This product has been discontinued by the manufacturer. It's been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 945, you may want to check out that review instead.
Today, Garmin has officially announced the successor to the FR910XT triathlon/multisport watch, the FR920XT. The swim-bike-run focused watch effectively takes all of the recent new features from a number of other new Garmin fitness devices and plunks them into this watch. Yet at the same time there’s also a number of features which aren’t seen elsewhere on Garmin devices such as cycling-specific VO2Max, a new metronome mode, and then support of Garmin Connect IQ, which allows companies to make apps for the watch.
I’ve had small windows of time with the watch over the past few months, so definitely consider this in the camp of a ‘first look’ post and not an in-depth review. Which means I’m mostly focused on explaining all the new features and functionality, versus deciding if it’s worth the cash (that comes in my full review). Sound good? Grab a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and let’s get started.
The New Features:
In many ways there are few major unexpected surprises when it comes to the FR920XT. This is largely because as most people assumed the feature-set really builds upon that established by the Garmin FR620 and Edge 1000 – Garmin’s latest cycling and running units. So one is squeezing out all the new features from those units and adding it to the FR910XT. Still, it’s a substantial list. Here’s a rundown of the purely new items (over the FR910XT):
– Addition of Bluetooth Smart, WiFi connectivity
– Addition of Daily Activity Tracking (steps, Sleep, etc…)
– Ability to create Internet connected apps, widgets, data fields (Connect IQ)
– Addition of Live Tracking (requires you carry a phone)
– A Color Screen (that actually really shows colors)
– Creation of Activity Profiles (allows you to create your own)
– Running Dynamics (Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time, Cadence)
– Recovery Advisor, Recovery Time, Race Predictor
– Cycling VO2Max
– PR’s (Personal Records)
– Regular Watch Mode
– UltraTrac (for up to 40 hours of GPS activity…with ANT+ sensor data)
– Addition of GLONASS (for increased GPS accuracy)
– Garmin VIRB action camera control
– Indoor Treadmill support (without a footpod pace/distance)
– Metronome Functionality
– Swimming Drill mode (as found on Garmin Swim, Fenix2)
– Swimming Interval Rest Timer
– Racing against past performances, downloaded performances
As you can see, while there are some completely new things (like the metronome and cycling VO2Max), virtually all the remaining features can be found in other recent Garmin products (FR620, Edge 1000, FR15). Which, I’ll point out might actually be a good thing – as it means those particular code chunks have had time to ‘bake’ a bit more and get the bugs worked out.
Now, there are a few things that many people saw in the wild rumor mill that aren’t in the FR920XT, specifically:
– No support for heart rate while swimming (though, there should actually be a workaround there with Connect IQ)
– No optical heart rate sensor in the unit itself
– No 3G/cellular connectivity
– No Bluetooth Smart sensor support (i.e. BLE heart rate sensors)
– No Di2 support at this time (though, this too could likely be added in Connect IQ)
– No small ponies
Also, note that the screen is not touchscreen. For a triathlon watch where it’s all about water, I think that’s probably a good thing at this point.
To that end, this post will largely focus on all the new stuff. In general, unless I specify otherwise in this post you can assume all the previous FR910XT functionality is carried over. So everything from indoor/outdoor swim metrics to regular GPS running/cycling recording to power meter functionality and anything else that’s been on the FR910XT or the FR620, is here. In my full in-depth review (based on final firmware/hardware), I’ll dive into all those regular features like I always do.
But in the interest of most folks who just want the new stuff, we’ll keep it quick and short here. Actually…who am I kidding? Nothing is short or quick here. And for those not so into reading and photos, I’ve put together a bit of a video detailing my first tri with it, as well as the analytics side of the data afterwards. You can watch that below:
With that, let’s start diving into the details!
Colors, Size, & Weight Comparisons:
The FR920XT comes in two color variations, seen above. They are a red/white option and a blue/black option. Like all previous multisport watches, there is only one size of the watch (meaning, not separate sizes for women or men).
The FR920XT reduces its size a bit compared to the previous FR910XT. To begin, it’s effectively the same thickness now as the FR620, which makes it pretty darn thin:
Here’s a quick glance at the difference in size between the FR920XT (right) and the FR910XT (left). As you can see the screen is similar in size though slightly smaller, additionally, the outer shell has shrunk a bit. Note, in the below image the status bar at the top is showing, but that disappears after a few seconds giving more viewable screen space (as seen in other photos here).
And looking at the Fenix2 (regular and special edition), it’s got a substantially bigger screen size, though the overall width/height of the watch isn’t terribly different – just rectangle instead of square.
You can see quite a difference in thickness there as well:
And for completeness, here’s a few on my wrist, and one with the Fenix2 on my wrist:
Next if we look at the color differences you’ll see it’s much more vibrant than the FR620 was, which didn’t really use the colors for any practical purpose – nor did it have terribly sharp colors.
Finally, weight-wise the FR920XT sits in at 61g, a reduction of 11g from the base FR910XT which is at 72g (without quick release kit).
Daily Activity Monitoring & Regular Watch Mode:
The FR920XT adds to it all of the common daily activity monitoring/tracking functions found in typical activity trackers like Fitbit and Garmin’s Vivo line (Vivosmart, Vivofit). These metrics include daily steps, step goals, distance walked, calories burned, and sleep. Most of these specific metrics will also be transmitted to Apple’s Health Kit (which is semi-implemented right now).
You can see your daily activity on the above page, which shows your progress towards the daily goal, as well as metrics related to that. This page is accessible from the lock screen by just pressing the up/down side buttons. Like other Garmin Vivo devices, the step goal is dynamic and will shift slowly from day to day depending on your step count trending. Thus if you walk more, the goal will increase. If you instead watch more Ironman Kona TV marathons, the goal will likely decrease.
Additionally, the unit includes a move alert, which will trigger if you’ve been sitting idle too long – a reminder to do something. You can always override the goal setting, as well as simply turn off activity tracking altogether.
The new activity monitoring function is also directly accessible on the watch-face home page. The watch mode is now accessible 24×7 in non-GPS mode for 33 days without having to re-charge the battery. And if you have activity monitoring and smart notifications enabled, it’s about 30 days of battery (1 month). If you turn off activity tracking, you’ll get 4 months in straight watch-only mode.
This is a significant change from the FR910XT in a lot of ways, but most notably in that it didn’t offer a regular watch mode at all.
The unit also supports the creation of a single time alarm, to help you wake up at 4:45AM for that joyous morning swim session (or not, as in my case).
Now I will say that when it comes to the endurance athlete, sometimes less is more here. Meaning that if you’ve gone out and done a 120 mile long ride followed the next day by a 20 mile long run, it’s quite likely that the end-state goal shouldn’t actually be to hit 10,000 steps for the next day. Instead, recovery is likely a better approach. In that respect, Garmin doesn’t quite seem to have the same cohesive picture of activity total (including steps) vs recovery that the Ambit3 has. I’m not sure if it’s a significant loss as the FR920XT still has recovery time inclusive of those activities you do in sport modes.
Wireless Connectivity (Bluetooth/WiFi), Smartphone Notifications, Live Tracking:
The FR920XT adds in all of the wireless capabilities found on the FR620 that was released roughly a year ago. That means it starts by adding in Bluetooth Smart phone connectivity. This connection to Android and iOS phone allows for the following functions:
– Live Tracking
– Completed workout uploads
– Transfer of Step/Sleep data
– Ability to transfer scheduled workouts
– Firmware updates
– Course transfers
– Satellite pre-population data
– Smartphone notifications
Smartphone notifications enables your iOS or Android device to send notifications to the unit from apps or services. For example, incoming calls or text messages, or an update from Twitter or other critical apps like Words with Friends.
Live Tracking enables you to send your current location as well as ANT+ data (like heart rate, power, cadence) via your phone to friends and family tracking you. They’ll see where you went and where you are. This feature works exactly like the FR620 (rather than the Fenix2) in that it does allow concurrent ANT+ data transmission and recording a swell as location transmission via Bluetooth Smart. Note that some races prohibit the use of cell phones, so you’ll want to double-check that before you get DQ’d.
In addition, some connected features are also available via WiFi. For example completed workouts can be uploaded via WiFi, as well as download of firmware updates and satellite pre-population data.
Satellite pre-population data (officially known as EPO, Satellite Ephemeris), allows the unit to predict satellite locations and thus allows for super-quick satellite reception, typically within 10 seconds or less. So yes, just like in EPO doping, the EPO for these devices makes it faster too.
In using units in three different global locations, I found that all three picked up satellites within 10 seconds, and in one case the unit hadn’t been turned on in that country previously. The EPO data can be downloaded for 7 days in advance.
(Update: Apparently not, this page seen below was only on one beta unit I happened to grab photos for.) This information can be quickly checked via a handy little page in the settings menu, showing you the current age of the EPO data, and when it expires. Sorta like the date stamp on a gallon of milk:
Anytime you connect the device to your phone, WiFi network, or computer (with Garmin Express installed) it’ll automatically pull updated EPO information.
The FR920 adds in many of the same functions found initially in the FR620 and then in the Fenix2/Fenix2SE. For example, it now supports Running Dynamics, which is the collection of running metrics that include Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact Time. These metrics come via the HRM-RUN heart rate strap. The strap also provides cadence, however, the unit itself will do wrist based cadence without any heart rate strap. And further yet, if you have a footpod you can get cadence there too.
In addition to Running Dynamics, the unit supports VO2Max estimation on not only running, but also cycling. This is the first Garmin unit to support VO2Max estimations on cycling. To get such estimation, you’ll simply do your normal rides. Ones with slightly more intensity will help give more accurate results however.
Next, there’s Race Predictor. This takes the estimated VO2Max values and then corresponds it with data for your particular gender and age from the Cooper Institute to determine the theoretical best case time for a given distance. Note that this doesn’t mean you’ve trained enough to do so, but rather just that your VO2Max would allow you to do so.
Additionally, for astute readers, you’ll note that these figures below are a bit low for me. This was just on a watch I happened to borrow, so the numbers were for someone else.
Finally, there’s Recovery Advisor and Recovery Time. These aim to give you information about how quickly you’re recovering. Recovery Advisor will display about 6-10 minutes into an activity and let you know how recovered you are from your previous workout. I’m interested to see if this has improved over the FR620, which I found is ‘too nice’, and rarely tells you that your recovery is ‘Poor’ (ok, never tells you that). Note that Recovery Advisor will not use step activity from the activity monitor, but only heart rate based activity data. This is because it’s looking at heart rate variability to determine its results.
Meanwhile, Recovery Time is a post-workout thing that tells you how much time it’ll take to recover from that workout.
For multisport athletes the recovery time should best be judged more along the lines of ‘how much time until the next really hard workout’, rather than just any workout.
Training Calendar, Racing an Activity (Virtual Racer):
The FR920XT carries into it the Training Calendar, which allows you to download training plans and scheduled workouts from Garmin Connect into your watch. These workouts are sync’d each time you sync your watch, and then can be executed on the watch itself. They are always structured workouts with specific steps. On Garmin’s site it offers specific training plans for different running, cycling, and triathlon events. These training plans comprise specific workouts for certain days of the week that will then appear on your watch to complete on that given day.
Next, is ‘Race an Activity’, better known as ‘Virtual Racer’. This feature took a bit of a break within the FR620, so it’s good to see it’s not been cut from the FR920XT. In the case of the FR920Xt, it’s been expanded a little bit however and split into two specific sections.
First is the ability to race your past efforts that happen to be on the watch. For example, if you run the same route each week you could race last week’s effort. It’ll then show where you are in relation to that time last week during your run.
Secondly, you can now easily send other activities (not yours) to the watch. For example, you could send a Pro Athlete’s training or racing file to your Garmin (assuming they’ve set that activity file as public), and then race against that. The same could be done from family or friends for given routes/races. For example, I could go run a 39 minute 10K on a specific course with specific speed sections, then give it to The Girl to go execute and follow the same pacing.
Indoor Treadmill Mode, Metronome:
The FR920XT follows the FR620 and adds an indoor treadmill mode that doesn’t require a footpod to be utilized to gather pace and distance. This means you can get both metrics indoors (or in places with no GPS signal like tunnels) without paying extra for a footpod.
Of course, the accuracy of such technology for pace tends to be a little…variable. I haven’t had a chance to test the FR920XT’s treadmill accuracy, but in recent tests on both the Fenix2 and FR620 (which uses the same technology), I’d give the accuracy a ‘B+’ grade. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s worse. It’s rarely (never) perfect for me, but each person has different running styles. It’ll be something I’ll be testing in more detail in my in-depth review. For cadence data (also gathered from the wrist by default), I find it virtually spot on.
Next, Garmin has added one feature completely out of left field – which is the metronome. This functionality allows you to set a specific beat, typically a run cadence, which can be used for anything from running drills to trying to maintain a specific stride rate.
Within the feature you can set the specific cadence and it’ll beep just like a traditional metronome would. You would then align your footsteps to that. You can also set an Alert Frequency, which will allow you to reduce how often the beat happens, such as every 2,3,4, or 6 beats. Further, you can at any time hold down the menu button and select ‘Mute’ to tell the metronome to STFU.
Generally speaking there’s a strong link between running cadence and running efficiency. This is interesting because this falls inline as a component that could be used to actually improve the Running Dynamics metrics you get. I’ve often lamented that Running Dynamics metrics were more about marketing fluff than actual beneficial things that were/are scientifically proven based on a training methodology. With the metronome you could leverage that for various drills and/or focus on running turnover.
Swimming Features:
There’s been a few minor swim enhancements. First is that the unit now adds the Swim Drill mode that was found in the Garmin Swim watch (and on the Fenix2 watch). This mode allows you log drills that might not be easily recognized by the watch, and then simply lets you enter a total distance for those drills.
The second item is a more clear interval/rest timer for swimming. This makes it a bit easier to see how long the previous interval was and then what your current rest time is. This is useful so you can setup a timer for how long your rest should be and then keep each set consistent.
Note that it doesn’t add full pre-defined structured workout support for swimming however like in running or cycling.
The FR920XT largely keeps the status quo when it comes to sensor support, which means it natively supports the following ANT+ sensor types previously found on units:
– ANT+ Heart Rate sensor
– ANT+ Bike Speed Sensor
– ANT+ Bike Cadence Sensor
– ANT+ Bike Speed & Cadence Combo Sensor
– ANT+ Bike Power Meters
– ANT+ Running Footpods
In addition, it also adds support for this new type of ANT device:
– Garmin VIRB action cam control
With that, the unit can now control your Garmin VIRB action cam, such as starting/stopping recordings as well as taking photos from it.
It does not at this time support either the Edge Remote, or Shimano Di2 data recording like the Garmin Edge 1000 does. Nor does it support the ANT+ weight scale (a loss from the FR910XT) or the rarely seen Fitness Equipment (ANT+ enabled gym treadmills/bikes/rowers).
Note that the unit officially supports the above ANT+ sensors, as I discuss in the section at the end around Garmin Connect IQ, it can now effectively support any ANT devices out there via custom apps and data fields. Thus, devices like BSX, Moxy and even the ANT+ weight scale could be added by 3rd party developers with relative ease. I would expect to see that occur pretty quickly by some 3rd party developer.
Also note that the FR920XT does not support Bluetooth Smart sensors, thus while there is Bluetooth Smart within the unit, it’s used for connecting to the phone and not for sensors. In discussing this with them, Garmin has “no plans” to enable Bluetooth Smart sensor support on the FR920XT.
Next, the FR920XT adopts the Activity Profile concept found on the Edge 510/810 and then in the Edge 1000. In the case of the FR920XT, it aligns more to the Edge 1000 variant as it includes the sensor pool concept. This means that instead of having to manage sensors separately for each bike, you simply pair all your sensors. Then, you define specific activity and multisport profiles. You can have up to 10 single-sport profiles, and 5 multisport profiles.
The unit will automatically use whatever ANT+ sensors are enabled when you start that profile, just like the Edge 1000. This actually works out fairly well and allows you to easily create a different set of data pages for training than for racing. Or perhaps yet another set different for a running race (single-sport) than a triathlon (multisport)
The FR920XT brings with it the navigation features found on the FR910XT (but not found on the FR620), while also adding in an UltraTrac mode found on the Fenix series, and then finally adding in support for GLONASS for increased GPS accuracy in some environments (note: WAAS is not included).
The navigation component has two core areas. The first is to follow downloaded courses (routes) that you created ahead of time on Garmin Connect and then synchronized to the watch.
The second is more ad-hoc navigation. In this scenario you can navigate back to the start, while also saving waypoints along the way. So you could save a waypoint for the start of a trailhead (or where you parked your car), and then navigate back to it (or forward to it).
In this mode it’ll show you exactly how far you are away from the waypoint. It was here that I was fairly impressed with the satellite accuracy shown on the device. As I stayed put to where the marker was, the accuracy of the unit stayed within 1-3ft (not meters, but feet). Then as I walked away it increased, and walked back to the same spot it went back to those 1-3ft. Garmin notes that they made changes to the antenna placement and positioning on the unit that should offer increased satellite performance.
All of this navigation also utilizes the units onboard magnetic compass.
As noted, the unit also supports GLONASS, similar to some of the newer Edge devices like the Edge 1000.
Next, the unit adds in an UltraTrac mode. In this mode you can reduce the GPS recording rate down to a less frequent rate, but enables you to get upwards of 40 hours of GPS-on/recording battery time. Outside of that, it’s now 24 hours of 1-second recording GPS data (a bump up from the previous 18-20 hours).
When in the UltraTrac mode you will see reduced data points however, so you’ll want to use this only in cases where your single activity is going to be more than about 24 hours. Otherwise, you’ll lose a lot of data/accuracy due to the reduced recording rate of approximately 15-20 seconds on, and 40-45 seconds off, per minute. The approach is slightly different than the past, because it’s more dynamic than previous units which simply jumped up and grabbed a data point every 60 seconds and went to sleep.
Further, unlike like previous units the FR920XT will record ANT+ sensor data at the same 1-second or smart recording rate in UltraTrac mode. The UltraTrac only impacts GPS updates. This is potentially huge for ultra runners that want to maintain that additional sensor data, but don’t mind as much on the GPS track being less accurate.
Garmin Connect IQ Apps Support:
Last week Garmin announced Connect IQ, which allows 3rd party developers to develop apps for supported Garmin devices. At the time of the announcement though, no such devices had been announced – making the announcement slightly…intriguing. The FR920XT however will be the first device to support Connect IQ apps. The unit will support all four modes of apps. These modes are:
Apps: Full blown multi-level/interactive apps Custom Data Fields: The ability to create custom data fields that you can add to any data page Widgets: The ability to create basic screens that pull data from other sources Watch Faces: The ability to create customized watch faces, from a picture of your bike to something more data oriented.
The real power for the FR920XT will be the ability to support sensor types that aren’t traditionally supported by Garmin. For example, I’d expect that someone like BSX would look at adding in support for their sensor via a simple app. The same could be true of anything from hydration sensors to aerohelmet position sensors.
I won’t re-hash all the Connect IQ functionality/components here, for that simply read last week’s post for all the details. Note that the Connect IQ app store doesn’t launch until January, so you won’t see that functionality quite yet on the FR920XT. However, developers can already download the SDK and there will be an updated emulator that’s clearly marked as the FR920XT soon (though, the default rectangle one is actually the FR920XT already…).
Garmin Connect Changes:
In addition to a slew of hardware changes, Garmin is also rolling out changes to Garmin Connect, one of which is specifically aimed at the triathlon crowd. That change is the addition of a new Multisport display mode for triathlon data on Garmin Connect. Currently (or, I suppose previously), the triathlon watches would split up each segment of your race/training day into separate activities. So one file for swim, one for bike, one for run, etc…
This made it somewhat complex to see the triathlon as a single cohesive event. Now, that’s changed. For Garmin FR920XT, FR910XT, FR310XT, and Fenix2 and Fenix2 Special Edition users, the new activity view allows you to see your triathlon as a single activity:
You can still view each individual leg if you’d like to, but this gives a cleaner picture of things. My understanding is this change should go live sometime today on the site.
In addition to this, Garmin has tweaked a few other areas. First is a new activity detail page. The new page cleans up the view a bit and includes a larger map and then consolidates the player feature that was on the second tab, as well as now shows cumulative lap times. I haven’t spent time with this new view, so it’s unclear to me yet if other things were ‘lost’ as part of it, for that we’ll have to dive into it later today.
Next, there’s now the ability to group different activity trackers together to determine which data you want from which devices. For example, you could have step data from the Vivofit, whereas have running data from the FR15.
Finally, there’s a new Group Leaderboard that ties into mileage and step goals.
This is primarily aimed at being more social with your daily activity amongst friends on Garmin Connect.
Product Comparison Charts:
I’ve added the Garmin FR920XT to the Product Comparison Tool, which means you can mix and match it against any other watch’s/unit’s that I’ve ever reviewed for feature comparisons.
For the sake of simplicity, I’ve just selected the Garmin FR920XT, FR910XT and Fenix2. However, you can easily make your own chart with any device you want here at this link.
The tables are updated dynamically and thus if/when things change that’s represented automatically in this section. And again, remember you can create your own charts easily here with any product you’d like.
Wrap-up:
There’s no doubt considerable new features in the FR920XT. I suspect it hits almost every feature people have been asking for, short of heart rate recording while swimming and Bluetooth Smart sensor support. Even more exciting in my mind is it will be the first device to support Connect IQ apps, which opens the door to tons of creativity for apps that people are already thinking about – but also apps people haven’t even considered. For example I suspect we’ll soon see people writing custom alerts and apps for remembering to take your hydration and nutrition during a race as well as even queue sheets for sections of a race on guidance. So much incredible potential there.
Of course, the proof will be in the pudding when it comes to validating there aren’t teething pains with the new device – be it stability issues or GPS accuracy issues. For that, I’ll need the remainder of the month with a production unit and production firmware. I can only hope that Garmin used the extra time they spent moving the previously planned release dates out from various earlier planned dates that the unit got extra testing and bug squashing. It hopefully helps that Garmin enlisted a group of athletes outside the company to beta test the device since this past spring.
As for availability, a semi-small number of units will be available at Ironman Kona (next week). Beyond that there are extremely limited numbers of units available globally for the next few weeks before production is significantly ramped up. Thus, expect that it might not be until at least mid or late November that Garmin is able to get through a backlog (or even longer). The whole early bird and worm thing is definitely at play here (just like it was for the FR620 running watch last year).
Next, the unit does see a slight bump in price to $449US for the base, and $499 for the version with the HR strap. I suppose this might be to match both Suunto and Polar triathlon watches which have higher prices (yet those units arguably have far less features).
Finally, as noted a moment ago, I plan to spend October putting the final unit through it’s paces. I’ve got a very accommodating work travel schedule that takes me to the perfect places that I need so I can easily get in the openwater swims, bricks and other triathlon focused activities that I need to beat the crap out of the device. Thus, expect a full Garmin FR920XT In-Depth Review the first week of November, just in time for me to decide whether or not the unit makes the cut for my 2014 Fall/Winter Sport Device Recommendations.
With that – thanks for reading! Feel free to drop questions below, and as usual I’ll try my best to post answers.
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Found things here useful? Wanna help support the site?
You can pre-order the Garmin FR920XT below now via Clever Training, which helps support the site and makes posts like this and other reviews possible. They also have all the other FR920XT accessories such as the quick release kit, extra colored straps and the like available. Here’s the link to the FR920XT pre-order page, you can use the drop-down menu on their site to choose which edition (with or without HR strap), and which color you want.
Do you think support for activities like hiking, skiing can be added via Connect IQ?
I was going through information on Connect IQ SDK, and it seems like developers can access/change data fields, record FIT files, read from all sensors etc. Based on that, I think it should be possible to create new activities.
Deepanshu: You can add it directly in the watch, no need for Connet IQ.
Chris: No, definitely never said that. In fact, if you look at my Summer 2014 Sports Recommendations I was pretty clear that it would be a poor time to buy a watch and that I expected a FR910XT successor to be available/shipping after the triathlon season but before the end of the year.
Can I make an activity that is track running that ignores the altimeter, and displays everything in metric?
Ok, I guess those are two different questions. But I have wanted different “sports” on my 910XT to display different Metric/Statute units. Is that possible on the 920XT?
I figure ignoring that altimeter is a long shot.
I find that the altimeter, although good, does not give a “flat” track. The biggest issue is that it appears that “every so often” the altimeter get recalibrated from the GPS. So I usually have 1-2 “jumps” in elevation during any given track workout (about 1 hour). I also sometimes end up running downhill during the entire track workout as a weather front comes in. The only real side effect is that it gives my an invalid NGP in training peaks, which then gives me an incorrect IF and rTSS and PMC.
Does anyone know if the the 920XT will sync data with the Schwinn spin bike M-Power computer? I currently use a Forerunner 610 for this feature but was wondering if I would lose this feature if I upgraded.
Same for me. I am on my third 910XT. Garmin was very gracious about replacing them but my barometer failed gain. So I hope they have changed this part.
I am also on my 3rd 910XT – again they were very gracious about replacing them but my barometer has failed AGAIN and frankly have resigned myself to running up mountains despite living in the Vale of York – frustrating as I think it also messes up the wattage calculations so hope they have fixed that in the new watch does anyone now if they have or not??
I am reluctant to buy on unless they have – PLEASE HELP us Rainmaker – you are our only hope !!
I am also on my 3rd 910XT. First cost $146 to replace and second cost $106 to replace because of barometer problems, becoming an expensive unit to own.
No, Garmin hasn’t made the BLE stack available from a sensor standpoint (just communication to the phone). The ANT stack is fully available to both defined sensor types (ANT+ power meter) and undefined sensor types (i.e. aero helmet).
I was being somewhat tongue in cheek with that comment but out of interest where would you keep the phone while swimming so as not to impeed your performance also is it possible to interact with it while its in the housing?
It does maintain a Bluetooth Smart connect with your watch, even in tri mode, through all sports. It was connected to my phone on the dock till the moment it went underwater, at which point it told me it was no longer connected.
Next time, for curiosity, I’ll stick a phone in my Safer Swimmer and see what happens from a live tracking standpoint.
Sure, the front panel of the lifeproof is touch-capable and works even in the water. You hardly notice its there when interacting with the phone. I have the armband of the lifeproof case as well, and high up on the upper arm is where I find it gives me the least problems while swimming. It’s quite a sturdy locking mechanism, needed as in the pool it takes quite a pounding in and out of the water all the time.
Unless you manage to stuff your phone in your swimcap, you will always notice it on your performance (and balance – it changes your drag profile just enough to pull you slightly off course over the length of a lane). However, long laps are so much nicer with a decent bit of music in my ear…
Awesome, sort of dissapointed with the “no Bluetooth sensors” approach, but as long as I don’t have to upload long workouts over Ant+ I guess I’m happy enough.
Awesome preview and news post as always!
Now to wait pait (patiently) for the full review :)
The ant+ upload was the biggest pain. My ant+ sticks always died on me and that was the biggest pain because there is literally no way to get your data off the 910 with anything else.
“dissapointed with the “no Bluetooth sensors” approach”
Why, were you that desperate to replace all your sensors with identical ones using a different protocol? I’m not aware of anything BTLE sensors can do that Ant+ can’t other than connecting to a phone, but then if you want to connect with a phone don’t buy a watch! BTLE also currently limits you to a single device while Ant+ allows multiple devices to connect to each sensor.
Waahoo App through your smartphone will allow Garmin Watch downloads, is a bit of a long way work around but it worked while I ordered in my sunnto Movestick ( see rays review about that,much better than the Gar unit)
There’s only one reason Garmin doesn’t allow BLTE sensor connection to their devices. They own the ANT+ protocol. They bought the company that created ANT+ . Allowing BLTE to connect to their devices would drive a dagger into the heart of the ANT+ sensor market. Garmin would be losing big on their investment. Nothing wrong with a company doing that. Apple’s been doing that with the iPhone since its inception back in 2007 making it hard for people to leave the ecosystem they’ve invested so much in even though there are superior products out there.
If I would buy today a watch (Ambit 3 or FR920XT) I would probably go for the FR920XT. But changing from Suunto (Ambit 2 owner) to Garmin isn’t that simple with all the recorded workouts :-(
One way of doing it is to move everything to Strava (there are batch exports for this). That way you’re platform independent if you ever change your mind in the future :)
Then you would obviously have to do a batch export again. My point is simply that using a more platform independant service like Strava has it’s advantages if you are likely to jump between different brands.
I don’t care if half my activities are on garmin connect and the other half is on movescount – I see them all in Strava. The day I ever buy a TomTom (who knows?) I’ll still see it all on Strava.
Not saying that Strava is the best, I have little knowledge of other sites not tied to a specific brand, but I’m sure there are many others.
