I mean, this watch has it all, its 100% a runners watch. One of the most important features for me is that i don’t need to depend of a computer to config a workout or to change any feature (this only happens with uploaded workouts). The costume options to change in the watch are all valuable for the runner: you need a top heart rate alarm? you can use the ones in your training zones or create one by yourself in the watch! the same for pace. You want alarms? you got vibration, audible and visual with colors! and you can also turn off each one at will. Are you running a workout you made in the web page but you realize your don’t like it during the workout? Don’t stop, just press the back button until the watch ends the workout and continue running a free season and any of your data is lost…that is very cool! Accuracy…the best. Lost GPS? (by the way i got signal within 15 seconds even in cloudy days) got the internal acelerometer, waterproof, Bluetooth for the phone upload, upload complete training plans to the watch, calendar, three display screens plus HR screen and workout screen, very stable GPS while running, auto stop…UUFFF!! and so on!!….so…what else is need it?
Very recommend, the price can scary you at first but you wont regret at all.
Great review, thanks.
One thing that I did not see was the ability for the watch to have multiple user profiles. I am sure that others in my house will use the watch when I am not looking and I want to make sure all our training data is not intermingled.
Correct. Unfortunately there aren’t any GPS watches that I’m aware of that allow you to have different users defined on them.
In general though, the only thing it really impacts is calorie burn.
Hi! I read through some of the comments, but I haven’t found an answer. Do you think Garmin will ever add more color options to this watch?
This review helped answer a lot of questions I have. Thanks!
Nope, I don’t think this will happen. But the colors are pretty dull anyway, don’t dwell on these details in my advice, look at the important features you need/
Hi,
I tried to see if this question came up but i couldn’t find it.
I have a vivfit right now and I do love it but since getting it I have picked my workouts a lot more, so i was thinking about upgrading to the FR220 but it still lacks some of the function I like about the Vivofit. I know about the FR15 but my question is do you think those function, like daily traking and maybe the smart notification will ever come to the FR220 or are those feature not so important to people who use this watch.
thanks, Amanda
I don’t think they will ever come to the 220. Both for commercial and technical reasons..
Correct. The primary issue is that the FR220/FR620 lack the right low-power modes to make it work.
Hi ,
I would like to ask you if is possible to set personal interval training on unit ,
like 2×2000 rec 3′ + 2×1500 rec.3′ + 4 x500 rec. 1′ .
I think you already said that is possible through garmin connect,
but is also possible to do it on the watch? Like on the garmin 610 that I had before.
Thank you
No, you can’t create that manually on the unit, you’d need to do it prior.
Hi, Ray.
I’ve been having some issues with transfering my workouts to my I-phone 5S via Bluetooth. The 220 shows a “Phone Connect” message but the workout is not transfered. I saw other people complaining abou that. Do you know what the problem is? Any clue how to fix it?
Thanks!
PS: Love your blog, by the way. I’m reading it from the beginning, like a book (almost finishing 2013 posts. : )
I know there were some issues earlier in the week with Garmin Connect for certain users, I don’t know if those have been resolved (mine seemed largely OK when others were having issues, so hard for me to validate).
My FR220 is having problems charging. At first when I connect it, it appears to be charging. Less than 30 seconds later, the the watch just turns on and does not charge. I then disconnect, and try again. After several attempts, it may connect and let me upload and recharge. It is very annoying, does anyone else have this problem?
Hmm, try grabbing an eraser and cleaning off the contacts on the back of the watch first. Then, try a different USB port (you may have already tried that) – preferably on a different charging device.
Thanks for you great review!
I was wondering why there aren’t any other color choices for te gr 220. Does garmin have some weird philosophy that everyone’s watch must look the same because it bugs me that I can’t get my school colors as my watch! Otherwise this would be perfect… Do you think there’s a way I could customize it myself with paints and stuff? Is there a turorial for that anywhere? Thanks
It’s mostly due to the scaling out of distribution. If they had watches in all sorts of colors than retailers would be expected to have those on-hand. They did this in the past a bit and the retailers ended up getting somewhat upset either because they had colors onhand nobody wanted, or they didn’t have what someone wanted.
The way they’re trying to address it now by going towards fully interchangeable straps. All recent units (FR220/FR620/Fenix/Fenix2) are using the same strap – thus enabling you to swap straps and slowly increasing the colors of the straps.
Gracias
Colored straps!?!?! That’s news to me! Awsome! Where do I find those- I’ve looked all over online and it couldn’t find any even on amazon… Do I have to buy those in stores?
Thanks a ton!
I know you can find them on Garmin’s web site. Click on “Bands” to expand the selection.
If you go to Ebay you will find them if you type in Vivofit bands.
Oh, and I also was thinking-
Do you think that wearing a GPS watch all day is weird? I guess it’s a bit annoying having to hit 4 buttons just to time something and then be asked to save it after everyteime, so Is there a way to that you know to quickly crodograph like my non-gps timex? I wish it was simpler.
Also, should I be shutting my watch off when I’m not using it or does the battery drain if I leave it on all night? I’d like to hear what you think,
Thanks a lot
Just bought a 220. My last watch was a Garmin 610, which had started resetting every time I pressed the Start button. The 610 had what was probably the worst in a long line of horrible charging cradles from Garmin. I suspect that if the charger was more reliable, the watch would have lasted longer. The new cradle for the 220 seems much better.
Anyhow, the new watch is amazingly light, which is great, but tends to reduce the impact of the vibrating alerts, compared to the 610.
Hey Ray,
Thanks for the review. In a recent firmware upgrade, “elevation” became a choice for the data screen.
It tells you the current elevation at any given time. It seems to me that, since it knows elevation during an activity, that some simple math could yield a cumulative “elevation gain” data field. Any idea if this is coming?
I’ve given up on the Fenix and downshifted. I love the 220, but miss my cumulative gain field.
So I’ve had only one major issue with the 220 so far, and it has to do with Garmin Connect. Everything in my profile is set to Standard (miles, feet, inches) but when I post from the Connect App to Facebook everything is posted in Metric and a foreign language (Italian or French I believe). I have looked all over the website to find a way to change this, but so far no luck. Do you or any of your readers know how to resolve this?
hi,
the FR220 charger is compatible with the FR620?
Thanks
No, only USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth Smart to Android/iOS.
Hi, thanks for the thorough review.
I’m wondering if these newer 620/220 watches have the auto-lap by position function that you describe here link to dcrainmaker.com and that my 305 has as well. I can’t find no mention of it in the respective manuals, whereas on the 305’s and others’ it is clearly mentioned. I find it remarkable that apparently no running apps for the phone, including the half-baked Garmin one, include this very useful feature.
Thanks again.
When I used the Garmin Forerunner 220 today, I noticed that the pace was not showing up on my screen. I have it set to show the pace but yet it is not calculating my pace. Does anyone know why this is happening or how i can correct it?
I struggle to really understand Garmin’s justification for no cycle mode. While the obvious statement is to set it apart from the 620/XT/ Fenix watches, the reality is you can, and most people still do, use this watch for cycling.
As a result the functionality is there, as the speed/cadence sensor isn’t so important, but in the process of not having a bike mode, Garmin are merely messing up the functionality they’d like this watch to have for running, i.e records etc. In having to change all the data, or just have screwed up, unrealistic records, the watch just looks bad on Garmin, so in my humble opinion, as long as Garmin can’t stop you using this watch on a bike, they might as well add the few lines of code to separate records and datascreens between bike and run (no need for extra sensors) and stop it messing everything up, thus ruining the watch’s rep.
Hi,
first, thanks for the great reviews!
Does the 220 have a configuration to show HR and Pace on one screen?
I tested the Forerunner 15 and what bothered me the most is that I have to switch between 4 screens over and over while running (Screen 1, Screen 2, HR, Time), just to get my Pace and HR.
Now, I am currently looking for a GPS watch with this feature (best would be Time, Pace and HR on one Screen). If you can’t configure the 220 with this setting, can you recommend another watch?
