Español After a few weeks of getting to know the Garmin Forerunner 220, training in a variety of conditions and with variable distance and pace, I want you to get to know it too. The Forerunner 220 is in the Garmin mid-range and from there it should struggle with the offerings that other manufacturers provide in a similar price range. If there is one thing that makes the Garmin 220 stand out, it is its simplicity, but that simplicity should not affect the performance we demand from a watch in this range. And that is what we are going to check in this thorough analysis. And try to answer the question you are asking yourself, is this the watch I am looking for for my training and racing? You will soon find out.
As I always like to clarify when I do any review, on this occasion it's a watch I bought in the storeis not a demonstration or press unit, so what you see is what you buy.
Remember you can buy it on Amazon through this link and that way you'll generate a small commission that will help buy more watches so you can see more tests and analyses like this.
Unpacking
This is what the messenger brings you when you buy it. A fairly contained measurement box, where through a window on the front you can see the clock.
On one side of the box you can find generic information about Garmin Connect, the web platform where all our trainings will end.
In the other, some reference to the product. Pairing to phones through Bluetooth, three data fields simultaneously on the screen and a summary of the end of the race. In the back, generic description of the watch in several languages.
But let's cut the crap and get to what we're interested in, get what's inside. And what will you find? Well, if you bought the Garmin Forerunner 220 without the sensor pack, like I did, basically what you see in the picture. A watch and two plastic bags. If you buy it with a sensor, add it to what you're looking at.
Let's remove the plastics and see what's inside. On one you have the timing and charging clip, and on the other literature. A few instruction manuals (which you and I know you won't read) in a multitude of languages.
And this one you see here, is your new watch. As you can see, it has a total of 5 buttons with their corresponding indications on screen. The red button, the biggest of all, is the activity button. With this button we start and stop an activity, and make the selections in the different menus. Below you can find the back button and exit the menu, which in turn will serve to mark laps when you are running.
On the other side you can find the buttons to scroll through the menu, and the upper one that will serve to activate the screen illumination. Also, if you hold it down it will allow you to turn off the clock (or turn it on if it's off).
If we turn around you can see the charging and connection pins. Despite being visible the watch is water resistant (5 ATM), and although it will not give you pool metrics, you can swim with it if you wish. The watch is made entirely of plastic, so don't expect high quality finishes. It is a watch for training, not for showing off.
In this position is how you'll have it when it's synchronizing (and charging). Although the screen is not too big it has good resolution, 180×180 pixels. The watch assembly if made a little bigger, as it has a total diameter of 45mm. That's only 12mm deep. And quite light, a little over 40g that won't be noticed when you're running.
This is the clamp. The left side is fixed, while the right side moves to open and close the access to the clock. You can leave it hanging without fear of it falling off.
Girls, Garmin has also thought of you, and you have Forerunner 220 available in more feminine tones. In addition to red and black you can also buy it in white and purple. However, the size of the watch is the same, there is no slightly smaller version for narrower wrists.
Let's get down to business. We stop looking at the clock and start training, that's why we bought it.
Running
The first thing you should do, first of all, is to set up the data screens. In the case of the Garmin Forerunner 220, the configuration options we have are not very extensive. We have two screens to set up data, with a maximum of three data on each screen. In my case, I like to have a first screen where I can see distance, rhythm and heart rate.
On the second screen I put two data, average pace and total race time.
In addition to these two screens that we can configure to our liking, we can activate two more. Heart rate (with the heart zone) and a clock with the time, but there are no more options on these data screens.
In short, we have two screens to configure with one, two or three data in each of them, plus the heart rate or clock screens. These are the data you can configure in each of the screens.
[table id=25 /]Once you've set the clock to your liking, the next thing you'll do is go outside to start running. The process to start the activity is very simple, just unlock the screen with the activity button. One tap on the screen and you'll see the following message.
And the second touch will unlock the screen, so it's pretty hard to get the watch to activate in a hurry when you're wearing it, since you have to press the same button in a short period of time to activate it.
Now the clock is already looking for signals, as shown above. Satellite signal and pulse sensor signal. Below those two icons you can see a bar that will fill in as the Garmin 220 finds a satellite signal.
If you want to set something on the clock, simply press the scroll down button and you will access the menu. If you press the scroll up button you can turn off the GPS, in case you want to do a gym session or go for a run on a treadmill
I get confused. We were looking for a GPS signal. And while you're looking for them, I want to remind you that Forerunner 220 has a satellite cache function. This function allows the watch to have prior information about the location of the satellites, which tends to reduce the waiting time to get a signal, and makes it extremely fast. But since I'm not telling you this to make you believe it (humans are that suspicious), I'll leave you a video and you can see for yourself.
The search is about 11 hours after the last activity, about 30-40 kilometers away from where I had finished. Clear sky and no buildings nearby. Nearly ideal conditions.
As we already have a GPS signal, everything is ready to start running. What many of you will be interested to know is how the clock behaves when showing the pace and how fast it is reflecting the changes in pace, especially important when training for speed changes or series. So as before, I have recorded three videos where you can see how the clock behaves to those speed changes we make while running. As in the search for satellites, the conditions of the test were quite good. Slightly cloudy day and open sky between single-storey buildings, which are quite good conditions.