Strava seems to be the go to platform along with training peaks. I really like training peaks even in the free version. Both can be populated automatically from Garmin connect. Not sure how polar flow does it, but Garmin connect is painless. Download your workout and if you have Strava and training peaks account, just log in and all your Garmin connect workouts will be there. Nifty. Don’t own a polar GPS watch, but I’d like to try polar flow and suunto’s movescount to see how they play with others.
Don’t own a polar GPS watch, but I’d like to try polar flow and suunto’s movescount to see how they play with others.
* Movescount has a data API partners can integrate with, but no notification service when a user uploads a workout. So partner sites need to continually check, which means delay. Garmin Connect is “instantaneous”. Nice! :) I’ve mentioned this to the Suunto development team… it is a “frequently asked feature” included in the “development backlog” but they cannot give an “exact schedule when this would be available”.
* Polar Flow does NOT have an API at this moment. They’ve promised it a year or so ago. The 650 has been delayed twice, so… reach your own conclusions. I’ve not heard an update. @Ray have you?
Yes, there’s a quick release mount. They didn’t have one on-hand at the time, but I’ll update it with photos when I get one – I believe I should have one on Friday.
Will the 910xt’s quick disco mount fit? pretty lame if they force me to buy new mounts when I’ve already got one for my 910.
Also – can I use my soft strap hrm that came with 910 with the 920xt or do I need to get the ‘bundle’ for an extra $50 (hrm-‘RUN’ strap… )?
It’s a new mount. The reason (as I understand it), is to align to the same straps as the FR220/FR620. Further, I suspect they’re learning from the 920XT strap. We’ll see when I get the strap myself (the one piece I didn’t have access to).
If I were to sell my 910 and buy a 920 should I sell the Tri Bundle as a whole (quick release bike mount and cadence sensor)? Will the cadence sensor work in the 920? Is the Heart Rate Monitor different? If it is the same I will keep it.
Speed/Cadence sensors will work with the 920. The QR mount will be different. The HR sensor would work with the 920 but you will not get the new metrics (oscillation, ground contact, cadence) from it. For that you’d have to get the HRM-RUN sensor that comes bundled with the 620 and the 920.
I really didn’t want to want this. Going into third place in my to buy list, pending your full review. Also, can you please get a picture of this on the girl’s wrist? Thanks
Dom, i was just reading through the 920xt manual. It states battery life with GPS only as 24 hours, GPS+Glonass as 20 hours. So it sounds like around 18% reduction in battery life.
Is it possible to set a specific time alert p.e. getting a short alert or vibration every 45sec as with the 910XT?
AND (!) resetting this alert by pressing the LAP-Button (or any other). Would be a great feature for lap swimming!
I used the vibration alert during longer interval swims with the FR 910XT but it drived me crazy that there´s no
possibility to reset the vibration/alert! So if you hit the wall in 40sec instead of 45sec you have to wait until the remaining
5sec will expire followed by hitting the LAP- and START/STOP-Button for interval break immediatly.
So in testing this, it does appear to reset the time alert, if you go into the rest state during swimming.
But honestly, just using the swim interval timer seems like a far easier way here, since you can do exactly what you want without having to deal with the separate timer.
One thing I don’t get; the Wifi in Garmin devices. If the HW has BT connectivity already, isn’t wifi a bit overkill? Makes the hw just more complex, expensive and battery consuming… just my two cents.
Great preview, great spec, waiting for the final review.
It allows folks to walk into their house and have it automatically upload to sites like Strava. Versus getting out your phone and syncing it that way. Further, it also allows firmware updates over a more broadband friendly method than Bluetooth Smart. So that helps Garmin by ensuring devices stay up to date (it also helps the end user, but it’s actually more beneficial to a company).
Are you kidding? Im in the market now for a watch, I hate manually uploading or linking stuff. ANT+sticks always require starting up a computer, i dont even want to think about uploading. I forget some of the times as well. I love not even having the hassle to find your phone go to the settings turning on bluetooth, linking etc. is a huge benefit for me. Before this came out i considered buying a 620 instead of a multisport watch only for that reason. How lovely it is to just walk in the door and your coach is up to date!
I linked my 620 to my phone once, after that it uploaded automatically everytime just as you describe. Never used wifi.
Your phone is probably always connected to internet already, whereever you are. It’s pretty easy to connect to a new wifi network, when travelling etc. Connecting to wifi via the watch seemed quite difficult and, on the 620, with lots of hassle.
And you need the phone anyway to use the live tracking.
Wifi on the watch is just marketing hype, one more buzzword in the ads.
Have to disagree respectfully with your conclusion, not least because not everybody owns smartphones and not all smartphones support BTLE and/or have a GCM Mobile app for their OS. One of the strengths of the 620 is that you have multiple ways to get the data off; BT when you’re out and about, WiFi when you walk in the door at home or you need to download new firmware, cable when you want to back up all your FIT files and the configuration files on the watch so you can put them back after a master reset. I agree the WiFi support was pretty patchy to begin with – mine would never talk to my dad’s router though it got on fine with mine – but it seems to be better now.
The wifi works great for me, after I finish my run I lay my Garmin 620 near my cell phone and by the time I get out of the shower all my data has been downloaded to connect.garmin. No more fiddling with my laptop to upload my data.
I wasn’t a big fan of the 910xt with the ANT sync. I have a treadmill in my house and hated ANT agent uploading my workout when I wasn’t finished… If I had to stop the treadmill to take care of something for a second I would stop my watch and bam I am screwed with having to do a new workout all over again because it uploaded the damn thing. If it weren’t for my ability to create a script to launch ANT agent and shut it down within a few min after I would not be a happy camper. I will say that compared to how many issues I have heard about the Fenix 2, the 910xt has been a solid watch and hope this new 920xt hasn’t adapted the Fenix 2 glitchiness
WiFi is much faster than BLE. If you have lots of workout data to transfer or they want to enable fast firmware upgrades from the mobile devices, wi-fi is a great solution.
It is not just a marketing ploy as some insinuate.
Ray (or someone else) has stated something prior mentioning that it is a serious longshot to see this in the 620. It sounded like a combination of lack or room on the chip and adding such a large feature midway through the products lifecycle. (I believe Fenix2 and 620 use entirely different chipsets).
great review as usual thanks. fr610 and 910xt are Tanita weight scale compatible. Is this one also or not? If not, is it something that Garmin is completely dropping?
Correct, as noted in the sensors section – there’s no support for weight scales natively on the FR920XT. Garmin has pretty much dropped it across the board on new units since about a year or so ago. I suppose the logic being how few of these are in the market.
That said, with Connect IQ, it’ll really be quite trivial for someone to add support via an app (3rd party). I’d be blown away surprised if this isn’t one of the apps available at launch early next year. I could even see a member of the Garmin Connect IQ team releasing such an app more as an example.
yea I am disappointed that the scale is not supported… I use fitbit scale more often these days but the Tanita one has more information… and can you ever have too much data?
Might be an easy add via the Connect IQ app as you indicated.
I use withings scale. Just use fitdatasync.com to push/pair withings data into garmin and because withings and fit it already talk you can integrate the three quite easily.
It’s an annoying workaround but it works flawlessly
Huge disappointment on the Bluetooth Smart sensors support decision. I had been holding out on upgrading from my 310xt, but now I think I will look at non-garmin options.
All users get the new activity detail page (regardless of device you’re on). All multisport users will get the new multisport page (FR920XT, FR910XT, FR310XT, Fenix2, Fenix2 Special Edition).
The new activity page looks awesome and dare I say, long overdue. The charts on the old page were basically useless.
Does the multisport page support activities other than triathlons (e.g. duathlons, brick sessions)? Also, is there any chance that the multisport mode will eventually become available to us non-multisport device owners? For example if I tracked a duathlon with my 620, could I then designate it as a multisport activity and define the transitions manually?
It doesnt seem so. I’m now seeing the new charts and layout on GC (which are sooooo much more useful now that they have a sensible scale), but my race from Sunday is still showing as 5 separate activities.
Uploading all my races again would be a bit of a pain and I’m in two minds whether I bother.
What it also needs is a way to be able to go back and correct the data when you accidentally hit the lap button when you were getting something out of your pockets with 30km still to go in the bike leg and end up having a 45 min T2. Gah!!
I’d actually be curious if it works. My suspicion is no, since the FR305 doesn’t do .FIT files, which is how I suspect they’re parsing the data, versus a TCX file.
– No support for heart rate while swimming (though, there should actually be a workaround there with Connect IQ)
How this could be done? I believe Ant+ is not capable to transmit under water as well as the garmin strap has no internal memory (as the one from Ambit 3)
You could do it with the Mio Link or Scosche on your wrist within 1-2″. See, both could be pipped in via an App that just connects on the open/available sensor page. I’ve tested both units (as have others) and it will generally get fairly accurate results underwater as long as you’re close enough to the band for the signal to transmit, which is generally 1-2″.
If something like the Viiiiva or TICKR X did store and forward via ANT+ (ant-fs?) would it be possible for a Connect IQ extension to plug the resulting HR data back into a swim session?
The first part, ANT-fs, could definitely be done with Connect IQ. But I don’t know if the app could then write backwards back into the .FIT file. I suspect not, but perhaps someone that’s a dev with the Connect IQ SDK downloaded could poke a bit.
I was wondering about this comment at the top of your piece as well. I currently use my MIO ANT+ on the same wrist as my Timex Ironman Global. It records HR data and displays it during my swim workouts. Are you saying this is not a possibility on the FR920XT?
Would it also not be possible to use the TickrX, to record your HR while swimming. Then merge the HR GPX file into the Garmin recorded swim data using SportTracks client (sure you can also merge with other apps also).
If i understand you well , i have Mio wrist band which i running with 910XT
Is the Mio wrist band water proof?
can you show how to use the Mio wrist band while swimming ?
you have to wear it on the same hand?
Ray, as far as I knew about FR910XT, it does not enable to add HRM when it is swimming mode. Please correct me if this is wrong. I am wondering if FR920XT enables to use HRM (like Mio Link or TICKR X) when it is swimming mode.
Yes- the Mio Link is waterproof. You wear it on the same arm, within a couple inches of your watch. You may need to tighten it a bit more, but it works while swimming.
Yes… it’s a bit extreme… but here’s a picture of a Fenix 2 recording my swim data, while my Vivofit records my HR data using a Mio wrist band: link to 1drv.ms The Mio needs to be very close to the HR recording device (Vivofit in my case) and very tight on your arm to get good data. Here’s a link to the Fenix 2 file showing the swim data (a series of 300s testing sighting versus non sighting to look at impact on HR): link to connect.garmin.com Here’s the HR data captured by the Vivofit: link to connect.garmin.com Unfortunately no easy way to combine them at this point…
I do the same. Let the 910xt log the swim metrics and the vivofit the HR from my mio link. Works just fine both outdoor and and indoor. If just the 920XT would allow it to connect to ant+ hr in swim mode i would upgrade :-)
Outdoor swims i can combine with repairfitfile but have not figured out how to combine an indoor swim without location data. Here my last outdoor swim: link to endomondo.com
Just to confirm for this subset of the thread, during openwater activities it does allow you to pair a HR strap. It doesn’t seem to allow you to show the active HR however as a display field. But, it does pair and record the data, and I get stroke data (as seen here: link to connect.garmin.com)
Had I realized that it would work prior to jumping in the water today I would have brought the Link to test it out. I’ll do that this weekend.
For indoor swimming mode, it doesn’t try and connect to any ANT+ sensors, thus, no heart rate.
Looking forward to you next outdoor swim with the mio link and hopefully good data quality on the HR recording..
Can only be policy that Garmin has decided not to have ant+ enabled in the pool … Well that could change with a firmware upgrade or maybe by an app.
Might also be better with equal weight on both arms. A 910/920 on one and mio link / vivofit or similar on the other… Can’t help that one looks like a gadget geek getting in/out of the pool …
Wow, impressive little device. Do you think that the breadcrumb courses performance has improved? On my 910XT the refresh rate was quite slow… Which was the main gripe I have with the device.
Also: might it be possible to apply the rudimentary maps like with the Fenix2?
Courses on the 310xt were decent once, then they firmware updated them to non-functional. Since then the 910xt and Edge 500 both suffer from poor course performance that has never been addressed.
Also, beyond course functionality please include a brief note about where to load courses from. If we are stuck with Garmin Connect courses, that’s a bummer. Other sites allowed “Course Points” with warnings and pop-ups for “Right” or “Left”. Garmin’s site left all of this out.
Luckily on an Edge 500 we can still load a FIT or TCX via USB, the wireless only devices (read: 310xt) can only be loaded now via ANT+. With Express this knocked course loading down another notch.
I just tried creating a test course with Ride with GPS, a .TCX file, and then dragging and dropping via USB to NewFiles on the unit. No luck.
I then tried dragging and dropping to Courses folder via USB, no luck there either.
Neither one shows up as in the Navigation submenu as a Course. Sending from Garmin Connect however does show up. I’ve added it as a question for Monday as to why it doesn’t work.
I’ll assume you mean the Fenix2 “regular edition” is unreadable. My friend’s Fenix2 Special Edition is pretty easy to read (although I have the regular edition and it is fine for me personally).
That said, the 920xt is looking pretty slick and I might upgrade next season.
Myself, I’ll disagree with this. I have no problems reading the F2, day or night. But some people do and you would need to assess that for yourself. If you’re after tri specific and not a daily watch I’d say 920. If you want a daily watch as well and you don’t care about what it looks like I’d probably say 920 as well. Same as the 310 and 910, I find the 920 pretty ugly. But as a fenix2 owner, if I’d only wanted a watch for during activity I’d be looking at the 920 too. But as a daily watch, I still prefer the look of either F2.
I love my Fenix2, which replaced a 910xt. I like the additional recording functions of the Fe is 2 over 920, but I’d love Bluetooth notifications and ANT+ at the same time. Plus Wifi updates and sync are awesome too! What’s an athlete to do? lol
A few other points, I have no issues reading the Fenix 2. I do think the Fenix 2 is a bit large, the slimmer 920 might fit under my shirt cuff.
I have the Fenix 2 as well… and will be getting the 920 as a triathlon specific watch, replacing my existing 910. The square screen size of my existing 910 provides much more real estate… bigger fonts and more contrast than the F2… and it looks like the 920 is similar. With my 49 year old eyes… the 910 with 4 data points is still easy to ready, while the standard F2 is not easy to read even when using only three data points.
You can create additional activity profiles, within that, you can specify the name to anything you’d like, and you can pick from a handful of semi-appropriate icons. You can also specify the color.
Sensors are handled outside of that, so any valid sensor supported by the FR920XT will be supported within the general sensor pool so any activity profile except indoor swimming can see them.
That is good news. After trying both a fenix2 and FR220, I ended up reverting back to a 610 and 310XT because of the GPS accuracy issues. I know not everyone had these issues, but I think enough of us did to indicate it was a real problem. It’s good to hear that the 920XT might be an improvement in that area.
The wait looks to have been worth it! One question: will there be a quick release strap as with the 910!? (I really hope so) And if so, will it fit the current bike mounts?
Is there any difference between the 910 and 920 quick release straps — i.e., can I just slap the 920 onto my 910 quick release strap? I’m assuming the answer is “yes” since it’s the same quarter-turn mount, but can you confirm?
Great!
It sounds too good to be true! (and it’s a little bit typical that the 920XT microsite is currently “not found”…)
Will the 920XT support the cycling dynamics of the Vectors?
Garmin hasn’t announced yet other models aside from the Edge 1000 that will support Cycling Dynamics (which could come as recording or display or neither). They expect to announce other such models at the time Cycling Dynamics is released.
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
Don’t get too excited about Australia. Due to the local (and online) retailers in Australia insisting on gouging much bigger profits, the cost of the EXACT same unit in Australia is $100 more!!
You are much better off buying from the US and paying for the shipping :)
Actually, Garmin (or whichever company you want), sets the MAP price (Minimum Advertised Price), which retailers have to adhere to. Doesn’t change the gouging in Australia, but does shift the blame.
I would realy like to know this as well.
I still use my 305 for the realy long hikes, due to the abbility of connecting a big powerbank and have virtually unlimited gps recording capability.
You would think they could design the charging cable to be able able to attach with the watch on your wrist. Maybe not the most comfortable as that could be hard to design, but possible.
At this point, in testing, when I plug a battery pack into the 920XT while an activity is recording, it ends the recording unfortunately.
I’ll ask as to why. The battery clamp is sorta like a slightly clunky Fenix clamp, so it holds really well (even has a button you have to press to unlock), so I can’t see a mechanical reason why they wouldn’t enable it.
The Fenix line is (in theory) directed at the outdoor crowd with functions that will likely never come to the 9x0line, e.g., parachuting, etc. It has some multisport functionality thrown in.
The 920xt is directed to multisport crowd and has some outdoorsy functionality (like navigation) built in.
Similar – and overlapping – crowds, but not completely the same.
Yes, that was my initial thought as well. But then I thought of something, the measuring of Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact time is handled by sensors in the chest strap. So you could argue that you need the cheststrap anyway
Yeah, I guess it could be worded either way, low or high. It might be more of a geographic semantics thing. If I ran a 50min 10K, someone would probably say that’s a pretty low result. But perhaps it’s different in Australia. ;)
Does Garmin not get that a large segment of the population does like to listen to music while running? I know a lot of purists aren’t interested in this feature, but I have to believe they are in the minority. I don’t understand why any new running/multi-sport watch doesn’t include a music player along with at least 8GB of storage. Additionally, it would be nice to have audio feedback (lap times, HR zones, etc.) thru bluetooth earbuds.
I hate having to carry my phone, or a 2nd device to listen to music when in 2014, one device should be able to handle it all. I can’t believe it would add much, if anything, to the final cost of the unit.
This, like most Garmin devices, also seems way overpriced.
>> “I can’t believe it would add much, if anything, to the final cost of the unit.”
Except it would add space to the watch, additional components (that also need quality assurance testing) , software development time for the player functionality and ways to get music onto the watch, and support time (when customers complain random-3rd-party-BT headset doesn’t work with the watch, when people say “I don’t like mp3s, I only have OGG/FLAC/AAC/etc”).
I’m not criticizing your ask – a lot of people DO listen to music when they run. I’m only saying that adding it involves a lot more – A LOT more – than just effective duct taping an iPod shuffle to the watch.
Except other companies (Motorola, Adidas, Timex, etc.) seemed to have figured it out. My guess is that the processor is already more than capable, bluetooth is already implemented (would just need the correct protocols), and the device already has storage available (for workout files) and would just need to be increased. From a hardware perspective, I still believe the additional cost would be minimal (a few dollars for some extra storage).
It just seems Garmin is purposely avoiding heading down this path for whatever reason. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the serious training features Garmin is rolling out with this device, but I would also like to carry just one device.
Except the Motoactv doesn’t do half the things the 920xt does and is discontinued.
Except the Adidas micoach is $50 less, but doesn’t do a lot of the things the 920xt does and, looking at the reviews on Adidas’ own site, has quite a few flaws and unhappy customers. Keep in mind that every piece of functionality makes the watch more complex and therefore more prone to problems.
As for the Timex watches, they don’t even do cycling or swimming metrics, so they are hardly competitors here unless you want JUST a running watch, in which case – yeah, the Timex ones are pretty compelling as a competitor to Garmin’s running-focused watches.
In all cases, I’d hardly say the industry has “figured it out.” As such, I don’t know if it’s “Garmin is purposely avoiding it” as much as it is “Garmin hasn’t been pressured into it yet” and given that some of those watches that DO have music functionality are almost as expensive as Garmin’s top watches, but don’t have the cycling/swimming functionality that Garmin’s does at that price point, I maintain that it wouldn’t be an insignificant additional cost to add it.
Adidas micoach and motoactv also had the advantage of using Android as the base OS. So they gained lots of functionality without having to implement anything. (audio, audio over Bluetooth, text to speech, music file playback)
Now before you say that Garmin should do the same thing and through out their OS and use android too, think battery life. Android uses up too much battery power. Do you think Android could last 40 hours on a watch with GPS on?
But personal audio devices are not legal in USAT events, even if not in use.(Still unsure how the new Timex Ironman watch will be legal). I prefer a watch without audio so I can use it in races.
>From a hardware perspective, I still believe the additional cost would be minimal (a few dollars for some extra storage).
Bob, from a hardware perspective, it would be a completely different/additional chipset (in addition to memory, signal processor, etc). That’s like saying in order to go from a sports car to a tractor trailer truck, you just just need to add some more wheels and a put a towing hitch on it.
Navigation is a separate page you can add to any activity profile, the ‘Map’ page. I’ll have a YouTube video published up shortly showing a quick walkthrough of how it looks and works.
It’s a breadcrumb trail, but it’s cool in that all your saved waypoints show up on it, at all times, and the colors are actually really useful (clear). The only downside is I can’t figure out how to change the zoom level of the map while in an activity (outside of activity is easy). It’s on my question list for the 920XT team.
do you have any information about its GPS chipset. If it comes with SirfStar as previous version or with MediaTek as current x20 models. I have not a good experience with MediaTek chips in deep forest.
Btw. GPS chipset type can be recognized by GPS software version. Garmin’s MediaTek chipset has current version of 3.10 (in About menu item on device). SirfStar chipset have a different version numbering.
It showed 2.50 for me. I asked but didn’t get a direct answer. However, I did get more clarity around significant changes to the antenna that were made in this model. Additionally, they felt that they did a ton of work/testing on GPS accuracy. Of course, the proof is in the pudding there and a key area I’ll be looking at.
That’s a shame about not having BTSmart sensor support – do you know what the rationale is for that? I’m a bit averse to having to get new sensors to go with a watch, especially when my current sensors work so well with trainerroad and other iDevice apps.
That said, my general recommendation for folks is to simply get dual-mode sensors from 3rd party companies. Wahoo makes some, as do many others. These sensors transmit on both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. In fact, Wahoo’s just about to release the dual version of their Blue SC Speed/Cadence combo sensor here in the next week or so.
Some Bluetooth LE implementations only allow the device to be either a sensor or a hub, eg. every Android phone. This could be a limitation Garmin has, which is much easier to deal with than not allowing ANT+ and BTLE at the same time (another hardware limitation).
Also, existing BTLE sensors only allow one display to connect at a time. Which means if the watch connected, then your phone couldn’t. As the watch can connect to the phone, there is the possibility of forwarding the sensor data through a Connect IQ app.
That sounds like it would work well, except for running dynamics. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the running dynamics you get with the Wahoo Tickr Run aren’t compatible with Garmin devices like the Garmin HRM strap. If you want that you’d need the Garmin specific HRM strap.
I totally agree! Both the 620/220 and now the 920xt offer those unbelievably ugly diamond patterns around the screen. Who came up with that? It feels like Garmin is the PT Cruiser of sports watches whereas Suunto is like an Audi :-)
Agree. I am now torn between beautiful Polar V800 that are limited in terms of features and ugly 920xt – 1980s “digital watch” style with tons of features
Your photos make it look a lot sleeker and desirable than recent leaked pictures. I wonder how that shiny bezel will look after a bit of wear and tear. The 910xt starts off matte and remains matte when scuffed!
On a more superficial point – I am a bit disappointed about the look of the watch – looks sort of cheap compared to the Fenix2 I think. I have got used to using my Fenix2 as a day to day watch and I rather like the look – pretty robust and solid looking and feeling, whereas this looks a bit plasticy in the photo’s.
Of course it may be very different in the flesh – what were your impressions on that Ray?
It doesn’t quite have the same industrialized look as the Fenix lineup, no doubt. I do agree that perhaps offering a non-bright-colored version might have been good, but at the same time I understand why they do it from a marketing standpoint*.
Of course, it’s also a lot lighter than the Fenix2 (about 30 grams), so that’s a factor. But, it doesn’t feel cheap to me.
*Interestingly, it also made it easy to pick out in various beta testers pre-release Instagram photos over the past little while while they were just wearing it doing other stuff. Surprisingly, nobody picked up on any of those Instagram photos.
Agreed, I like the look of the Fenix 2 better. The Fenix form factor just seems like a much heavier duty watch. I think a good bit of the extra weight is because it’s built like a tank. I’m happy with my Fenix 2 and like it that way for skiing and backpacking.
On the other hand…. I love the idea of the metronome in the 920. It’s funny they added that while simple running cadence alerts still doesn’t work in the Fenix 2! Clearly the two watches were created by different teams with different priorities.
With Garmin IQ, couldn’t an app theoretically implement Bluetooth sensors by using a phones BT connection to feed it directly to an app (not to the Garmin device)?
App puts that data together? I’m assuming the part that wouldn’t work would be sending that data back to the watch, which would be an issue if you wanted live feedback, but at least you could review it after the fact.
Or is it explicitly prohibited in API to do something like that (by Garmin)?
Just a sad long time polar user who was about to buy the V800. It seems 920 does all from start what V800 will eventually gain via updates, plus more. Plus for V800 is swimming and design. It seems difficult to pick V800 over 920…
otoh, gamin’s new-found willingness to integrate with 3rd party apps such as myfitnesspal, apple health, and strava are huge. I hope Polar gets more involved on this front.
Wait til you start hitting the nerve wracking Garmin bugs. Only thing keeping me on the Garmin side of the fence is that there’s no Ant+ based alternative that is worth looking at
I’m very much looking forward to your in-depth review of the FR 920XT – this looks to be an amazing improvement on my current Garmin, the FR 310XT, and I’m sooooo tempted to go out and get this despite the hefty price-tag!!
Really hoping that Strava takes a look at the new multisport pages that Garmin is working on for Connect… I think this is long overdue and would be a very welcome addition!
Now to decide on whether having the additional activity profiles for non-triathlon sports (in my case, snowboarding) is worth moving to the Ambit3…
Good point Nate – put another way, given the current way that Strava deals with Swims (in particular) – I shudder to think how these multi-sport datasets will be imported.
Given the importance of Garmin, though, perhaps Strava is working in the background on how to address this.
I, for one, would love to see The Sufferfest’s Chrysalis as ONE activity in Strava, not two (one bike, one run with a ton of multiple pieces). Heck in this model, you’d even get the transitions – how great is that?
-Have any map screen for navigation? Just a blank one with the track/route and waypoints, like the Fenix/Fenix2.
-Can I send wpt/route/track data to the 920XT from BaseCamp (or take a GPX file manually), or just from the Connect (by Connect’s route panner)?
-In 920 the ANT+ receiver can work parallel with Bluetooth (HRM+Livetracking), like in FR620, or I must select one, like in the Fenix2?
one question, swim mode, 910xt had a lower limit of 20m for the pool, garmin swim had lower. what’s the story with the 920xt, for those of us with 17m pools?
Navigation and following courses. As a runner, I use these very often on my 910xt, Wouldn’t justify the investment on its own, but if you’re in the market for a new watch and trying to decide between a 620 and 920, it would certainly nudge me gently in the direction of the 920.
Like most Garmin features you’re likely out of luck. They could have added drill mode to the 910, but chose to spend the time developing the feature into new revenue products (Garmin Swim, Fenix 2, now 920xt).
I can’t completely blame them for not adding neat new software features, but it would be nice to feel more cared for (at least in areas of bugs/problems in old devices) :)
Yep. From rough measures of the pics, it looks like the display area of the 920xt is about 20% less than the 910xt. Contrast and colors also affect readability, but for those with presbyopia the smaller screen size (and resulting smaller fonts) won’t be welcomed.
In the image “FR920XT-FR910XT-SizeComparison”, if you measure the grey display areas for an apples-apples comparison, you get 35% reduction. A bit less area reduction if you include black icon area on the 920xt. Comparing anything else for an area calc doesn’t seem apples-apples. The 3.3% area reduction calc below obviously incorporates bezel area which isn’t insightful.
I get similar answers as Izzy. For just the gray display area (the area you’ll look at while running etc – the area inside the case bezel, protective glass bezel and LCD display bezel), while zooming in on the same image and using a ruler on my PC screen:
910xt: 36.0 units x 23.0 units = 828 units^2
920xt: 30.3 x 18.7 = 566.6 units^2
(828-566.6)/828 = 31.6% display area reduction for time/pace/distance info
Adding in the toolbar area and top LCD bezel for the 920xt (although that’s essentially irrelevant while running etc and any bezel distorts the area comparison):
920xt = 30.3 x 22.3 = 675.7 units^2
(828-675.7)/828 = 18.4% display area reduction for all info (and probably more like 25% reduction if the top LCD bezel was ignored as it probably should, such that one only measured up to the top of the toolbar icons instead of the top of the LCD bezel).
For those that disagree, please show your assumptions and calcs at the same level of detail. It seems the key difference in the numbers posted so far is whether one includes bezel areas or not, and it seems more accurate to not include them.
If it helps…tomorrow morning I’ll break out my fancy measuring tool and measure both units screens (by break out, I mean I’ll spend tonight finding it first…).
As I understand the Fenix 2 does not allow for simultaneous BT and ANT+ use. Correct? So no Live Tracking and Lots of Data to your phone at the same time. Correct?