Thank you very much in advance!
is it possible to set target zones for data fields other than pace and HR? specifically cadence? I just returned my tomtom multisport, which was great, but didn’t track the one thing I really needed to improve. So, I am debating between the Forerunner 220 or possibly the Ambit2R. While I appreciated the multisport nature of the TomTom, I might just need to get a bike-specific unit at another time as there’s nothing as unobtrusive and affordable that has the same feature set. Any thoughts are VERY appreciated.
I just got the watch, it doesn’t have Cadence as an option.
Thinking about getting the forerunner 220 but not sure it is the best hrm for my needs. I have started trying to get in better shape and lose weight. Currently I don’t run. I use elliptical machines, walk outside, hike outside, do strength training and fitness classes. I want to know my heart rate during workouts and my calorie burn. It would also be nice to have the gps functions for when I go on walks outside, but my phone does this too so maybe that isn’t necessary. I want the hrm to sync to my phone wirelessly. Would the forerunner 220 be the best hrm for this purposes? Thanks!
My opinion, if you don’t do races and will always have your phone on walks, then I’d stick with it. Now that being said you may want to get a Bluetooth HRM, pair it to your phone, but you need an app that can use the data from your HRM. I know some exist.
Howdy,
Can you post some pics of the 220 with 2 data fields and 1 data field showing? The only pics I see anywhere on line all show three fields unless it’s the heart rate screen. I’m thinking about upgrading my wife’s 210 because her biggest gripe is being able to read the display.
Thanks.
Do you know if you can charge this watch on the move without it resetting itself? I do a few races over 10/12 hours and last year ended up using 2 110’s merging the data and lost all the splits
I learned that after finishing a run if I leave the 220 on the resume/save/discard menu, my recovery rate will be displayed. Is this saved for further review?
It’s saved in the fit file as an event. Most software ignores it. If you use the Sporttracks PC program with OMB’s fit file importer plugin (cost option, but it’s only a few euros and it’s worth it for things like this), it’ll be visible. There are others too, but none which I use so I honestly don’t remember what they are.
Dom thanks for the plugin info. Besides recovery rate, what other information is in the 220 FIT file, that the plugin can grab?
Thanks for all you do. Your passion and commitment in providing detailed information to help make informed decisions is greatly appreciated.
This is probably a noob question, but instead of charging the 220 through a computer usb port, can i use an adapter and charge through a wall outlet? I would like to bring the 220 wherever i go, but not so much a laptop.
My garmin 305 is dying and I’m looking for a replacement.
would the old HRM strap be compatible with the 220?
Yes, it should connect to any ANT+ strap. I just got mine w/o a strap and use it with the several straps I already own.
When using live tracking, does it drain the battery any quicker on the watch? I’m running a half tomorrow and I’d like to use this feature so my family can track me and know when I’m going to be passing them. I can carry my phone with me.
Used live tracking with my FR 220 for a half a couple of months ago. Worked great. The FR 220 battery doesn’t get drained much faster with live tracking on (there’s *way* more than enough battery to last for a half, or a full, marathon with live tracking on). The phone battery gets hit a bit because it’s essentially sending out short bursts of data every few seconds, but it’s not that bad at all because the watch is doing the GPS work, which is what kills a phone’s battery.
Thanks Scott! Going to test it out tomorrow.
Hi!
I’m seriously thinking about buying this watch and your review helped me a lot with deciding. But I still have 2 questions:
1. Is there a cadans function on the watch without footpod? I see it’s one of the variables you can select for the screenviews
2. Is it possible to setup intervals with the watch without using garmin connect? And I don’t mean walk/run (like on my FR10), more like 300m run/30sec rest/600m run/30sec rest/…etc.
Hi!
I’m seriously thinking about buying this watch and your review helped me a lot with deciding. But I still have 2 questions:
1. Is there a cadans function on the watch without footpod? I see it’s one of the variables you can select for the screenviews.
2. Is it possible to setup intervals with the watch without using garmin connect? And I don’t mean walk/run (like on my FR10), more like 300m run/30sec rest/600m run/30sec rest/…etc.
1) Yes, it’ll automatically determine running cadence without a footpod.
2) Yes, you can do both custom on Garmin Connect, but also on unit interval creation.
Enjoy!
Can you elaborate on how to set up a custom interval on the watch itself? I’m setting up C25K intervals for my son but couldn’t figure out how to set up 1:30 run/1:30 rest then 3:00 run/3:00 rest. Any help would be appreciated!
I was wondering if there are other data analysis tools out there like sporttracks that anyone recommends. I tried that but it was incredibly buggy and gave nothing but problems when I used it. The wife and I use Garmin products and Mio. I don’t mind paying for something but it better be good.
Awesome review!
I was wondering if any GPS watches had live tracking capabilities, but without the burden of carrying a phone on the run as well? I’d love to track my friends workouts, but she doesn’t want to carry her phone as well.
Thanks!
The Bia watch does (see review), along with the upcoming Timex One GPS+ unit (also a post on that too). Enjoy!
Hi Ray,
Thanks so much for your help. I got myself an Suunto Ambit 2s from Clever and I’m still deciding on a watch for my GF. Perhaps waiting for the Timex One GPS+. Thanks for all your hard work.
Hi Ray,
Great reviews. I’ve switched to Garmin because of these. Thanks!
Anyway, I just got the fr220 but im not sure if it has issues. I created a workout in garmin training center programmed this way: 10 min warm up, 4 min run and 1 min walk until distance of10km and lastly 10min cool down. It was transferred to my FR220 but when i do the workout, it doesnt stop after 10km. I thought it might be counting my warm up which is about 1km, so I continued to run but i reached more than 12 and the 4-1 run walk still continues and the distance is more than 12k.
Thanks again!
Hmm, hard to say without seeing the exact structure. Have you tried creating it within Garmin Connect instead?
Garmin connect only has repeat until xxx times but not repeat until distance is achieved.
I’ve communicated this to Garmin already but no response till now.
How is the memory (ie. how many runs or hours of running can it store)? I see from your photo you’re uploading 7 runs- that isn’t the max, is it?
No, that was just when I grabbed the screenshot on that particular unit (I had multiple units during the beta and final production unit cycle). I don’t have one with me at the airport now, but I believe it has 2MB of space. Most workouts are about 50KB per hour on the FR220, so that’s about 40 hours on the device.
Again, that does depend on me remembering that it’s 2MB…
Thanks for such a quick reply! That’s plenty for me- I was just hoping I wouldn’t have to upload more than once a week.
Is there anyway to overcome the glaring lack of accuracy when using the 220 indoors on a treadmill? (for instance, a way to force the watch to only use the footpod?)
Yes, with a footpod it’ll automatically use the footpod.
I have a footpod, it recognizes it, I assume that it is calibrated since I ran with it outdoors yesterday, but today it still is over 1 minute off with pace. any ideas?.
Do I need to turn the footpod off (on my Garmin) when running outdoors? I keep it on my shoe all the time and the Garmin always recognizes it when I turn on the Garmin. I assumed when I’m outside and my GPS is on (by default), the GPS is used. Am I right?
Ray- Any chance you can answer this? I know you’re a busy guy so thanks!
No, GPS will override it unless you drop into a tunnel.
Hi Guys, How do you enable hrv/r-r on the 220? On firstbeats page is says the 220 and 620 are manually compatible at this time with the athlete program but only gives instructions on how to enable it on the 620. As you are no doubt aware, no hrv data and the programs a binary paperweight.
Does the CleverTraining 10% discount still work? I tried ordering a 220 but it says the code (DCR10WHP) is not valid. The 220 isn’t discounted or anything- it’s still full price.
Hi Terrance, I think you now have to sign up to the vip program to get the discount. Membership costs $5 last time I looked so that’s still incredible value imho.
Hi Terrance-
For the FR220 and about 7 other products you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP membership to save 10% (per requirement of Garmin). It only takes a second to sign-up and you still save a ton, plus benefit Girls On The Run as well. Details here: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks for the support of the site!
