Wristwatch GPS Again

[RidesAHaflinger]

OK, still thinking about my self-Christmas present. I see there are two different Garmin wristwatch models. One is called the Foreunner, the other is the Foretrex. I can’t really distinguish between the two models but I’m probably missing important details. Links to pics of each below.

I currently have a Garmin eTrex and the features it has that I like and would like to see in my new wristwatch model are:

1. Big, legible display with: Total distance, Current speed and Max speed.
2. Ability to switch easily between metric and statute (i.e. miles) measurements.
3. Low price :winkgrin:

What I DON’T like: Mine is handheld and I think a wristwatch model would be so much easier to use while driving.

What I don’t really need: maps, ability to plot waypoints, etc. I’m not really likely to get lost while out driving :D- just want to keep track of distance driven and speed.

Garmin Forerunner:
http://tinyurl.com/yogzuk
Garmin Foretrex:[B]
http://tinyurl.com/2bvah6

[/B]Any experience/comments on the two models? Or another brand that would do just as well? Thanks.

[mares_tails]

It’s not as “high tech” but if all you want is speed and distance, you might consider a bicycle computer. (Speedometer + odometer – google it)

.

[gothedistance]

The Forerunner (to me) has too many front end options that you don’t need – like calories burned, laps, etc. Yuck! Waste of good electronics.

I have the Foretrex 201 . The distance/speed/average speed/time display is all I need for endurance riding – and when I’m walking, or carriage driving. The display is BIG and easily seen at a glance. I love it.

[chicamuxen1]

GPS

I would suggest the Garmin Forerunner 205. It uses much better technology whi really improves it satelite connectivity and leaves off the heart monitor that is built into the 305. I have a Foretrex and use it for trail riding but the satellite reception is easily blocked by trees and hills.

chicamuxen

[Happy_Feet]

I have the Forerunner (I think it is the 205 but I’ll check) and it is very easy to use, One feature I like ( wich I didn’t think was important when buying it) is that it has a 100 lap memory, I can quickly check the previous (upto)100 drives at a easy glance and decide how long/fast I need to go that drive. Very nice!
The satalite I have had no problem with, in the woods, seems quite water resistant ( I know many claim they are then you get it to the barn get it a little wet and poof no more thingamijig) I have hosed horses etc with it one and had no problem. Haven’t had any expierence with the other brands or models so I may love this Garmin just because ignorance is bliss! There is a Timex GPS watch also that is sometimes a little cheaper, but I haven’t seen one or worked with it!
Hope Santa is good to you!

[GO-dog-GO]

Isn’t the 101 the same but without the computer interface? It’s only $100.

[CDE_Driver]

I have a Forerunner that I like quite well. I am “of the age” that I can’t read without my reading specs. Once I learned which green button did what I didn’t need to read the function, just know which button to push. I am able to read the display screen just fine.

I got it when the odometer/speedometer that came on my carriage broke. Now that that is fixed I have to say I really like it (the one that came on the carriage) better. I find that the Garmin is not “real time”. The speedometer seems to always be catching up. The odometer seems to keep actual track. I attribute it to the information having to go back and forth via satellite, but it is entirely possible that I am totally wrong! Since the one that came on my carriage reads the turning of the wheel it is always right on.

Just my .02!

[Janet]

Slightly OT, but I would also like some information about basic handheld GPS units - with a focus on measuring distance (as an alternative to a wheel for measuring courses).

I am not sure how well a watch woudl work for that-does anyone have any experience using a watch to measure courses?

It seem to me that, with a watch, every time you move your hand you are adding to the measured distance. Is that a problem or not?

[chicamuxen1]

No, the Forerunner 101 has an older technology than the 205/305. the satellite reception is much much better in all GPS units with this new chip. This is really something to consider when shopping for wrist or han-held GPS units. In the handhelds you look for a capital “C” in the model number.

chicamuxen

[gothedistance]

Absolutely agree with chicamuxen. :yes: The newer technology is light years better in picking up the satellite signals. Even one year difference in models can result in a new GPS being 2x better than the prior year.

[gothedistance]

@Janet;2865305

Slightly OT, but I would also like some information about basic handheld GPS units - with a focus on measuring distance (as an alternative to a wheel for measuring courses).

I am not sure how well a watch woudl work for that-does anyone have any experience using a watch to measure courses?

It seem to me that, with a watch, every time you move your hand you are adding to the measured distance. Is that a problem or not?

One thing to consider with a GPS is the varying height of terrain. Going up a hill adds veritical feet, and unless your GPS is fairly sophistocated, it is only going to measure point to point in a straight line, not climb, so it will be inaccurate. I don’t think you can beat a measuring wheel, or vehicle odometer, for accuracy in feet in the really hilly areas.