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
It appears that with new features, this is intended to be worn all day. What is the battery life for this and how long does it take to fully recharge? Are there any advances in charging methods?
so is hr recording enabled in pool./openwater swim modes? ie is there actually a HR field that you can display on the screen in the pool (then if you use a mio you will get a reading but not with the garmin strap). if so then that’s different to the 910 I think. can u clarify pls
Disappointed not to see optical Hrm integrated, I wonder if given they have made it thinner than 910 that they might introduce a optical hrm version to sell alongside this one. I’ll be sticking with my 910 in the meantime with my mio link alongside. Screen look a bit smaller on the 920 too.
I was wondering if it’s be disappointed by having the fenix 2 over this but I feel like I still get the best of everything with the fenix. There is a definite battery life advantage to this watch but I love the other modes I get on the fenix 2 like skiing. Do you think I’m missing a bigger picture here? I just did Augusta with the fenix 2 and it performed great!
I can’t wait till a friend gets this one do i can drool on it!
Thanks for the great timely review. I’m actually glad that its just the 910++ so to speak – I’ve had mine since shortly after it came out and while other friends’ watches have come and gone the ol’ workhorse just keeps chugging.
I actually saw the Garmin announcement first and though, “Yeah, I’ll believe its out when Ray posts a …” and there your column was too. So that was fun.
One piece of feedback I’d love to see get back to Garmin if you agree with it – the new battery saving modes are great, and I’d be excited if the watch would slip into them automatically. When you’ve got 10% left switch to the ultra mode, and maybe when you hit 5% disable the GPS completely and go into long-life FR70-emulation mode. Especially with the built in motion tracker, I know I’d take accurate time with 99% accurate distance for hours over 10 more minutes of GPS use.
I am a bit disappointed to see the reappearance of the “status bar” at the top of the screen though. IMO it’d be far better to give all the important numbers that extra 10% of real estate – how often do you need to check mid-race that your HRM is paired (especially when you’re looking at your pulse in real time already). That was one change that the 910XT got very right.
Fantastic! Thanks for the update. Looks like this is a solid entry. Now I just have to decide if the fancy new running dynamics are worth $.5K – probably not. That’s the “downside” to the 910XT being made so darn well :)
“Next, there’s now the ability to group different activity trackers together to determine which data you want from which devices. ” – HORRAY! Hopefully this can be quite smart.
Also they continue to move in this direction, supporting the idea that I may have many of their devices. For example syncing my Virb with connect makes a TP activity per video and throws off my calorie count in MFP.
The trick to deal with this right now is to create a new dummy user in garmin connect for your virb. Then set up garmin express to synch the virb to this new account. That way you avoid duplicate data in your core garmin connect account. Garmin Express allows different user accounts for each device to synch to.
But I agree that it would be more convenient to designate this from within Garmin Connect.
Yup. Or, do what I do and just simply disassociate that in Garmin Connect altogether. Though, you’re solution of having a dummy VIRB account is sorta appealing…
This isn’t to say it can’t be made to work, but IMHO they should deal with this better. More so if they want to get into the social aspect of it. People shouldn’t need to connect with me multiple times if we are sharing all our “goings on”. And more so it should encourage normal/basic users to buy more of their stuff. After all, that is where their revenue comes from.
I lost my first vivofit pretty quick (damn silly lock) and when i bought a replacement (and RoidID lock) i also had the option to select which one should be the active activity tracker. It might just be that
I usually wear my vivofit 24/7 and sometimes add the heartreat belt for activities. But for some activities like cycling or swimming i also use the 910xt and then have overlapping activites. For cycling i could just leave the vivofit in the car, but for swimming that is my way of getting hr.
I had just hoped for some functionality to group overlapping activities.
Except the drop between 3 and 4 minutes it looks pretty accurate. The drop halfways was expected as i switched from breathing every 4 stroke to every 3rd and lowered the speed a bit.
Garmin Connect has dropped my HR graph when i changed the exercise from other to swimming !!
Would be interested in more detail on this if/when you have time. Curious how straightforward it is to switch between devices. Would it be something you do once, or able to do it daily?
Do the Enter and Back buttons also function as Start/Stop and Lap/Reset?
If they moved those buttons to the side, that’s a disappointment.
Side buttons are much ‘squishier’ and give less confidence/feedback of a successful push while on the go.
In my opinion, the 310 had the best hardware buttons of any of Garmin’s watches.
910’s are fine, but also squishy all around.
Maybe I’m just confused by the labeling on the face of the watch?
Enter and Back are highlighted on the watch face, but the buttons below this only have symbols (which seem to imply the same Start/Stop and Lap/Reset functions as the 310 and 910).
I’m also confused by the circle symbol by the down arrow.
The Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact Time are only from the HRM-RUN, whereas cadence is from anything (footpod, in-wrist itself, or HRM-RUN).
Correct on TICR-X not giving Running Dynamics. Connect IQ could partially bridge the gap, but I don’t think it would allow a 3rd party to write it to the specific VO/GCT fields, but rather a secondary field alongside (like ‘VOx/GCTx’).
Is Wahoo supporting ANT+ with running metrics really a possibility? Which do you think will happen first:
Wahoo supports Android for Running Smoothness, Wahoo pushes Running Smoothness data through ANT+, or Garmin supports BLE HRMs?
I have the TICKR RUN and would hate to buy another HRM, but want to see the running metrics. It looks if one is going to get the Garmin HRM you should buy it at the same time as the 920xt and save $50.
I think it’s actually none of the above. I think it’s that the Running Dynamics standard (Garmin only today) is opened up to be public ANT+, versus private ANT. Wahoo has noted numerous times that if that happened, they’d happily update. To be clear here though, this isn’t a Wahoo problem – it’s a Garmin problem/blocker.
I discussed that in my keynote last week as a core issue for ANT+ if they want to remain in business, due to the fact that people are doing exactly what Wahoo did – going to Bluetooth Smart. Same with RunScribe for advanced metrics. Based on some discussions, I think my point sunk in. It will hardly be overnight though.
I reupload a triathlon file from my Fenix 2 to see if I get the new Multisport mode on Garmin Connect but nothing has change, i get the same splitted segments as usual.
Anyone know how to get this new mode with previous multisport activities?
I don’t think it is live yet. I see this at the top of Garmin Connect (in modern mode) so I guess you have an hour or so to wait.
“Garmin Connect will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, 01-October-2014, 3:30 – 4:30 PM UTC (Wednesday, 01-October-2014, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT).”
Great!! let see if they merge those splitted activities automatically or we need to reupload.
btw I just bought the Fenix 2 on Clever Training (using your promo code) last month, on the sale they had. I’m wondering if I made a mistake because the availability of the fr920xt now?
The only feature that I really miss is the daily activity monitoring, any chance that we get that on Fenix 2 via a firmware update? I do not think so but I had to ask :)
Ray,
Do you know if we’ll be able to retroactively link swim, run, and bike files into a “triathlon” file on GC?
I’ve been recording them independently using my FR620 and Edge500, would love to merge them all together if that is possible.
You referenced the battery life for ultrarunners in an earlier comment. What is the reported battery life with 1 second recording? I assume the 40 hours mentioned in the review is based on the Smart Recording or UltraTrac mode?
That is excellent! Of course, I bought an Ambit 2 yesterday (seriously 12 hours ago!). Talk about poor timing. I may have to take advantage of the 60 day return policy as well as the primary reason for the Ambit 2 was the extended battery life! For the $130 difference is the 920 worth the differential? Seems like it may be with the extended feature set they added.
I have been watching the Admiral and her Samsung Gear Fit and have decided I need Smart Notifications.
Can you expand on the functionality of the smart notifications? Maybe a screen shot. I know this is a fitness watch, but for day-to-day wear, this is a feature I have been looking at.
It basically (well on my iPhone at least) shows you your new notifications – e.g. those that appear on the home screen in standby mode.
You can scroll through them one at a time.
As soon as you read them on your phone, it clears them on the 920 so you can’t, for instance, “save” them.
Does it have a barometric altimeter? The one in the FR910XT was terrible and failed for many people. In my case, just after the warranty had expired. And unfortunately the altitude field on the watch was tied to that instead of the GPS altimeter, so if the sensor failed in your unit, you were stuck with nothing!
As a side note, the vast majority of people can simply fix their FR910XT altimeter issues by dunking the unit in a bowl of warm soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. If issues persist, grab a toothbrush and VERY GENTLY poke around the altimeter hole to clean it out. In most peoples cases, it’s just caused by salt/sweat buildup.
Obviously, I’ll be looking for any barometric altimeter issues in all my upcoming activities.
In the spec list on the Garmin site it says no to internal temp measuring and recording, and no mention of Tempe connection… Assume tempe can be added with Connect IQ but its a shame not to have temp on board, I use this quite a bit on my Fenix 2
Correct, no Tempe support, but one could definitely do it via Connect IQ.
As for internal temp not being there either, that is indeed correct – sorry for the confusion there, validate that just a bit ago with them (and updated my chart).
I did try that Ray, exactly as you described… and killed the 910XT (I brushed gently).
That experience alone (and the fact it happened one month after the warranty expired) left me very hesitant to shell out $500 for this watch.
How did they implement the barometric port? Same as in 910XT? Different place?
The altimeter ports on the 920XT appear to be on the top/face of the unit, in between the two buttons. I’m going to test it out using a simple scotch-tape test to see if that’s the right ones (versus audio ports).
Mmmm…I’ve been dunking my 910XT in warm water (about 28C / 82F) 45 min once a week, it doesn’t seem to help!;-)
Tonight also tried a bowl with warmer, soapy water, but it’s still desperately showing a constant 20,000m altitude.
Even if I would’ve really appreciated that Garmin issue a firmware that allowed to ignore barometric altitude, (so I’m a bit mad at them) I still think I’ll end up getting a 920XT. It has everything I had hoped it would have (except BT sensor support and a round screen!)… it’s just a tad pricey, we’ll see how long I resist!
Happy I picked up the 910XT in January of this year! The 920XT changes are ok, but not much about them is compelling to me. If they had managed to include optical heart rate sensor on the watch I’d be interested, because the chest strap is annoying. Guess we’ll wait two years for them to get to that. Meanwhile, Basis Peak is just announced and maybe they fixed their optical, Apple Watch will have that next year, as well as existing models from TomTom and others.
Bluetooth sensor support is missing, of course, because Garmin doesn’t use them in their own devices and I suspect they will stick with ANT+ as long as they can.
For Swimming, drill mode wold be nice to have but I would like indoor auto pause mode, which I think the Garmin Swim doesn’t have either but that was a feature on someone’s watch. I wonder if the Swim has any functionality the 920XT doesn’t have now? For that matter, if there will be a Swim successor.
I have been using a swim for over a year know, and from my understanding, with the addition of drill mode there is no Swim functionality left out of the 920xt.
I know it is to early to say this before you do your full review, but do you see the 920 becoming your new go-to watch over the 620 which is your current go-to watch? It seems to me that this has everything the 620 has & then some. I have the 620 & I love it, especially since they added the cycling feature. I will more than likely pick up a 920 before the start of next year’s tri season. I’m just wondering if it makes sense to keep the 620 as my regular running watch or if I ditch the 620 & go all in with the 920.
Also, with the size being comparable to the 620, better battery life, and the activity tracking feature, I could see this potentially replacing my Rolex as an every day watch if it wasn’t for the terrible two tone band. Any idea if they plan on releasing an all black band that would look better in a business setting?
Actually, I’ll probably stick with the FR620 for running post-review. I think it’s just that I primarily like smaller watches on my wrist for pure running. Perhaps I’ll change my mind, but we’ll see. For tri, I’ll likely go 920XT.
Thanks Ray. I have leaned towards Garmin sport specific watches up to now. Garmin Swim for my pool work. 620 for running. And I plan to get a 510 or 810 to pair with my new tri bike in a couple weeks. The 920 could combine them all into one unit. I think I really just need to see how it works & feels to know if I want to go all in with it as my swiss army device for all of those things.
Appears to be the same from what I can see. I’ll have to transfer/build out a couple of my normal (complex) workouts to validate that though and verify no issues.
On a related matter, is it possible to edit the GC workouts on the watch as you can on the FR610 (not sure about the FR910) or is it impossible like on the FR620/Fenix?
Thanks for the great write up. Looking forward to the full blown review and getting my hands on one of these.
A couple of questions:
1) Does the alert tone vary depending on if you are over or under target? i.e can you tell by the tone without looking?
2) Are there multiple Bike profiles or is this covered in activity profiles section? People complained that the Fenix 2 only has one bike profile meaning you have to re-pair sensors when you swap bikes.
3) The 620 has the option to set up to 2 custom data fields to display at each auto lap alert, something I find very useful. Can the 920 do this?
4) Does the 920 automatically switch itself to lower power mode after a period of inactivity, and if so how long? On the 620 you can set this to extended in the menu which is useful.
5) The Fenix 2 has the option to automatically turn on the backlight at the press of a button after sunset, a great battery saving idea. Does the 920?
6) Is there still the limit of 4 data screens per
I’ll second the tone thing. I can’t tell with my 910xt or Edge 500 if I’m above or under the desired pace or power. I don’t know why they don’t use different tones.
2) There are effectively multiple bike profiles, due to the sensor pool. It’s more like the Edge 1000 where you save as many sensors as you want to the device and it simply connects to what turns on. If more than one conflicting sensor is on, it asks you which one to use. You can name the sensors as well
3) Yes, the FR920XT supports customizable lap banners (two fields)
4) Yes, same as FR620, you can set this to Normal or Extended. However, unlike the FR620, you an specify it per activity profile. So, if you want it for day to day activities then going with ‘Normal’ makes sense. But for a race start, you might want to choose extended, and thus could use/make an extended ‘Race’ activity profile.
5) I’m not entirely sure I understand, the backlight can be turned on via single press at any time via upper left button. You can specify how long to remain on (including forever).
On point 2, so they’ve removed the option like in the 310 where you selected bike 1, 2, or 3, and it just picks up what it needs to? Would be great if this also was added to the Fenix 2! I have a gsc10 on one bike, and the new separate cadence and speed/distance on another. But, if I have my gsc10 turned on in the F2 but ride the bike with the other sensors, I’ll get my cadence, but no speed or distance. But, the gsc10 will work perfectly. So I have to turn the gsc10 to Off within the F2 to get this to work.
Another question about charging: can the unit be charged while an activity is running? I know that on the Fenix2 and some older models this works, but on the FR220/620, attempting to charge it while an activity is running causes the activity to stop.
Thanks for checking. It made sense for the 220/620 (not intended for ultras) but it seems odd for their highest end running watch. Although, there probably isn’t a ton of use cases for more than 24 hours of 1s recording (where 40 hours of UltraTrac isn’t sufficient).
Look forward to hearing if it’s a chipset limitation or something that could be updated in a later firmware release.
didnt see this reply. it would be an odd chipset limitation. USB power control has been around for quite a long time. Its shouldn’t be difficult, hard, or expensive. As for 24+ activities. Depending on who you believe there is a rapid growth in ultra running. 100s are seeing great growth. Except for elite runners, most are in the 25-35hour time frame. So there is a market. Having a battery last would be great. but allowing a charge on the run is a solution. Example. I let my fenix drop to 34% battery. In just about 30min with a usb battery I was back up over 80% charge.
I definitely agree on the rapid growth of ultra running, but I suppose my point was any activity that was over 24 hours should be okay using ultratrac for 40 hours, since you’d likely would be moving slow enough for the 15sec/60sec recording would be sufficient. And the amount of people doing 40+ hour events is likely extremely small (and they are either elites/pros or extreme enthusiasts who could probably own multiple watches or other workarounds).
Either way, I’m interested to find out if that gets changed in a future update.
I have no doubt they would, but that’s probably still 1.5 years away!! I’ve only had one issue with my Fenix 2 gps, doing part of a run in a national park and wow did it go haywire. Luckily that’s not something I do regularly. The same run 2 years ago with my 310xt was perfectly tracked.
I suspect you may sidestep this one for now, but for those of us weighing the 920xt versus the v800, would I be correct in saying that Polar will really have to hit a home run with some of their forthcoming firmware updates for the v800 to be competitive (unless one is dead set on BLE, I guess)?
From a hardware standpoint, the V800 could pretty much do anything the FR920XT does. But, from a software standpoint they’re at this point miles apart (pure feature comparison).
Polar will really have to double-down on the V800 software and features over the winter. They’re making progress and have a clear timeline till end of year. But that really only puts them as competitive with the FR910XT/Fenix2, not the FR920XT. That said, I like what I’m seeing from the company in terms of changing some of their ways, so anything there is possible.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Ray. I am one of the first ppl to own a Polar V800 and for the last few months, waiting for Polar’s software updates is like watching paint dry. From a hardware (and future potential) point of view, V800 seems to have it all. But realistically, here the major drawbacks for me: lack of advanced power metrics (TSS, IF, NP etc), lack of swim metrics, lack of integration with 3rd party power meters (eg. Stages). I have never owned an equipment that is so “unfinished” before. Who knows when it will all be available? At this pace, I’m saying mid-2015 (if I’m lucky). I took my chances with the Polar V800 and I must say I am pretty disappointed. If I had to do it all over again, I would have waited for the Garmin 920XT.
I depends on if you have an HRM3 made after July 2013, or one prior. If after, it should be pretty good as there were some changes made there to minimize spikes/drops.
I’m on my fourth HRM3, most recent is from this past July. What happens is when I start a workout the meter reads correctly but after about 20 minutes if starts reading very low and is inconsistent.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. I think I have had 3 HRM straps now and all end up doing the same thing as what you describe. After about 20 mins they just start reporting very low (like as low as 46 when I know I’m at least in LT/Zone 4).
I’ve sent straps back to garmin but the replacements do the same thing.
Contemplating the Scosche RHYTHM+ Armband as I’m also sick of having a pretty much constant red line across my chest.
Ray apart from no GCT & Vert Osc. data – would the Scosche work well with the 920?
Do you still like the Scosche as much as when you reviewed it?
Don’t be so sure. I have had the Scosche for a month or so and really, really want it to work well but in truth it has been very inconsistent whenever your arm is moving (which is always). I have found the HRM-Run chest strap (I use it with a 620) to be more consistent overall despite its faults. You should read the comments on Ray’s Scosche review if you haven’t already.
The Rhythm+ does work just fine with the FR920XT, and it carries with it the same limitations around vertical oscillation and ground contact time.
I don’t see any issues at all with the Scosche for me, though it sounds like some folks that are doing weight lifting where it appears to be more finicky, and/or George. ;)
I haven’t given up or thought about returning it! I’ll keep experimenting until I find out how to make it work on me. (Maybe my arms are too skinny/freckly.) So much nicer to wear than the chest strap. On the positive side, I have worn it while sleeping to get my absolute lowest resting pulse and it worked great for that (and the battery lasted eight hours as advertised).
I’m kind of stuck because my Garmin straps keep failing, although I haven’t used the HRM-Run since I have a 910XT. Is the HRM-Run an improvement in the reliability department? What other options are there that are more reliable than the Garmin HRM Strap?
It depends on how old your existing strap is. If it was made prior to July 2013, then there’s a fairly big difference. If not, then it’ll be pretty similar.
Note that if you bought a unit in the 5-6 months afterwards, it can be tricky, because it could be old stock. There’s unfortunately zero method of telling which ones have older firmware vs newer firmware, and there’s no way to update older ones.
No, unfortunately there’s no visual difference either on the box or the strap (I’ve inspected both carefully, and confirmed with Garmin). Kinda annoying.
Like I said previously, I have had mine replaced 3 times by Garmin and I bought a new one this July because I had another failure. That strap started acting up a couple of weeks ago so I’m concerned about the reliability.
Well, they would know because Garmin is only sending out new straps these days (and for about the last year). Where you might have gotten in ‘trouble’ is if you had bought from a retail outlet that had low sales throughput, where a unit could have sat on the shelf for many months, meaning you’d have old inventory.
Sorry Ray I probably should of clarified that I’m in Australia. Garmin sent out a replacement HRM strap a few months ago, which is doing exactly the same thing as the original one.
I would like to think Garmin Aust. would only send out the newest version of the HRM, but my issue is that, without them labeling them in some way – you really don’t know.
I’ll head over to the Scosche review and have a look at other peoples thoughts
Do you have any pics on your wrist? so we can get a relative size indication? Also, do you have any pics next to the 620 face up on the wrist to see how much bigger it is?
I never liked the large tri watches for biking and running, but if its small like the 620 (or my current 220) then I may be sold
Thanks for the preview, is there a typo in there or am I not reading it right ? : “The watch mode is now accessible 24×7 in non-GPS mode for 33 days without having to re-charge the battery. And if you have activity monitoring and smart notifications enabled, it’s about 30 days of battery (1 month). If you turn off activity tracking, you’ll get 4 months in straight watch-only mode.” Is it 33 days or 4 months in watch only mode?
Watch-only mode with activity tracking & activity alerts enabled: 30 days
Watch-only mode with activity tracking enabled: 33 days
Watch-only mod with neither of the above enabled: 4 months
And as for battery:
GPS-on at 1-second rate: 24 hours
GPS-on at variable UltraTrac rate: Up to 40 hours.
Are the first two modes reversed? It seems that having both activity tracking and alerts enabled should reduce the battery life – thus, 33 days for tracking, 30 days for tracking and alerts.
I missed that comment in my first read through! I use the 910XT with a Concept2 rower and quite enjoy that feature. Seems silly not to have that carry over to the 920XT.
No, the point of that profile is to keep it in one file. If however you were not bothered about transitions you could just say do a bike, save it and switch over to running etc etc
Great review and thank you for releasing this in perfect timing. The Edge 1000 does “Segments” in real time when cycling so you can race against yourself in a specific section, does the 920 also do this or will that feature stay specific to the Edge?
Hi Ray, great review as always. Any idea if the 920 supports the Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness metrics from the Vector? I am going to be quite annoyed if Garmin supports those in the 920, but not the 910. Thank you.
To be fair, they actually added support for many of the base Vector metrics to the FR910XT well after any other updates had been made to the unit. Said differently, they support Vector far better than any other unit on the market by any company made in October 2011.
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
Looks good but as just a runner not quite for me. I would love a FR630… FR620 with daily activity tracking, smart phone notifications, connect iq, and gps accuracy improvements. Next year maybe?
@Ben, i recently got a 620 and like it but notice that the PACE is really just not accurate at all, and only seems to change in :05 increments. my 920xt is dead on, to the 0:01. have you had the same experience?
Thanks for the preview Ray. What are your thoughts on some of the new functionality making its way down to the 620 and Fenix2? While I can see something like Metronome being held back for future iterations of Garmin watches (purely from a marketing standpoint a la Apple), what about VO2 for the bike?
Days ago I bought a Fenix 2. And it’s all right, I got it because it seemed to be a good combo of the FR910xt and the FR620. Basically a 620 with breadcrumb courses is what I want.
Now I wonder if I should return it and go in for the 920. How would you compare the FR920xt to the Fenix 2?
Jeremy, I got my F2 a week ago… what I really will put in F2 that the new FR920xt has is the activity tracker… the other mayor features are made by de F2… I really don’t care about the fancy color screen… Swim and running Metrics are the same… VO2 max on cycling is new…
I will keep my F2… I don’t want to wait until november…
Same goes for me. Purchased F2 few days back now leaning towards 920XT. I think hiking and other outdoor activities can be implemented via Connect IQ later.
how waterproof is this Ray? I’m guessing only 50m – par for the course for these watches – would be pleasantly surprised if it matched the Ambit 2 at 100m
50m. Though, I’ve yet to hear of anyone actually killing a tri watch with 50m waterproofing in any conditions (I’ve gone diving with them too).
Generally speaking, almost all water related deaths I’ve heard of or seen have come from either initial manufacturing issues, or someone dropping it glass-down on concrete along the way and thus damaging the waterproofing seal.
“25 years of innovation” So where’s the heart rate belt like Suunto?
I liked the 610 and 910 more. The 620 and 920 look like cheap plastic watches.Luckily the fenix2 is a good alternative… :)
Thank you for a great preview. I know I said I’d never order a Garmin device immediately upon release, but I already ordered it through Clever Training. This seems like a solid upgrade from the 910xt and will allow me to consolidate my 910xt and vivofit. Awesome!
One question, you said the screen shows real colors. So would you consider it better then the 620 screen?
That’s nice to here. Thanks for responding. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to keep these things quiet! @Gunnar, yes returned to fenix2 units, but I’m expecting a nice couple of years with the 920xt!
The 920xt seems to use the same backing as the 610fr, which might be troubling as my wife’s 610 backing has been rubbing off causing skin irritation. This is only from perspiration from running as I can’t imagine what swimming will do to the backing. Thoughts?
It’s different. The FR610 backing thing was resolved years ago, due to a material actually applied to the backing. If you’re wife is still seeing the issue, she can call Garmin Support and they’ll swap it out for a model that doesn’t have that issue.
Hi, A quick silly question: since this is finally a watch, does it show date? Why I am asking is because its predecessor 910XT does not show date as it is not supposed to be a ‘watch’. :)
So, WiFi upload. I presume you might be able to use your phones wifi hotspot as a way to upload?
I’m hoping this is the case, because my experience with bluetooth upload with past Garmin products (Edge 810, fenix2) were spotty at best with my iPhone and not working at all with my Sony Xperia android phone.
My fenix is moody with my Moto G Android phone, but will usually work eventually if you unpair and repair it.
My 620, on the other hand, generally Just Works with the same phone. So that side of things may be better than you fear.
Correct, will work fine with any WiFi hotspot where you it doesn’t prompt you for a ‘I Agree’ type box (such as Starbucks). So ones from your home, phone, etc… are all fine.
For someone owning an Iphone 4 (with an old Bluetooth technology version which doesn’t work on most (all ?) of watches), you mean that I would be able to upload with the WiFi of my old Iphone 4 ?
ray said he is going to try a bike mount also, so there is a bike mount planned. I hope it will be more solid and consistent than the fixation of the 910XT, some triathletes have lost it during the swim with the multisport quick release !
It matches the Edge mounts (left-right tabs), not the Forerunner mounts (fore-aft tabs)? So we’ll be able to use an Edge without rotating the mount or getting a Barfly?
I’ll have better clarity on that when it comes in. However, at present it seems to match the 310/910XT quick release tabs with up/down tabs. The reason being that it would otherwise block the charging ports.
Great pre-review. Looking for something to replace my Global Trainer – has a leak and water gets inside. Also time for a hardware upgrade and this seems like a good solution.
What I liked about the TGT was that I could configure the watch (data and screens) from the Timex utility that was provided. Does the 920xt provide that option as well?
Ray, I was looking through your pre-reviewagain and I noticed how pretty the pictures are.
The one one at the beginning of the section DAILY ACTIVITY MONITORING & REGULAR WATCH MODE is just beautiful: with the (Kananaskis?) trees in foliage, the mountain and the trail on the background. Garmin won’t need a marketing team anymore :D
Thanks for putting so much care in your posts. Tell the Girl that at least your time not with her is not going wasted :D
Yup, I love that area for product shots. I did many of the Polar M400 and Suunto Ambit3 review shots up there. Wish I had something like that so easily accessible here!
I find the FR920XT screen far easier to read than the Fenix2. Generally speaking if I were buying a new device and deciding between the Fenix2 and FR920XT, I’d go FR920XT, but again, I don’t have as much a dependency on things like Skiboard mode, and some of the other hiking related features found in the Fenix2.
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
My biggest complaint with the Fenix 2 (other than the inverted screen) is that I can’t record HR while using the bluetooth smart notifications. Can this provide Bluetooth Smart Notifications while also running and recording heart rate? The obvious reason is so I can see who is calling during my runs without getting my phone out.
+1 on this Brent.I own an Ambit3, and the activity tracker is totally useless as of today. No step counting, nothing on Movescount.I still have my Fitbit One under my pants belt.Just hoping that Mr Suunto will include the steps counting in a future firmware…..
Ugh frustrating. .I literally have a Fenix2 on hold to pick up today.
A few questions that would help a great deal!
The 920 out of the box works seamlessly w both Ios and Android? I really wanted text over the phone and would have to wait for a future update on the Fexix2 for Android support.
I am looking for a watch for tri specific work..would you and would like to start training w one asap as my wife and I are doing the Miami half in a few weeks.
W that said in your opinion would it be worth a long delay waiting for the 920 to be available?
Gotta say I still am not fond of the mini toaster over look. .lol
Likely $$ and Battery Life. The screen component would cost more, also require more processing power for higher resolution, so possibly needing a more powerful chipset (speculation on the second part).
Battery life would also be decreased as the screen size grew. 24 hours (40 on ultratrac) is pretty darn good and great upsell to current 910xt owners with 18-20 hours. The screen sizes are approximately the same 910xt = 33x20mm (660mm2) and 920xt = 29x21mm (609mm2) — so about 10% smaller.
More than likely what is behind that “dead space” are the GPS antennas, accelerometers, battery, etc. They are packing a lot into a small device & the screen is only a small piece of it.