Thanks for clarifying (both you and Rob). I’m more than happy to support you since your reviews are what helped me choose the 220 as my first GPS watch in the first place!
I know it’s not a swimming gps, but will it track distance (sticking it in a swim cap) accurately?
Yup, no problem there.
Still can’t decide between Garmin 220 or Garmin 15. Although I run mnay miles a week a basic watch works for me. Both reviews you had were very helpful.
Great review!
Could someone please explain if you see any difference (both whilst running and in analysis after an upload) between the smart recording on the 220 and the 1 second recording on the 610/620?
Would the smart recording be slower to react to a change of pace either in “pace” or “lap pace” mode? I prefer to use “lap pace”, so I can’t imagine I would see a lag due to smart recording?
Also, are you able to change the background to black in training mode? (the review says you can in time mode)
Many thanks
You won’t typically see any difference while running, but might see substantial difference post-running. The core difference is that in 1s-mode you get once per second, smart recording varies between 4-7s, sometimes as high as 10-15s. This means you might not get super-current data.
There is no smart recording view mode on the watch, so whatever you have as far as pace/lap pace, etc… is what’s shown and seen. So there’s no lag during the run. It’s juts about recording.
Thanks Ray, as long as it’s showing accurate pace/lap pace during the run, I’m not too concerned about analysis
Cheers
My wife is getting more into running and looking into getting a Garmin (I have a 620 & 610) – considering FR15 or FR220. The activity tracker appeals to her, but she’s also quite keen to do a 5K-10K race.
It seems odd to me that the FR15 supports Virtual Partner, but not in a core running watch, like the 220. I know this can be programmed with a workout, but at the risk of constant alerts, if dropping below the pace.
Virtual Partner would tip the balance towards the 220, any idea if it is a likely update?
Thanks
Chris
No, the FR15 doesn’t support virtual partner, but rather Virtual Pacer, the same as the FR220. I don’t expect either watch to get full blown Virtual Partner.
Ray,
Thanks for the clarification regarding Virtual Pacer.
Chris
Hello. Just got the watch for myself and I am very happy about it. Your review helped a lot for the choice, thanks!
A side note: I am disappointed though that there can’t be a cycling mode. I was really taken by surprise on that one, since I had a Forerunner 305 which is a model from 2006 that does really well switching between Running/Cycling/Other, so I didn’t imagine that the 220 would come a feature less than the 305.
Especially since now you can connect via Bluetooth (with Android too), which uploads directly to Garmin Connect, which now pairs automatically to Endomondo.
So now each time after a biking workout I have to go change the sport on Endomondo or all my stats and PR are wrong.
I think the thing to keep in mind is that while the FR305 has it, it’s also a multisport watch. When it came out, it was $399US. Over time it declined in price, but ultimately it’s from a separate product line aimed at triathletes versus runners.
Hi, I’ve had my 220 for about 3 weeks, and over the last few days the GPS has stopped working. I am wondering if it’s because I live in CA and I am currently in NYC. have you heard that the GPS is territorial or could something else be wrong. I bought the watch for this trip, but sadly can’t get the best use out of it. Any suggestions welcome, and yes it’s has the most recent updates.
Sadly I have to give up running and find a lower impact way to stay fit and exercise. I have a FR220/HR monitor and footpod and wonder if this will work with a cross trainer/elliptical machine?
It’ll work with the HR aspect for calories, but you won’t get terribly accurate distance/etc with the elliptical.
Thanks….I suspected that would be the case. Now it seems like my watch may be redundant. Just when I find one that I really like. Great site Ray…love reading all your stories and reviews. Don’t know how you do this all in 24hrs!
Thanks for this review Ray, it’s so much better than the user manual!!! I truly love my FR220 (yes, I’ve got the purple one) and your article helped me understand it better.
I saw recently that another watch company enabled smartwatch features on model that didn’t have those features at launch. Do you have any inside info as to whether Garmin might enable those kinds of features like smartphone notifications or media controls or is that just wishful thinking on my part? They have the know-how as shown by other Garmin products and the Bluetooth Smart is just asking for more to do.
No, very unlikely as my understanding is that the FR220/FR620 lack the low-power modes required there from a hardware standpoint.
Hi – I live in England and have a Forerunner 110 which works fine in its very basic way, but the strap has split, so I am looking for a replacement. I generally run for fun and fitness to support my main hobby, which is squash and I play at a good standard. I do run a number of 10K races per year and like to analyse performance, and would like to add more structure to my running in terms of training plans, rather than just plodding the same old courses for aerobic and endurance work. I have an ANT+ heartrate monitor. I would be curious to assess the metrics during a squash game (assuming I could get the heart rate monitor strap to stay in place). Given that, which would be the best watch and would a foot pod be necessary, or would an internal accelerometer do the trick. I have considered both the 15 and the 220, but I’m also drawn towards the Polar M400 and wouldn’t mind the investment into a new bluetooth HR strap for it as long as it would be worth it (and it could stay in place during the rigors of squash).
I’m sure Ray will be along to correct me if I’m wrong but for running purposes both the fr15 and m400 will require a footpod as their accelerometers are not enabled for running like the fr220’s. Also iirc on the m400 footpod support will be added in a future firmware update. As for the heart rate monitor see how you get on with yours, if it’s problematic then look into the rhythm dual band optical arm strap monitor. Above all remember garmin is ant+ and the M400 BT smart. It kind of gets expensive if you let it. I have both types of footpod, but luckily most devices like my tickr are now dual band.
Yup, correct!
Thanks both. I guess I’ve played squash for over 35 years without monitoring metrics, so I will get by without. It was interesting to gauge some thoughts on the possibilities.
I’ll have to make my choice over the 15, the 220 or go over to the Polar side and consider the M400 for making my running training more efficient. The 15 has the simple run/walk function which can be used to create repetitive intervals. I can always obtain training programmes from Garmin Connect if I want something different, although I know I can’t put them on the watch on the 15. But I really liked your M400 review and I am very much drawn to the host of features available on it. Given that early indications show it is only likely to be about £30 more expensive (with BT HR strap) compared to the 15 (without HR strap, my old one is compatible) in the UK; and £35 cheaper than the 220 (without strap), given the features of the M400 makes it an attractive proposition – I’m hoping for a benevolent Christmas,if I can wait that long and / or the temporary use of parcel tape still holds the broken 110 strap in the the meantime
Ray,
Garmin Express installed a new update today on my 220. Do you know what this update is for?
Thanks,
Art
Don’t see anything: link to www8.garmin.com
Thank you for the informative article. I enjoyed all the pictures as well. I ended up purchasing the Forerunner 220 based off the review and have loved it ever since. Keep up the good work.
This is probably a dumb question but is not being able to feel the vibration alerts a common experience? It was coldish and wet out today so if I didn’t pay attention I wouldn’t have been able to feel the vibration because my wrists were too cold.
This isn’t really a complaint about the watch, it’s just something I hadn’t considered.
No common. Though, I’ve certainly missed it every once in a while, especially if I was in the middle of doing something that required more attention (such as running across traffic), or, if I had the watch outside of clothing (very possible).
Happens to me fairly often – basiclly on every >10k run I check whether it’s still registering as I will not have felt a vibe for several ks. It may have been the weather, we’re at the end of the dry season now (which makes the HRM band even more obnoxious than ususal).
I just got a Forerunner 220 because on paper it seemed as if it would do everything I wanted. Maybe not. I set the auto lap feature to record every 1 km. When I went for a run I clicked my own laps which seemed to cancel the auto lap setting. Can I set it to record each km even when I’m clicking other points at shorter intervals along the way? If not, is there any other GPS watch that will allow me to do this? Thanks for any advice from anyone.
No, if you manual lap it’ll go ahead and reset the autolap at the same time.
Thanks. do you know of any GPS watch that allows both?
Yup, Polar units can. Check out the M400 – I prefer it over the FR220 these days.
Many thanks.
After reading several of your reviews I finally bought a 220, it’s within my budget and I like its color. Your review is very very useful, thanks!