You may have noticed that the rhythm is displayed in 5-second increments, something that Garmin has started to apply as a standard on their new models. Despite the fact that the instantaneous rhythm is selected, it is somewhat slow to update. If you are running at a steady pace, you will not notice it, but when you plan to fartlek it may be a little uncomfortable if it is a very short series. But it is not something that makes it unusable.
Other activity configurations
- Alerts: In addition to the data screens, we can also make other settings. Forerunner 220 allows us to set alerts to receive notification of events that occur when the marked range is exceeded. The alerts you can set will be for heart rate, run/walk or pace. In the first case we can set maximum and minimum heart rate ranges and you will receive a sound and vibration warning if you exceed it, both above and below. The pace alert works in a similar way, being able to create a range in which to move and if you go out of range, you will receive the warning. Finally there is the run/walk alert, which is very common in marathon training these days, or if you are starting to run and are not yet able to run for a long time in a row. It is possible to set a run and walk time (for example, 5 minutes run and 2 walk) and it will repeat indefinitely.
- Auto Lap: You can turn on or off the automatic lap timer and the distance. By default it will be on for a distance of 1km, but if you want you can modify it to suit, say, the circuit you are racing on. For example this weekend I did a race where there were 6 laps of a 1.5km circuit. I could have set a lap car of this distance and so on each completed lap I would have had the specific data for that lap. It is worth noting that the manual of the watch indicates that we can customize the lap warning message by setting the data fields it displays. This is not the case, as the option referred to in the manual is not present on the watch.
- Auto Pause: If you are a city runner, this feature will be very useful for you. If you activate it, the Garmin 220 will stop the activity recording if you stop. And it offers you two different options to configure it, besides deactivating it. First of all you can make the recording stop when you stop. Or you can select a rhythm from which the recording will stop. This second case is useful when you make a series and have a break. You can configure that from a rhythm of 8 min/km the recording will stop and when you run again, the recording will start again, but you can move or walk without activating the activity recording again.
- Automatic scrolling: If you want the screens to rotate with the data automatically, you only have to activate this option. You can select the speed between slow, medium and fast.
- Time out: This characteristic can be found both in the Forerunner 620 When we're about to start an activity, whether it's a race or a simple workout, the watch stays in active mode, looking for satellites and the pulse sensor, and you only have to press the activity button to start the race. By default the watch stays on that screen for 5 minutes and returns to sleep mode, to save the battery. So if you're caught at the start line waiting for the gun, you may find that when you have to start running the watch is showing you the time and you have to do the whole process. By selecting the extended mode those 5 minutes will become 25. More than enough time to stretch if you're going to train, or to stay at the start line until they decide to launch the race.
Personal records
Within the Garmin 220 menu you will find an option called "Records".
Your best records will be stored here, so you can keep track of them as you train and improve. When you finish a race it will show you those records at the end, and then you can access them again from this menu.
These personal records are for faster times over a given distance (1 km, 1 mile, 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon and marathon), and for the longest distance traveled. These records are synchronized with Garmin Connect, but synchronization is not bi-directional. So the records you find in this section will be the ones you have recorded with this particular clock, since if you have made better times with other devices (as is my case) it will appear in Garmin Connect, but you will not receive the updated information when synchronizing. To give an example, in the time I have been using Garmin 220 and until I write these lines I have only had the opportunity to make training sessions of maximum 10 kilometers, and so it appears on the clock.
While in Garmin Connect the longest race that appears is 21km.
So the first time you run with the watch you will break all records: the fastest kilometer, the fastest mile, the fastest 5 kilometers and of course the longest distance, because whatever it is, it will be the longest that the watch has registered. But Garmin has finally solved this problem and has enabled a button inside the personal records section and it is possible to send to our watch the data we have stored here.
And now yes, once the clock is synchronized we will find updated data.
Also within this option we have a history of the best records. You will have your best time for a distance along with the best previous record. For example, my previous fastest time for 1km.
History
On the Garmin 220 you also have access to your race and training history, which is the same information that is displayed on your watch once you finish an activity.
Once you finish your workout, Forerunner 220 automatically takes you to the history of that activity, where you can check the details and laps. You can even delete the workout if it's incomplete and you've only recorded 30 seconds.
Within the "Details" option 1TP10You will see the main data of your training. Distance, time, pace, cadence data or average or maximum heart rate.
It is divided into two screens, so you will have to scroll to get the full information.
If you access "Laps" you will have the data of each of the laps, either automatic (by auto lap) or manual (by pressing the lap button manually).
And just like in the full details of the race, we can access to see the specific details of each of the laps, so if you are doing cadence exercises, for example, you can check the average cadence in each of the laps you have marked.
Within the history there is a last option, which is to be able to check the totals of the week and the month. Many of you can use it, because you start running like crazy and when you want to realize it, you make easy 100km a week. And that doesn't have to be good...
Advanced training
Unlike the Forerunner 210, which it replaces, the Garmin Forerunner 220 allows you to create workouts through Garmin Connect on your computer, then pair them with your watch, either via USB cable or Bluetooth connection with your mobile phone.
Creating your own training sessions is very easy and the website itself will tell you the steps you need to follow, you name it, select the sport (in FR220 only race) and add steps and repetitions.