In endurance, many of us will compare what our GPS record over the miles, and sometimes it can be wildly different. As a result, many of us are hesitant when it is announced that a trail was measured by GPS. That can easily mean that many more miles are added, by accident, because of the inaccurate measurement.

Moving the hand is so minimal it doesn’t really add up to anything.

[Janet]

@gothedistance;2865636

One thing to consider with a GPS is the varying height of terrain. Going up a hill adds veritical feet, and unless your GPS is fairly sophistocated, it is only going to measure point to point in a straight line, not climb, so it will be inaccurate. I don’t think you can beat a measuring wheel, or vehicle odometer, for accuracy in feet in the really hilly areas.

I was mostly thinking in terms of measuring Show Jumping courses, which are pretty flat.

[RidesAHaflinger]

GTD-

Just to clarify- that’s a Forerunner that you linked to, not a Foretrex. So which one do you have/prefer? And can you set it up to work in either metric or statute? Thanks.

@gothedistance;2865081

The Forerunner (to me) has too many front end options that you don’t need – like calories burned, laps, etc. Yuck! Waste of good electronics.

I have the Foretrex 201 . The distance/speed/average speed/time display is all I need for endurance riding – and when I’m walking, or carriage driving. The display is BIG and easily seen at a glance. I love it.

[GO-dog-GO]

[QUOTE=chicamuxen1;2865547]
No, the Forerunner 101 has an older technology than the 205/305. the satellite reception is much much better in all GPS units with this new chip. This is really something to consider when shopping for wrist or han-held GPS units. In the handhelds you look for a capital “C” in the model number.

chicamuxen[/QUOTE]

And now I know…

[gothedistance]

@RidesAHaflinger;2866013

Just to clarify- that’s a Forerunner that you linked to, not a Foretrex. So which one do you have/prefer? And can you set it up to work in either metric or statute? Thanks.

Opps! Sorry! Mis-typed. It is the Forerunner 201.

I have mine set up to record in feet and miles (since I do endurance), but it has the option to record in metric.

On the plus side: It is quick to catch the satellite signals (and tells you the strength of those signals at the onset), does an outstanding job measuring miles (which I’ve verified with both car odometer AND county measured miles maps, and it’s “all in one” with no extra peripherals needed. The battery holds a charge for about 13 hours, and it recharges very quickly. The display is big, easy to read, and the unit a piece of cake to operate with one hand – even in the middle of riding a trail or driving a course.

On the negative side: It is a bit “long”, which means it takes up my whole wrist and a portion of my arm! It doesn’t fit well under a jacket sleeve – you have to pull the whole sleeve up halfway to the elbow to check the watch, which is a problem for me because I’ve never liked trying to fasten it on the outside of a sleeve. I didn’t like the velcro wristband – which was too short even for my skinny wrists – but that is easily replaced with a regular buckled watch band. Unfortunately, the wristband is held on with regular watch band spring-loaded pins --which I find a bit, shall we say “delicate” for the rough and tumble life of working with horses. I’d prefer something heavier duty, but…overall I really like this unit enough to just wear it when it’s needed, and take it off when the job is over.

[gothedistance]

GPS vs measuring wheel

@Janet;2865830

I was mostly thinking in terms of measuring Show Jumping courses, which are pretty flat.

Ring courses are (as a rule) pretty small spaces. The GPS is designed to measure over great distances…like, miles. Not that you can’t measure in feet but… you’d need to stand still (about 1 minute) at each measure point to give the satellite time to catch up and record the distance on your GPS. It’s just not worth it.

Frankly, a person can measure 2x as fast with a wheel, and 3x as fast with a reel tape measure, as they can with a GPS unit. Ask me how I know. :winkgrin:

[Jess1]

I just purchased a Garmin Forerunner 201 on Ebay. I love it. Haven’t ridden in it yet, but messing around with it the settings seem to be easy to learn.

Also, you can get some good deals on ebay. I paid $52 for my 201. Just make SURE that they are not “refurbished”!

I went through 10 auctions before I found one that was labeled “used” and working.

A lot of the time they will advertise them as “new” and then if you read carefully they will say “completely overhauled” which is a “pretty” term for “it was broken, it is refurbished”

Refurbished items from ebay…well, I wouldn’t even risk it.

[Janet]

@gothedistance;2866248

Ring courses are (as a rule) pretty small spaces. The GPS is designed to measure over great distances…like, miles. Not that you can’t measure in feet but… you’d need to stand still (about 1 minute) at each measure point to give the satellite time to catch up and record the distance on your GPS. It’s just not worth it.

Frankly, a person can measure 2x as fast with a wheel, and 3x as fast with a reel tape measure, as they can with a GPS unit. Ask me how I know. :winkgrin:

I apprenticed with several TDs who used a handheld GPS for measuring courses. They didn’t stop at all. Just walked the track holding the GPS. Came out within a few meters of the wheel.