I always top up my 620 charge on the USB after each run which allows the sync with Garmin Connect to happen without WiFi or Ant+ (well, without the hardware dongle). Will this still be the case?
I would have thought the Glonass support would be a real biggie. Adding Glonass next to GPS should improve accuracy markedly and reduce track “bounce” as there are effectively 50 odd satellites to lock on to rather than the 24(ish) of GPS alone.
It looks great, although I use a Mio for HR as the Garmin HRM rips a hole in my chest over long runs, so I will continue to miss out on vert osc and ground contact. Small price to pay! I put the MIO on the same wrist as the 620 and it works in the water quite happily.
thanks for your effort. I looked for Garmin at the Berlin Marathon expo (HUGE) hoping to see the 920 but no Garmin at all. Any reason?
Stephen – Have you tried a band aid on your HRM chest strap? I too got a nasty rash in the middle of my chest, till I tried this. I learned this from DC rainmaker. Have a look on this website for more info. Works a treat,no more nasty red itchy marks and surprisingly the band aid still looks great after several machine washes.
Re Berlin – I think it might have just been too early. Will probably be a few units at the Chicago Expo, and probably even more at NYC next month – Probu N America is the most important market for Garmin.
Hi Brian
yep, tried the bandaid as recommended by DC but still a nice divot at the end of long runs. Perhaps my chest topology is a bit bony :)
Thought as much for Berlin, but have ordered one regardless.
Still interested if the addition of GLONASS will actually improve accuracy or will it be “either/or” and therefore no change to accuracy?
cheers
Stephen
Billywillinga
This looks perfect for me. I had quite a few issues with the Fenix 2 and despite the occasional backpacking trip, I don’t think the additional hiking features were totally necessary.
I’m interested in the additional GPS accuracy. What does GLONASS do or mean? Does anyone know? If it’s so helpful why would it be something that turns on and off rather than just always on?
More satellites give you better location accuracy, let you regain lock more quickly after going through a tunnel, and give better performance in urban canyons or on a mountainside.
On the other hand, if you’re running across a flat open plain, the extra satellites won’t give you significantly more accuracy, so no real need to keep it turned on. I have seen specs that show GPS+GLONASS chips need more power than equivalent GPS-only chips, but I don’t know whether a GPS+GLONASS chip which was only using GPS satellites would use less power in that mode; it may be that you take a battery life hit by using GLONASS.
Thanks. That’s very helpful. I had the Fenix 2, but kept having satellite issues. Maybe it was a bad unit, but I’m hoping this extra layer will make a difference. Looks like a great watch.
Probably not a bad unit unless there are many bad units, including mine out there :(
GLONASS (as I understand it) kicks in when the chipset does not find enough GPS-satellites to lock on to. I’ve done some testing on my phone (which supports GLONASS) and it usually locks on to 9 GPS satellites and 3 GLONASS. I am hoping that better designed antenna and the addition of GLONASS will make a big difference but I will defnitely wait for this to be tested before I decide.
I returned the fenix(2nd one) and was going to use my phone and a heart rate monitor, but it really isn’t any better and just a bunch of issues with that. It seems like the tri watch is very established and even if there are some issues to start that they’ll be worked out.
Currently using the 310xt with limited power output display. Specifications for the 920XT don’t mention much regarding potential power meter functionality other than it ‘supports it.’
Any information on live recording/displaying of Intensity Factor, TSS, etc. display or any of the other heavy hitter power meter readings?
What about VI (variability index) ? Any idea why it’s not available anywere? It’s a simple divison, but very useful for IM pacing.
I guess you could develop what would be the simplest app for it
Are the holes on the sides between the buttons and on the face between the buttons cosmetic, or do they serve a purpose? I’m curious how they can have those openings and still have the watch be waterproof.
Quick question as I’m planning on getting this device. Does the indoor swim mode work like the Garmin Swim I’ll be replacing? By that I mean it uses an accelerometer to determine “laps” due to the speed increase of kicking off the wall? Will I loose any features in the 920 that I have had with the Garmin Swim?
I’ve got a Garmin Swim and a Forerunner 220. Curious what I’d be loosing functionality wise that would hinder my training moving to a 920XT
this may be a silly question, but as i use a finis tempo trainer (swimming metronome) when doing my swimming intervals, are you able to use the metronome in the 920xt when swimming to stick to a particular pace? ps, awesome review DC!!
Does it mean that 920XT is able to set the swimming pool size under 20mts or establish the 33 1/3 mts as in the Garmin swim?
This is one of the huge drawbacks of the 910xt and Garmin support states its not in the roadmap to provide an update. How can you spend such money in a top gadget and don’t get updates?
BTW thanks for your reviews. You changed the way I do sports. Discovered the 910xt and the Finus Neptune…which makes swimming a pleasure. Keep the great work!
Ray, please compare navigation against Fenix 2. What are we missing apart from no maps upload to 920XT? Can you still upload routes? The Garmin site says no , but if i understood your preview correctly it is still possible, please confirm.
Hi Ray,
great contents as usual.
Can you be more specific on the matter please?
Always on the swim side can the metronome function be activated in lap swimming and open water mode?
Thanks in advance
Luca
Ray, the 910XT’s “Courses” feature remains horribly broken with Garmin refusing to fix it after years. The screen could not draw the course fast enough, and the unit will ultimately lock up and/or shut itself off. This is a widely reported problem on the Garmin Forums, but their staff have never acknowledged it. I am shocked that they included this feature on the 920XT after failing to do it correct on the previous model.
Please take some extra time to validate that this feature works as advertised for your full review.
I’m in the UK, can i still order via Clever Training and get the 920 shipped to the UK when it becomes available?
I realise i’ll have the wrong power connector and have to pay extra shipping but the UK Garmin site does not even have pre-order, it just says ‘Available Qtr 4 2014’
Based on the above Is it likely that all back orders in the US will get cleared before the unit becomes available in the UK?
Just a note on screen size, you say it’s about the same as the 910 but looking at your photo it’s noticeably smaller. Checking the specs confirms this, roughly ~9% smaller.
Sorry if this it nitpicking but for someone with issues reading small print etc.. the trend towards smaller displays (even if they’re sharper) isn’t so great.
Typically speaking you see it teeter a bit, and then slowly get pulled off of MAP (Minimum Advertised Price), at which point retailers can sell it for anything they’d like. So my guess is you might see $299US soon (910XT), and then perhaps by Christmas once FR920XT catches up in stock, you’ll see them pull it off MAP, at which point I’d suspect that it might drop to the low 200’s, around the price of the Ambit2S at $220US. Of course, just my guess following past patterns.
Do you know if with the fact that the 920 has a lot of the 910 and Vivofit capabilities, if the GarminConnect or the 910 would get better about painting the full picture? I have both the 910 and Vivofit and the data gathered from each seems to be kept disparate.
I have such small wrists, wearing the 920 on a daily/nightly basis, especially in the corporate world, is not comfortable and not always an option. The Vivofit is super comfortable and with all the different colored bands, I can usually coordinate it with my work attire. Also if Garmin will start making more fashion friendly bands as some of the other fitbit makers have.
Yes, that’s the specific goal of the item I discuss in the Garmin Connect changes section, where you can choose which data comes from what device. My understanding is that’s being rolled out today.
Until they find a way to collect heart rate information without the use of that gangly strap thing, I’m not in the market. Intel’s Basis watch is getting close, but functionality and size-wise, is also out of the picture.
If that is important you could also buy a wrist HR (I have a Mio) and pair it to the 920.
I am not convinced those non “strap thngs” work as well yet and anyway they seem to lack ability to record R-R HR data meaning that a lot of features like recovery advisor and even calories won’t work properly.
Great specs…I was almost set on the Ambit 3 but this is definitely interesting….Apart from swimming and cycling, I’m looking for a watch to use for Cross country skiing. Which of these two watches would you feel would best cope with the needs of this sport? Perhaps the GPS accuracy is the most distinguishing feature there?
In terms of build, how does the 920XT shape up to the Ambit3?
I have another 910XT bug that I would like for you to test. See if the per-lap stoke information is correct when doing an Open Water Swim, with Auto-Lap enabled. I often set the auto-lap for 500m, then go swim 2000-3000 meters (turning around every 500 meters so I don’t get too far from my starting point). But my strokes per lap are wrong for every lap but the first. I first reported this to Garmin in October 2012. They keep insisting they cannot duplicate the problem. (I actually just talked with them yesterday).
please don’t give this a bad review when you do the full test, I love my 910 and will most defiantly be upgrading to this unless you s;ate it. If that happens i dont know what i will do.
You said that the daily activity monitor tracks daily steps, step goals, distance walked, calories burned, and sleep. What about cycling, time seated, time stand up? something like the polar V800 activity tracker capabilities?
No, those aren’t in the lineup today from Garmin. I’d expect if they added that, it’d probably be across the board to all Vivo-capable products (i.e. Vivofit, Vivosmart, FR920XT, FR15, etc…).
I like the size and weight. The factor preventing me from getting tri specific watches has always been that the watch oddly too big. I have the FR220 and it looks not much bigger.
I’m not that excited about the color choices though. Would have liked something without color like the 910xt, just simple and elegant. It would be a shame if Garmin marketers start to go the way of running shoe design.
Do you know if it brings the option to swim in pools of 33 1/3mts as in the Garmin Swim?
BTW bit surprised that Garmin support states there is no planned updates to allow the 910xt to configure swimming pools under 20mts… Will have to think moving to the new one…
oh I am going to want to see the Google analytics of this post after a month… I saw the email from Garmin and came right here since we all knew you had one :-)
I do have a question on the Di2 integration… you indicated it is not there, any word if this is planned?
To your post on the EDGE 1000 I am really interested in this comment you had in your review “Ultimately, the real interest here for many, specifically time-trialists and triathletes, is the ability to have a set wattage (perhaps from a pre-defined race plan) and for the gearing to automatically maintain the correct/optimal gearing based on that plan.” this seems to be the killer app for a power meter for me and would drive me to get both the power meter and a 920…oh and a new bike.
They’re a bit mum on Di2, but it sounds like they’re open to feedback there. I’d prefer them just collect the data for now, and sort out the display aspects later. Some cool 3rd party sites with that data.
Hi Ray. Is the older bike/cadence sensor used for the 910xt compatible with the 920xt? I gathered from your review the answer is yes, yet the Garmin site shows a new sensor with the old one not showing on the list of compatible accessories. Thanks for your reviews!!!
When you do the full review, I would be curious to know how fast the track drawing is compared to the 910XT. If I’m on a really long trail run, I find that the track mode can be so slow on the 910XT as to be almost useless. I’d really like to know if it’s faster on the 920XT.
Maybe you have an answer to this. I’ve tried contacting Garmin through their forums, Facebook and Twitter.
Garmin Connect updated on iOS 8 for HealthKit support, however there doesn’t actually seem to be any. Do you know if all activities on GC will transfer to HealthKit (e.g., a run or cycle recorded on my 310xt) or only those that can be transferred directly onto the iPhone?
Thanks! I love your reviews and appreciate all of the hard work you do!
No, it’s at this point just Vivo related details, such as steps/sleep/etc… So only those directly from the iPhone.
As the Wahoo Fitness guys noted, the Health Kit API’s are evolving on a near daily basis, so companies are kinda trying to react in real time. I think it’s promising that Garmin was putting something in Health Kit in the first week of it opening up (or, attempting to anyway). I suspect that’s just the beginning as they and others get their bearings.
From Fenix2 only changes are Cycling VO2 and Wi-Fi connectivity with less battery. This unit is over priced than F2. It seems unjustifiable. Color screen is a feature that’s not desired in multi field display watches under bright sun while wearing sunglasses.
Daily activity tracker (Steps/Sleep/etc…)
Concurent ANT+/Bluetooth Smart support (so ANT+ support in Live Tracking)
Virtual Racer (Racing an activity)
Metronome
Activity Profiles (thus effectively bike profiles)
Garmin Connect IQ support (thus, apps)
All features the Fenix2 doesn’t have. Also, the photos were all taken in bright sunlight, really no issue there. Far easier than Fenix2 (and slightly easier than Fenix2SE).
Thanks. Any updates on Garmin connect app on Android/Apple? Curious to know how that would work with IQ. Also, the color scheme of the straps is pretty ugly. I checked garmin site and the blue/green alternative they have is even more horrible.
Daily activity tracker (Steps/Sleep/etc…)
Concurent ANT+/Bluetooth Smart support (so ANT+ support in Live Tracking)
Activity Profiles (thus effectively bike profiles)
No, that’s not there, only on the unit itself (which, conversely, the Ambit3/V800 don’t have). As noted in the post, hopefully one day all three watches will allow both methods.
Ray
How about routes on Fenix 2 vs 920XT? Could you, perhaps in the full review, describe what Fenix 2 has that 920XT doesn’t? I can leave without the Fenix 2 maps but routes are essential for any GPS watch I buy.
Yup, I’ll dive into the routing & navigational piece in more detail in the full review. As well as try to circle back on some of those questions here on this post in the next few days as I get the final unit in to validate things*.
(Many features and functions change over the course of beta, hence why I’m hesitant to state things in that area until I can 100% validate them on a prod unit/software).
I was reading on another tech site that the 920xt display is NOT LCD, but is color e-Ink technology (electrophoretic display). Basicly its an advanced version of the technology used in the original Kindle readers (before they went to making them true tablets).
That is how they managed to increased the battery life so much. Another big benefit is e-Ink is that its fully sunlight readable.
Really looking forward to getting my hands on one.
Concidering the run dynamic metrics include up/down and left/right … it would be very safe to assume that the HRM-Run has the capacity to measure accelerations in three dimensions.
No I would say< two dimensions – time dimension and vertical movement – ground contact time is in my opinion only calculated part from vertical movement (time where no vertical movement happens).
Plus heart rate.
Looking forward to the full review. Please, if possible, do an even more thorough check of the GPS than usual, considering the extremely poor performance of both the 620 and Fenix 2.
Really hoping Garmin have resolved this especially now when GLONASS is supported.
I believe it’s because the FR305 lacks the .FIT file, which this is likely based upon. That said, I’d definitely be curious to hear from a FR305 owner that tries to see what happens.
Although looks are not of primary importance on a device like this, it’s clear that once again the designer at Garmin has gone awol. Terribly disappointing :(
As I recently baught a FR 910XT with is quite ok I will wait for 2 years. Until this I hope all flaws will be fixed on the 920XT. Good as I don’t need the BT phone connection as well no WLAN sync.
But the watch looks better than the 910XT.
Apologies if I missed this somewhere in the review (or the comments), but can you comment on the screen material and durability? My 620 got a pretty nasty scratch on it, and I’m hoping this watch will be a little more rugged.
Yuck – just looked at some danish sites who had early pricing. – They want close to 800$ for the one with HR strap. But the BT/wireless transfer is almost enough to justify purchasing it.
Hi, good as always.
I have one question regarding customizing the different profiles/custom fields.
As I understand from your text it is still the same as 910, that you make all your settings on the watch instead of, like polar, on your computer.
Do you think that it would be possible with Connect IQ to write an app to customize it outside the watch?
No, not from the phone at this point. On the flip side, keep in mind that Polar/Suunto don’t permit you to change it on the device. Someday everyone will permit both options I hope.
As for Connect IQ changing the fields, I don’t think that’ll be permitted. I’ll have to read through the SDK documents.
Do you think this will be enough pressure to get Suunto to include a better daily tracking tool and step up and support Android users. I mean, there are a lot more Android users than IPhone fanboys out there. I even purchased the Galaxy s5 because it was highly water resistant.
Haha, sorry I should have been more specific. I use that comparison page all the time drooling over the many devices you test. I’m curious about real experience between the two being top contenders from each vendor.
It’s tough, I’ve gotta dig a bit more into the navigational features on the 920XT to see if there are any gotchya there. But, based on my use thus far I’m not seeing many (any?) cases where the Ambit3 Sport is a better option (unless you really want BLE sensors).
Apologies if I missed it in some of the comments: If I want to take it on a hiking trip and utilize the altimeter, how long battery life should I expect?
40 hours in Ultratrac mode (appropriate for hiking). Though, if you turn off GPS, usually it’s a heck of a lot longer. I’ll try and do some testing there for the in-depth review.
Are we limited to swimming, biking and running activity profiles on the watch or can we use others too, for example mountaineering or small pony riding?
One consideration I have between the Fenix2 vs the 920 was trail use..primarily the “bread crumb” feature. Anything viable w the 920?
I think if the the F2 will lack Garmin IQ support …as much as I hate to wait for a proper training watch, I may just have to hold out for the 920.
Did I catch that correctly re likely no IQ ?
And finally it would appear that even if ** android smart phone support was added later for the F2..if you were in theoretically Ant+ mode cycling for speed/cad ect..you’d receive no notifications as Bluetooth is disabled?
Thinking I may be calling my running store to cancel my F2 purchase..ugh
Yes, the FR920XT has a breadcrumb trail when you enable map view.
As for the Fenix2 and Connect IQ, no, there are no plans to get it. Only new watches going forward.
As for Android phone for the Fenix2…it’s been there since summer. But as for your second half, with the Fenix2 in ANT+ mode you won’t get notifications. With the FR920XT, you will, as it does both concurrently.
I currently have a 310XT, and am looking to upgrade….I was going to go with the 910XT, but now I’m wondering if I should just save up the extra and go for the new 920XT? My biggest complaint about the 310 is that I can’t wear it on my wrist to get accurate OWS distance (have to put it in my cap and then transfer to my wrist for the bike, which slows down my T1 time), and no support for lap swimming. I also REALLY like the idea of using the watch as a fitness tracker and watch, as well (I’ve had my eye on the vivofit for a while now).
I do have an opportunity to get a “like new” 910XT (bought in june and used only 3 times), but she’s looking to get at least $300-350 out of it….since the 920 is now out, I was thinking of offering her $200-250, as the 910 is now an outdated unit.
I’m definitely in no hurry – just would like to upgrade by Feb or so before my training ramps up for my 70.3 in June.
So, anyway…thoughts? Jump on the “like new” 910XT now, or order the 920XT in Dec with my Christmas money?
The 910XT is old enough that its still slow to acquire satellites compared to the current wave of GPS watches – like 1-2 minutes even if you don’t change location. It doesn’t bother me that much (I love my 910XT) because I’ve grown accustomed to it and have workarounds (setting it outside before a run, etc). Being able to just grab it and go with near instant acquisition would be a big reason in and of itself to go for the 920 IMO.
Hey do you ever add people as a friend on garmin connect or no? I think that i sent you a friend request a while back. I’d kinda like to see some of the workouts that you do
Not quite yet. I’m in a bit of a pickle in that posts like these make it tough for me to add without accidentally posting undisclosed information due to a random workout. It’s on my list to figure out a process there (it’s mostly just a process thing).
Is Auto pause working great. I have a garmin 310xt and when i am indoor for a short stop the time and speed start running. I also have an egde 500 and that does NOT have that problem. I am bike messenger in Copenhagen and it would be easier to have a watch on the arm instead of keep taking the garmin edge 500 on and of the bike all day. I Hope you answer the Q. Thanks for a great blog! Yours faithfully Kasper Grufstedt
This watch looks great and filled with features. What do you think of 3G connectivity? I know the Timex has their Ironman watch with the feature and just makes it so a phone doesn’t have to be present, which makes sense for running. Is this where the market should be? I know hardware could be limiting for design convenience…It just seems like a watch like this from Garmin should have this kind of feature?
Anyways, still a great watch. Love to have one. Thanks for all you do!
I’m optimistic we’ll see it in the next generation 2-3 years from now. I think Garmin will be forced to.
That said, I had a good chat about it with the Garmin crew last week at the ANT+ Symposium. Their main issues are really around certification and such. They talked about what a nightmare it was on the GTU10 for such things, years in process for international certifications for many countries.
Which, are valid and something that Timex is partially sidestepping by only getting US certification initially. And players like Bia are completely sidestepping and only getting US as well (per my understanding). This means while the devices work elsewhere (assuming the cellular provider enables it), they aren’t legally supposed to be there.
So for someone like Bia, they can most likely get away with it because nobody cares to chase after them. But with Garmin, they’re too big – and people will care if they don’t follow the rule to a ‘t’.
Ray, thank you for the review once again. I just order mine to Clever Training, so now I need to wait until November in the mean time I will continue to use my Fenix 2 SE or my 910xt. Once again, thank you.
It appears for only newly created activities posted after today around 12PM Eastern Time. I just tried re-uploading an older Fenix2 activity from this summer (multisport) to see if it’d show up as a multisport one. I’m not quite clear where it went though after I uploaded it. Sorta vanished. Be curious if others have success re-uploading an older multisport file.
I did have success creating a new multisport file just as a quick test though, and it shows up nicely.
Thanks Ray, As you say I deleted the separate activities from last weekends tries and re-imported and shows up great in new multi sport view… Perhaps a word in Garmins shell like to suggest auto (or even semi auto) grouping of old events could be helpful?!?
I was able to upload three multisport files, dating back to July 12th of this year, but *only after* deleting the old files from Garmin connect. I then re-uploaded them directly from the watch (Fenix 2) using the import button on the Garmin connect activities page.
Pre-ordered at Clever. (Your code didn’t work there so I doubt they’ll know it was from you though). I love my Tactix battery life but the lack of wifi upload is super annoying since I have bluetooth off and just use the USB cable and Training Peaks Device Agent. Looking forward to testing this.
As for the code, for the FR920XT at manufacture request, you’d need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP program instead. It only takes a second and details are here: link to dcrainmaker.com
If you simply ring up (or e-mail) Clever Training they’ll take care of you and credit back the 10% and get you all hooked up.
Thanks for work great work, Ray. Random photo request #983: I’d love to see a side shot of the 920 on it’s quick release band (after you get it Friday) to get an idea of the added height.
Thanks for the preview Ray. This watch looks great so far. Can you tell me if the instant pace is better than it is on the 620? Does it display in 5 second increments like the 620? Sounds like the gps track will be much better on this model too!!
Tonight on the run, instant pace was very smooth. I was running about 6:30/mile, and just had instant pace on, and it was staying pretty much there. Slowed a bit when I went up a hill, but not whacky. I’ll grab videos this weekend.
Well I went ahead and pre-ordered the 920xt using the vip 10% discount. I’m actually one of the lucky ones with a good 620 and a great 910. Sure hope the 920 matches up with both of them.
1) It’s said that there is cadence measuring from the HR strap and wrist (watch). If you have both on what would be the source for cadence? I guess the HR strap?
2) The metronome feature is it only via sound or also via vibrating?
Thanks again for a first a glance on the watch!
Philipp
The HRM cadence will take over if both are on. At least that’s what they tell me about my 620. I’ve never known how to prove it though. I guess maybe if I ran on a treadmill and left the watch on a stationary platform.
Similarly, running outside pushing a stroller wearing the 620 and HRM-Run provides good cadence data, which seemingly must come from the HRM, as my watch hand stays fairly static on the stroller.
Noticed you said ‘Hang Tight’ with regard to supporting you and getting the discount when buying the 920. Do you have anything more on this? Otherwise I’ll just buy direct from Garmin UK in November.
Would be interesting if you could test the course functionality. As a trail runner, this was one of the reasons I got the 910 – but it turned out to be serioulsy buggy, with some bugs never fixed.
I’ve had good experience with short running courses to date. That said it’s not really a device for “navigating” as you only really get a breadcrumb trail to follow.
Thanks for the reply. I find a breadcrumb to be good enough usually as long as I’m on a pre-planned route, which I usually am. Then it’s just about getting the right turn at the right time in unknown territory, without having to stop and look at the map or smartphone.
It will be interesting to see what comes out of Connect IQ in terms of navigation apps. I guess it won’t be long before you get a ton of OpenStreetMap-based navigation apps. Hope to get some time playing around with that myself soon.
Is it possible to edit Workouts (or Quick Workouts) “on the fly”? Example: I would set up a Quick Workout to say be a 4:00min run, 0:30min walk in the Workout mode, with numerous repeats for a race. Often I would want to “change” this on the fly during the run, but the 910xt would not allow any changes once the workout began, forcing you to stop the workout, reset, and start again (not a fun thing to do while racing). Thanks!
Thanks. Run/Walk works; however, I have two issues with it: 1) The beep type/duration is not long enough and is easy to miss … the Interval workouts are perfect as it gives you five seconds of tones and I can physically see the countdown to the next interval. 2) I race with a specific pace during the run segment. Raw Pace is not accurate enough so I use Lap Pace. I’d have to manually hit Lap to do that with the run/walk alert. Not a showstopper … was just hoping that Garmin allowed Interval Workout changes “on the fly”.
An ideal solution to this would be to have the “number of intervals” portion of the configuration include an “unknown” choice. Right now you use the lap button to move from warmup to intervals, you could then use the manual lap button to move from intervals to cooldown. Wouldn’t be that hard to implement and would keep their interface consistent.
I just bought the Fenix 2 (and am a triathlete)…its still in the box. I’m also a bit of a tech junky (know anyone like that?) and the inclusion of BTLE and ANT+ concurrently (over my Fenix) and the ConnectIQ (will that come to Fenix2?), is awesome but, all thing being equal, is it worth the upgrade? (keep in mind i paid $302 for my bundle)…
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Vibrating alerts?
Yes, it continues that from the FR910XT.
Yipee!
Does it do vibrating alerts for the “get up and move” alerts throughout the day?
I don’t know for sure, but I’m sure somebody will develop an app for it soon enough
Ray,
Do you think support for activities like hiking, skiing can be added via Connect IQ?
I was going through information on Connect IQ SDK, and it seems like developers can access/change data fields, record FIT files, read from all sensors etc. Based on that, I think it should be possible to create new activities.
I could be wrong – but I am sure when i read your post 2 months ago you said Garmin had no plans to replace the 910xt or update it?
Deepanshu: You can add it directly in the watch, no need for Connet IQ.
Chris: No, definitely never said that. In fact, if you look at my Summer 2014 Sports Recommendations I was pretty clear that it would be a poor time to buy a watch and that I expected a FR910XT successor to be available/shipping after the triathlon season but before the end of the year.
Can I make an activity that is track running that ignores the altimeter, and displays everything in metric?
Ok, I guess those are two different questions. But I have wanted different “sports” on my 910XT to display different Metric/Statute units. Is that possible on the 920XT?
I figure ignoring that altimeter is a long shot.
Units are system wide so no but it’s very easy to change distance to miles or kilometers as desired and back again.
Why do you need to “ignore” elevation on the track? The barometric altimeter ought to keep it fairly “flat” anyway.
So that sounds about the same as the 910XT.
I find that the altimeter, although good, does not give a “flat” track. The biggest issue is that it appears that “every so often” the altimeter get recalibrated from the GPS. So I usually have 1-2 “jumps” in elevation during any given track workout (about 1 hour). I also sometimes end up running downhill during the entire track workout as a weather front comes in. The only real side effect is that it gives my an invalid NGP in training peaks, which then gives me an incorrect IF and rTSS and PMC.
Looking forward to your in depth review of the aforementioned.
Does anyone know if the the 920XT will sync data with the Schwinn spin bike M-Power computer? I currently use a Forerunner 610 for this feature but was wondering if I would lose this feature if I upgraded.
Ray careful with the baro-altimeter.
Stress it hard with TRI and indoor cycling… the 910XT had a serious HW fault there.
Can’t wait to see the final review.
Amen – mine thinks I’m cycling in space…
#3 Same question. It’s the same barommetric altimeter tan in the 910XT?
true. I have had 2 units replaced, now on a third one, with the 2year warranty period run out.
Same for me. I am on my third 910XT. Garmin was very gracious about replacing them but my barometer failed gain. So I hope they have changed this part.
I am also on my 3rd 910XT – again they were very gracious about replacing them but my barometer has failed AGAIN and frankly have resigned myself to running up mountains despite living in the Vale of York – frustrating as I think it also messes up the wattage calculations so hope they have fixed that in the new watch does anyone now if they have or not??
I am reluctant to buy on unless they have – PLEASE HELP us Rainmaker – you are our only hope !!
I am also on my 3rd 910XT. First cost $146 to replace and second cost $106 to replace because of barometer problems, becoming an expensive unit to own.
Are BLE HRM sensors able to be made functional with Harmon devices via Connect IQ?
No, Garmin hasn’t made the BLE stack available from a sensor standpoint (just communication to the phone). The ANT stack is fully available to both defined sensor types (ANT+ power meter) and undefined sensor types (i.e. aero helmet).
Any word on the 930XT?
(kidding)
Or a prize to the first person that takes there iPhone swimming for the live tracking or notifications. ;)
I swim with this SaferSwimmer ( link to saferswimmer.com )
I usually bring the phone with me on swimming.
not even remotely impossible, just use an otterbox or other case (lifeproof has my preference). Been there – done that, just not with an 920XT ;-)
I was being somewhat tongue in cheek with that comment but out of interest where would you keep the phone while swimming so as not to impeed your performance also is it possible to interact with it while its in the housing?