You can give these workouts the complexity you want, from a simple 8×400 repetition in zone 5 heart rate, with warm-up and cool-down.
Up to a much more complete workout where you can combine duration (time, distance, calories, heart rate or manual by pressing the lap button) and target (heart rate zone, speed, pace, cadence or no target).
Once you've finished setting up your workout, simply save it and send it to your device so it's available on your watch after pairing (by USB cable or by connecting the watch via Bluetooth to your phone).
There is also a second option, and that is that you can add the workout to the calendar, and that workout will appear on the chosen date.
After synchronization, in the watch you will find the sessions created in the "Workouts" menu. Inside you can find the sessions (the ones you normally use on a recurring basis) or the calendar, if you have added a training session for a specific date.
You can define your target zones for a training session based on speed. This is a quick way to create a training session if you forget to synchronise your training session and are already out on the road. In the case of the picture, a 4×1000 with 1 minute rest between sets.
Garmin Connect Training
In addition to the workouts you create, Garmin also offers a series of workouts for different races and goals. And they're free. Within each race there are several difficulty settings you can choose from.
You can take a quick look at each of them to decide which one is best suited to your current condition and the time available for training. You can schedule it based on what date you want to start (today, never leave it until tomorrow) or from the date the race is held, in which case it will tell you when you will start with these specific trainings.
Training with the Garmin 220
All right, you've got it all organized, your workouts are set, and you're out on the street ready to run. Luckily, the easiest part is that the clock is ticking. To get started, you simply head to your workout scheduled for that day. Before you start training, you can remember the steps you're going through.
And once you start the training, you will always have a reminder of what to do, so you don't get lost. Both on the screen at the beginning of each phase (which I will show you later), and during the phase itself, in this case, warming up until you press the Lap button.
If the phase is of manual termination (by means of the lap button) it will end when you want. If it is of automatic termination (time or distance) it will warn you with some previous beeps so that you can be attentive. And when the new phase begins, the target and the time or distance to be completed will appear on the screen.
As you can see, the display has now changed while you are training, because above the pace it will show you the target pace for this part of the training. And at the bottom it indicates the distance (or time) left to finish this phase.
The Garmin Forerunner 220 alerts you with tones and vibration if you're off your target pace. If you're below the time, it will notify you with a descending sound and show you on the screen.
It will also warn you if you are going too fast. Change the colour of the screen and the sound will be upwards.
Two short tones will mean that you are in the desired range. And of course, it will also indicate this on the display.
So if you don't do the intervals like I was playing, you can't blame it on the fact that you've been absent-minded or that no one has warned you, you've been on a lazy day.
Running on tape or inside thanks to the internal accelerometer
Thanks to the Garmin Forerunner 220's internal accelerometer, the watch gives you information about your running cadence. But it doesn't just do that - it lets you run on a treadmill or on an indoor track and still have pace and distance data available without having to connect an external accessory (in this case, a footpod). It's not as reliable as this accessory, but it's close enough.
You don't need to do any configuration on your part, nor enter your stride measurement. It's much easier. This function is automatically configured as you go out running with the GPS activated. The clock will learn from your running and will know exactly how your stride is. So before running on the treadmill and getting correct results, you must go out running.
What better way to check operation than to go for a run and compare it with GPS data? Simply put Forerunner 220 on one wrist, turn off the GPS, and put any other watch on the other, with the GPS on.
In a way the test was not performed on the best day. Or yes, because this way we can see what affects the measurement made between one and the other. Let's start with the total distance recorded by both, and then we'll go into details and graphics, to see if we can find the why of things.
The watch that did have the GPS activated has marked 10.51 kilometers. 500 meters less than the Garmin 220 that has measured distance only through the internal accelerometer. It is an error lower than 5%, so the first impression is positive. But let's compare data obtained between the two to see what the evolution has been.
Before going in with the cold numbers, comment on the conditions of the race. I went out looking to complete 11 or 12 kilometres at an average pace of 4:50. I started well, but as the minutes went by the air began to blow, with a lot of strength. One of those days that you run and run, and it seems that you do not move. I guess you have already "enjoyed" some of these days and you know how they are. You start well but as you run, fatigue comes much earlier and you slow down. And that can be clearly seen in the graph. In blue the rhythms marked by the Forerunner 920xt with GPS activated, in orange those of the Forerunner 220 through the internal accelerometer.
As I say, bad day to do this test because of the continuous changes so abrupt. But good, because this way we can find the weaknesses. The beginning of the test has been quite similar in the rhythms that I marked, and in fact the laps marked automatically were scary because of the precision with which I registered the rhythms (then we see numbers). But from the 30 minutes, where the wind has started to affect me more (coinciding with the way back, blowing in a frontal-lateral way), you can see how the graph of the 920xt has been suffering peaks of descent and ascent of rhythms as I was shaking, but those changes have not been picked up by the internal accelerometer of the Forerunner 220.
Let's go over the numbers now.
In the first kilometer the difference is produced by stopping at a traffic light, but the following two kilometers the difference between one and the other is practically negligible. From this point on, the differences begin to grow as my performance decreases due to the wind. The cadence rhythm decreases slightly, but above all it is the strides that are shortened, and that has no way of being registered by the clock that does not take GPS references.