I’m in run/walk mode in the middle of a long run. I decide I want to change my run/walk alerts (perhaps to lengthen or shorten the run period). Do I have to stop the timer to change the run/walk (or any other) settings? Am I missing something? Is there a way to get to the menu or change settings while keeping the timer going? Many thanks!
Great, comprehensive review. One question I have – can I plug the USB cable into a wall charger to charge the unit? I don’t always have my laptop with me when I travel.
Thanks!
Yup, any USB port you an find on this planet will work just fine. Enjoy!
Hi, can you do lap recall with this watch where you can go back and look at mile or lap splits? I’ve been running with the Garmin 110 and a lot of times will do a workout with a Timex simply so I can go back and look at mile splits easily.
Yes, you can access lap history after the activity is complete on the watch (or online/phone app). Or, you can do so for the just completed lap during the activity.
hi Ray – i just purchased this for my gf – birthday gift
any benefit to getting the HRM Run or just get the standard HRM3?
also is there an update that provides Smart Notifications like on some of the other garmin watches?
Thanks – btw you rock the purple well !
Nope, no benefit at all there since the FR220 can’t take advantage of any of the HRM-RUN straps. So the HRM3 is the best bet.
As for smart notifications, from talking with Garmin the platform isn’t really designed with a lower power mode that’s needed there.
Enjoy!
Hi, what settings do I have to change to be able to see my total activities history for more than two months back?
Histroy -> Totals ->Weekly
or
Histroy -> Totals ->Monthly
the earliest I see is September in both cases…
What do I do if I want more history?
Thanks
I’m posting again in case the first time got missed: is there a way to see more than two months of history?
It’s based on the number of activities (size technically), not time. Via the phone app or web you can see everything.
I’m not sure why would Garmin would put out that the 220 is not capable of a low power mode needed for Smart Notifications. It has Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Smart or whatever the consortium is calling it now and is capable if continually passing data via live tracking. I think it’s technically capable and that Garmin will fall behind competitors if they don’t add the feature. Fortunately for consumers the market life on Garmin watches tends to last a few years so there’s time to add features via firmware updates.
It’s not a case of having Bluetooth Smart, it’s a case of being able to be in a low-power standby mode for weeks that can still intercept the Bluetooth Smart stack notifications. Adding it during activity mode would probably be pretty straight forward (when the device is active), doing it in low-power standby mode is entirely different.
Hi; thanks for the fantastic review. I have just bought fr220 and disappointed after 3 runs with it. In each run it starts perfect with good gps, stable current pace data etc. but then current pace is becoming much more faster than my pace. ( extremely low like 1″, 2″ min) I stop the watch and resume again, then all is normal. have you experienced such problem? Thanks and best regards…
I understand that the 220 doesn’t have cycling mode due to market segmentation reasons, but I really hope they will implement it in the nearest future. Direct competitor Polar M400 has running and cycling mode and it is cheaper. This should trigger garmin to implement it on the 220 too.
I’m not sure if this has been covered, and sorry if it has (there are, after all, more than 1600 posts!), but this thing has happened to me a couple of times: accidentally pressing the lap button during a run. Not only does this give you a lap mark where you don’t want one (which isn’t serious of course), but it also then switches to marking a lap only at every mile (or km, depending on what you have chosen) beyond where you accidentally marked a lap. For example, if I accidentally press the lap button at 1.35 miles, the next lap marker won’t happen until 2.35 miles, and you won’t get one at 2 miles. Of course, one solution is when you next get to a round mile or km to press the lap button, but it seems a bit silly to me. Can you turn the lap button off? Thanks by the way for your work.
Peter – i believe this is a function of all Garmin Watches.
I noticed when i was doing recording some intervals during a fartlek run it wouldn’t update me on every mile split.
I believe the work around is to create a workout with 1 mile splits.
Correct, when doing workouts in an official workout, the splits align to the workout segments.
I’m posting again whether it’s possible to see more than 2 months of history. Thanks.
Hello,
My question is on the accuracy on the treadmill, is the issue resolved if the footpod is used? or even with the footpod the accuracy is not optimal.
Thank you
No problems with a footpod. Enjoy!
Hi Ray, Love your reviews. I am having a hard time deciding between the 220 and the 610. I originally wanted the Ambit2 S but like the idea of the training features on the Garmin watches. Do you find you actually used those features on your 610? My main struggle in choosing now is the 1S vs Smart recording intervals. Is it likely the 220 will have a firmware update to include 1s? I run a lot of trails as well as road and my previous GPS (MotoActv now broken) was very inaccurate when I got into twist and turns in wooded areas. I am about to start marathon training but will still be doing a lot of trail runs/races throughout the year. What would you recommend?? Thanks.
Hi, you mention connectivity via USB but I don’t see a USB cable in your “unpacking” shots, only the charging cable which I assume is a mains charger.
Do you have to buy this separately?
The charging cable is USB, it plugs into your computer via USB (or other USB port around your house).
so great preview. 2 quick questions.
1) does it charge with a usb wall mounted plug as well? ( you know the ones that they sell with iphones).
2) in order to use live tracking your mobile phone has to have 3G on?
thank you
keep up the hard work
Yes to both.
Cheers!
Long time reader first time poster!
My Garmin forerunner 320’s battery is on its way out and I can’t run past 9 miles, so I need a new watch.
I know I am losing the virtual partner, the 1 second data recording and the mapping but will I miss anything else in the FR220? I have a cycling computer so I don’t really need the bike functionality.
Finally, could I use the heart rate monitor that came with my edge 800?
Great site by the way!
Not from a running standpoint, no (beyond what you’ve noted).
And yup, same HR strap. Enjoy!
Hey. Not exactly sure when it stopped but I am no longer able to sync my 220 and iPhone/iPad. I am no longer able to pair the devices following the instructions. My 220 has the latest update as do my iDevices. When I go to the iTunes store, the Gamin Connect app says the app in not available in U.S. stores. I’m in NY State. I’ve tried everything, including searching the web for others with my dilemma. I sent an email to Garmin but based on others, I’m not holding my breath for an answer. Curiously, when trying to pair, the 220 says the watch is paired, but my iDevices say the pairing failed. Have you heard of any issues?
Hi. I have a timex run trainer, but am getting really frustrated as the USB connection keeps failing (and however I clean the connections it only works very occasionally. I’m thinking of replacing it with the Garmin 220 as this has a wire free upload which might be more reliable. Can I use the heart rate strap from the Timex with the Garmin? And before I put the Garmin on my Christmas list, do you think this sounds sensible.
Cheers
I’m using the forerunner for kitesurfing – is there any way to get a max speed readout on one of the screen datafields?
Just got my one, but couldn’t see any option for this?
Hi, thank you for your review.
Is there the ability to turn off the alerts for each mile ran and or pace and just use the gps and interval run function?
Thanks
Stephanie
Yes, you can turn off auto lap.
Hi Ray, it is the first time that I comment. Thank you for your deep reviews, they are really helpful.
This said, I have some doubts that I hope you can help me with:
1- Given that by getting a FR210 instead of a FR220 I would save more than $100 (depending on the store), is it worth to get a FR220?. I just run, and all I need to know is my HR, the distance and my instant pace (min/km).
2- I have an old Polar F7. Would its HR strap work with the FR210 or the FR220 or do I need to get a new one from Garmin?
3- Battery replacement: It’s almost impossible to replace the battery in both the FR210 and the FR220, right?. Is there any nowadays gps-hr monitor where it is kind of easy to do this?
Thank you so much.
Sergio.
Hi, I bought my daughter the 220. I would love to be able to see the features on the ipad that I do on our desktop but the app does not seem to work right? Do you have another suggestion for this?
Version 3.1 Firmware was just released. Any comments?
I use a Garmin 800 for cycling, but am thinking of using the 220 for paddling. Any thoughts? I have heard of someone taping a foot pod to the paddle for extra accuracy/data.