It does maintain a Bluetooth Smart connect with your watch, even in tri mode, through all sports. It was connected to my phone on the dock till the moment it went underwater, at which point it told me it was no longer connected.
Next time, for curiosity, I’ll stick a phone in my Safer Swimmer and see what happens from a live tracking standpoint.
Sure, the front panel of the lifeproof is touch-capable and works even in the water. You hardly notice its there when interacting with the phone. I have the armband of the lifeproof case as well, and high up on the upper arm is where I find it gives me the least problems while swimming. It’s quite a sturdy locking mechanism, needed as in the pool it takes quite a pounding in and out of the water all the time.
Unless you manage to stuff your phone in your swimcap, you will always notice it on your performance (and balance – it changes your drag profile just enough to pull you slightly off course over the length of a lane). However, long laps are so much nicer with a decent bit of music in my ear…
The metronome is a great idea. Vibrating metronome for swimming especially would be interesting training aid…
vibrators tend to take lots of power so it could kill the battery too fast
(all the immature kids snicker)
You got it!! HIHIHI!
Awesome, sort of dissapointed with the “no Bluetooth sensors” approach, but as long as I don’t have to upload long workouts over Ant+ I guess I’m happy enough.
Awesome preview and news post as always!
Now to wait pait (patiently) for the full review :)
The ant+ upload was the biggest pain. My ant+ sticks always died on me and that was the biggest pain because there is literally no way to get your data off the 910 with anything else.
“dissapointed with the “no Bluetooth sensors” approach”
Why, were you that desperate to replace all your sensors with identical ones using a different protocol? I’m not aware of anything BTLE sensors can do that Ant+ can’t other than connecting to a phone, but then if you want to connect with a phone don’t buy a watch! BTLE also currently limits you to a single device while Ant+ allows multiple devices to connect to each sensor.
Waahoo App through your smartphone will allow Garmin Watch downloads, is a bit of a long way work around but it worked while I ordered in my sunnto Movestick ( see rays review about that,much better than the Gar unit)
There’s only one reason Garmin doesn’t allow BLTE sensor connection to their devices. They own the ANT+ protocol. They bought the company that created ANT+ . Allowing BLTE to connect to their devices would drive a dagger into the heart of the ANT+ sensor market. Garmin would be losing big on their investment. Nothing wrong with a company doing that. Apple’s been doing that with the iPhone since its inception back in 2007 making it hard for people to leave the ecosystem they’ve invested so much in even though there are superior products out there.
No need to sound rude. Maybe some people already invested in BLE things to use with their phone, TomTom or other capable device.
Maybe some want to use their phone at times and their watch at others.
Are you the device policy, telling us how and what we should use? Kinda dumb, no?
Must have!
Wow, it does almost everything. Will it train for me also?? LOL
No it won’t you stupid cunt and that would defeat the purpose
Easy now.
Hardcore, you might want to get on some meds.
Someone needs to learn to read or get off the interwebs. I followed it up with and “LOL” signifying it meant I was joking.
Bought!
Ehmm .okay I will wait for the indepth-review first :P
Thanks Ray for the short but still quite depth preview of the 920.
I’ll wait a couple months so all the bugs will be out.
In navigation mode, can it still display the course you want to follow (basically what the 910 does)? Is the navigation mode better than on the 910?
Ray, please compare navigation bs. Fenix 2. What else is missing (if anything) apart from the maps that can be uploaded to Fenix 2?
I presume it will give you a nice breadcrumb trail to follow? Will it do a trackback? (not just “point” back).
Yes, the FR920XT will give you a breadcrumb trail to follow, as well as show you where you are and have been.
For navigating back to start, it appears to be direct to start (crow flies), not via the exact route…but I need to validate a few more things there.
Thanks for your reply!
Bokvagen 3
If I would buy today a watch (Ambit 3 or FR920XT) I would probably go for the FR920XT. But changing from Suunto (Ambit 2 owner) to Garmin isn’t that simple with all the recorded workouts :-(
One way of doing it is to move everything to Strava (there are batch exports for this). That way you’re platform independent if you ever change your mind in the future :)
Then if you ever want to move off strava……
Then you would obviously have to do a batch export again. My point is simply that using a more platform independant service like Strava has it’s advantages if you are likely to jump between different brands.
I don’t care if half my activities are on garmin connect and the other half is on movescount – I see them all in Strava. The day I ever buy a TomTom (who knows?) I’ll still see it all on Strava.
Not saying that Strava is the best, I have little knowledge of other sites not tied to a specific brand, but I’m sure there are many others.
Strava allows batch download of ALL your activities in a single, convenient *.zip archive.
Strava seems to be the go to platform along with training peaks. I really like training peaks even in the free version. Both can be populated automatically from Garmin connect. Not sure how polar flow does it, but Garmin connect is painless. Download your workout and if you have Strava and training peaks account, just log in and all your Garmin connect workouts will be there. Nifty. Don’t own a polar GPS watch, but I’d like to try polar flow and suunto’s movescount to see how they play with others.
* Movescount has a data API partners can integrate with, but no notification service when a user uploads a workout. So partner sites need to continually check, which means delay. Garmin Connect is “instantaneous”. Nice! :) I’ve mentioned this to the Suunto development team… it is a “frequently asked feature” included in the “development backlog” but they cannot give an “exact schedule when this would be available”.
* Polar Flow does NOT have an API at this moment. They’ve promised it a year or so ago. The 650 has been delayed twice, so… reach your own conclusions. I’ve not heard an update. @Ray have you?
Looking forward to seeing this in Kona! (As a spectator :). )
Instant classic.
Is there a option for quick mount (as for 910XT)?
Yes, there’s a quick release mount. They didn’t have one on-hand at the time, but I’ll update it with photos when I get one – I believe I should have one on Friday.
Will the 910xt’s quick disco mount fit? pretty lame if they force me to buy new mounts when I’ve already got one for my 910.
Also – can I use my soft strap hrm that came with 910 with the 920xt or do I need to get the ‘bundle’ for an extra $50 (hrm-‘RUN’ strap… )?
It’s a new mount. The reason (as I understand it), is to align to the same straps as the FR220/FR620. Further, I suspect they’re learning from the 920XT strap. We’ll see when I get the strap myself (the one piece I didn’t have access to).
If I were to sell my 910 and buy a 920 should I sell the Tri Bundle as a whole (quick release bike mount and cadence sensor)? Will the cadence sensor work in the 920? Is the Heart Rate Monitor different? If it is the same I will keep it.
@Leandro,
Speed/Cadence sensors will work with the 920. The QR mount will be different. The HR sensor would work with the 920 but you will not get the new metrics (oscillation, ground contact, cadence) from it. For that you’d have to get the HRM-RUN sensor that comes bundled with the 620 and the 920.
Thank you @Greg! That was very helpful. Cheers!
I really didn’t want to want this. Going into third place in my to buy list, pending your full review. Also, can you please get a picture of this on the girl’s wrist? Thanks
Does GLONASS have an impact on battery life, Ray?
Dom, i was just reading through the 920xt manual. It states battery life with GPS only as 24 hours, GPS+Glonass as 20 hours. So it sounds like around 18% reduction in battery life.
How many channels can be hooked up? The 910 has 12. Any change?
Which type of channels, ANT+? I believe that’s 8, I don’t believe there are any 12-channel ANT+ chips.
Thanks Miro. Not too shabby at all, especially as 20 hours GPS-only 1-second recording was class leading until this came along.
33 channels going by: link to and-global.en.alibaba.com
Great first review like always!
One question regarding the metronome function:
Is it possible to set a specific time alert p.e. getting a short alert or vibration every 45sec as with the 910XT?
AND (!) resetting this alert by pressing the LAP-Button (or any other). Would be a great feature for lap swimming!
I used the vibration alert during longer interval swims with the FR 910XT but it drived me crazy that there´s no
possibility to reset the vibration/alert! So if you hit the wall in 40sec instead of 45sec you have to wait until the remaining
5sec will expire followed by hitting the LAP- and START/STOP-Button for interval break immediatly.
Thank´s a lot!
So in testing this, it does appear to reset the time alert, if you go into the rest state during swimming.
But honestly, just using the swim interval timer seems like a far easier way here, since you can do exactly what you want without having to deal with the separate timer.
No small ponies?!? This thing looks worthless!!
Still not right!:)
One thing I don’t get; the Wifi in Garmin devices. If the HW has BT connectivity already, isn’t wifi a bit overkill? Makes the hw just more complex, expensive and battery consuming… just my two cents.
Great preview, great spec, waiting for the final review.
It allows folks to walk into their house and have it automatically upload to sites like Strava. Versus getting out your phone and syncing it that way. Further, it also allows firmware updates over a more broadband friendly method than Bluetooth Smart. So that helps Garmin by ensuring devices stay up to date (it also helps the end user, but it’s actually more beneficial to a company).
Are you kidding? Im in the market now for a watch, I hate manually uploading or linking stuff. ANT+sticks always require starting up a computer, i dont even want to think about uploading. I forget some of the times as well. I love not even having the hassle to find your phone go to the settings turning on bluetooth, linking etc. is a huge benefit for me. Before this came out i considered buying a 620 instead of a multisport watch only for that reason. How lovely it is to just walk in the door and your coach is up to date!
I linked my 620 to my phone once, after that it uploaded automatically everytime just as you describe. Never used wifi.
Your phone is probably always connected to internet already, whereever you are. It’s pretty easy to connect to a new wifi network, when travelling etc. Connecting to wifi via the watch seemed quite difficult and, on the 620, with lots of hassle.
And you need the phone anyway to use the live tracking.
Wifi on the watch is just marketing hype, one more buzzword in the ads.
Have to disagree respectfully with your conclusion, not least because not everybody owns smartphones and not all smartphones support BTLE and/or have a GCM Mobile app for their OS. One of the strengths of the 620 is that you have multiple ways to get the data off; BT when you’re out and about, WiFi when you walk in the door at home or you need to download new firmware, cable when you want to back up all your FIT files and the configuration files on the watch so you can put them back after a master reset. I agree the WiFi support was pretty patchy to begin with – mine would never talk to my dad’s router though it got on fine with mine – but it seems to be better now.
The wifi works great for me, after I finish my run I lay my Garmin 620 near my cell phone and by the time I get out of the shower all my data has been downloaded to connect.garmin. No more fiddling with my laptop to upload my data.
I wasn’t a big fan of the 910xt with the ANT sync. I have a treadmill in my house and hated ANT agent uploading my workout when I wasn’t finished… If I had to stop the treadmill to take care of something for a second I would stop my watch and bam I am screwed with having to do a new workout all over again because it uploaded the damn thing. If it weren’t for my ability to create a script to launch ANT agent and shut it down within a few min after I would not be a happy camper. I will say that compared to how many issues I have heard about the Fenix 2, the 910xt has been a solid watch and hope this new 920xt hasn’t adapted the Fenix 2 glitchiness
WiFi is much faster than BLE. If you have lots of workout data to transfer or they want to enable fast firmware upgrades from the mobile devices, wi-fi is a great solution.
It is not just a marketing ploy as some insinuate.
No word on pricing yet? Ugh, I think the August Fenix2 promo was more to flush the Fenix stock anticipating 920XT rather than Ambit3.
Also I wonder what GPS chipset is it going to use – if this is going to have same issues as Fenix2 and – to a lesser degree – FR 620 have
Sorry, pricing is $449US (or $499 with a HR strap). Good point, adding that in.
Will you do part exchange, with my 910… please.
any chance the phone notification features will come over to the 620? Really wish it had that!
Ray (or someone else) has stated something prior mentioning that it is a serious longshot to see this in the 620. It sounded like a combination of lack or room on the chip and adding such a large feature midway through the products lifecycle. (I believe Fenix2 and 620 use entirely different chipsets).
great review as usual thanks. fr610 and 910xt are Tanita weight scale compatible. Is this one also or not? If not, is it something that Garmin is completely dropping?
Correct, as noted in the sensors section – there’s no support for weight scales natively on the FR920XT. Garmin has pretty much dropped it across the board on new units since about a year or so ago. I suppose the logic being how few of these are in the market.
That said, with Connect IQ, it’ll really be quite trivial for someone to add support via an app (3rd party). I’d be blown away surprised if this isn’t one of the apps available at launch early next year. I could even see a member of the Garmin Connect IQ team releasing such an app more as an example.
yea I am disappointed that the scale is not supported… I use fitbit scale more often these days but the Tanita one has more information… and can you ever have too much data?
Might be an easy add via the Connect IQ app as you indicated.
I use withings scale. Just use fitdatasync.com to push/pair withings data into garmin and because withings and fit it already talk you can integrate the three quite easily.
It’s an annoying workaround but it works flawlessly
Does this only allow to synchronise the wight from the scale or other data (% fat,…) as well?
I have not been able to do this from the Withings page…
Huge disappointment on the Bluetooth Smart sensors support decision. I had been holding out on upgrading from my 310xt, but now I think I will look at non-garmin options.
Really, there are no ponies? Disappointing…
I hope, that everyone will get the new activity detail page, not only 920xt users.
920xt looks very promising. I hope there will be no GPS accuracy problems and ability to add waypoints through PC (using BaseCamp or something).
All users get the new activity detail page (regardless of device you’re on). All multisport users will get the new multisport page (FR920XT, FR910XT, FR310XT, Fenix2, Fenix2 Special Edition).
The new activity page looks awesome and dare I say, long overdue. The charts on the old page were basically useless.
Does the multisport page support activities other than triathlons (e.g. duathlons, brick sessions)? Also, is there any chance that the multisport mode will eventually become available to us non-multisport device owners? For example if I tracked a duathlon with my 620, could I then designate it as a multisport activity and define the transitions manually?
Will it retroactively consolidate past races?
It doesnt seem so. I’m now seeing the new charts and layout on GC (which are sooooo much more useful now that they have a sensible scale), but my race from Sunday is still showing as 5 separate activities.
Uploading all my races again would be a bit of a pain and I’m in two minds whether I bother.
What it also needs is a way to be able to go back and correct the data when you accidentally hit the lap button when you were getting something out of your pockets with 30km still to go in the bike leg and end up having a 45 min T2. Gah!!
That’s not all Garmin multisport users, Ray — what about those of us that still have Big Red running strong?
I’d actually be curious if it works. My suspicion is no, since the FR305 doesn’t do .FIT files, which is how I suspect they’re parsing the data, versus a TCX file.
Too bad about no swimming HR, but I’ll live.
Will be getting this!
– No support for heart rate while swimming (though, there should actually be a workaround there with Connect IQ)
How this could be done? I believe Ant+ is not capable to transmit under water as well as the garmin strap has no internal memory (as the one from Ambit 3)
…I was wondering who might pickup on that.
You could do it with the Mio Link or Scosche on your wrist within 1-2″. See, both could be pipped in via an App that just connects on the open/available sensor page. I’ve tested both units (as have others) and it will generally get fairly accurate results underwater as long as you’re close enough to the band for the signal to transmit, which is generally 1-2″.
If something like the Viiiiva or TICKR X did store and forward via ANT+ (ant-fs?) would it be possible for a Connect IQ extension to plug the resulting HR data back into a swim session?
The first part, ANT-fs, could definitely be done with Connect IQ. But I don’t know if the app could then write backwards back into the .FIT file. I suspect not, but perhaps someone that’s a dev with the Connect IQ SDK downloaded could poke a bit.
I was wondering about this comment at the top of your piece as well. I currently use my MIO ANT+ on the same wrist as my Timex Ironman Global. It records HR data and displays it during my swim workouts. Are you saying this is not a possibility on the FR920XT?
Would it also not be possible to use the TickrX, to record your HR while swimming. Then merge the HR GPX file into the Garmin recorded swim data using SportTracks client (sure you can also merge with other apps also).
Sure, you could always do it after the fact with 3rd party software like Sport Tracks. It just wouldn’t show up on Garmin Connect.
If i understand you well , i have Mio wrist band which i running with 910XT
Is the Mio wrist band water proof?
can you show how to use the Mio wrist band while swimming ?
you have to wear it on the same hand?
Ray, as far as I knew about FR910XT, it does not enable to add HRM when it is swimming mode. Please correct me if this is wrong. I am wondering if FR920XT enables to use HRM (like Mio Link or TICKR X) when it is swimming mode.
Yes- the Mio Link is waterproof. You wear it on the same arm, within a couple inches of your watch. You may need to tighten it a bit more, but it works while swimming.
Hank. Ray mentioned in the article above, that unfortunately ‘no’, receiving an ANT+ HR signal when in swim mode is not enabled.
Yes… it’s a bit extreme… but here’s a picture of a Fenix 2 recording my swim data, while my Vivofit records my HR data using a Mio wrist band: link to 1drv.ms The Mio needs to be very close to the HR recording device (Vivofit in my case) and very tight on your arm to get good data. Here’s a link to the Fenix 2 file showing the swim data (a series of 300s testing sighting versus non sighting to look at impact on HR): link to connect.garmin.com Here’s the HR data captured by the Vivofit: link to connect.garmin.com Unfortunately no easy way to combine them at this point…
I do the same. Let the 910xt log the swim metrics and the vivofit the HR from my mio link. Works just fine both outdoor and and indoor. If just the 920XT would allow it to connect to ant+ hr in swim mode i would upgrade :-)
First indoor swim of the winter season:
910XT: link to connect.garmin.com
Vivofit:link to connect.garmin.com
Outdoor swims i can combine with repairfitfile but have not figured out how to combine an indoor swim without location data. Here my last outdoor swim: link to endomondo.com
Ups wrong vivofit link: link to connect.garmin.com
I would really like an option to combine workout og garmin connect.
A simple matrix with overlapping logs and the ability to choose i.e metrics and coordinates from one file and HR from another.
Just to confirm for this subset of the thread, during openwater activities it does allow you to pair a HR strap. It doesn’t seem to allow you to show the active HR however as a display field. But, it does pair and record the data, and I get stroke data (as seen here: link to connect.garmin.com)
Had I realized that it would work prior to jumping in the water today I would have brought the Link to test it out. I’ll do that this weekend.
For indoor swimming mode, it doesn’t try and connect to any ANT+ sensors, thus, no heart rate.
Ok, so so far it is half a solution :-)
Looking forward to you next outdoor swim with the mio link and hopefully good data quality on the HR recording..
Can only be policy that Garmin has decided not to have ant+ enabled in the pool … Well that could change with a firmware upgrade or maybe by an app.
Might also be better with equal weight on both arms. A 910/920 on one and mio link / vivofit or similar on the other… Can’t help that one looks like a gadget geek getting in/out of the pool …
Could you get HR during swim using Wahoo Tickr X and then merge in HR data post exercise?
Is it correct that Garmin will launch in the beginning of 2015 a HR-sensor which support HR-monitoring under water?
Jesper – It would reqiure 3rd party software to merge the two files.
Bart, where are you getting rumors like that from?
eli, could be that it’s just a rumor, I don’t know… that’s why I asked DC Rainmaker if he has information about this. DC?
Ray any update on the swim mode (pool) + HR? Any new firmware, any solution?
I’m looking forward to get my HR pool training.
Ray, great review as always. Does it have the swim drill mode?
Yes, it does.
Ben & Jerry’s? Don’t you have Movenpick over there? ;)
Thanks for the review.
For the big spender nights we go big and get the real stuff: Ben and Jerry’s.
Movenpick is what happens when you just need to sulk.
Super New York Fudge Chunk, over here. Thanks for a great review.
Wow, impressive little device. Do you think that the breadcrumb courses performance has improved? On my 910XT the refresh rate was quite slow… Which was the main gripe I have with the device.
Also: might it be possible to apply the rudimentary maps like with the Fenix2?
I have to promote this question as well…
Courses on the 310xt were decent once, then they firmware updated them to non-functional. Since then the 910xt and Edge 500 both suffer from poor course performance that has never been addressed.
Also, beyond course functionality please include a brief note about where to load courses from. If we are stuck with Garmin Connect courses, that’s a bummer. Other sites allowed “Course Points” with warnings and pop-ups for “Right” or “Left”. Garmin’s site left all of this out.
Luckily on an Edge 500 we can still load a FIT or TCX via USB, the wireless only devices (read: 310xt) can only be loaded now via ANT+. With Express this knocked course loading down another notch.
Would be nice to know if any of the formats on http://ridewithgps.com will work with the 920.
Now I’m also realizing the PC usb connection on the 920… Hopeful for drag and drop tcx courses like the Edge series :)
I just tried creating a test course with Ride with GPS, a .TCX file, and then dragging and dropping via USB to NewFiles on the unit. No luck.
I then tried dragging and dropping to Courses folder via USB, no luck there either.
Neither one shows up as in the Navigation submenu as a Course. Sending from Garmin Connect however does show up. I’ve added it as a question for Monday as to why it doesn’t work.
for triathlon specific, I presently use a 310XT, would you upgrade to the 920 or the fenix2?
Generally the 920XT, unless you have more extensive hiking/skiing/outdoor needs that require some of the other features found in the Fenix lineup.
I have the fenix 2 for triathlon, I had the 910XT, I suggest you to buy the 920XT.
The fenix is unreadable when running.
I’ll assume you mean the Fenix2 “regular edition” is unreadable. My friend’s Fenix2 Special Edition is pretty easy to read (although I have the regular edition and it is fine for me personally).
That said, the 920xt is looking pretty slick and I might upgrade next season.
But there is a possibility to add these hiking or other outdoor activities features via Connect IQ, right?
I bought Fenix 2SE few days back, now I’m wondering if I should return that one and get 920XT.
Myself, I’ll disagree with this. I have no problems reading the F2, day or night. But some people do and you would need to assess that for yourself. If you’re after tri specific and not a daily watch I’d say 920. If you want a daily watch as well and you don’t care about what it looks like I’d probably say 920 as well. Same as the 310 and 910, I find the 920 pretty ugly. But as a fenix2 owner, if I’d only wanted a watch for during activity I’d be looking at the 920 too. But as a daily watch, I still prefer the look of either F2.
I love my Fenix2, which replaced a 910xt. I like the additional recording functions of the Fe is 2 over 920, but I’d love Bluetooth notifications and ANT+ at the same time. Plus Wifi updates and sync are awesome too! What’s an athlete to do? lol
A few other points, I have no issues reading the Fenix 2. I do think the Fenix 2 is a bit large, the slimmer 920 might fit under my shirt cuff.
I have the Fenix 2 as well… and will be getting the 920 as a triathlon specific watch, replacing my existing 910. The square screen size of my existing 910 provides much more real estate… bigger fonts and more contrast than the F2… and it looks like the 920 is similar. With my 49 year old eyes… the 910 with 4 data points is still easy to ready, while the standard F2 is not easy to read even when using only three data points.
You can create additional activity profiles, within that, you can specify the name to anything you’d like, and you can pick from a handful of semi-appropriate icons. You can also specify the color.
Sensors are handled outside of that, so any valid sensor supported by the FR920XT will be supported within the general sensor pool so any activity profile except indoor swimming can see them.
Hi Ray,
Two questions:
1. Firstbeat tools compatibility (RR recording feature) ?
2. What GPS chip does it have?
Thanks.
1) Unknown on RR recording
2) It hasn’t been released, but as noted there’s some significant antenna changes made compared to the FR620.
Antenna changes …
That is good news. After trying both a fenix2 and FR220, I ended up reverting back to a 610 and 310XT because of the GPS accuracy issues. I know not everyone had these issues, but I think enough of us did to indicate it was a real problem. It’s good to hear that the 920XT might be an improvement in that area.
The wait looks to have been worth it! One question: will there be a quick release strap as with the 910!? (I really hope so) And if so, will it fit the current bike mounts?
Yes, there is a quick release strap, and yes, it uses the same quarter-turn mount.
Is there any difference between the 910 and 920 quick release straps — i.e., can I just slap the 920 onto my 910 quick release strap? I’m assuming the answer is “yes” since it’s the same quarter-turn mount, but can you confirm?
It’s different. I should have better clarity there on Friday I think.
Thanks, Ray.
How long was a 910 XT out before this replaced it? Or what is the general shelf life of a Garmin unit before their updated or replaced with a new one?
Typical Garmin release cycle is 2 years. In this case, it was three years. That gap was bridged by the Fenix2 adding triathlon mode.
Great!
It sounds too good to be true! (and it’s a little bit typical that the 920XT microsite is currently “not found”…)
Will the 920XT support the cycling dynamics of the Vectors?
Garmin hasn’t announced yet other models aside from the Edge 1000 that will support Cycling Dynamics (which could come as recording or display or neither). They expect to announce other such models at the time Cycling Dynamics is released.
When are you going to pair with an EU supplier so the rest of us don’t miss out on your discount!
Hang tight!
Sounds like I should wait a bit before buying a Fenix 2 SE then :)
The Clever Training coupon doesn’t seem to work with the 920xt. Is it just me?
HI Marios-
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
I appreciate the support!
+1
What about Australia?! Don’t forget us!
Fear not, you might actually beat Europe…
Guessing the vip program is a bit overwhelmed right now. (waiting on the personalized coupon code for 45+ minutes now)
+1 Australia :-)
Don’t get too excited about Australia. Due to the local (and online) retailers in Australia insisting on gouging much bigger profits, the cost of the EXACT same unit in Australia is $100 more!!
You are much better off buying from the US and paying for the shipping :)
Just my 2c worth…
Actually, Garmin (or whichever company you want), sets the MAP price (Minimum Advertised Price), which retailers have to adhere to. Doesn’t change the gouging in Australia, but does shift the blame.
Is it possible to charge the battery while excercising with 920XT?
This doesn’t work with 620, but works with Fenix 2.
I would realy like to know this as well.
I still use my 305 for the realy long hikes, due to the abbility of connecting a big powerbank and have virtually unlimited gps recording capability.
You would think they could design the charging cable to be able able to attach with the watch on your wrist. Maybe not the most comfortable as that could be hard to design, but possible.
At this point, in testing, when I plug a battery pack into the 920XT while an activity is recording, it ends the recording unfortunately.
I’ll ask as to why. The battery clamp is sorta like a slightly clunky Fenix clamp, so it holds really well (even has a button you have to press to unlock), so I can’t see a mechanical reason why they wouldn’t enable it.
This was possible on the 910 which was incredibly useful for ultramarathons taking 20-40 hours. Any reply from Garmin?
Looks very tempting…
Does it include the Ski-Board mode from the Fenix range?
No, it does not.
Thanks for the ultra-quick and announce-simultaneous review, Ray. That’s amazing, keep it on!
What I can’t get is why does Garmin need two similar contemporary products in line (Fenix2 and 920XT). Am I missing the point?
The Fenix line is (in theory) directed at the outdoor crowd with functions that will likely never come to the 9x0line, e.g., parachuting, etc. It has some multisport functionality thrown in.
The 920xt is directed to multisport crowd and has some outdoorsy functionality (like navigation) built in.
Similar – and overlapping – crowds, but not completely the same.
Only thing missing. Optical heart rate.
Yes, that was my initial thought as well. But then I thought of something, the measuring of Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact time is handled by sensors in the chest strap. So you could argue that you need the cheststrap anyway
Ray, we’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that the predicted race times are too HIGH for you.
Yeah, I guess it could be worded either way, low or high. It might be more of a geographic semantics thing. If I ran a 50min 10K, someone would probably say that’s a pretty low result. But perhaps it’s different in Australia. ;)
It’s Australia, I don’t think we would be that polite. LOL
:)
Is it possible to do Livetracking and using ANT+ at the same time?
Yes.
Does Garmin not get that a large segment of the population does like to listen to music while running? I know a lot of purists aren’t interested in this feature, but I have to believe they are in the minority. I don’t understand why any new running/multi-sport watch doesn’t include a music player along with at least 8GB of storage. Additionally, it would be nice to have audio feedback (lap times, HR zones, etc.) thru bluetooth earbuds.
I hate having to carry my phone, or a 2nd device to listen to music when in 2014, one device should be able to handle it all. I can’t believe it would add much, if anything, to the final cost of the unit.
This, like most Garmin devices, also seems way overpriced.
>> “I can’t believe it would add much, if anything, to the final cost of the unit.”
Except it would add space to the watch, additional components (that also need quality assurance testing) , software development time for the player functionality and ways to get music onto the watch, and support time (when customers complain random-3rd-party-BT headset doesn’t work with the watch, when people say “I don’t like mp3s, I only have OGG/FLAC/AAC/etc”).
I’m not criticizing your ask – a lot of people DO listen to music when they run. I’m only saying that adding it involves a lot more – A LOT more – than just effective duct taping an iPod shuffle to the watch.
Except other companies (Motorola, Adidas, Timex, etc.) seemed to have figured it out. My guess is that the processor is already more than capable, bluetooth is already implemented (would just need the correct protocols), and the device already has storage available (for workout files) and would just need to be increased. From a hardware perspective, I still believe the additional cost would be minimal (a few dollars for some extra storage).