Therefore, the sensations after the analysis are not as good as those at the beginning, where there was simply a 500-meter difference between the distance offered by one and the other. Despite this, I consider this to be a correct result, since when you are running on a treadmill, the speed variations you will make will be based on changes in cadence, maintaining the length of your stride (unless you are playing with the slopes). In this mode, the Garmin Forerunner 220 will be able to give you very correct current rhythm data, as we saw during the first kilometers of the test, and as I already noticed when I did the same test with the Forerunner 620.
Garmin 220 GPS Reliability
As far as the reliability of Forerunner 220's internal GPS is concerned, I find that it has the average accuracy of any other GPS available on the market. Like all of them, if the conditions are ideal (clear skies, no buildings or obstacles, outside wooded areas) the behaviour is quite reasonable. And if we go into more complicated areas such as lush forests or streets with tall buildings, the quality of the signal received will deteriorate, both because of the number of satellites from which we can receive a signal and because of the signals bounced off the surrounding buildings.
This map you see is from a cross country race where 6 laps were done on the same circuit. Except for one of the tracks where it deviates slightly, the six laps go through the same places. You can see that where there are changes is in the wooded area, and when it was outdoors the track marked is always the same.
The concern of most of you is that you don't know the exact distance travelled, and if your partner's watch is reading exactly 10 kilometres from yours, why is it reading 80 metres more or less? Considering the operation of commercial GPS and the reliability they offer, it is very strange that you can see the same distance data on two watches, even if they are both of the same model. But the data you will have will always be very similar between them.
Garmin 220 and bicycle
The Garmin Forerunner 220 has no specific mode for your cycling activities. This doesn't mean you can't use it for cycling. You can, and you should. Its big brother, the FR620There are some differences between the two watches. The first is that when you synchronize your activity to Garmin Connect, in 220 you must change the type of sport from running to cycling if you want to keep track of all your activities, and not mix them up with each other. Of course, if you don't do this, all your personal records will be affected, such as the fastest 10km or the longest distance. When you synchronize your activity, and after changing the type of sport, in the next synchronization you will get back the correct data for your records in the watch.
The second difference is that since we don't have a specific mode, if we don't touch anything in the clock configuration we won't have speed information, but the data will be given in rhythm, that is, minutes per kilometer. But at least Garmin allows us to change between seeing the rhythm or showing the speed, and by accessing Configuration -> System -> Format, we can select how it will look on the screen. Once the speed format is selected, you can put the Garmin 220 on the handlebars and start pedaling.
Another negative part of not having the cycling mode is that we will not be able to connect any kind of external ANT+ accessory beyond the pulse sensor or the footpod to run. Therefore if you have a cadence and speed sensor on your bike, you will not be able to pair it with the Garmin 220, so you will depend on the speed data obtained through the GPS of the clock at all times. If your routes are in open areas you will not have a major problem, but the moment you are in wooded areas, tunnels or in the city between tall buildings, the data obtained will be less real, especially if there are speed changes.
Finally, remember that the data screens will be the ones you have configured for running, since we do not have a different profile to make specific settings for cycling.
Screen illumination
Those of us who are used to training at night place a lot of importance on the lighting of the screen, not only the quality of the lighting itself, but also the configuration possibilities it offers. In the case of Forerunner 220 you won't have any problems, neither on the side of the quality of the lighting (which is uniform and powerful) nor on the part of the configuration, as we will be able to establish when and how it should be lit.
You can set the lighting manually, by pressing the button for that purpose (the one on the top left), or it can light up automatically when you press a button or when there is an alert, such as a lap or workout notification. You can also select the time the light will stay on, which varies between seconds or my favourite, staying on until I tell you when I want it to go off.
Use as a diary clock
Unlike other GPS watches (such as the 910xt), the Garmin Forerunner 220 can be worn as your everyday watch. It's not excessively bulky and because the strap is standard (i.e. it has no GPS antennas or any components as part of it) it's just as comfortable as any other watch. With a depth of 12mm it won't look like you're wearing a computer on your wrist and the little more than 40g it weighs (40.7g exactly) means you won't notice it while you're wearing it. And if you wear it just as a watch you'll hardly have to worry about battery life, because in this mode it can last up to 6 days on a single charge.
Forerunner 220 has different settings, not only for the time, but also for how it is displayed on the screen. You can set the time manually (and its format, 12 or 24 hours) or automatically. This second option will synchronise the time with the GPS every time it connects to satellites.
As for the clock display, it lets us select the screen background, which can be white
Or black
And also 1TP10We can select the color of certain details (time and remaining battery). To do this we just need to activate the option "Use theme color" and then select the chosen color in Settings -> System -> Theme color. You can choose between blue, green, orange, red, yellow, pink or purple. It's a small thing, but it's one more configuration option, which is always appreciated.
As for the alarms, you can only create one, but you can't set a schedule, that is, you can set the alarm for a specific time, but you can't indicate that it sounds daily or only on weekdays
Battery life
Garmin announces a range of 6 weeks in power-saving mode (working only as a clock) and up to 10 hours in training mode, i.e. with the GPS and ANT+ sensors connected. This 10 hours is not the time it will hold while you train, but the theoretical maximum. This means that if we are using the clock on a regular basis (we don't have it saved and turned off) and we do five workouts of 2 hours each, the last workout will probably not end, and I even doubt that I will be able to start it.
