Is the HRM-Run accelearometer included with the 620 or do you have to buy it separatly? Also does the watch indicate what the proper range for vertical osillation and ground contact time are? Without targets guide the information won't be very useful.
1119966
The HRM-Run does come with the 620, as long as you pick the "With Heart Rate Monitor" option. The watch does not indicate the ranges, but that information is available once you upload it to Garmin Connect. The watch will only show you the point-in-time measurement, so once you have familiarized yourself with the ranges via Garmin Connect, then you can track your progress as you run.
1835750
Forerunner 220 measures essential running data including distance, pace and heart rate. It's like having a coach on hand, providing constant feedback and recording all your stats so you can focus on your run. In addition to using GPS to calculate distance and pace, the 220 has a built-in accelerometer. So you know distance and pace data when you're running on an indoor track or treadmill, with no need for a separate foot pod. The accelerometer can also track distance when GPS is unavailable, such as when you run through a tunnel.
757231
(9/4/2013) I think that may be something unique with the more expensive ones. I've found that with the cheaper ones, I have to wet my finger sometimes to get the rate to register. So far all my workouts have been rather sweaty but not overly heavy, so I guess it depends on how much sweat since I did read in the instructions not to submerge this one in water or take a shower with it or anything. I usually keep one of those dry sweat towels with me anyway (you know, the kind that wipe away your sweat but don't seem to ever get soaking wet no matter how much you wipe). I haven't had the watch for a full week yet, though, so let me put it through the wringer at my gym and out on the track a few times. Then I'll update on the results. Update: (9/18/2013) I've sweated up a storm with it and it keeps going. However, I'm a bit concerned with the accuracy of its measurements. I've had to set mine at the lowest sensitivity level possible and it still has a tendency to register almost double what a machine registers in burned calories. For example, I used the elliptical at my gym for an hour (using grips to register HR after having told it how much I weigh, etc.). I told the watch the same thing and used the finger pulse thing every 5-7 minutes during the workout. The HRs registered about the same on both the machine and the watch but the total calories burned was almost double by the time I made it to the end of the workout. My coworker bought one too, so I'm having her test hers out to see if she gets the same results then I'll report back again.
1831535
I've used it for both activities, and it was pretty accurate. However, the battery life sucks....It died 2 months ago (I bought it in May 2014). Changed the battery, and it still doesn't work. But I have a Smart Health HRM without a chest strap (wrist only) and it had the EXACT same readings as the Polar.
2236001
There is a description right on the Garmin website that compares the two models (http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/). With the 620 you get a LOT more information about how you run - cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, V02 max, etc. It also helps coach you on how much rest time you should get and what your different race speeds should be.I bought the 220 because I don't want all of that extra information but I can see why other people would find it interesting. The 220 is an incredible watch, way better than my old Forerunner 405 - I can see the 620 being worth just $150 more if you want to dissect all of that data. There is a description right on the Garmin website that compares the two models (http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/). With the 620 you get a LOT more information about how you run - cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, V02 max, etc. It also helps coach you on how much rest time you should get and what your different race speeds should be.I bought the 220 because I don't want all of that extra information but I can see why other people would find it interesting. The 220 is an incredible watch, way better than my old Forerunner 405 - I can see the 620... » Read More There is a description right on the Garmin website that compares the two models (http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/). With the 620 you get a LOT more information about how you run - cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, V02 max, etc. It also helps coach you on how much rest time you should get and what your different race speeds should be.I bought the 220 because I don't want all of that extra information but I can see why other people would find it interesting. The 220 is an incredible watch, way better than my old Forerunner 405 - I can see the 620 being worth just $150 more if you want to dissect all of that data. « Show Less
1902494
No, you have to buy the package "with heart rate monitor", same with the 620.
355080
Thanks for the update, dsrussell. I'll take your advice and check out the review of the 765 that you mentioned at gpsmagazine.com. It's too bad that the folks at Garmin didn't include this info about the 765 in their owners manual. Must have been an oversight on their end. Again,thanks a bunch!
840651
Interesting! I am looking at buying the 405 without the strap, as I still have the one from my now stolen 305. The Garmin support website says that some versions of the 405 are compatible with the HR monitor. How can you tell if the one you are buying is compatible? Or is it just a trick to make you buy the more expensive version?
1810431
I know that it is an awesome price and it works perfectly for my application...that is what I do know. The accellerometer 6050 is quite cheap and is one of the lowest cost basic accelerometers out there... and the Gyro is also not a high price, and combined I love the price...
1755632
The distance recorded by the 620 gets short of what the treadmill registers -- up to 15% off. I've tried with more than two treadmills with same results. The deviation factor increases with speed. This happens evidentely without the assistance of a footpod. Regards.
1805589
i needed my computer to charge it. is anyone else having an issue with there watch not tracking miles? the speedometer works but not the miles.... very important for running.
1416799
Hi, it depends on what kind of sports will you practice. Good to have the GPS for running (or foot pod), and speed or cadence sensor for bike if you are a thriatlete.But just for heart rate monitoring nothing else is needed. Sensor and strap are included in the package, even in basic version of the watch.
1927857
The heart rate monitor from the Forerunner 610 will work with the 220/620. However, the 620 is their newest and offers more features like the VO2 Max and estimates. Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a great day!
2249485
Amazon sells it with or without the strap and it's obviously less expensive without the strap. Just read the bill-of-materials carefully on the page that you are on to determine whether or not the model that you're looking at includes the strap. The model with the strap is: " Garmin Forerunner 610 Touchscreen GPS Watch With Heart Rate Monitor by Garmin " and the model without it is " Garmin Forerunner 610 Touchscreen GPS Watch by Garmin ". The price difference is about $30.
2067588
You should just need the chest strap heart rate monitor, the foot pod is really only to calculate the amount of steps you take. The watch itself is really the only thing you NEED.
1041631
It the band for the heart rate sensor comes with the watch. If you need other sensors ( I.e.: cadence, speed, distances, etc) you have to buy them separately. The watch works with gps por speed and distance but does not measure cadence without the sensor. Hope this answer helps you.
284965
I've only been able to enter my weight. And my assumption is that without having a field for height it is not too accurate especially without the heart rate monitor feature. The watch is what it is. An inexpensive GPS watch that tracks your runs.