It just seems Garmin is purposely avoiding heading down this path for whatever reason. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the serious training features Garmin is rolling out with this device, but I would also like to carry just one device.
Except the Motoactv doesn’t do half the things the 920xt does and is discontinued.
Except the Adidas micoach is $50 less, but doesn’t do a lot of the things the 920xt does and, looking at the reviews on Adidas’ own site, has quite a few flaws and unhappy customers. Keep in mind that every piece of functionality makes the watch more complex and therefore more prone to problems.
As for the Timex watches, they don’t even do cycling or swimming metrics, so they are hardly competitors here unless you want JUST a running watch, in which case – yeah, the Timex ones are pretty compelling as a competitor to Garmin’s running-focused watches.
In all cases, I’d hardly say the industry has “figured it out.” As such, I don’t know if it’s “Garmin is purposely avoiding it” as much as it is “Garmin hasn’t been pressured into it yet” and given that some of those watches that DO have music functionality are almost as expensive as Garmin’s top watches, but don’t have the cycling/swimming functionality that Garmin’s does at that price point, I maintain that it wouldn’t be an insignificant additional cost to add it.
Adidas micoach and motoactv also had the advantage of using Android as the base OS. So they gained lots of functionality without having to implement anything. (audio, audio over Bluetooth, text to speech, music file playback)
Now before you say that Garmin should do the same thing and through out their OS and use android too, think battery life. Android uses up too much battery power. Do you think Android could last 40 hours on a watch with GPS on?
But personal audio devices are not legal in USAT events, even if not in use.(Still unsure how the new Timex Ironman watch will be legal). I prefer a watch without audio so I can use it in races.
Very good point David.
>From a hardware perspective, I still believe the additional cost would be minimal (a few dollars for some extra storage).
Bob, from a hardware perspective, it would be a completely different/additional chipset (in addition to memory, signal processor, etc). That’s like saying in order to go from a sports car to a tractor trailer truck, you just just need to add some more wheels and a put a towing hitch on it.
Thnx for first impressions!!
How does navigation work? Only the arrow as shown on your pics, or with a map (like F2) or a crumble-track (like suunto)?
Navigation is a separate page you can add to any activity profile, the ‘Map’ page. I’ll have a YouTube video published up shortly showing a quick walkthrough of how it looks and works.
It’s a breadcrumb trail, but it’s cool in that all your saved waypoints show up on it, at all times, and the colors are actually really useful (clear). The only downside is I can’t figure out how to change the zoom level of the map while in an activity (outside of activity is easy). It’s on my question list for the 920XT team.
Hi Ray,
do you have any information about its GPS chipset. If it comes with SirfStar as previous version or with MediaTek as current x20 models. I have not a good experience with MediaTek chips in deep forest.
Btw. GPS chipset type can be recognized by GPS software version. Garmin’s MediaTek chipset has current version of 3.10 (in About menu item on device). SirfStar chipset have a different version numbering.
Thank you for response and for your work!
Peter
It showed 2.50 for me. I asked but didn’t get a direct answer. However, I did get more clarity around significant changes to the antenna that were made in this model. Additionally, they felt that they did a ton of work/testing on GPS accuracy. Of course, the proof is in the pudding there and a key area I’ll be looking at.
I am very interested on this too. Hopefully it’s a SirfStar chip and not MediaTek.
This is what I want to know, too. All the other features are great, but GPS accuracy is most important on a GPS watch.
Since the watch uses EPO files, I think it must be Mediatek.
It does seem like crs uses a different term for sirfstar parts:
link to csr.com
Confirmed from GPS software update file.. It has MediaTek MT3333 chipset. But with GLONASS, it’s much better than MT3339 used in FR620/220.
Will the new FR920xt work with Wahoo Fitness TICKR Run HRM?
That’s a shame about not having BTSmart sensor support – do you know what the rationale is for that? I’m a bit averse to having to get new sensors to go with a watch, especially when my current sensors work so well with trainerroad and other iDevice apps.
Likely that they own ANT+, a competing protocol.
That said, my general recommendation for folks is to simply get dual-mode sensors from 3rd party companies. Wahoo makes some, as do many others. These sensors transmit on both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. In fact, Wahoo’s just about to release the dual version of their Blue SC Speed/Cadence combo sensor here in the next week or so.
Some Bluetooth LE implementations only allow the device to be either a sensor or a hub, eg. every Android phone. This could be a limitation Garmin has, which is much easier to deal with than not allowing ANT+ and BTLE at the same time (another hardware limitation).
Also, existing BTLE sensors only allow one display to connect at a time. Which means if the watch connected, then your phone couldn’t. As the watch can connect to the phone, there is the possibility of forwarding the sensor data through a Connect IQ app.
Correct, I asked which type of chipset the 920XT had in it from a BT standpoint (full or just sensor), and was sidestepped on an answer.
That sounds like it would work well, except for running dynamics. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the running dynamics you get with the Wahoo Tickr Run aren’t compatible with Garmin devices like the Garmin HRM strap. If you want that you’d need the Garmin specific HRM strap.
Correct, though, if Garmin were to open things up to a standard, then it would work out.
Do you think the Metronome feature could be added to the 620?
Sounds good at a first glance. I just wish they wouldn’t keep making these devices to ugly!
I totally agree! Both the 620/220 and now the 920xt offer those unbelievably ugly diamond patterns around the screen. Who came up with that? It feels like Garmin is the PT Cruiser of sports watches whereas Suunto is like an Audi :-)
Came here to say this. Garmin’s features sound great, but they’re trending uglier.
Agree. I am now torn between beautiful Polar V800 that are limited in terms of features and ugly 920xt – 1980s “digital watch” style with tons of features
Come on, if you are a Triathlete you’ll know that its form over function any day of the week.
But what is an Apple user triathlete to do? ;)
You say that now, but wait until it’s time to color coordinate your trisuit and aerobar tape.
NIce.
Hopefully the Metronome and a few other “software” features migrate to the 620 and Fenix range!
Very nice review, I’ve been waiting for this as an upgrade from the 910XT, the features look good in roundup and ConnectIQ Is a great addition.
I’m pleased that they didn’t largely mess with virtual racer and vibration based alerts.
Now to just find some availability in the UK.
Your photos make it look a lot sleeker and desirable than recent leaked pictures. I wonder how that shiny bezel will look after a bit of wear and tear. The 910xt starts off matte and remains matte when scuffed!
Thanks for the first look Ray – great overview (and already much more detailed than most reviews will be I expect!)
Quick question: Can this do smart notifications at the same time as connecting to ANT+ devices? Or is it one or the other like the Fenix2/SE
Yes, it allows for concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart usage.
What are the difference between Fenix2 and 920XT, any chart??
You can use the product comparison tool here to compare versions: link to dcrainmaker.com
On a more superficial point – I am a bit disappointed about the look of the watch – looks sort of cheap compared to the Fenix2 I think. I have got used to using my Fenix2 as a day to day watch and I rather like the look – pretty robust and solid looking and feeling, whereas this looks a bit plasticy in the photo’s.
Of course it may be very different in the flesh – what were your impressions on that Ray?
Cheers
Ian
It doesn’t quite have the same industrialized look as the Fenix lineup, no doubt. I do agree that perhaps offering a non-bright-colored version might have been good, but at the same time I understand why they do it from a marketing standpoint*.
Of course, it’s also a lot lighter than the Fenix2 (about 30 grams), so that’s a factor. But, it doesn’t feel cheap to me.
*Interestingly, it also made it easy to pick out in various beta testers pre-release Instagram photos over the past little while while they were just wearing it doing other stuff. Surprisingly, nobody picked up on any of those Instagram photos.
That’s quite funny – I will be on the lookout for Instragram hidden previews in the future!
Thanks for your quick response and comments!
Agreed, I like the look of the Fenix 2 better. The Fenix form factor just seems like a much heavier duty watch. I think a good bit of the extra weight is because it’s built like a tank. I’m happy with my Fenix 2 and like it that way for skiing and backpacking.
On the other hand…. I love the idea of the metronome in the 920. It’s funny they added that while simple running cadence alerts still doesn’t work in the Fenix 2! Clearly the two watches were created by different teams with different priorities.
With Garmin IQ, couldn’t an app theoretically implement Bluetooth sensors by using a phones BT connection to feed it directly to an app (not to the Garmin device)?
HR – BT Sensor–>iPhone App
GPS – Garmin 920xt–>iPhone App
App puts that data together? I’m assuming the part that wouldn’t work would be sending that data back to the watch, which would be an issue if you wanted live feedback, but at least you could review it after the fact.
Or is it explicitly prohibited in API to do something like that (by Garmin)?
Very interesting point, and absolutely valid. There’s no limitations I’m aware of there in the rules. Sweet idea!
After the announcement of the Basis Peak, I have dreams of using that as an optical HR sensor combined with GPS tracking from my Garmin 920xt.
(I don’t believe the Peak has been be said to rebroadcast HR via BT, but can’t a guy dream?)
V800 Killer?
troll ??
Just a sad long time polar user who was about to buy the V800. It seems 920 does all from start what V800 will eventually gain via updates, plus more. Plus for V800 is swimming and design. It seems difficult to pick V800 over 920…
Personally I can’t imagine wearing a 920 24/7, which renders the activity tracking and sleep monitoring useless.
otoh, gamin’s new-found willingness to integrate with 3rd party apps such as myfitnesspal, apple health, and strava are huge. I hope Polar gets more involved on this front.
Wait til you start hitting the nerve wracking Garmin bugs. Only thing keeping me on the Garmin side of the fence is that there’s no Ant+ based alternative that is worth looking at
I’m very much looking forward to your in-depth review of the FR 920XT – this looks to be an amazing improvement on my current Garmin, the FR 310XT, and I’m sooooo tempted to go out and get this despite the hefty price-tag!!
Really hoping that Strava takes a look at the new multisport pages that Garmin is working on for Connect… I think this is long overdue and would be a very welcome addition!
Now to decide on whether having the additional activity profiles for non-triathlon sports (in my case, snowboarding) is worth moving to the Ambit3…
Good point Nate – put another way, given the current way that Strava deals with Swims (in particular) – I shudder to think how these multi-sport datasets will be imported.
Given the importance of Garmin, though, perhaps Strava is working in the background on how to address this.
I, for one, would love to see The Sufferfest’s Chrysalis as ONE activity in Strava, not two (one bike, one run with a ton of multiple pieces). Heck in this model, you’d even get the transitions – how great is that?
Hi Ray!
Three questions:
-Have any map screen for navigation? Just a blank one with the track/route and waypoints, like the Fenix/Fenix2.
-Can I send wpt/route/track data to the 920XT from BaseCamp (or take a GPX file manually), or just from the Connect (by Connect’s route panner)?
-In 920 the ANT+ receiver can work parallel with Bluetooth (HRM+Livetracking), like in FR620, or I must select one, like in the Fenix2?
Thx!
nice report Ray.
one question, swim mode, 910xt had a lower limit of 20m for the pool, garmin swim had lower. what’s the story with the 920xt, for those of us with 17m pools?
The FR920XT has a swim limit of: 17-150M and 18-150Y. So, you’re pretty close.
Are there any real benefits over FR620 solely for running?
Not really. (Well, unless you are an ultra runner and need the significantly longer battery life)
Thx, Ray.
It still find mine FR620 an impressive kit. It would be nice they incorporate message notifications when connected via BT, but it’s no big deal.
Presumably the apps designed for Connect IQ could add functionality that could go above and beyond the 620.
Navigation and following courses. As a runner, I use these very often on my 910xt, Wouldn’t justify the investment on its own, but if you’re in the market for a new watch and trying to decide between a 620 and 920, it would certainly nudge me gently in the direction of the 920.
what gps-chip does it use?
Great review, thanks. Metronome is genius. Any reason they couldn’t add via firmware to some of the existing lineup?
Like most Garmin features you’re likely out of luck. They could have added drill mode to the 910, but chose to spend the time developing the feature into new revenue products (Garmin Swim, Fenix 2, now 920xt).
I can’t completely blame them for not adding neat new software features, but it would be nice to feel more cared for (at least in areas of bugs/problems in old devices) :)
How’d the screen do in bright sunlight?
Most of the photos here were taken on a painfully bright sunny day.
I’m I the only one who thinks the 920 screen looks smaller and not as easy to read than the 910’s?
Yep. From rough measures of the pics, it looks like the display area of the 920xt is about 20% less than the 910xt. Contrast and colors also affect readability, but for those with presbyopia the smaller screen size (and resulting smaller fonts) won’t be welcomed.
oops – I screwed up my measurements and it’s really a 35% area reduction. Final answer.
35%? Somehow I don’t think so.
It’s 29×21 mm rather than 33×20 mm. 3.3% area reduction. Final answer ;)
Penultimate answer? No, that means it has a 7.7% smaller area
You’re quite right. Think I must have put 22 instead of 21 into my calculator.
Anyway, the point stands that 35% is a huge exaggeration.
In the image “FR920XT-FR910XT-SizeComparison”, if you measure the grey display areas for an apples-apples comparison, you get 35% reduction. A bit less area reduction if you include black icon area on the 920xt. Comparing anything else for an area calc doesn’t seem apples-apples. The 3.3% area reduction calc below obviously incorporates bezel area which isn’t insightful.
I get similar answers as Izzy. For just the gray display area (the area you’ll look at while running etc – the area inside the case bezel, protective glass bezel and LCD display bezel), while zooming in on the same image and using a ruler on my PC screen:
910xt: 36.0 units x 23.0 units = 828 units^2
920xt: 30.3 x 18.7 = 566.6 units^2
(828-566.6)/828 = 31.6% display area reduction for time/pace/distance info
Adding in the toolbar area and top LCD bezel for the 920xt (although that’s essentially irrelevant while running etc and any bezel distorts the area comparison):
920xt = 30.3 x 22.3 = 675.7 units^2
(828-675.7)/828 = 18.4% display area reduction for all info (and probably more like 25% reduction if the top LCD bezel was ignored as it probably should, such that one only measured up to the top of the toolbar icons instead of the top of the LCD bezel).
For those that disagree, please show your assumptions and calcs at the same level of detail. It seems the key difference in the numbers posted so far is whether one includes bezel areas or not, and it seems more accurate to not include them.
If it helps…tomorrow morning I’ll break out my fancy measuring tool and measure both units screens (by break out, I mean I’ll spend tonight finding it first…).
Hi Ray,
Awesome preview, as usual!
Have you had a chance to swim with it yet? I’m curious about whether the addition of GLONASS will make it better at determining distance swum.
No, I should get a chance to swim with it (final prod unit) on Friday/weekend.
Can you help me understand how live tracking on the watch (connected to a phone) is an improvement over just live tracking from the phone itself?
It doesn’t drain the phone’s battery with GPS. Further, it adds in sensor data that the phone wouldn’t have.
As I understand the Fenix 2 does not allow for simultaneous BT and ANT+ use. Correct? So no Live Tracking and Lots of Data to your phone at the same time. Correct?
Correct. The 920XT doesn’t have such limitation.
Is this not eligible for the Clever Training discount? The coupon code didn’t work.
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
I appreciate the support!
Got it. Thanks for the reply and for all the great work you do. (Does your boss at your real job know you do this? ;) )
No problem, and yup, they’re very flexible and awesome. :)
I thought this was your real job and the other job was just the means to test all these products around the world ;)
Very cool. Can’t wait to get one!
It appears that with new features, this is intended to be worn all day. What is the battery life for this and how long does it take to fully recharge? Are there any advances in charging methods?
I talk about the battery life changes mid-way through this section: link to dcrainmaker.com
Probably would make sense to make those notes more visible…
so is hr recording enabled in pool./openwater swim modes? ie is there actually a HR field that you can display on the screen in the pool (then if you use a mio you will get a reading but not with the garmin strap). if so then that’s different to the 910 I think. can u clarify pls
HR is currently enabled in openwater mode, but not in pool mode. Though, neither mode permits you to add the HR field for either mode.
I’m optimistic it’s not a ‘bug’ that it’s enabled, so, I’ll be pressuring them a bit to both leave it, as well as let me add the HR data fields.
Disappointed not to see optical Hrm integrated, I wonder if given they have made it thinner than 910 that they might introduce a optical hrm version to sell alongside this one. I’ll be sticking with my 910 in the meantime with my mio link alongside. Screen look a bit smaller on the 920 too.
I was wondering if it’s be disappointed by having the fenix 2 over this but I feel like I still get the best of everything with the fenix. There is a definite battery life advantage to this watch but I love the other modes I get on the fenix 2 like skiing. Do you think I’m missing a bigger picture here? I just did Augusta with the fenix 2 and it performed great!
I can’t wait till a friend gets this one do i can drool on it!
Thanks for the great timely review. I’m actually glad that its just the 910++ so to speak – I’ve had mine since shortly after it came out and while other friends’ watches have come and gone the ol’ workhorse just keeps chugging.
I actually saw the Garmin announcement first and though, “Yeah, I’ll believe its out when Ray posts a …” and there your column was too. So that was fun.
One piece of feedback I’d love to see get back to Garmin if you agree with it – the new battery saving modes are great, and I’d be excited if the watch would slip into them automatically. When you’ve got 10% left switch to the ultra mode, and maybe when you hit 5% disable the GPS completely and go into long-life FR70-emulation mode. Especially with the built in motion tracker, I know I’d take accurate time with 99% accurate distance for hours over 10 more minutes of GPS use.
Thanks again for all the good work!
I am a bit disappointed to see the reappearance of the “status bar” at the top of the screen though. IMO it’d be far better to give all the important numbers that extra 10% of real estate – how often do you need to check mid-race that your HRM is paired (especially when you’re looking at your pulse in real time already). That was one change that the 910XT got very right.
Actually, the status bar disappears after a few seconds after you’ve touched a button.
Fantastic! Thanks for the update. Looks like this is a solid entry. Now I just have to decide if the fancy new running dynamics are worth $.5K – probably not. That’s the “downside” to the 910XT being made so darn well :)
Is the 920 excluded from you coupon code on Clever Training?
“Coupon code “DCR10WHP” is not valid.”
Nevermind. I saw your post above. Will look into the VIP program.
Thanks for the support Matthew!
“Next, there’s now the ability to group different activity trackers together to determine which data you want from which devices. ” – HORRAY! Hopefully this can be quite smart.
Also they continue to move in this direction, supporting the idea that I may have many of their devices. For example syncing my Virb with connect makes a TP activity per video and throws off my calorie count in MFP.
The trick to deal with this right now is to create a new dummy user in garmin connect for your virb. Then set up garmin express to synch the virb to this new account. That way you avoid duplicate data in your core garmin connect account. Garmin Express allows different user accounts for each device to synch to.
But I agree that it would be more convenient to designate this from within Garmin Connect.
Yup. Or, do what I do and just simply disassociate that in Garmin Connect altogether. Though, you’re solution of having a dummy VIRB account is sorta appealing…
This isn’t to say it can’t be made to work, but IMHO they should deal with this better. More so if they want to get into the social aspect of it. People shouldn’t need to connect with me multiple times if we are sharing all our “goings on”. And more so it should encourage normal/basic users to buy more of their stuff. After all, that is where their revenue comes from.
How do you group activity trackers. I’ve looked arround in the new garmin connect today and could not find anything that looked like that.
That could be a way to get my vivofit (HR from mio link) linked to my swim exercices with all the other metrics from my 910xt.
I see the option to ‘Set as Activity Tracker’ within Garmin Connect, but I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be more. I’ve asked for clarity.
I lost my first vivofit pretty quick (damn silly lock) and when i bought a replacement (and RoidID lock) i also had the option to select which one should be the active activity tracker. It might just be that
I usually wear my vivofit 24/7 and sometimes add the heartreat belt for activities. But for some activities like cycling or swimming i also use the 910xt and then have overlapping activites. For cycling i could just leave the vivofit in the car, but for swimming that is my way of getting hr.
I had just hoped for some functionality to group overlapping activities.
How did you get your HR with the vivofit ion your swim? I tried this once but was unsuccessful.
Just wear it on the same arm close together. Make sure the Mio Link is very tight and that you have it all wet before you start the exercise.
Yesterday I did a short swim before just playing/diving in the pool with the kids (my back still hurts a bit after a crash 14days ago)
link to endomondo.com
Except the drop between 3 and 4 minutes it looks pretty accurate. The drop halfways was expected as i switched from breathing every 4 stroke to every 3rd and lowered the speed a bit.
Garmin Connect has dropped my HR graph when i changed the exercise from other to swimming !!
link to connect.garmin.com
I both changed the distance and workout type at once – don’t know what triggered the removal of HR
I was of course also wearing my 910XT: link to connect.garmin.com
Would be interested in more detail on this if/when you have time. Curious how straightforward it is to switch between devices. Would it be something you do once, or able to do it daily?
Do the Enter and Back buttons also function as Start/Stop and Lap/Reset?
If they moved those buttons to the side, that’s a disappointment.
Side buttons are much ‘squishier’ and give less confidence/feedback of a successful push while on the go.
In my opinion, the 310 had the best hardware buttons of any of Garmin’s watches.
910’s are fine, but also squishy all around.
The Start/Stop buttons are on top (at the bottom), same with lap/reset. Check out the photos in the post.
Maybe I’m just confused by the labeling on the face of the watch?
Enter and Back are highlighted on the watch face, but the buttons below this only have symbols (which seem to imply the same Start/Stop and Lap/Reset functions as the 310 and 910).
I’m also confused by the circle symbol by the down arrow.
There we were hunting around and you already had one!
Thanks for the heads up on it. Looks good :)
No mention if it / the new garmin connect has the ability to customize data fields from the web? That is a feature that would be most welcome.
No it doesn’t unfortunately.
Does the existing 910xt heart rate strap can be used in 920xt? Likewise with the footpod and cadence sensor? Thanks
Yes to both. However, you just won’t get Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact time without the HRM-RUN.
Are the Running Dynamics only obtained from the HRM-RUN strap, or will it give you the same metrics with a footpod?
I assume something like the TICKR X won’t give Running Dynamics, but would it be possible to utilize Garmin IQ to make that happen?
The Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact Time are only from the HRM-RUN, whereas cadence is from anything (footpod, in-wrist itself, or HRM-RUN).
Correct on TICR-X not giving Running Dynamics. Connect IQ could partially bridge the gap, but I don’t think it would allow a 3rd party to write it to the specific VO/GCT fields, but rather a secondary field alongside (like ‘VOx/GCTx’).
TICKR X running dynamics are only available through BTLE, so this would have to be a convoluted solution through a phone.
Or Wahoo just transmits them via ANT+, something they’ve said they could/would do if a device/platform actually supported it.
Assuming it’s identical to the FR620, you’ll need the HRM-Run to get Running Dynamics.
Is Wahoo supporting ANT+ with running metrics really a possibility? Which do you think will happen first:
Wahoo supports Android for Running Smoothness, Wahoo pushes Running Smoothness data through ANT+, or Garmin supports BLE HRMs?
I have the TICKR RUN and would hate to buy another HRM, but want to see the running metrics. It looks if one is going to get the Garmin HRM you should buy it at the same time as the 920xt and save $50.
I think it’s actually none of the above. I think it’s that the Running Dynamics standard (Garmin only today) is opened up to be public ANT+, versus private ANT. Wahoo has noted numerous times that if that happened, they’d happily update. To be clear here though, this isn’t a Wahoo problem – it’s a Garmin problem/blocker.
I discussed that in my keynote last week as a core issue for ANT+ if they want to remain in business, due to the fact that people are doing exactly what Wahoo did – going to Bluetooth Smart. Same with RunScribe for advanced metrics. Based on some discussions, I think my point sunk in. It will hardly be overnight though.
I reupload a triathlon file from my Fenix 2 to see if I get the new Multisport mode on Garmin Connect but nothing has change, i get the same splitted segments as usual.
Anyone know how to get this new mode with previous multisport activities?
I don’t think it is live yet. I see this at the top of Garmin Connect (in modern mode) so I guess you have an hour or so to wait.
“Garmin Connect will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, 01-October-2014, 3:30 – 4:30 PM UTC (Wednesday, 01-October-2014, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT).”
Correct, it’s coming later today…
Great!! let see if they merge those splitted activities automatically or we need to reupload.
btw I just bought the Fenix 2 on Clever Training (using your promo code) last month, on the sale they had. I’m wondering if I made a mistake because the availability of the fr920xt now?
The only feature that I really miss is the daily activity monitoring, any chance that we get that on Fenix 2 via a firmware update? I do not think so but I had to ask :)
I don’t expect to see it on the Fenix2 due to issues with being a low-power mode there for activity tracking.
As for switching it out, Clever Training does have a 60 day return policy.
Oh, thanks for let me know about their return policy. It’s $150 difference between both (hrm bundle) but i’ll think about it, I have a few days left.
Great blog btw, thanks!!!
Ray,
Do you know if we’ll be able to retroactively link swim, run, and bike files into a “triathlon” file on GC?
I’ve been recording them independently using my FR620 and Edge500, would love to merge them all together if that is possible.
Does the new multisport mode on GC require you to use the Modern theme? I haven’t changed over yet but that could be the final push I need…
Yes, it’s only on Modern.
And to answer the question above – no, it’s only for newly uploaded activities coming from a single .FIT file in multisport mode.
You referenced the battery life for ultrarunners in an earlier comment. What is the reported battery life with 1 second recording? I assume the 40 hours mentioned in the review is based on the Smart Recording or UltraTrac mode?
24 hours at 1s.
That is excellent! Of course, I bought an Ambit 2 yesterday (seriously 12 hours ago!). Talk about poor timing. I may have to take advantage of the 60 day return policy as well as the primary reason for the Ambit 2 was the extended battery life! For the $130 difference is the 920 worth the differential? Seems like it may be with the extended feature set they added.
Thanks Ray!
Busy week!
I have been watching the Admiral and her Samsung Gear Fit and have decided I need Smart Notifications.
Can you expand on the functionality of the smart notifications? Maybe a screen shot. I know this is a fitness watch, but for day-to-day wear, this is a feature I have been looking at.
It basically (well on my iPhone at least) shows you your new notifications – e.g. those that appear on the home screen in standby mode.
You can scroll through them one at a time.
As soon as you read them on your phone, it clears them on the 920 so you can’t, for instance, “save” them.
Thanks for the pre-review Ray. So excited!
Does it have a barometric altimeter? The one in the FR910XT was terrible and failed for many people. In my case, just after the warranty had expired. And unfortunately the altitude field on the watch was tied to that instead of the GPS altimeter, so if the sensor failed in your unit, you were stuck with nothing!
Yes, barometric altimeter.
As a side note, the vast majority of people can simply fix their FR910XT altimeter issues by dunking the unit in a bowl of warm soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. If issues persist, grab a toothbrush and VERY GENTLY poke around the altimeter hole to clean it out. In most peoples cases, it’s just caused by salt/sweat buildup.
Obviously, I’ll be looking for any barometric altimeter issues in all my upcoming activities.
Great addition (huge benefit over the 620).
Does it record temp?
Good question. I was suprised to not see the Tempe on the list of sensors.
In the spec list on the Garmin site it says no to internal temp measuring and recording, and no mention of Tempe connection… Assume tempe can be added with Connect IQ but its a shame not to have temp on board, I use this quite a bit on my Fenix 2
Correct, no Tempe support, but one could definitely do it via Connect IQ.
As for internal temp not being there either, that is indeed correct – sorry for the confusion there, validate that just a bit ago with them (and updated my chart).
I did try that Ray, exactly as you described… and killed the 910XT (I brushed gently).
That experience alone (and the fact it happened one month after the warranty expired) left me very hesitant to shell out $500 for this watch.
How did they implement the barometric port? Same as in 910XT? Different place?
Great review Ray and thanks!
The altimeter ports on the 920XT appear to be on the top/face of the unit, in between the two buttons. I’m going to test it out using a simple scotch-tape test to see if that’s the right ones (versus audio ports).
Mmmm…I’ve been dunking my 910XT in warm water (about 28C / 82F) 45 min once a week, it doesn’t seem to help!;-)
Tonight also tried a bowl with warmer, soapy water, but it’s still desperately showing a constant 20,000m altitude.
Even if I would’ve really appreciated that Garmin issue a firmware that allowed to ignore barometric altitude, (so I’m a bit mad at them) I still think I’ll end up getting a 920XT. It has everything I had hoped it would have (except BT sensor support and a round screen!)… it’s just a tad pricey, we’ll see how long I resist!
Happy I picked up the 910XT in January of this year! The 920XT changes are ok, but not much about them is compelling to me. If they had managed to include optical heart rate sensor on the watch I’d be interested, because the chest strap is annoying. Guess we’ll wait two years for them to get to that. Meanwhile, Basis Peak is just announced and maybe they fixed their optical, Apple Watch will have that next year, as well as existing models from TomTom and others.
Bluetooth sensor support is missing, of course, because Garmin doesn’t use them in their own devices and I suspect they will stick with ANT+ as long as they can.