From those 10 hours of maximum autonomy you should subtract the usual use you make as a watch, Bluetooth connections you make, connections to ANT+ sensors, etc. So if you don't want to get hung up in the middle of an activity, calculate 9 hours of maximum autonomy.
For my part, I've done the autonomy test in the simplest way: I'm going to watch the clock while it records an activity and I'll go get it when it's off.
The final result is what you see in the picture. Starting the activity with the 100% on battery until it turned itself off, a total of 11 hours and almost 6 minutes. Higher than the Garmin advertised, but keep in mind that there was no ANT+ sensor connected, which will always have its impact on the battery. And as a curiosity, 1.88km "traveled" without having moved from the site all night, unless it was put on by some playful cat....
Fixing translation errors
Garmin introduced a translation error into Forerunner 220 about 8 months ago, and despite several more updates, it has not been fixed yet. This bug is purely aesthetic, but leaves a feeling of carefreeness on Garmin's part.
What is this bug? When entering the menu, the text in the configuration menu appears as "Configuration".
As I say, it's pure aesthetics, but it wouldn't cost anything for Garmin to solve it. Meanwhile, I'll explain to you how to do it yourself. It's very easy to do it thanks to the way Garmin files are structured, and when we connect the watch, a drive appears, as if it were a pendrive.
You have to access the GARMIN/TEXT path, where you will find all these files.
Logically, the one we are interested in is the SPANISH.LNG file. Open it with a text editor and search for the following (without the quotation marks): "Configu?". You will find two words, which are the ones we need to correct.
But be careful, it is not enough to delete the question mark, because we will be moving the whole text string to a different place and the rest of the menu will appear modified. So what we have to do is to add a space after the word, and therefore change "Configu?raciÛn" to "ConfiguraciÛn " with a space at the end. Save the file, restart the clock and....
Fixed! If you want to save the whole process, here is the corrected file. You just have to replace it in the same path as the original. Make a previous copy of the version you have, in case there were any changes between different versions since I write this entry until you correct it. Click here to download.
Connectivity
Although the Garmin Forerunner 220's connectivity is not as complete as its big brother's, the Forerunner 620 (220 does not have WiFi), if we have a Bluetooth Smart connection. This offers great convenience, as it allows you to synchronize your watch wirelessly with your mobile phone. And not only that, but also allows you to broadcast your workout or race live through the LiveTrack functionality.
In terms of compatibility, we must know that to be able to connect Garmin with the phone we must have an iPhone or Android with Bluetooth Smart. This means iPhone 4s or higher and Android with Bluetooth 4.0 that also have operating system version 4.3 or higher. You can find Garmin Connect applications at App Store and in Google Play.
LiveTrack
LiveTrack was first released on the Edge 510 and 810 cycling units, and Garmin has since added this functionality to more devices in its range (Forerunner 220, 620, 920xt and Fenix 2 at this time). Operation is the same as with Forerunner 620So if you've already read the test of that model you know how it works. If you haven't, let me copy it for you then, and save me rewriting it.
LiveTrack allows you to broadcast your training or race over the Internet to your family or friends, directly from the Garmin Connect page. How do you do it? Well, through Bluetooth and your mobile phone, so you can do it, you have to carry your phone while you're training.
Starting to broadcast your live session is very easy, you just need to have the application installed on your phone (iPhone or Android version 4.3 or higher and Bluetooth Smart support). In the menu you will find the LiveTrack function.
To invite friends, you can either type in the name of a contact (and they will receive the invitation in the mail) or you can invite all your followers via Facebook or Twitter. There is no support for sharing via other applications (WhatsApp, for example), but you can send the mail to yourself and copy and paste the link where and to whomever you want.
As an example, this is the invitation that will be received by whoever you select from the application
From that point on, your session will begin broadcasting (a few seconds late and regularly updated, but not instantly) the moment you press the start button on the Garmin FR620.
Everyone who connects to the live session will have access to the map where you are doing the activity, either normal or satellite, as well as Bing or Google maps. Also, at the top you will have a summary of your average pace, the time you have been active, the distance traveled or the height gain. At the bottom there is a blue drop-down strip, where we would have access to data graphs, such as pace, height, heart rate or cadence.
Once the activity has been completed, it will be indicated at the top (so that the person following you knows that you have not been hit by a car) and you will have access to all the final activity data. Likewise, each kilometer will be marked with the point where it has been completed, and you will have access to the statistical information for that kilometer. Of course, we still have all the information regarding the graphics at the bottom.
This link can also be opened on mobile devices, where you can track just like on the computer (although with less data available). There is no operating system problem here, as it depends on the device's browser. In this case, the LiveTrack on an Android phone.
And this is what it would look like in an iPhone browser
Once you have completed the activity, and taking advantage of the fact that the watch is connected to the phone, it will automatically synchronize the activity with Garmin Connect via Bluetooth. It will first pass the activity to the phone and then synchronize it with the Garmin "cloud".
Garmin Connect
This is the "cloud" I told you about earlier. The place where you can analyze all your workouts and keep track of your progression as an athlete. When you enter Garmin Connect you will find the control panel, which you can configure at will with the "widgets" you want, and that podrás move, move and sort as you see fit.