Thanks for your comments
I’ve tried taping a pod to there on my kayak’s, the data is blah at best, but usually horrible.
That said, as a GPS watch to measure you’re route, it’s great. But, for paddling it’s honestly overkill and you can probably save about half the cost by going with something like the FR15 or even the FR10. Just my two cents.
I’ve recently purchased the 220 and love it; however, my son also wants one just like it. Are there any recommended places to find quality watches that fit children that aren’t cartoon characters and at least look like and feel like a entry level GPS or Sports watch?
I’ve held off posting this question in hopes that pouring over all of your reviews and a good chunk of the comments for each would lead me to a decision.
Alas, I’m asking for your opinion.
-I’m primarily a trail/ultra runner
-train by HR
-appreciate good elevation data (realtime?)
-prefer light/minimal design (but would relent, if convinced)
-upload to Strava
-like the idea of vibration alerts but never used
-have never used a GPS watch but would not have trouble navigating complexity
Price being equal–I can get each for around $230 (new, with HR kit)–which gets your vote? (And why? If you have time):
FR220, FR910XT, Polar M400
Thanks!
Hmm, I’d probably go with either the FR910XT or actually the Suunto Ambit2S (not on your list, but worthy of consideration and in that price range). Both are longer lasting options for ultra runners. The Ambit has more navigation capabilities than the FR910XT, and the 910XT has more capabilities than the other options.
Great site. Trying to decide between M400, FR220 or Other. I see your recommend M400, but a couple of features I am looking for are still not released so wondering if it work holding out for the M400 based on my usage.
I am a runner and occasional biker. Outdoor running is primary activity . The data metrics which are important to me are:
– Cadence (SPM) with footpod outdoors
– Heart Rate
– Pace with manual intervals
M400 – shows a lot of promise
– Does not support Android sync yet – Supposed to be released in Dec 2014?
– Does not support Cadence (SPM) without foot pod – No planned date for footpod support
– When you add in the HRM and external footpod support the cost comparison to FR220 starts to balance
FR220
– The whole outdoor footpod overriding GPS has been resolved correct?
What would you recommend
Very good reviews!
On my 305 I can set satelite sync to very 3rd second to extend battery time. Is that possible on the 220 or is 10h max?
No, not an option on the FR220.
Thank you for very good reviews!
Do you know if it is possible to use a vivobraclet or something else instead of the strap for Garmin FR 220?
No, not from Garmin, but you can use something like the Mio Link or Scosche bands (see my reviews on that) instead.
Great review! Very detailed and answers every question I can imagine and then some. I just bought the watch from amazon and am now quite confident that I made the right choice.
thank you!
I’m not sure what exactly happened to my HRM but the 220 was not always picking up a rate/value… I changed the battery and now my 220 is not picking up the HRM at all… Did the HRM die on me? It’s less than a year old and it seems they are pretty expensive… I did try more than one battery and the 220 did not pickup the HRM at all…
Thanks in advance..
Any chance the battery is in backwards? Failing that, I’d just ring up Garmin – they’ll usually swap out without any issues (especially since it’s less than a year old).
Thanks for your quick reply, Ray. I was pretty confused about the face up or down especially with no + or – sign anywhere. I then watched a YouTube video and learn that the plus would be facing me…. I then read more and came across a Garmin post about waiting 10 minutes between old and new battery or the HRM module can overload ….
I’ll follow up with Garmin and I appreciate your advice.
On a different note, I would like to know if there is a way to change my setting in 220 to show more than three months of activities (right now the earliest I show is week of September 21….
Thanks a lot.
I’m not sure if that’s a strict limit of 3 months (sounds likely) or rather, a storage size limit. Either way, no method to change it.
I am trying to figure out which watch i should purchase as my first watch. Growing up i was an athlete and have in one form or another always participated in athletics but have not kept myself in the shape i should have.I recently decided to join a running group and sign up for a half marathon. I do not bike or swim so i do not need a watch with those functions. I have compared the garmin 10, 210 and 220. Several of the running group members have the 10 and love it. A few have the 210 and say the only difference is ethe time and one extra run detail on the screen. I have read your reviews and like the idea of having the downloadable workouts the 220 offers as i anticipate moving shortly and to an area which does not have running group. My concern is that i will only use the functions for a short bit and then use the watch in a similar fashion as what the 10 and 210 offer. The price differences are 10-$99 210-$140 and 220-$250. Any recommendations? Thank you
So I’m going to use my 220 for my first Aquathon.
Any idea how I should do this.
1 Start the watch/rec and pause it during the Swims, resuming for the Runs.
2 Rec the whole thing (use manual laps / splits to rec Swim/Run)?
3 Just hit rec and let it be cause it’s all to hard.
Any help / anyone done this before etc.
Honestly, I’d actually start and stop it for each activity. Because you’ll be in the same spot each time, GPS will be found within 1-2 seconds at most. If you practice at home on your couch for a few minutes, you can memorize the start/stop button combinations and probably get down the entire process to 3-4 seconds.
Thanks Ray.
I hope one day Garmin (or a competor) comes up with a GPS Run / Swim (open & pool) watch with HRM for both, realising most of us have a bike specific GPS already.
Until then the 220/620 & Edge will do.
Great review!
I have some questions related to the heart rate monitor on the 220 :
Would I be able to capture my heart rate while doing an elliptical machine or stairmaster workout?
If so, what mode should I use? I assume then I could upload it and look at a graph of heart rate vs time.
Also if so, I assume I’d be able to use the HRM feature while biking and still use my existing cycle computer for time, distance, and speed. (My cycle computer doesn’t have HRM capabilities.)
Thanks.
Yes, you can capture HR. Just set the GPS to be off.
And yes, correct on the second piece.
Thanks for the great review! Before finding it, I had purchased a 220 to replace my malfunctioning 110, so this served as an expanded (and much better written) user manual.
You also saved me from a possible poor purchase decision; I was considering a footpad, but knowing that it overrides GPS eliminated that idea.
Tom, just as FYI Garmin fixed that with one of their software releases so the foot pod no longer overrides GPS.
Why doesnt this watch support older bluetooth technology because the Garmin 510 and 810 do?
Would this make it heavier/bigger and more expensive or they wouldnt do it?
Both Technologies?
Thanks
Battery life would be killed, legacy Bluetooth draws a significant amount of battery (the reason why it’s in no smaller wearables these days). Whereas the Bluetooth Smart portion of the stack draws virtually no battery.
I was trying to send a course to my forerunner 220 but its not working, is this an option only available 620?
Actually, not the FR620 either. Courses aren’t supported in either model.
Hi Dc,
I do hope that you can help me. I have the Garmin220 for Christmas. I charged it up via lap top..but for some reason everything is in Spanish! I am convinced that I have not selected this .How can I get it to function in English? All help greatly received. Thank you
@Denise kelvey-Brown Do a master reset on the watch. To perform the master reset:
Power off watch (press and hold Light, Yes on prompt)†
Press and hold Start/Stop and Lap/Reset
Press and hold Light (three buttons should now be pressed in)
After first beep, release Start/Stop
After second beep, release Lap/Reset
Release Light
It should come back and let you choose English as the language.
Do the white watch band parts discolor over time? I’ve had white watches before and worry it won’t stay nice looking, especially when I swear all over it… Thanks!
Do the white watch band parts discolor over time? I’m especially worried since I will sweat all over it… Thanks!
Do the white watch band parts discolor over time? I’m especially worried since I will sweat all over it…
ray – setting up my gf’s watch – why am I not seeing cadence in the screens else anywhere on the watch?
I thought based on your review it has it’s own cadence capability shown during the run.
Thanks
It’s under just the field called ‘Cadence’, when changing/tweaking the data fields. It doesn’t show up by default though, you’ll need to add it.
Hi Ray and everyone on the forums,
I have just picked up a shiny new Forerunner 220 which due to local availability issues, I was only able to get the version that came bundled with the HRM3 soft strap. I already own a Scosche Rhythm + heart rate monitor and was considering selling the HRM3 soft strap as it is unused at this point in time.