For Swimming, drill mode wold be nice to have but I would like indoor auto pause mode, which I think the Garmin Swim doesn’t have either but that was a feature on someone’s watch. I wonder if the Swim has any functionality the 920XT doesn’t have now? For that matter, if there will be a Swim successor.
I have been using a swim for over a year know, and from my understanding, with the addition of drill mode there is no Swim functionality left out of the 920xt.
I know it is to early to say this before you do your full review, but do you see the 920 becoming your new go-to watch over the 620 which is your current go-to watch? It seems to me that this has everything the 620 has & then some. I have the 620 & I love it, especially since they added the cycling feature. I will more than likely pick up a 920 before the start of next year’s tri season. I’m just wondering if it makes sense to keep the 620 as my regular running watch or if I ditch the 620 & go all in with the 920.
Also, with the size being comparable to the 620, better battery life, and the activity tracking feature, I could see this potentially replacing my Rolex as an every day watch if it wasn’t for the terrible two tone band. Any idea if they plan on releasing an all black band that would look better in a business setting?
Actually, I’ll probably stick with the FR620 for running post-review. I think it’s just that I primarily like smaller watches on my wrist for pure running. Perhaps I’ll change my mind, but we’ll see. For tri, I’ll likely go 920XT.
Thanks Ray. I have leaned towards Garmin sport specific watches up to now. Garmin Swim for my pool work. 620 for running. And I plan to get a 510 or 810 to pair with my new tri bike in a couple weeks. The 920 could combine them all into one unit. I think I really just need to see how it works & feels to know if I want to go all in with it as my swiss army device for all of those things.
Interval creation on the device – is it as powerful as the 910xt?
Appears to be the same from what I can see. I’ll have to transfer/build out a couple of my normal (complex) workouts to validate that though and verify no issues.
On a related matter, is it possible to edit the GC workouts on the watch as you can on the FR610 (not sure about the FR910) or is it impossible like on the FR620/Fenix?
Hi Ray
Thanks for the great write up. Looking forward to the full blown review and getting my hands on one of these.
A couple of questions:
1) Does the alert tone vary depending on if you are over or under target? i.e can you tell by the tone without looking?
2) Are there multiple Bike profiles or is this covered in activity profiles section? People complained that the Fenix 2 only has one bike profile meaning you have to re-pair sensors when you swap bikes.
3) The 620 has the option to set up to 2 custom data fields to display at each auto lap alert, something I find very useful. Can the 920 do this?
4) Does the 920 automatically switch itself to lower power mode after a period of inactivity, and if so how long? On the 620 you can set this to extended in the menu which is useful.
5) The Fenix 2 has the option to automatically turn on the backlight at the press of a button after sunset, a great battery saving idea. Does the 920?
6) Is there still the limit of 4 data screens per
Thanks in advance
Gary.
I’ll second the tone thing. I can’t tell with my 910xt or Edge 500 if I’m above or under the desired pace or power. I don’t know why they don’t use different tones.
2) There are effectively multiple bike profiles, due to the sensor pool. It’s more like the Edge 1000 where you save as many sensors as you want to the device and it simply connects to what turns on. If more than one conflicting sensor is on, it asks you which one to use. You can name the sensors as well
3) Yes, the FR920XT supports customizable lap banners (two fields)
4) Yes, same as FR620, you can set this to Normal or Extended. However, unlike the FR620, you an specify it per activity profile. So, if you want it for day to day activities then going with ‘Normal’ makes sense. But for a race start, you might want to choose extended, and thus could use/make an extended ‘Race’ activity profile.
5) I’m not entirely sure I understand, the backlight can be turned on via single press at any time via upper left button. You can specify how long to remain on (including forever).
6) Yes, for data fields per data screen.
On point 2, so they’ve removed the option like in the 310 where you selected bike 1, 2, or 3, and it just picks up what it needs to? Would be great if this also was added to the Fenix 2! I have a gsc10 on one bike, and the new separate cadence and speed/distance on another. But, if I have my gsc10 turned on in the F2 but ride the bike with the other sensors, I’ll get my cadence, but no speed or distance. But, the gsc10 will work perfectly. So I have to turn the gsc10 to Off within the F2 to get this to work.
Correct. No bike profiles like that anymore in the 920XT, it’s like free-love for sensors now.
I pushed for some sort of multi-bike support in the Fenix2 when I met with the team leads last week on it. We’ll see…
Another question about charging: can the unit be charged while an activity is running? I know that on the Fenix2 and some older models this works, but on the FR220/620, attempting to charge it while an activity is running causes the activity to stop.
No, at this time it acts like the FR220/FR620 unfortunately. I’ve asked for clarity why.
Thanks for checking. It made sense for the 220/620 (not intended for ultras) but it seems odd for their highest end running watch. Although, there probably isn’t a ton of use cases for more than 24 hours of 1s recording (where 40 hours of UltraTrac isn’t sufficient).
Look forward to hearing if it’s a chipset limitation or something that could be updated in a later firmware release.
didnt see this reply. it would be an odd chipset limitation. USB power control has been around for quite a long time. Its shouldn’t be difficult, hard, or expensive. As for 24+ activities. Depending on who you believe there is a rapid growth in ultra running. 100s are seeing great growth. Except for elite runners, most are in the 25-35hour time frame. So there is a market. Having a battery last would be great. but allowing a charge on the run is a solution. Example. I let my fenix drop to 34% battery. In just about 30min with a usb battery I was back up over 80% charge.
Ted,
I definitely agree on the rapid growth of ultra running, but I suppose my point was any activity that was over 24 hours should be okay using ultratrac for 40 hours, since you’d likely would be moving slow enough for the 15sec/60sec recording would be sufficient. And the amount of people doing 40+ hour events is likely extremely small (and they are either elites/pros or extreme enthusiasts who could probably own multiple watches or other workarounds).
Either way, I’m interested to find out if that gets changed in a future update.
Sounds great. Thank you for the pre-review!
I hope they will add the gps improvements also to the fenix 2 successor model.
I have no doubt they would, but that’s probably still 1.5 years away!! I’ve only had one issue with my Fenix 2 gps, doing part of a run in a national park and wow did it go haywire. Luckily that’s not something I do regularly. The same run 2 years ago with my 310xt was perfectly tracked.
Ray,
I suspect you may sidestep this one for now, but for those of us weighing the 920xt versus the v800, would I be correct in saying that Polar will really have to hit a home run with some of their forthcoming firmware updates for the v800 to be competitive (unless one is dead set on BLE, I guess)?
From a hardware standpoint, the V800 could pretty much do anything the FR920XT does. But, from a software standpoint they’re at this point miles apart (pure feature comparison).
Polar will really have to double-down on the V800 software and features over the winter. They’re making progress and have a clear timeline till end of year. But that really only puts them as competitive with the FR910XT/Fenix2, not the FR920XT. That said, I like what I’m seeing from the company in terms of changing some of their ways, so anything there is possible.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Ray. I am one of the first ppl to own a Polar V800 and for the last few months, waiting for Polar’s software updates is like watching paint dry. From a hardware (and future potential) point of view, V800 seems to have it all. But realistically, here the major drawbacks for me: lack of advanced power metrics (TSS, IF, NP etc), lack of swim metrics, lack of integration with 3rd party power meters (eg. Stages). I have never owned an equipment that is so “unfinished” before. Who knows when it will all be available? At this pace, I’m saying mid-2015 (if I’m lucky). I took my chances with the Polar V800 and I must say I am pretty disappointed. If I had to do it all over again, I would have waited for the Garmin 920XT.
Have there been any updates to the heart rate monitor? I am still having an issue where my 910XT reads or the strap sends bad data after a few months.
I depends on if you have an HRM3 made after July 2013, or one prior. If after, it should be pretty good as there were some changes made there to minimize spikes/drops.
I’m on my fourth HRM3, most recent is from this past July. What happens is when I start a workout the meter reads correctly but after about 20 minutes if starts reading very low and is inconsistent.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. I think I have had 3 HRM straps now and all end up doing the same thing as what you describe. After about 20 mins they just start reporting very low (like as low as 46 when I know I’m at least in LT/Zone 4).
I’ve sent straps back to garmin but the replacements do the same thing.
Contemplating the Scosche RHYTHM+ Armband as I’m also sick of having a pretty much constant red line across my chest.
Ray apart from no GCT & Vert Osc. data – would the Scosche work well with the 920?
Do you still like the Scosche as much as when you reviewed it?
Glad I’m not the only one. The Rhythm+ seems like a viable option.
Don’t be so sure. I have had the Scosche for a month or so and really, really want it to work well but in truth it has been very inconsistent whenever your arm is moving (which is always). I have found the HRM-Run chest strap (I use it with a 620) to be more consistent overall despite its faults. You should read the comments on Ray’s Scosche review if you haven’t already.
The Rhythm+ does work just fine with the FR920XT, and it carries with it the same limitations around vertical oscillation and ground contact time.
I don’t see any issues at all with the Scosche for me, though it sounds like some folks that are doing weight lifting where it appears to be more finicky, and/or George. ;)
I haven’t given up or thought about returning it! I’ll keep experimenting until I find out how to make it work on me. (Maybe my arms are too skinny/freckly.) So much nicer to wear than the chest strap. On the positive side, I have worn it while sleeping to get my absolute lowest resting pulse and it worked great for that (and the battery lasted eight hours as advertised).
I’m kind of stuck because my Garmin straps keep failing, although I haven’t used the HRM-Run since I have a 910XT. Is the HRM-Run an improvement in the reliability department? What other options are there that are more reliable than the Garmin HRM Strap?
It depends on how old your existing strap is. If it was made prior to July 2013, then there’s a fairly big difference. If not, then it’ll be pretty similar.
Note that if you bought a unit in the 5-6 months afterwards, it can be tricky, because it could be old stock. There’s unfortunately zero method of telling which ones have older firmware vs newer firmware, and there’s no way to update older ones.
I got a replacement HRM strap sent out from garmin a few months back. Would I be able to tell what version it is from the retail box it came in?
No, unfortunately there’s no visual difference either on the box or the strap (I’ve inspected both carefully, and confirmed with Garmin). Kinda annoying.
Like I said previously, I have had mine replaced 3 times by Garmin and I bought a new one this July because I had another failure. That strap started acting up a couple of weeks ago so I’m concerned about the reliability.
That’s downright stupid. So not even garmin support staff would know if they were sending out a new one?
Well, they would know because Garmin is only sending out new straps these days (and for about the last year). Where you might have gotten in ‘trouble’ is if you had bought from a retail outlet that had low sales throughput, where a unit could have sat on the shelf for many months, meaning you’d have old inventory.
Sorry Ray I probably should of clarified that I’m in Australia. Garmin sent out a replacement HRM strap a few months ago, which is doing exactly the same thing as the original one.
I would like to think Garmin Aust. would only send out the newest version of the HRM, but my issue is that, without them labeling them in some way – you really don’t know.
I’ll head over to the Scosche review and have a look at other peoples thoughts
Does the skiing mode from Fenix 2 or 910XT will be still available in this new 920XT ?
No, you can create a profile with skis/snowboard, but it doesn’t have the chairlift function.
Do you have any pics on your wrist? so we can get a relative size indication? Also, do you have any pics next to the 620 face up on the wrist to see how much bigger it is?
I never liked the large tri watches for biking and running, but if its small like the 620 (or my current 220) then I may be sold
Sure, just added some wrist pics in. Within the first section, here towards the bottom of that section: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks for the preview, is there a typo in there or am I not reading it right ? : “The watch mode is now accessible 24×7 in non-GPS mode for 33 days without having to re-charge the battery. And if you have activity monitoring and smart notifications enabled, it’s about 30 days of battery (1 month). If you turn off activity tracking, you’ll get 4 months in straight watch-only mode.” Is it 33 days or 4 months in watch only mode?
Sorry, I probably have confusing wording:
Watch-only mode with activity tracking & activity alerts enabled: 30 days
Watch-only mode with activity tracking enabled: 33 days
Watch-only mod with neither of the above enabled: 4 months
And as for battery:
GPS-on at 1-second rate: 24 hours
GPS-on at variable UltraTrac rate: Up to 40 hours.
Enjoy!
Thanks for clarifying, impressive battery life indeed!
Are the first two modes reversed? It seems that having both activity tracking and alerts enabled should reduce the battery life – thus, 33 days for tracking, 30 days for tracking and alerts.
Indeed. Tweaked. Thanks!
How has the battery life been with the smart notifications on?
Ηello from Greece!
Polar V800 vs 620XT ?
So what will be the next unit after this? Maybe a new small size Edge for cyclists?
It’s too bad this too has no ant+ fitness equipment support – I added a transmitter to my TM last year with my 910 and miss that ability.
” no ant+ fitness equipment support”
I missed that comment in my first read through! I use the 910XT with a Concept2 rower and quite enjoy that feature. Seems silly not to have that carry over to the 920XT.
This can be enabled through Garmin IQ (via app development). So, it’s probably just a matter of time before this works.
Yes I was thinking along the same lines – maybe Concept2 should take up the challenge!
I too was surprised and disappointed by this change for the exact same reason.
With regards to the multisport activity profile on GC, will it be possible to create that with separate activity files for the swim, bike, and run?
No, the point of that profile is to keep it in one file. If however you were not bothered about transitions you could just say do a bike, save it and switch over to running etc etc
Great review and thank you for releasing this in perfect timing. The Edge 1000 does “Segments” in real time when cycling so you can race against yourself in a specific section, does the 920 also do this or will that feature stay specific to the Edge?
Not at this time in realtime, only afterwards in GC.
How about the log length? I have had problems with the Fenix 2, too short.
How long does log last?
Hi Ray, great review as always. Any idea if the 920 supports the Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness metrics from the Vector? I am going to be quite annoyed if Garmin supports those in the 920, but not the 910. Thank you.
Yes, both metrics come through to the FR920XT.
To be fair, they actually added support for many of the base Vector metrics to the FR910XT well after any other updates had been made to the unit. Said differently, they support Vector far better than any other unit on the market by any company made in October 2011.
Stages powermeter provides these metrics too. Does 920 display them ?
Yes.
@DC Rainmaker you prefer the V800 or the FX920XT?
Ray, thanks for the write up. Your coupon code is not working on Clever, for the 920.
Is training effect specific to running only or is it displayed for other activities, too?
Hi Chris-
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
I appreciate the support!
Thanks Ray, I just wanted to make sure you got credit for it.
maybe an ignorant question, What is GLONASS?
GLONASS is the Russian equivalent to GPS. Similarly, China is building up Beidou and Europe Galileo.
David, tell me you don’t honestly believe what you just wrote.
I’m intrigued. What do you feel is so wrong about what he wrote?
Me too. The way I understand things, the statement is perfectly correct.
Looks good but as just a runner not quite for me. I would love a FR630… FR620 with daily activity tracking, smart phone notifications, connect iq, and gps accuracy improvements. Next year maybe?
@Ben, i recently got a 620 and like it but notice that the PACE is really just not accurate at all, and only seems to change in :05 increments. my 920xt is dead on, to the 0:01. have you had the same experience?
Thanks for the preview Ray. What are your thoughts on some of the new functionality making its way down to the 620 and Fenix2? While I can see something like Metronome being held back for future iterations of Garmin watches (purely from a marketing standpoint a la Apple), what about VO2 for the bike?
VO2 for biking needs a power meter so that’s highly unlikely to happen on a existing runner’s watch like the 620.
Would it be possible to control other devices (such as GoPro Camera) through Wi-Fi + Connect IQ app?
Hmm, not via WiFi directly, but potentially someone could go Connect IQ to a phone app which in turn goes WiFi to a GoPro. Potentially…
Days ago I bought a Fenix 2. And it’s all right, I got it because it seemed to be a good combo of the FR910xt and the FR620. Basically a 620 with breadcrumb courses is what I want.
Now I wonder if I should return it and go in for the 920. How would you compare the FR920xt to the Fenix 2?
Jeremy, I got my F2 a week ago… what I really will put in F2 that the new FR920xt has is the activity tracker… the other mayor features are made by de F2… I really don’t care about the fancy color screen… Swim and running Metrics are the same… VO2 max on cycling is new…
I will keep my F2… I don’t want to wait until november…
Thanks Bernardo,
Yeah, there is a ton of crossover. I do like the Fenix 2. It was between the F2, the FR910xt and the FR620.
I care not for the snowboarding, hiking, etc stuff. So I’m leaning toward the FR920xt is what I was really after, I just purchased a week too early.
Same goes for me. Purchased F2 few days back now leaning towards 920XT. I think hiking and other outdoor activities can be implemented via Connect IQ later.
how waterproof is this Ray? I’m guessing only 50m – par for the course for these watches – would be pleasantly surprised if it matched the Ambit 2 at 100m
50m. Though, I’ve yet to hear of anyone actually killing a tri watch with 50m waterproofing in any conditions (I’ve gone diving with them too).
Generally speaking, almost all water related deaths I’ve heard of or seen have come from either initial manufacturing issues, or someone dropping it glass-down on concrete along the way and thus damaging the waterproofing seal.
Does this require a specific HRM strap, or will our existing strap work with it?
Any ANT+ strap works with it, but only the HRM-RUN for Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact Time.
“25 years of innovation” So where’s the heart rate belt like Suunto?
I liked the 610 and 910 more. The 620 and 920 look like cheap plastic watches.Luckily the fenix2 is a good alternative… :)
Thank you for a great preview. I know I said I’d never order a Garmin device immediately upon release, but I already ordered it through Clever Training. This seems like a solid upgrade from the 910xt and will allow me to consolidate my 910xt and vivofit. Awesome!
One question, you said the screen shows real colors. So would you consider it better then the 620 screen?
Olu, you gave up on the fenix2! Me too….this does seem like a great watch that ticks all the boxes for me.
Yes, definitely more colorful than the FR620 screen (which I didn’t find terribly colorful, despite the PR images otherwise).
That’s nice to here. Thanks for responding. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to keep these things quiet! @Gunnar, yes returned to fenix2 units, but I’m expecting a nice couple of years with the 920xt!
The 920xt seems to use the same backing as the 610fr, which might be troubling as my wife’s 610 backing has been rubbing off causing skin irritation. This is only from perspiration from running as I can’t imagine what swimming will do to the backing. Thoughts?
It’s different. The FR610 backing thing was resolved years ago, due to a material actually applied to the backing. If you’re wife is still seeing the issue, she can call Garmin Support and they’ll swap it out for a model that doesn’t have that issue.
Good to know, thank you. I guess I will be giving these a try when they’re available. I’m in the midst of getting the 610 replaced.
Hi, A quick silly question: since this is finally a watch, does it show date? Why I am asking is because its predecessor 910XT does not show date as it is not supposed to be a ‘watch’. :)
Yes, you can see images of that home screen with the date/day in this section: link to dcrainmaker.com
So, WiFi upload. I presume you might be able to use your phones wifi hotspot as a way to upload?
I’m hoping this is the case, because my experience with bluetooth upload with past Garmin products (Edge 810, fenix2) were spotty at best with my iPhone and not working at all with my Sony Xperia android phone.
My fenix is moody with my Moto G Android phone, but will usually work eventually if you unpair and repair it.
My 620, on the other hand, generally Just Works with the same phone. So that side of things may be better than you fear.
Correct, will work fine with any WiFi hotspot where you it doesn’t prompt you for a ‘I Agree’ type box (such as Starbucks). So ones from your home, phone, etc… are all fine.
Thanks Dom. Glad to know the 620 works well with Android. Hopefully that does translate over to the 920XT
For someone owning an Iphone 4 (with an old Bluetooth technology version which doesn’t work on most (all ?) of watches), you mean that I would be able to upload with the WiFi of my old Iphone 4 ?
Yes, you could definitely use the WiFi hotspot on older phones.
Wait, trying to get a clear answer here… Does the metronome do vibration? And can you set it to vibrate only with no beep?
Yes and yes.
Thanks for this post! I just ordered the 910XT tri bundle and will be returning it while I wait for this! any ETA from Garmin?
Oh, and something else… Is there no bike mount for it? Does it pop off the band to be used as a bike computer?
hi
ray said he is going to try a bike mount also, so there is a bike mount planned. I hope it will be more solid and consistent than the fixation of the 910XT, some triathletes have lost it during the swim with the multisport quick release !
There’s a quick release kit, which matches the Garmin Edge quarter-turn mounts that everyone uses.
It matches the Edge mounts (left-right tabs), not the Forerunner mounts (fore-aft tabs)? So we’ll be able to use an Edge without rotating the mount or getting a Barfly?
I’ll have better clarity on that when it comes in. However, at present it seems to match the 310/910XT quick release tabs with up/down tabs. The reason being that it would otherwise block the charging ports.
Great pre-review. Looking for something to replace my Global Trainer – has a leak and water gets inside. Also time for a hardware upgrade and this seems like a good solution.
What I liked about the TGT was that I could configure the watch (data and screens) from the Timex utility that was provided. Does the 920xt provide that option as well?
No, only device only (like all other Garmin watches except the Vivofit/Vivosmart).
OK. Can’t believe I’m the first to mention this….but where is the tempe pod support? I guess that can be developed by a third party?
Correct, not supported natively.
Ray, I was looking through your pre-reviewagain and I noticed how pretty the pictures are.
The one one at the beginning of the section DAILY ACTIVITY MONITORING & REGULAR WATCH MODE is just beautiful: with the (Kananaskis?) trees in foliage, the mountain and the trail on the background. Garmin won’t need a marketing team anymore :D
Thanks for putting so much care in your posts. Tell the Girl that at least your time not with her is not going wasted :D
Yup, I love that area for product shots. I did many of the Polar M400 and Suunto Ambit3 review shots up there. Wish I had something like that so easily accessible here!
Ray,
Great write up on a product many of us triathletes were looking forward to.
How is the visibility of the screen in sunlight during your run, etc. ? Versus the fenix2?
Would you upgrade from the fenix2 for another $50?
I imagine someone can write apps to track snowboarding, hiking, etc on the 920
I find the FR920XT screen far easier to read than the Fenix2. Generally speaking if I were buying a new device and deciding between the Fenix2 and FR920XT, I’d go FR920XT, but again, I don’t have as much a dependency on things like Skiboard mode, and some of the other hiking related features found in the Fenix2.
Hi Ray,
Is the 10% DCR10WHP suppose to work? It’s not the case right now.
Thx,
Steph
look at reply #203
Hi Stephane-
Due to manufacture requirements, you’ll need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP Program for the FR920XT, but you’ll still save 10%. It only takes a second and helps support Girls On The Run as well. Details: link to dcrainmaker.com
I appreciate the support!
Ray,
My biggest complaint with the Fenix 2 (other than the inverted screen) is that I can’t record HR while using the bluetooth smart notifications. Can this provide Bluetooth Smart Notifications while also running and recording heart rate? The obvious reason is so I can see who is calling during my runs without getting my phone out.
Thanks!
Yes it can. It can do concurrent ANT+ and BT, similar to 220/620 chipset. See this section: link to dcrainmaker.com
It seems Suunto has a problem.
(As a Suunto Ambit 1 damnified)…
Are we able to retroactively link the individual activities for past triathlon races in Garmin Connect to obtain the consolidated view?
No, you’ll need to just re-upload the file. For the FR310XT/910Xt, those files are sitting on your computer. For the Fenix2, they’re sitting there.
Hopeuflly the 920XT will help encourage Suunto to add better activity tracking support to the Ambit 3.
I really like the new size of the 920XT. Does it feel ok wearing as a day to day watch or is it awkward?
+1 on this Brent.I own an Ambit3, and the activity tracker is totally useless as of today. No step counting, nothing on Movescount.I still have my Fitbit One under my pants belt.Just hoping that Mr Suunto will include the steps counting in a future firmware…..
Ugh frustrating. .I literally have a Fenix2 on hold to pick up today.
A few questions that would help a great deal!
The 920 out of the box works seamlessly w both Ios and Android? I really wanted text over the phone and would have to wait for a future update on the Fexix2 for Android support.
I am looking for a watch for tri specific work..would you and would like to start training w one asap as my wife and I are doing the Miami half in a few weeks.
W that said in your opinion would it be worth a long delay waiting for the 920 to be available?
Gotta say I still am not fond of the mini toaster over look. .lol
Thanks for helping man!
Walt
Yes, out of the box with both Android/iOS.
Do you think that we will see Cycling VO2Max in Garmin Edge devices in the future also? (I’m hoping for that in next Garmin Edge 810 FW update).
+1
Couldn’t they have made the screen bigger and gotten rid of some of the “dead space” around the screen?
Likely $$ and Battery Life. The screen component would cost more, also require more processing power for higher resolution, so possibly needing a more powerful chipset (speculation on the second part).
Battery life would also be decreased as the screen size grew. 24 hours (40 on ultratrac) is pretty darn good and great upsell to current 910xt owners with 18-20 hours. The screen sizes are approximately the same 910xt = 33x20mm (660mm2) and 920xt = 29x21mm (609mm2) — so about 10% smaller.
I wasn’t trying to complain about it…just an observation. Sort of like what Timex did with their TRT 2.0 and that “GPS” label along the side.
More than likely what is behind that “dead space” are the GPS antennas, accelerometers, battery, etc. They are packing a lot into a small device & the screen is only a small piece of it.
Even most smartphones have to have borders.
I always top up my 620 charge on the USB after each run which allows the sync with Garmin Connect to happen without WiFi or Ant+ (well, without the hardware dongle). Will this still be the case?
I would have thought the Glonass support would be a real biggie. Adding Glonass next to GPS should improve accuracy markedly and reduce track “bounce” as there are effectively 50 odd satellites to lock on to rather than the 24(ish) of GPS alone.
It looks great, although I use a Mio for HR as the Garmin HRM rips a hole in my chest over long runs, so I will continue to miss out on vert osc and ground contact. Small price to pay! I put the MIO on the same wrist as the 620 and it works in the water quite happily.
thanks for your effort. I looked for Garmin at the Berlin Marathon expo (HUGE) hoping to see the 920 but no Garmin at all. Any reason?
cheers
Stephen (Billywillinga, Australia)
Stephen – Have you tried a band aid on your HRM chest strap? I too got a nasty rash in the middle of my chest, till I tried this. I learned this from DC rainmaker. Have a look on this website for more info. Works a treat,no more nasty red itchy marks and surprisingly the band aid still looks great after several machine washes.
Re Berlin – I think it might have just been too early. Will probably be a few units at the Chicago Expo, and probably even more at NYC next month – Probu N America is the most important market for Garmin.
Hi Brian
yep, tried the bandaid as recommended by DC but still a nice divot at the end of long runs. Perhaps my chest topology is a bit bony :)
Thought as much for Berlin, but have ordered one regardless.
Still interested if the addition of GLONASS will actually improve accuracy or will it be “either/or” and therefore no change to accuracy?
cheers
Stephen
Billywillinga
This looks perfect for me. I had quite a few issues with the Fenix 2 and despite the occasional backpacking trip, I don’t think the additional hiking features were totally necessary.
I’m interested in the additional GPS accuracy. What does GLONASS do or mean? Does anyone know? If it’s so helpful why would it be something that turns on and off rather than just always on?
More satellites give you better location accuracy, let you regain lock more quickly after going through a tunnel, and give better performance in urban canyons or on a mountainside.
On the other hand, if you’re running across a flat open plain, the extra satellites won’t give you significantly more accuracy, so no real need to keep it turned on. I have seen specs that show GPS+GLONASS chips need more power than equivalent GPS-only chips, but I don’t know whether a GPS+GLONASS chip which was only using GPS satellites would use less power in that mode; it may be that you take a battery life hit by using GLONASS.
Oh, and GLONASS is the Russian satellite navigation system which you can use in parallel with GPS.
Thanks. That’s very helpful. I had the Fenix 2, but kept having satellite issues. Maybe it was a bad unit, but I’m hoping this extra layer will make a difference. Looks like a great watch.
Probably not a bad unit unless there are many bad units, including mine out there :(
GLONASS (as I understand it) kicks in when the chipset does not find enough GPS-satellites to lock on to. I’ve done some testing on my phone (which supports GLONASS) and it usually locks on to 9 GPS satellites and 3 GLONASS. I am hoping that better designed antenna and the addition of GLONASS will make a big difference but I will defnitely wait for this to be tested before I decide.
I returned the fenix(2nd one) and was going to use my phone and a heart rate monitor, but it really isn’t any better and just a bunch of issues with that. It seems like the tri watch is very established and even if there are some issues to start that they’ll be worked out.
Currently using the 310xt with limited power output display. Specifications for the 920XT don’t mention much regarding potential power meter functionality other than it ‘supports it.’
Any information on live recording/displaying of Intensity Factor, TSS, etc. display or any of the other heavy hitter power meter readings?
It carries through all those functions from the 910XT, so they’re all there.
What about VI (variability index) ? Any idea why it’s not available anywere? It’s a simple divison, but very useful for IM pacing.