Each widget will take you to its own section to expand the information you're looking at at a glance. You can also access each section directly through the menu on the sidebar, and by hovering over the arrow you can add the widget to the main screen.
But among the many options that you find, and that I recommend that you consult calmly, what interests us most is the analysis of our activity. When you click on the activity carried out you will have complete data with rhythms, heart rate, plan, etc. You will have data in addition to the laps, whether manual or automatic. You will also be able to add your equipment to carry the calculation of kilometers that you make of your shoes and know when you will have to change them.
You can also expand any of the charts and compare it to another of the metrics, for example pace, cadence and heart rate, to determine training patterns.
In addition to all this, within Garmin Connect you will see more options where you can find other data such as personal records or training plans that we have seen in the previous section. Connect is a fairly intuitive website and full of information. However, if it is not enough for you, you can always use any other website where you can import files that you can download directly from the clock in FIT format, or in FIT, TCX, GPX, CSV format or export to Google Earth if you have already synchronized your activity with Connect. To do this you will have to upload the file manually, although some third-party services also support automatic file import, such as Strava, which you will have to configure on their own website.
Summary
Forerunner 220 is an easy to use GPS watch, with options that any beginner or intermediate user may need. If you think you are one of these athletes, this Garmin won't let you down. If your level is intermediate-advanced or advanced, the additional options you can find in the Forerunner 620 (WiFi, race dynamics, 4 on-screen data fields, recovery analysis, race forecast, virtual partner, etc.) make you decide on the top model in the range for runners.
What I liked most about the 220 is how fast it scrolls through its menus, not only because the clock is fast to scroll through them, but because the options it displays are clear and concise, so finding what you're looking for will be very easy. But where I'd like it to be faster is when it comes to changing the pace while we're training, because despite selecting the instantaneous pace on the data screen it often takes too long to display the actual pace, which becomes too uncomfortable when you're training with pace changes.
Is it the right watch for you? If you're just going to be running on the road and don't need the extra options you can find in Forerunner 620, it will be able to satisfy the 90% of its users. You should also consider the Polar M400However, the Forerunner 220 outperforms the M400 in something that's important to many, the volume of the sounds and especially the vibration, which you won't find on the M400.
Did you like the test?
I hope that this test can help you to decide with your purchase. If you want to know the truth, there are many hours needed to perform each analysis. Training, photos, writing, new photos ... is a long and demanding process. If you liked it and want to lend a hand, just leave me your impressions in the comments below will serve to know your opinion, in case I have left something uncommented or you think I should change something. Or ask your questions if there is something that is not clear. Show this post to your friends and share it on social networks, I'm sure if they are looking for training watch will thank you.
If you are encouraged by the purchase of the device, you can do it through this link This way it will cost you the same or cheaper than the official price, and I get a small commission that will help with the purchase of new devices for new tests.
Buy Garmin Forerunner 220
You can buy the Garmin 220 in two colors (black/red or white/purple) and two variants (with or without pulse sensor). Below I provide you with links to very good offers. Buying through them will help you maintain the website and my work.
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Thank you so much for the analysis, I was looking forward to it.
Now to reread the one on the M400 and see if I decide on Kisses
Ana, thank you very much for your comments.
Good luck with the decision. They're two great teams. Whichever one you choose, I don't think you'll be wrong. Either one will satisfy you.
Greetings
Hello, I am a newcomer in running, I bought the garmin 220 from 2ºmano, and I have the problem of the language.
I have tried to follow the steps indicated in the analysis, but I don't have the Garmin/TEXT folder anywhere.
I've created a backup,
Is it ok if I create the folder and put the file you have already uploaded with the corrected text?
a greeting and thank you
You can create the folder manually and upload the file without any problems
thank you very much, I was afraid but I did it and it was great.
a hug
Hi, I had the same problem with the language and I followed the steps to copy the file and ... perfect, in Spanish and no problem. Thank you very much.
The analysis, it's the best I've found on the Internet.
Fantastic analysis. A couple of days ago I bought it on Amazon through your link to give you a hand. I still haven't received it. I read your analysis of the 620, and without reading the 220, because you hadn't published it yet, I decided to buy it. I really appreciated the differences between the two, and I saw the increase in price of the 620 over the 220 as excessive, taking into account that I am a beginner in running. I would have liked to buy the 620, but to begin with I think the 220 is very good, and after reading your analysis I have even more clarity. Thank you for the contributions you make in your blog, they are helping me a lot in my training. Greetings.
We appreciate the purchase through the links, that makes possible tests like this one ;-).
I'm glad that after reading the test you were able to assert your choice. That's why I make them.
I truly believe that 220 will satisfy the vast majority, unless they want some of the features of 620 (and are willing to pay for them).
Thanks to you for reading them, you are the ones who make these analyses possible.
Great!!!! Only now you've made it worse!!!! But above all, thank you very much for the effort, it's very much appreciated.
I've been running for 9 months and this March 22nd is my first half marathon (the one in Malaga) in which I want to finish around 1:45 - 1:50, if the grip I have allows me to train. As I'm still very new I'm between the Polar M400 and this one, as it will be my first GPS because so far with the Runtastic of the iPhone I'm doing well. I was almost decided by the garmin for the theme of training plans, as I think it will be very convenient to download them from the garmin app itself and follow them. However, I think the Polar is nicer and cheaper and I guess in some things it's superior.
