A Review: The Garmin 610

I have logged a few miles over the years and currently working on marathon 11 and during the runs there has been a Garmin 205 on my wrist.   This unit lasted almost 7 years before finally biting the dust.  There was a moment of silence followed by great trepidation over what would replace my faithful companion.  The Garmin brand had gained my trust, as 7 years of Western Washington running without fail is an accomplishment, but I wondered what else what out there.   I read reviews, checked pricing, and evaluated my true needs then I settled on the Garmin 610 a couple months ago.  I have never once regretted my choice.

Since using the Garmin 610 I have logged runs in Haiti, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Missouri, South Dakota, and Florida without system failure, lost satellites, usability frustration on the run, or sync issues with the computer.  If that is the only piece your read then I recommend this powerful little computer on the run.    However here are a couple reasons why I like this unit.

1)   It picks up and keeps satellites seamlessly and quickly.  I used to plan extra time on the workout to make sure the acquisition was complete before starting.  The new technology in the watch makes acquisition quick under almost any condition.

2)   It keeps locked to the satellites.  In the past I could run in the woods of Washington and lose reception creating frustration and inaccurate data.  I have run the same courses with this new watch and I have yet to lose acquisition.

3)   Seamless syncing with the computer and Garmin Connect is awesome.  The ANT wireless technology literally picks up the watch signal as I walk into the front door of the house and downloads all the data.   The ability to be wire free for download makes life simple.  I can go through my regular post run routine and the computing if done for me.   Then on my schedule I connect to Garmin Connect and all the data this nerd wants is available.   The Garmin Connect website has really advanced over the years.

4)   It is lite weight and resembles a normal watch.  This might not seem like a great benefit but after 7 years of the 205 brick it was nice to wear it in the office after a bike commute.

5)   It stood up in the rain!  In Missouri we were in the middle of a drought making me resistant to writing a review until I had a good rain run.  The opportunity came a couple weeks ago as Hurricane Isaac blew through Springfield for me to test the resolve of the unit.  I completed a nice 7 mile run in a down pour without any signs of water damage which is important to this Washington native.   (Note: It should not have because it is waterproof)

The Garmin 610 is the real deal.  Happy Running!