I guess you could develop what would be the simplest app for it
Awesome. Thanks!
Internal temp sensor (i.e. Edge series or Fenix), Tempe support?
Internal only, not external.
“Temperature (displays and records temperature while you ride) :No”
From the Garmin web page. Bummer they couldn’t utilize internal temperature.
“… as well as now shows cumulative lap times.”
Finally!
Any change in tracking PRs within longer activities?
The unit tracks PR’s, do you mean something different?
Are the holes on the sides between the buttons and on the face between the buttons cosmetic, or do they serve a purpose? I’m curious how they can have those openings and still have the watch be waterproof.
Appears to be the barometric altimeter, having it up there is a better spot than below the back (current 910XT design).
Ray,
Quick question as I’m planning on getting this device. Does the indoor swim mode work like the Garmin Swim I’ll be replacing? By that I mean it uses an accelerometer to determine “laps” due to the speed increase of kicking off the wall? Will I loose any features in the 920 that I have had with the Garmin Swim?
I’ve got a Garmin Swim and a Forerunner 220. Curious what I’d be loosing functionality wise that would hinder my training moving to a 920XT
Yes, identical to that of Garmin swim. No loss of features in 920XT over Garmin Swim (only gains).
Thanks for taking the time to respond! Looks like it’s time to sell the old Forerunner 220 and Swim devices haha
this may be a silly question, but as i use a finis tempo trainer (swimming metronome) when doing my swimming intervals, are you able to use the metronome in the 920xt when swimming to stick to a particular pace? ps, awesome review DC!!
Hi Ray,
Does it mean that 920XT is able to set the swimming pool size under 20mts or establish the 33 1/3 mts as in the Garmin swim?
This is one of the huge drawbacks of the 910xt and Garmin support states its not in the roadmap to provide an update. How can you spend such money in a top gadget and don’t get updates?
BTW thanks for your reviews. You changed the way I do sports. Discovered the 910xt and the Finus Neptune…which makes swimming a pleasure. Keep the great work!
Correct, it can go to 17m-150m/18y-150y.
Thanks!
Ray, please compare navigation against Fenix 2. What are we missing apart from no maps upload to 920XT? Can you still upload routes? The Garmin site says no , but if i understood your preview correctly it is still possible, please confirm.
Correct, no map upload as far as I know. I’ll do some poking though.
Thanks for you’re always top-notch reviews.
Is a music app such as Spotify possible?
Definitely, at least for control. That would require someone to leverage the Spotify API/SDK in concert with Garmin Connect IQ.
Again, no music from the 920XT itself (just to clarify for others), but in theory control might be possible assuming no specific blocking issues.
Wait… headphone jack? Or would the music be the 4-bit tones? [confused]
No, Bluetooth headphones from phone, control via the 920XT with a to be built/imaginary 3rd party app.
Too much complication to still carry the phone anyway…
Ability to create custom swim workouts (besides the Drill/Interval feature)?
No, not at this point.
Hi Ray,
great contents as usual.
Can you be more specific on the matter please?
Always on the swim side can the metronome function be activated in lap swimming and open water mode?
Thanks in advance
Luca
As in you can’t go onto Garmin Connect and create a swim workout to transfer back to the device like you can for running/cycling.
The metronome is not available in the swim modes. I’ll ask why.
I’m also interested on having the metronome feature enabled on the swim modes–this will help a lot in training my stroke rate.
Ray, the 910XT’s “Courses” feature remains horribly broken with Garmin refusing to fix it after years. The screen could not draw the course fast enough, and the unit will ultimately lock up and/or shut itself off. This is a widely reported problem on the Garmin Forums, but their staff have never acknowledged it. I am shocked that they included this feature on the 920XT after failing to do it correct on the previous model.
Please take some extra time to validate that this feature works as advertised for your full review.
Yup, it’s an area I’ll be looking at very closely.
Ray
I’m in the UK, can i still order via Clever Training and get the 920 shipped to the UK when it becomes available?
I realise i’ll have the wrong power connector and have to pay extra shipping but the UK Garmin site does not even have pre-order, it just says ‘Available Qtr 4 2014’
Based on the above Is it likely that all back orders in the US will get cleared before the unit becomes available in the UK?
Just a note on screen size, you say it’s about the same as the 910 but looking at your photo it’s noticeably smaller. Checking the specs confirms this, roughly ~9% smaller.
Sorry if this it nitpicking but for someone with issues reading small print etc.. the trend towards smaller displays (even if they’re sharper) isn’t so great.
What do you mean no small ponies?! Dealbreaker!Bad Garmin!Bad!
Hey Ray, any thoughts on what will happen to the price of the 910xt? Right now there is only a $50 difference between the the 920 & 910.
Typically speaking you see it teeter a bit, and then slowly get pulled off of MAP (Minimum Advertised Price), at which point retailers can sell it for anything they’d like. So my guess is you might see $299US soon (910XT), and then perhaps by Christmas once FR920XT catches up in stock, you’ll see them pull it off MAP, at which point I’d suspect that it might drop to the low 200’s, around the price of the Ambit2S at $220US. Of course, just my guess following past patterns.
This is a great review! Thank you!!
Do you know if with the fact that the 920 has a lot of the 910 and Vivofit capabilities, if the GarminConnect or the 910 would get better about painting the full picture? I have both the 910 and Vivofit and the data gathered from each seems to be kept disparate.
I have such small wrists, wearing the 920 on a daily/nightly basis, especially in the corporate world, is not comfortable and not always an option. The Vivofit is super comfortable and with all the different colored bands, I can usually coordinate it with my work attire. Also if Garmin will start making more fashion friendly bands as some of the other fitbit makers have.
Yes, that’s the specific goal of the item I discuss in the Garmin Connect changes section, where you can choose which data comes from what device. My understanding is that’s being rolled out today.
Until they find a way to collect heart rate information without the use of that gangly strap thing, I’m not in the market. Intel’s Basis watch is getting close, but functionality and size-wise, is also out of the picture.
If that is important you could also buy a wrist HR (I have a Mio) and pair it to the 920.
I am not convinced those non “strap thngs” work as well yet and anyway they seem to lack ability to record R-R HR data meaning that a lot of features like recovery advisor and even calories won’t work properly.
Great specs…I was almost set on the Ambit 3 but this is definitely interesting….Apart from swimming and cycling, I’m looking for a watch to use for Cross country skiing. Which of these two watches would you feel would best cope with the needs of this sport? Perhaps the GPS accuracy is the most distinguishing feature there?
In terms of build, how does the 920XT shape up to the Ambit3?
Many thanks for all this great info…..
I have another 910XT bug that I would like for you to test. See if the per-lap stoke information is correct when doing an Open Water Swim, with Auto-Lap enabled. I often set the auto-lap for 500m, then go swim 2000-3000 meters (turning around every 500 meters so I don’t get too far from my starting point). But my strokes per lap are wrong for every lap but the first. I first reported this to Garmin in October 2012. They keep insisting they cannot duplicate the problem. (I actually just talked with them yesterday).
Ray, if possible, could you enable auto-lap on your next open water swim to test this?
– Thanks
NEED, that is all!
please don’t give this a bad review when you do the full test, I love my 910 and will most defiantly be upgrading to this unless you s;ate it. If that happens i dont know what i will do.
You said that the daily activity monitor tracks daily steps, step goals, distance walked, calories burned, and sleep. What about cycling, time seated, time stand up? something like the polar V800 activity tracker capabilities?
No, those aren’t in the lineup today from Garmin. I’d expect if they added that, it’d probably be across the board to all Vivo-capable products (i.e. Vivofit, Vivosmart, FR920XT, FR15, etc…).
I like the size and weight. The factor preventing me from getting tri specific watches has always been that the watch oddly too big. I have the FR220 and it looks not much bigger.
I’m not that excited about the color choices though. Would have liked something without color like the 910xt, just simple and elegant. It would be a shame if Garmin marketers start to go the way of running shoe design.
Looking forward to the in-depth review.
Since the 920 is not touchscreen, is the screen made of glass (not likely), hardened plastic (hopeful), or pliable plastic like the 620?
My 620 screen has gotten several deep scratches because the plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass or hardened plastic.
Feels like the same material as the FR620 screen.
Thanks for the review!
Does the 920xt give options for custom pool lengths greater than 100m?
Yes: 17-150m/18-150y
Thank you!
Excellent news Ray.
Do you know if it brings the option to swim in pools of 33 1/3mts as in the Garmin Swim?
BTW bit surprised that Garmin support states there is no planned updates to allow the 910xt to configure swimming pools under 20mts… Will have to think moving to the new one…
Yes, it supports 33 1/3m, which, also happens to be my pool size. It’s one of the default selectable values, plus you have all the custom ones.
Is the rest mode for swimming automatic (like the finis swimsense) or do you manually have to press a button for rest in between intervals.
oh I am going to want to see the Google analytics of this post after a month… I saw the email from Garmin and came right here since we all knew you had one :-)
I do have a question on the Di2 integration… you indicated it is not there, any word if this is planned?
To your post on the EDGE 1000 I am really interested in this comment you had in your review “Ultimately, the real interest here for many, specifically time-trialists and triathletes, is the ability to have a set wattage (perhaps from a pre-defined race plan) and for the gearing to automatically maintain the correct/optimal gearing based on that plan.” this seems to be the killer app for a power meter for me and would drive me to get both the power meter and a 920…oh and a new bike.
They’re a bit mum on Di2, but it sounds like they’re open to feedback there. I’d prefer them just collect the data for now, and sort out the display aspects later. Some cool 3rd party sites with that data.
As for the automated gearing…hang tight. ;)
I am a huge fan of the DCR hint that is part “guys, stop asking” and part “something cool is coming down the pipeline”
Hi Ray. Is the older bike/cadence sensor used for the 910xt compatible with the 920xt? I gathered from your review the answer is yes, yet the Garmin site shows a new sensor with the old one not showing on the list of compatible accessories. Thanks for your reviews!!!
Yes, fully compatible with that sensor (that’s considered a combo sensor).
Thanks for the great review!
When you do the full review, I would be curious to know how fast the track drawing is compared to the 910XT. If I’m on a really long trail run, I find that the track mode can be so slow on the 910XT as to be almost useless. I’d really like to know if it’s faster on the 920XT.
The loading of a map can take a few seconds (you’ll see in the video I’ll be posting), but once loaded the re-draw when zooming in/out is instant.
I have the 910 and use the quick release. Will that work on this new version? Or will I need a new QR?
My understanding is new quick release.
Hi Ray,
Maybe you have an answer to this. I’ve tried contacting Garmin through their forums, Facebook and Twitter.
Garmin Connect updated on iOS 8 for HealthKit support, however there doesn’t actually seem to be any. Do you know if all activities on GC will transfer to HealthKit (e.g., a run or cycle recorded on my 310xt) or only those that can be transferred directly onto the iPhone?
Thanks! I love your reviews and appreciate all of the hard work you do!
No, it’s at this point just Vivo related details, such as steps/sleep/etc… So only those directly from the iPhone.
As the Wahoo Fitness guys noted, the Health Kit API’s are evolving on a near daily basis, so companies are kinda trying to react in real time. I think it’s promising that Garmin was putting something in Health Kit in the first week of it opening up (or, attempting to anyway). I suspect that’s just the beginning as they and others get their bearings.
I’ve only got Active calories, Steps, Walking+Running Distance transferring to Health Kit at the moment. No sleep or cycling distance.
Correct. This post a short bit ago from the Garmin Connect team explains their current/future Health Kit integration plans: link to forums.garmin.com
From Fenix2 only changes are Cycling VO2 and Wi-Fi connectivity with less battery. This unit is over priced than F2. It seems unjustifiable. Color screen is a feature that’s not desired in multi field display watches under bright sun while wearing sunglasses.
…and…
Daily activity tracker (Steps/Sleep/etc…)
Concurent ANT+/Bluetooth Smart support (so ANT+ support in Live Tracking)
Virtual Racer (Racing an activity)
Metronome
Activity Profiles (thus effectively bike profiles)
Garmin Connect IQ support (thus, apps)
All features the Fenix2 doesn’t have. Also, the photos were all taken in bright sunlight, really no issue there. Far easier than Fenix2 (and slightly easier than Fenix2SE).
Thanks. Any updates on Garmin connect app on Android/Apple? Curious to know how that would work with IQ. Also, the color scheme of the straps is pretty ugly. I checked garmin site and the blue/green alternative they have is even more horrible.
It’s on iOS/Android today. Or do you mean something else?
The ones that I will miss on F2:
Daily activity tracker (Steps/Sleep/etc…)
Concurent ANT+/Bluetooth Smart support (so ANT+ support in Live Tracking)
Activity Profiles (thus effectively bike profiles)
I can live with out the other…
Ability to change display settings on watch from phone (similar to Ambit3) and vice versa.
No, that’s not there, only on the unit itself (which, conversely, the Ambit3/V800 don’t have). As noted in the post, hopefully one day all three watches will allow both methods.
I assume independent HR zones for Run and Bike, a feature lacking on the F2.
Ray
How about routes on Fenix 2 vs 920XT? Could you, perhaps in the full review, describe what Fenix 2 has that 920XT doesn’t? I can leave without the Fenix 2 maps but routes are essential for any GPS watch I buy.
Yup, I’ll dive into the routing & navigational piece in more detail in the full review. As well as try to circle back on some of those questions here on this post in the next few days as I get the final unit in to validate things*.
(Many features and functions change over the course of beta, hence why I’m hesitant to state things in that area until I can 100% validate them on a prod unit/software).
RE: HR zones, yes, separate HR zones for bike/run, and also power zones.
I was reading on another tech site that the 920xt display is NOT LCD, but is color e-Ink technology (electrophoretic display). Basicly its an advanced version of the technology used in the original Kindle readers (before they went to making them true tablets).
That is how they managed to increased the battery life so much. Another big benefit is e-Ink is that its fully sunlight readable.
Really looking forward to getting my hands on one.
“The new activity view [Garmin Connect] allows you to see your triathlon as a single activity”
SWEET!!!! Triathlon is officially a sport. — Keep up the great work!!!
I just purchased a Suunto Ambit 3 but was hoping they would have a better daily tracker. Should I sell my Ambit 3 and peruse the the 920xt?
Well the 920 has a daily steps tracker so if it that is important to you…
Any idea if the HRM-RUN hardware in the chest strap has the capacity to measure accelerations in three dimensions?
Concidering the run dynamic metrics include up/down and left/right … it would be very safe to assume that the HRM-Run has the capacity to measure accelerations in three dimensions.
No I would say< two dimensions – time dimension and vertical movement – ground contact time is in my opinion only calculated part from vertical movement (time where no vertical movement happens).
Plus heart rate.
Looks like your are right. L/R is with the Wahoo Tickr, i was thinking Garmin had the same metrics.
Looking forward to the full review. Please, if possible, do an even more thorough check of the GPS than usual, considering the extremely poor performance of both the 620 and Fenix 2.
Really hoping Garmin have resolved this especially now when GLONASS is supported.
Ray,
Thanks again for all of your hard work. I just place my order on Clever and looking forward to getting it. :-)
The integrated triathlon view on Connect seems interesting. But no love for those of us rocking classic Garmin triathlon hardware, i.e. FR305?
I believe it’s because the FR305 lacks the .FIT file, which this is likely based upon. That said, I’d definitely be curious to hear from a FR305 owner that tries to see what happens.
Although looks are not of primary importance on a device like this, it’s clear that once again the designer at Garmin has gone awol. Terribly disappointing :(
As I recently baught a FR 910XT with is quite ok I will wait for 2 years. Until this I hope all flaws will be fixed on the 920XT. Good as I don’t need the BT phone connection as well no WLAN sync.
But the watch looks better than the 910XT.
Apologies if I missed this somewhere in the review (or the comments), but can you comment on the screen material and durability? My 620 got a pretty nasty scratch on it, and I’m hoping this watch will be a little more rugged.
Bummer on the no ant wt. scale support.
how often do you input this data ? i use myfitnesspal.
Yuck – just looked at some danish sites who had early pricing. – They want close to 800$ for the one with HR strap. But the BT/wireless transfer is almost enough to justify purchasing it.
Hi, good as always.
I have one question regarding customizing the different profiles/custom fields.
As I understand from your text it is still the same as 910, that you make all your settings on the watch instead of, like polar, on your computer.
Do you think that it would be possible with Connect IQ to write an app to customize it outside the watch?
No, not from the phone at this point. On the flip side, keep in mind that Polar/Suunto don’t permit you to change it on the device. Someday everyone will permit both options I hope.
As for Connect IQ changing the fields, I don’t think that’ll be permitted. I’ll have to read through the SDK documents.
Would really like a quick comparison of the 920xt against the Ambit3 Sport. I have the Ambit3 and just pre-ordered this one… can’t wait.
Yup, you can do so here: link to dcrainmaker.com
Magic!
Do you think this will be enough pressure to get Suunto to include a better daily tracking tool and step up and support Android users. I mean, there are a lot more Android users than IPhone fanboys out there. I even purchased the Galaxy s5 because it was highly water resistant.
Haha, sorry I should have been more specific. I use that comparison page all the time drooling over the many devices you test. I’m curious about real experience between the two being top contenders from each vendor.
It’s tough, I’ve gotta dig a bit more into the navigational features on the 920XT to see if there are any gotchya there. But, based on my use thus far I’m not seeing many (any?) cases where the Ambit3 Sport is a better option (unless you really want BLE sensors).
Apologies if I missed it in some of the comments: If I want to take it on a hiking trip and utilize the altimeter, how long battery life should I expect?
Thanks for an awesome preview.
40 hours in Ultratrac mode (appropriate for hiking). Though, if you turn off GPS, usually it’s a heck of a lot longer. I’ll try and do some testing there for the in-depth review.
Are we limited to swimming, biking and running activity profiles on the watch or can we use others too, for example mountaineering or small pony riding?
You can create a pony riding profile. There doesn’t appear to be a specific pony option though for the profile icon though.
One consideration I have between the Fenix2 vs the 920 was trail use..primarily the “bread crumb” feature. Anything viable w the 920?
I think if the the F2 will lack Garmin IQ support …as much as I hate to wait for a proper training watch, I may just have to hold out for the 920.
Did I catch that correctly re likely no IQ ?
And finally it would appear that even if ** android smart phone support was added later for the F2..if you were in theoretically Ant+ mode cycling for speed/cad ect..you’d receive no notifications as Bluetooth is disabled?
Thinking I may be calling my running store to cancel my F2 purchase..ugh
Yes, the FR920XT has a breadcrumb trail when you enable map view.
As for the Fenix2 and Connect IQ, no, there are no plans to get it. Only new watches going forward.
As for Android phone for the Fenix2…it’s been there since summer. But as for your second half, with the Fenix2 in ANT+ mode you won’t get notifications. With the FR920XT, you will, as it does both concurrently.
I currently have a 310XT, and am looking to upgrade….I was going to go with the 910XT, but now I’m wondering if I should just save up the extra and go for the new 920XT? My biggest complaint about the 310 is that I can’t wear it on my wrist to get accurate OWS distance (have to put it in my cap and then transfer to my wrist for the bike, which slows down my T1 time), and no support for lap swimming. I also REALLY like the idea of using the watch as a fitness tracker and watch, as well (I’ve had my eye on the vivofit for a while now).
I do have an opportunity to get a “like new” 910XT (bought in june and used only 3 times), but she’s looking to get at least $300-350 out of it….since the 920 is now out, I was thinking of offering her $200-250, as the 910 is now an outdated unit.
I’m definitely in no hurry – just would like to upgrade by Feb or so before my training ramps up for my 70.3 in June.
So, anyway…thoughts? Jump on the “like new” 910XT now, or order the 920XT in Dec with my Christmas money?
The 910XT is old enough that its still slow to acquire satellites compared to the current wave of GPS watches – like 1-2 minutes even if you don’t change location. It doesn’t bother me that much (I love my 910XT) because I’ve grown accustomed to it and have workarounds (setting it outside before a run, etc). Being able to just grab it and go with near instant acquisition would be a big reason in and of itself to go for the 920 IMO.
Hey do you ever add people as a friend on garmin connect or no? I think that i sent you a friend request a while back. I’d kinda like to see some of the workouts that you do
Not quite yet. I’m in a bit of a pickle in that posts like these make it tough for me to add without accidentally posting undisclosed information due to a random workout. It’s on my list to figure out a process there (it’s mostly just a process thing).
@Tyler – you should follow him on Strava, I enjoy seeing some of the “unusual” places where DCR has his workouts!
Yes, the next 30 days should offer some interesting spots in numerous hemispheres to watch for on Strava.
Hi Ray!
Is Auto pause working great. I have a garmin 310xt and when i am indoor for a short stop the time and speed start running. I also have an egde 500 and that does NOT have that problem. I am bike messenger in Copenhagen and it would be easier to have a watch on the arm instead of keep taking the garmin edge 500 on and of the bike all day. I Hope you answer the Q. Thanks for a great blog! Yours faithfully Kasper Grufstedt
Hey Ray,
This watch looks great and filled with features. What do you think of 3G connectivity? I know the Timex has their Ironman watch with the feature and just makes it so a phone doesn’t have to be present, which makes sense for running. Is this where the market should be? I know hardware could be limiting for design convenience…It just seems like a watch like this from Garmin should have this kind of feature?
Anyways, still a great watch. Love to have one. Thanks for all you do!
I’m optimistic we’ll see it in the next generation 2-3 years from now. I think Garmin will be forced to.
That said, I had a good chat about it with the Garmin crew last week at the ANT+ Symposium. Their main issues are really around certification and such. They talked about what a nightmare it was on the GTU10 for such things, years in process for international certifications for many countries.
Which, are valid and something that Timex is partially sidestepping by only getting US certification initially. And players like Bia are completely sidestepping and only getting US as well (per my understanding). This means while the devices work elsewhere (assuming the cellular provider enables it), they aren’t legally supposed to be there.
So for someone like Bia, they can most likely get away with it because nobody cares to chase after them. But with Garmin, they’re too big – and people will care if they don’t follow the rule to a ‘t’.
Ray, thank you for the review once again. I just order mine to Clever Training, so now I need to wait until November in the mean time I will continue to use my Fenix 2 SE or my 910xt. Once again, thank you.
Thanks for the support Alex! And it sounds like you’ll soon be well positioned to make comparisons as well!
Watch looks awesome, will be getting as soon as it lands in the UK!
On the Garmin Connect Triathlon view- how do you get it to show up for current triathlons already in Connect? do we need to re-import??
Cheers as always for excellent first look!
It appears for only newly created activities posted after today around 12PM Eastern Time. I just tried re-uploading an older Fenix2 activity from this summer (multisport) to see if it’d show up as a multisport one. I’m not quite clear where it went though after I uploaded it. Sorta vanished. Be curious if others have success re-uploading an older multisport file.
I did have success creating a new multisport file just as a quick test though, and it shows up nicely.
Thanks Ray, As you say I deleted the separate activities from last weekends tries and re-imported and shows up great in new multi sport view… Perhaps a word in Garmins shell like to suggest auto (or even semi auto) grouping of old events could be helpful?!?
I was able to upload three multisport files, dating back to July 12th of this year, but *only after* deleting the old files from Garmin connect. I then re-uploaded them directly from the watch (Fenix 2) using the import button on the Garmin connect activities page.
Is the heart rate strap with run dynamics from Fenix2 the same? That way I could get the base model and save 50 dollars
Yes, the same. And yup, save the cash.
Pre-ordered at Clever. (Your code didn’t work there so I doubt they’ll know it was from you though). I love my Tactix battery life but the lack of wifi upload is super annoying since I have bluetooth off and just use the USB cable and Training Peaks Device Agent. Looking forward to testing this.
Thanks Troy for the support!
As for the code, for the FR920XT at manufacture request, you’d need to use the DCR Clever Training VIP program instead. It only takes a second and details are here: link to dcrainmaker.com
If you simply ring up (or e-mail) Clever Training they’ll take care of you and credit back the 10% and get you all hooked up.
Cheers.
Thanks for work great work, Ray. Random photo request #983: I’d love to see a side shot of the 920 on it’s quick release band (after you get it Friday) to get an idea of the added height.
*your great work. Typing eludes me.
Thanks for the preview Ray. This watch looks great so far. Can you tell me if the instant pace is better than it is on the 620? Does it display in 5 second increments like the 620? Sounds like the gps track will be much better on this model too!!
Tonight on the run, instant pace was very smooth. I was running about 6:30/mile, and just had instant pace on, and it was staying pretty much there. Slowed a bit when I went up a hill, but not whacky. I’ll grab videos this weekend.
And yes, like FR620 with 5s increments.
Thanks ray
Hrv -rr was the main factor of new watch,go for v800 or wait to depth review (920xt)???
Ciao Ray and thank you for the pre-review, awesome as always…
Pleae let us non-americans know where we to buy to support your work!
Grazie!
Well I went ahead and pre-ordered the 920xt using the vip 10% discount. I’m actually one of the lucky ones with a good 620 and a great 910. Sure hope the 920 matches up with both of them.
Thanks Karl for the support, I appreciate it!
Hi Ray,
thanks for the preview! Two questions:
1) It’s said that there is cadence measuring from the HR strap and wrist (watch). If you have both on what would be the source for cadence? I guess the HR strap?
2) The metronome feature is it only via sound or also via vibrating?
Thanks again for a first a glance on the watch!
Philipp
The HRM cadence will take over if both are on. At least that’s what they tell me about my 620. I’ve never known how to prove it though. I guess maybe if I ran on a treadmill and left the watch on a stationary platform.
Similarly, running outside pushing a stroller wearing the 620 and HRM-Run provides good cadence data, which seemingly must come from the HRM, as my watch hand stays fairly static on the stroller.
Hi Ray
Noticed you said ‘Hang Tight’ with regard to supporting you and getting the discount when buying the 920. Do you have anything more on this? Otherwise I’ll just buy direct from Garmin UK in November.
Thanks
Nothing more at the moment, but working through some stuff related to European folks and local options. Should be good!
And while I’d like to say it’d be tomorrow, there’s a lot of red tape that is being slowly cut through.
Would be interesting if you could test the course functionality. As a trail runner, this was one of the reasons I got the 910 – but it turned out to be serioulsy buggy, with some bugs never fixed.
I’ve had good experience with short running courses to date. That said it’s not really a device for “navigating” as you only really get a breadcrumb trail to follow.
Thanks for the reply. I find a breadcrumb to be good enough usually as long as I’m on a pre-planned route, which I usually am. Then it’s just about getting the right turn at the right time in unknown territory, without having to stop and look at the map or smartphone.
It will be interesting to see what comes out of Connect IQ in terms of navigation apps. I guess it won’t be long before you get a ton of OpenStreetMap-based navigation apps. Hope to get some time playing around with that myself soon.
Is it possible to edit Workouts (or Quick Workouts) “on the fly”? Example: I would set up a Quick Workout to say be a 4:00min run, 0:30min walk in the Workout mode, with numerous repeats for a race. Often I would want to “change” this on the fly during the run, but the 910xt would not allow any changes once the workout began, forcing you to stop the workout, reset, and start again (not a fun thing to do while racing). Thanks!
Yes, you can create a quick workout on the fly with those parameters, but you can’t change it mid-way through.
For what you’re looking for though you actually want Run/Walk mode, which is on the watch and perfect for that scenario since it goes on forever.
Thanks. Run/Walk works; however, I have two issues with it: 1) The beep type/duration is not long enough and is easy to miss … the Interval workouts are perfect as it gives you five seconds of tones and I can physically see the countdown to the next interval. 2) I race with a specific pace during the run segment. Raw Pace is not accurate enough so I use Lap Pace. I’d have to manually hit Lap to do that with the run/walk alert. Not a showstopper … was just hoping that Garmin allowed Interval Workout changes “on the fly”.
An ideal solution to this would be to have the “number of intervals” portion of the configuration include an “unknown” choice. Right now you use the lap button to move from warmup to intervals, you could then use the manual lap button to move from intervals to cooldown. Wouldn’t be that hard to implement and would keep their interface consistent.
Nice review.
What happened to the New Leaf metabolic profiles? I searched the 920’s owner’s manual and found no reference to them.
Does the 920 have an alternative calibration process for calorie measurement?
Thanks.
New Leaf basically went out of business. So Garmin stopped putting support for it in the FR620 forward.
While Lifetime did purchase New Leaf, they haven’t done anything with it, so it’s somewhat of a dead end.
Ray – thanks for the great review.
I just bought the Fenix 2 (and am a triathlete)…its still in the box. I’m also a bit of a tech junky (know anyone like that?) and the inclusion of BTLE and ANT+ concurrently (over my Fenix) and the ConnectIQ (will that come to Fenix2?), is awesome but, all thing being equal, is it worth the upgrade? (keep in mind i paid $302 for my bundle)…
No, the Fenix2 won’t get Connect IQ. Only the FR920XT, and future harware.