And to make things even better, with the FITNESS20 promo in Amazonia, the V800 will cost just under 290 euros.
As a tip, if it's just for running, and going out with a bike from time to time (mostly for recreational purposes and cross-training, for now), which one do you recommend?
My doubt is also that a gadget like this lasts a few years, and although right now the basic one is working well, in a year or two I think I will start to need "something more".
Thank you very much in advance.
Thank you for your comments.
We'll see each other there (in the middle of Malaga) and I'm aiming to finish in that time as well, so we'll share the race for sure.
The choice between the M400 and the FR220 is a difficult one. Despite being in the same range, there are "big" differences between the two, and where one falters the other excels.
About the V800, it's a great watch, but my recommendation is always that you pay for what you're going to use. It's a higher range than the 220 and M400 and has much more advanced options. If you're not going to be swimming frequently and you're not interested in connecting specific cycling sensors, that's where almost the entire price difference between them will go.
As you said yourself, you're just starting out, so you don't know where you'll get to or what discipline you'll be heading for. Maybe you'll get a taste for triathlon and need a triathlete's watch. Or you'll lack time and keep running, and then you'll have other needs.
If it was a fair price, the more the merrier. But being twice the price in my opinion it's more reasonable to wait and see where the training takes you.
Thanks, buddy. I also have the option to see if I get the M400 fleece from the draw....
Right, you never know!
Morning!
I have the 220 since November (although it's on the SAT now because it got stuck) and I'm quite happy with it, as far as accuracy goes:
As I also have an Ambit 2R I have run several times with the Ambit and 220 at the same time, one on each wrist to check its accuracy on a 6kms. circuit that I have well measured with a wheel, and I have drawn the curious conclusion that in a straight line they measure quite well regardless of which hand you carry it in, but if the circuit has mostly left turns, the GPS that goes in the left hand measures correctly, while the one that goes in the right hand gave about 100m. too much in 6kms.
If you did the circuit backwards (with most of the turns to the right) in this case the one on the right hand was measuring correctly and the one on the left hand was about 100m too long, regardless of which one it was.
I think it's an interesting detail that I have verified with about 20 joint activities and that depends if a race has more curves to one side or another will affect the measurement.
It's just a detail, if you get the chance, take that test.
Otherwise fantastic review and as I told you by Foroatletismo, you fill a very important fact of GPS analysis for runners in Spanish.
Congratulations and thanks for your work
That's right, the side that makes the inside of the curve will always make less distance. At first it may seem little, because the radius of the curve is not very large. But if we only take curves in one direction, that little distance accumulates little by little and in the end it ends up being "noticed".
The best thing would be to wear the watch on your forehead, and no more problems 😀
Hi! I just came from training and when I stopped the training by pressing the button, the clock got stuck with the light on, is that the same thing that happened to you? Did it take long to repair it? How long is your warranty? Thanks in advance.
Try connecting it to the computer so that it restarts, or if you don't let it drain the battery to restart it. I don't know if leaving the power button pressed will force the shutdown when it is locked.
Hi, I'm thinking about getting my first GPS watch, so I can plan my trips better, with basic data on distance, pace, duration. I'm between the Nike+ Sportwatch Gps (by Tomtom), the garmin forerunner 15 or the forerunner 10 or the
Timex Ironman Run Trainer 1.0 Gps? which of these do you recommend me? or go in something more $ like the garmin fr220 that allows to include programmed trainings and calendar that is what I could use since I prepare alone, or the polar m400?thanks
Hello, Horatio.
First of all, tell you that the Nike should be discarded. It has a lot of strap breakage problems, and when it breaks, the only solution is to replace the entire watch. And it always breaks, sooner or later.
Virtual Partner you will only find it in 220, the other Garmin models are much more basic and their configuration is much more basic, both in data and training possibilities. They are perfectly valid if you only want to know distance travelled or average pace, but when planning series or intervals they will not give you results.
The Polar M400 is my choice in that range, I always recommend it because it is the one that offers more at the same price (or less), but in your case and for what you ask, I think that with the Garmin FR220 you will be happier. If you are willing to pay the difference between both models, I think you will be happier with this watch.
hello eduardo thank you for your answer and congratulations for the review of both watches that you made very clear and precise. another doubt that I have is the Garmin Forerunner 220 allows the creation of workouts, create them through Garmin Connect from the computer either own or garmin according to a target, and then
now with the polar m400 also has this function ? according to what I read in your review what has the fr220 is the vibrating alert and the polar no ? and finally consider it important to buy either with its heart rate band knowing that you can buy separately later ? from now thanks for your advice
Yes, the Polar M400 has a similar training schedule, but it is less developed. If you are going to schedule a lot of interval training and pace changes, you will be more comfortable with Garmin.
If you do not have a pulse sensor and you are going to have to buy it, it is better to do it now as a kit, as it is cheaper than buying it separately.
Hi, I'm not sure if I should buy the 220 or the 610. Each has things that the other doesn't. I'm a beginner and the price is on par. Which do you see as more complete? I like the simplicity of the 220 to pass the data to the garmin website and the accelerometer and the 610 I like the virtual partner and the virtual racer. The color or touch screen is the least important thing. It is also true that I do more biking than running, although I already have specific GPS for biking. Greetings and thanks for everything.