My questions are:
1. Is there any reason why I would want to keep the HRM3 soft strap (e.g. availability to other metrics that the Scosche Rhythm + is unable to provide?)
2. When I did the software update to software version 3.10/ GPS version 3.30 a new screen appeared under Settings_System_About “Advanced heartbeat analytics by Firstbeat” – Is this just referring to the calorie burn algorithm or is there some other heart rate analysis feature I have missed?
1) Sometimes with optical HR monitors you’ll get differences with calories. I’d do a few runs and see how that works out.
2) In the case of the FR220, that’s correct, just calories. For the FR620, it includes things like recovery metrics, etc…
Hey Ray, thanks for your work in making this such an awesome resource for GPS watches! After poring over your reviews for ages I went with the 220. I love it so far, but I took it on my first long run today and noticed some oddities. For example, here’s the route it thinks we ran: link to snag.gy.
For the most part, pretty good! However, there was one section near the bottom of the map that you can see where the watch just kind of spazzed out. That entire section was run on the same road the sections around it were run on, but the watch thinks I veered off and ran through a few houses. Is that normal behavior due to satellite drop or something, or something I should talk to Garmin about? Also in general it seems to actually UNDER estimate runs by a little bit, which seems a bit off — mapping out the route using point by point clicking on MapMyRun yields a 15.25 mile run while the garmin reported. 15. Obviously 0.25 miles over 15 is not too bad, but I could see it getting problematic over the course of a marathon. Is this normal?
Thanks for your hlep!
Hey Ray, thanks for your work in making this such an awesome resource for GPS watches! After poring over your reviews for ages I went with the 220. I love it so far, but I took it on my first long run today and noticed some oddities. For example, here’s the route it thinks we ran: link to snag.gy.
For the most part, pretty good! However, there was one section near the bottom of the map that you can see where the watch just kind of spazzed out. That entire section was run on the same road the sections around it were run on, but the watch thinks I veered off and ran through a few houses. Is that normal behavior due to satellite drop or something, or something I should talk to Garmin about? Also in general it seems to actually UNDER estimate runs by a little bit, which seems a bit off — mapping out the route using point by point clicking on MapMyRun yields a 15.25 mile run while the garmin reported. 15. Obviously 0.25 miles over 15 is not too bad, but I could see it getting problematic over the course of a marathon. Is this normal?
Thanks for your help!
Nice review. Very helpful. I see that the 220 will talk to and iOs device via smart bluetooth and I understand that it WON’t talk to a smart bluetooth HR monitor. Will it update to a macbook that’s equipped with smart bluetooth or bluetooth antennae or is USB connection required?
Thanks,
Kate
Hi Ray, your review was really useful. I’d like to ask you for a bit of advice. What is the watch in your opinion that has the most reliable pace alerts for somebody who wants to do a steady 6 minute per mile within a range no wider than 20 secs (i.e. between 5.50 and 6.10). I was planning to buy the Garmin 220 but your review made me totally change my mind… Thanks a lot.
Hi Ray, your review was really useful. I’d like to ask you for a bit of advice. What is the watch in your opinion that has the most reliable pace alerts for somebody who wants to do a steady 6 minute per mile within a range no wider than 20 secs (i.e. between 5.50 and 6.10). I was planning to buy the Garmin 220 but your review made me totally change my mind… Thanks a lot.
Hi Ray! Could you help me to make a decision. I`m choosing between Polar m400, TomTom Runner and Garmin FR220. Is FR 220 only one of them which has option automatically switch on internal accelerometer when GPS signal lost? The second advantage for me is that 220 display cadence on data screen. May be you can give me advice for some other devices having both of these functions? Please answer, I have a birthday on 9th of Jan and need to ask for present :)
Hi,
I recently got a 220 and had it set to auto lap but it vibrated and switched off at every mile which I then had to stop and press resume for it to start again. Is there a way off keeping the auto lap on but not for it to switch off at every lap. I did switch the auto lap off on my next run but then it did not show my mile splits.
Hope you can clarify for me.
Hi Ray,
I really, really, really appreciate your reviews on the site. They are by far the most helpful out there. I am just getting in to the wearable technology as I am an avid runner, and felt they could really help boost my training. I bought the Garmin15 to dip my toe into the water because I really liked the fact that you could also use it to track your daily steps in addition to your runs. However, I am finding the fact that it does not sync via bluetooth and having to sync it manually a little annoying. And the GPS signal does not pick up as quickly as I would like it too (it’s not fun waiting in the cold Canadian winters!), so I am thinking of returning it to purchase a new watch, perhaps the Garmin Forerunner220. I know if I get the 220 I will lose the step counter component I really enjoy, so are there any other watches you can recommend or is there a way for the 220 to also track walking activity (I do a lot of walking as well).
Thank you so much!
Thea
Hi Ray again! PLEASE help me to make a decision. I`m choosing between Polar m400, TomTom Runner and Garmin FR220. Is FR 220 only one of them which has option automatically switch on internal accelerometer when GPS signal lost? The second advantage for me is that 220 display cadence on data screen. May be you can give me advice for some other devices having both of these functions? Please answer, I have a birthday TOMORROW and need to ask for present :)
On this watch, is there a way to keep the light on for 1 hr or more, throughout a run in the dark?
Yes, you can keep the light on for 1 hour or more, throughout a run or workout.
go to settings ->system->backlight->Timeout->Stays On
Hello,
Anyone here syncs their 220 with a Samsung Galaxy s5? Previously I had an iPhone 4 and was not able to connect the 220 to the iPhone. I switched over to Samsung recently. However, I can’t upload via Bluetooth although the Garmin Connect mobile app and the 220 are successfully paired.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, I’ve seen others that have connected just fine with the S5.
Hello,
Anyone here with an S5 maybe able to please tell me how to correct a recurring problem. I always get the message that “sync failed. Sync upload error. Please try again. ”
My s5 and 220 are paired when I get this message. Trying for a week now.
Thanks
Hello,
Anyone here with an S5 maybe able to please tell me how to correct a recurring problem. I always get the message that “sync failed. Sync upload error. Please try again. ”
My s5 and 220 are paired when I get this message. Trying for a week now.
Thanks
Only thing I can think of is to throw the app off your phone and fetch it anew from the Play store. A previous version had this kind of trouble but the current one does not. Hopefully an entirely new install will get rid of your hiccup.
I use a note 4 and cannot connect via the bluetooth icon; however, if you download the free connect app and open, it can connect via the app. Just ensure the bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Once inside the connect app, click on “devices” and there should be a “plus sign” to add a new device. Once you add the device the watch seemlessly connects and uploads your runs. Hope that helps.
is it possible to send runs from computer to the watch? I’ve tried on a few occasions, and it says transfer complete. unable to find the run on the watch. ideas?
Thanks for great review.
Looks like someone in Garmin Russia take and translate your review without mentioning the source.
link to garmin.ru
:(
Can you connect the Forerunner 220 to a PC via Bluetooth instead of USB to sync with garmin connect?
Finally I bought a bluetooth USB 4.0 to connect to my computer with Windows 8.1 but the FR220 is not detected. It seems you can not connect.
Sorry, missed your question earlier.
But no, you can’t use Bluetooth on a PC/Mac to connect to the FR220. Only from the iOS/Android apps. Or, by just plugging the USB cable in directly to your computer.
Don’t worry, I have returned it. By the way, great job you do here.
I’ve read: “Though, they do contain a cycling mode with full support for ANT+ speed/cadence sensors.”
But on Garmin website they don’t mention FR220 as a compatible device for ANT+ speed/cadence sensors for biking.
Have you try it?
Thanks!
The key part was the previous sentence where I was talking about the Fenix watches, hence the ‘they’ part. ;)
Hi Ray! Thank you for your great reviewes! I`v bought Garmin FR220 and enjoing a lot! I think you should correct your rating for 2014 where Polar M400 beat FR220. May be they are in different segments. FR220 is the best in their price categore as running watch and M400 may be the best multisport and activities tracker. But for pure runners FR220 the best choice:
1. Cadence info
2. Vibro alarm
3. Automaticaly use internal accel. when lost signal GPS
4. Longer life batt.
5. Garmin connect flexebility
6. Less weight
7. Real durable.
Tnak you!!!
Hi Serge-
Thanks. There’s nothing wrong with the FR220 – it’s a great little watch.
But, at the same time, it’s not a better value for the money, which is a key factor in my recommendation. For many people, the M400 is simply a more capable watch these days. It includes daily activity and sleep tracking (the FR220 doesn’t), it includes upcoming Bluetooth Smart alerts and music control (the FR220 doesn’t), and includes multiple sport profiles (the FR220 doesn’t). The weight and battery life are a wash. And the cadence and internal accelerometer are also a wash, since Polar is adding that shortly too. Durability is a wash too.
Cheers.
As of September 2015, there is still no update for cadence via internal accelerator. Source:
link to dcrainmaker.com
I did a quick search on google and on DC Rainmaker twitter and found still no news regarding the cadence via internal accelerometer update. It was a quick search, so take it with a grain of salt.
Just an old update to add to this thread.
I am currently using the Garmin Forerunner 15 and use the run/walk function. This function only goes up to 10min 30 sec. I want to be able to program for example 5 min walk with a 20 min run, but am unable. Can this model allow me to program intervals greater than 10min 30 sec? It is hard to find this specific information in reviews, so if you can recommend other watches that have this feature i would appreciate it.
Thanks
allison
Hi all! Want to summarise my own experience in this 2 most hot qwestions: pace lag and usability during intervals. I`v bought FR220 1 week ago and read a lot of information about it as before buyin and after. First feature i was interested in after my first use was curent pace lag and then i understand that FR220 also good in interval training. My advice here: most of us have 2 types of trainings: long distance and intervals.
So on long distance you run with constant pace for a long time. Here i use 2 data screens: ds1 – heart rata (my tachometer), lap pace (my speedometer) and cadence (my perfomance of technic). ds2 – total measures of distance, time, avg pace. All u need is turn on Auto lap function and you will have information about your pace every km/mile and also lap pace info on ds1 will reset with every km/mile. It`s quite enough to control your pace during long run.
On intervals – you change pace from time/distance. During intervals you will have additional data screen with interval info. If u use pace goal you`ll see infomation of LAP PACE at the top (on ds it will name PACE but it is LAP PACE) and time/distance countdown at the bottom. When new interval switch on, lap pace will reset, so u have no pace lag if u start to change pace at the same time and save it on the, approximately, at the same level during interval.
So, now I am not use instant pace and try to make different types of intervals in GC if i need to control my pace for sure.
One thing I need from my FR220 now is to save AutoLap function every km, during interval training. But its not crusial.
Tnaks Garmin for great device for pure running and Ray for great informational resource!
Hi,
I have the Forerunner since July 2014 and I’m very happy with all its functionality but I’m having a problem I had with other previous forerunners. After I’ve been running for about over an hour, the HR stops working so I guess the HR strap is not transmitting to the watch and I can’t collect the HR data anymore, have you have the same problem?
Patricia
hi i love you reviwes
iam torn between this garmin Forerunner 220 and the tom tom multisport.
ther are very similar imn prices. which one would you recomend more (i also like to use my bike)
I’m wondering if the 4iiii Innovations V100 viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor V100 would link up to my Forerunner. I am looking to use the Sweatbeat HRV app and this is one that seems like it would work with both pieces. Does anyone have any inisghts? I do have the Garmin strap, but it doesn’t seem to be compatible with the Sweatbeat apps.
Thanks!
Yes, it will to both.
Since the FR220 and all the latest garmins have a color screen instead of the classic lcd I was wondering whether the readability in sunlight is ok? Or can I expect problems in that department, like when using a smartphone in direct sunlight?
No issues at all in sunlight. While having color, they use a slightly different screen type so you don’t get the challenges that cell phone screens have.
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one? I’ve run marathon and half marathon, and I’m really happy with my 310, the only problem I have is that the history records are saved with wrong date. At certain point it happens to change the date to yesterday all the past events. Don’t know if this happened to you too. It seems to be a software issue.
Besides from that, I’m really happy, but the Bluetooth connection it seems to be great. I don’t upload frequently the data due all the stuff you have to do to download to the computer.
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one? I’ve run marathon and half marathon, and I’m really happy with my 310, the only problem I have is that the history records are saved with wrong date. At certain point it happens to change the date to yesterday all the past events. Don’t know if this happened to you too.
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one? I’ve run marathon and half marathon, and I’m really happy with my 310, but the Bluetooth seems to be great
Hi, I have a forerunner 310xt for 1 year, and I only use it to run. Would you recommend me to change to this one?
Hello! I have the FR220 cannot figure out how to view how many calories I burned during my run? Anyone??
Ássuming you wear a heart rate monitor once the activity is uploaded to Garmin connect you can see the calories.
Probably also on the watch itself, never checked.
Does the forerunner 220 retain its data once the battery is empty? I have lost several workouts on my Timex Ironman due to an empty battery: all data is lost once the battery is depleted.
Hi Ray,
Had a real strange occurrence recently with the 220 that maybe you have seen before. Was in Oregon on business and decided to do a run along the Willamette at 4:30 AM (nice and peaceful at this time). I took a wrong turn and while making a u-turn, stepped off the path and into the mud and I took a little spill (only thing injured was my ego). But the watch tacked on 1/4 mile to my run and when I analyzed the track, it had me running out into the middle of the Willamette. Have you ever seen this before as in have not had an issue with the watch before or after this?
Thank you for taking the time to do all these great reviews!
Alfie
Weird, never seen anything like that. Every once in a while you see GPS go wonky in watches, but never quite tied to falling. The only thing I could think is if there was some sort of strong GPS blockage while you fell (either body or elsewhere), but that seems sorta unlikely.
Glad you’re ok otherwise though!
HI, Ray! I`m sorry for double message. I`v posted one similar on Scosche Rhythm +, but it also about FR220.
After I`v paired HRM wih my FR220 It is imposible to synchronize with garmin connect via bluetooth on my phone. I need to turn off HRM to send data from FR220 to my smarphone. Is it normal?
No, I think it’s unrelated to the Scosche. It sounds just like an issue with Garmin Connect Mobile and you’re FR220. I’d simply just re-establish the pairing between your FR220 and the GCM app.
Hi Ray.
Does the lap feature work with gps. What i mean, is if i run on a track, will i have automatic laps as soon as i complete a full circle?
Thanx
The autolap feature works primarily on distance. So you could use it on a track, but round tracks are tricky for all GPS units, so it won’t usually hit the exact same point every time. For track use, I’d recommend just manual laps.
I, too, would like to know if the 220 can sync data to Garmin Connect via the bluetooth connection on the Mac. Is the data sent to Garmin Connect when sync’d via bluetooth to the iPhone? I currently have bad issues with the FR210 and the USB pin connector trying to get my Mac to sync to it and would like to know if the 220 provides a better interface for this (i.e. bluetooth AND usb options).
No, it cannot sync via Bluetooth to PC or Mac. Only to phones with the Garmin Connect Mobile app. For computers, it’s only USB.
Hi! Thanks for the wonderful review.
I am currently using a FR210. Would you have any idea can the HR strap be used on FR220? Thanks!
Yes, it can.
Ray, superb reviews. You’re a reviewing machine.
I currently have a 310xt, and it’s on its last legs. The battery is almost totally gone, and it’s not easily replaced, unless I swap out the whole unit.
Can you tell me if the battery on the 220 is any better? What happens when it reaches its EOL, will we have to send it in for a new unit?
Thanks!
Eventually all batteries die unfortunately. There are no longer any mainstream GPS watches on the market with replaceable batteries, so you’ll pretty much have to send any unit in for repair eventually.
That said, lots of folks are happy with the FR220, some 18 months later.
Thanks, Ray. I appreciate your patience with repeat questions. Keyword searches only go so far on this page – either there are almost no hits, or a dozens and dozens to sort through.
One more question that I have not seen an answer to in the manual: Does it matter how this FR220 is recharged – as in, can it be fully recharged with every run? When it’s plugged into the computer to upload, it automatically starts charging.
Or is it better for battery longevity to not plug in until the battery is very low, then plug in and charge to full?
Thanks.
In theory it’s better to take it down lower and then recharge to full. But in reality…it really doesn’t matter. Your far more likely to kill the watch in some other manner, or just move on to a new model due to new technology before that time happens (realistically at least 3-5 years from now). I personally don’t worry about it (and most don’t).
Enjoy!
Did you notice there wasn’t a stopwatch on this watch?
You can just use indoor mode for that (and simply discard afterward).
Is there a feature that measures your running progress e.g. Similar to Polar’s running index? Or is there an app that can work this out for you?
can the fr 220 be charged while tracking an activity?
No, unfortunately not.
Hi Ray,
Do you think Garmin will have a new release for runners soon?
BTW, really like your website, got a lot of information. Thanks.
Garmin typically releases new Forerunner (running-focused) watches in two areas: The fall in September-ish, and the spring roughly around the timeframe of the Boston Marathon. That’s not always the case (for example, they didn’t last year at Boston).
And typically they operate on a 2-year release cycle – meaning you’re more likely to see the FR220/620 refreshed in the fall. Yet, without activity tracking they’re losing a lot of sales on the FR220 – so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them push up something either. On the flipside, the Vivoactive is basically a FR220 replacement.
Hey Ray….I bought the FR220 a week ago because I needed something to start training with but now I’m thinking the Vivoactive is a better bang for the buck. My question is….is the VA just as easy to read when running as he FR220 is? and does it have all the same hardware and features the FR220 has?
and thanks for all your detailed reviews!…it been very helpful.
It’s easy to read, though I’d probably give a very slight edge to the FR220’s screen in terms of contrast.
It has more features/hardware. I’d check out my Product Comparison Tool on the sidebar to run through all the features. But the main one that the Vivoactive lacks is custom workout creation and intervals. Meanwhile, it has Connect IQ – so apps could potentially fill that gap.
Great review, so I bought one. Can I get the Autolap feature to beep/alert each 1km/mile WITHOUT it also storing that lap time? (ie it lets me tell it what laps to store **only** by button press). This is useful when in a marathon etc, and I want it to tell me when it thinks we’ve gone another km, but I want to store the officially marked km as my lap times)
No, but you could use distance alerts instead of Auto Laps.
Aha, can I? Looking at my 220, I have the ability to set walk/run, hear rate and pace alerts. Can’t sere a way to set distance alerts without using AutoLap?
Hmm, odd, I thought you good. Maybe I’m thinking of the FR620. Sorry!
I had some problems with the foot pod from garmin . I ran 8km with gps and foot pod on .. , smoothly – on a route known to me .. no stadium ( using forerunner 220 ). all fine. then .. I turned of gps.. , and I ran 4 km on a 400m stadium (10 laps) trying to see how accurate is the foot pod. at the end it showed to me 4.23km. I did not find any good tutorial about how I could calibrate it . do have any advice how to do it proprely? thank you.
Here’s a formula for manual calibration:
actual known distance run / foot pod measured distance * your watch’s current calibration value
So, for your 4km run on the 400m track, in inside lane: 4.0/4.23 * whatever your current calibration number was.
If it was 1000, then: 4.0/4.23 * 1000 = 945.62 So, set your calibration value to about 946.
thank you CJ. now.., i am waiting to go outside and check the accuracy of it. unfortunately it ran all day.., and tomorrow will be the same :( .
Just curious to know how accurate the calorie burn is on the 220. I have used about 6 or 7 times and it seems to be really low. HR strap is on snug with great contact and I am not seeing any drops when reviewing on Garmin Connect. I ran 4 miles in about 37mins with average HR of 175 and max of 181 and its showing I burned 310 calories. With my Wahoo HRM and app it shows over 400.
It would depend on your weight a bit. 310 seems a touch bit low – but at the same time, if you’re a smaller gal than 400 would be likely a touch bit high.
Can the auto-pause be disabled altogether? I’m ready to purchase this watch but that’s a sticking point. In a race setting the timer never stops. I don’t want it stopping on training runs either!
Yes, you can disable autopause.
Hi Ray, if i use the watch to swim in a pool and i turn off the GPS can i spect to have distance at least from the acelometer?
regards
No, the FR220 doesn’t support swimming from a distance standpoint. It just doesn’t have the code in it to track that activity.
Been using the 220 for a while and it’s awesome! I was wondering if anybody else who uses it knows if recurring alarms can be set, ie: if I wanted to do a continuous and rotating abb workout, it would beep convinienty every 30 seconds and standby five for me to get into another position, or just wait until I start the next set. I know I could just look at the watch–but if there is a function Id like to know about it… And if anyone happens to have contact up at Garmin maybe you could put a word in for me . It could be added in an update if it isn’t already in the software. PS: Thanks for the extreeemly detailed review Mr Rainmaker, I read them just cuz I’m obsessed with running gear PSPS: and I love your job!
You could do that using the Run/Walk mode, since it’s just alternating. It’s not perfect, but it’ll work.
Alternatively you could always do a complete custom workout too, but that’s more complex to seutp.
Hey Ray,
Thank you so much for the thorough reviews you provide. When running in Heart Rate Zone 2, for example, I have found recently that it takes a lot more effort to get my heart rate up to the necessary beats per minute (135-148). I believe that this is a sign of improved fitness, but is there a resource you could recommend that would help me understand how to accurately adjust my Heart Rate Zones via the Garmin Connect website?
I took my resting heart rate today, and it was 55bpm. I entered that into the Garmin Connect website under my profile (in the Training Zones section). I just want to make sure I am not messing myself up by playing around with the Heart Rate Zones.
Thank you!
Does this watch only give pace in 5 second intervals or can it be changed to display exact pace in seconds? If it cannot be changed, does the 620 display exact pace in seconds? Thanks, Jason
Same as 620:
Hi,
Does 220 have any other activity option than running?
I play tennis but and ‘running’ as activity option on during the match. I do not think that it is giving me the correct distance covered in a match. It shows way more than what my mobile Endomondo app does?
Do you know what could be the issue?
Regards
I’ve had a Garmin 610 for just shy of 2 years now…& am on the 4th stick! At $40 ea, I may spend more on the ANT than the watch itself. Add to that, the hideous customer service from Garmin in trying to deal with the problem. So I’m considering replacing the watch when this ANT loses connectivity (& it will).
I’m looking for feedback, either the Polar M400 or Garmin FR220. Obviously, I’m skeptical of another Garmin (this is the 2nd failed unit in 5 years). Does the FR220 plug into the computer via USB? (the 610 only connects via the continuously failing ANT) I like the slightly smaller size of the Garmin (& the purple) & I’m used to how they work both on the unit & the Connect Software. But I have been so frustrated with this FR610 that I’m willing to consider the Polar M400…which is less expensive, seems more intuitive, DOES plug in to the USB, has the benefit of also replacing a fitness tracker…but looks really bulky (so I don’t know that I’d wear it as a daily tracker anyway).
I run distance, mostly trail…that’s it. I don’t bike, I don’t swim, hate the treadmill, so those functions (or not) are wasted on me. I run, strength train, yoga, pilates. I’m often under trees so GPS connectivity is important. For someone like me…is the Garmin 220 worth giving them another chance (& the extra $$) or do you think the Polar M400 would be sufficient?
After installing the latest firmware which claimed to improve the accuracy of current pace, I am finding the current pace now worthless. For example lets say that I am running at a 7:30 pace and my lap pace is also around 7:30. If I increase my pace to 7:00, the lap pace almost immediately starts to get less little by little, but the current pace stays at 7:30 for 10 to 20 seconds. Has anyone else had this problem? Before the “fix” it worked reasonably well.