Personally, I like the 220 better. It is a more modern device, although it is true that the Garmin 610, although older, is of a higher range and therefore has some more options like the ones you indicate.
In the 220 you will have Bluetooth connectivity, cadence data, livetrack, etc. However, if you are going to use it a lot for cycling, you might be uncomfortable with having to change the type of activity, but if you already have a GPS on the bike I suppose you will use it more for running.
You should also know that the 610, historically, has presented many problems with the touch screen. That while it is in warranty there is no problem, but when it is finished, it can be a problem. These screen failures were solved with the 620, probably because the 610 only has IPX7 protection. That is, resistant to rain, but little else (not for swimming).
For the bike, the only thing I'd use would be the heart rate monitor band, which I guess would be ant+, and my gps supports that. Thanks a lot for everything. Now I'm really going for the 220 head. Cheers.
Yes, the built-in sensor is ANT+. If your GPS has this kind of connectivity, it will work without any problems.
Enjoy your purchase.
hello, I have entered here looking for if you can change the autolap configuration while you are in an activity and if you can currently configure the information that turns during the activity, I only see the time and I would like it to show distance and average pace. Thank you
No, within the activity it is not possible to make autolap configurations, you should stop it and exit to the main menu.
I mean, if you can see at a glance, as it beeps when you complete the lap, data of time, pace and distance at the same time. When you have activated the autolap at 1 km that is not necessary, but when they are series or time intervals that you do not see it so easy.
Although it is listed as possible in the instructions, in reality it is an option that is not available. There is no possibility to display other information when a lap is marked.
Hello very good
I was given the garmin220 and I like it but I think I lack knowledge
I do training and on a trip that I missed I wanted to put it on to take me back but I didn't know or it doesn't have this function
Hello Adriana
Indeed, the Garmin 220 has no back to front function.
Hi, I loved your analysis. It is super complete. I would like to know why you say it is a good buy for runners who are going to do it on asphalt? I live in a rural area and the 60% of my runs are on good roads.
Thank you and a greeting.
It is "a figure of speech". Those of you lucky enough to live in a rural environment 1TP10You run on trails, but that you know. By mountain runner I mean those who do trail running or go trail running in unfamiliar areas and need navigation, longer battery life, barometric altimeters or compass and orienteering functions.
To run and prepare an opposition which goes better the Garmin FR 220 or the Polar M400. I have 250 euros to spend. I would like to do series of 200, 400 and 1000 meters with it, control ppm, rhythm and distance and have a countdown. Thank you,
For short series and variable rhythms you will be more comfortable with the Garmin 220, the training schedule is more evolved and will give you better results.
Hi! I combine running with cycling, do you think I can do well on Garmin?
Thank you
If you train with a bicycle from time to time, you'll have no problem changing your pace to speed when you go to train, and when you upload the activity to Connect, remember to change the sport from running to cycling.
If you ride your bike frequently, it can be a bit boring to have to do it constantly... Or if you use external sensors, in which case you'd better look at another option.
ok thank you very much
Hello!
Great article, truly one of the most enlightening I've read on
sport.
I have a question and I would appreciate any comments on it:
I consider myself an intermediate level runner and I usually run with my smartphone
and I measure my races with applications like Nike+ or Runtastic which -thanks to the GPS in the phone- provide quite a lot of information about the route: distance, pace, speed and in general almost all the data that a watch like the Garmin Forerunner 220 would provide me.
My question is this: What's the point of spending money on a watch if the phone
intelligent already gives us the race data; or perhaps it is more accurate to
information from the watch than the phone and ignore it?
Thank you!
The accuracy of a dedicated GPS is higher, as data is taken every second as they do not have autonomy problems (which is the second reason).
A watch allows you to train by intervals and series in a controlled way, something that with a mobile phone is much more complicated.
The phone is perfect for a beginner, because without an additional expense it can keep track of your workout, but the moment you want to improve in pace, data analysis capabilities and on-the-spot workout control, a dedicated clock fills the gap of what a phone cannot do.
Thank you very much!
Forgive my ignorance, I am thinking of acquiring a pulsometer, normally I train in the gym in the tapes, is it possible to connect it to the device in question? it is that I have seen some pulsometers that if they allow to connect it to the machine so that they show the data and others while you run in her, of being negative, you know some model that this to the pair of the 220 that if it does it?
Greetings
Hello, Hannibal.
That depends on the gym treadmill and the connectivity it uses. Normally, if they are somewhat old, they use the 5kHz analog band (the one with the Polar H7 sensor). It is not very common for a gym treadmill to have ANT+ or Bluetooth connectivity.
You can watch the Polar M400 with a sensor, it comes with that tape and emits in an analog band, so if the gym tape is compatible you can use it without problems.
Thank you very much! It has helped me, so with the H7 tape for example there would be no problem.
A salute!
If your gym machine uses analog connectivity (it's the most common, but it's not 100% for sure either...), the H7 tape will send the keystroke data.
Hello, very good analysis!! of great help to decide. One thing, how can I change my activity, go from running to cycling? from garmin connect I can't find the option
Thank you!
Thank you, Jose.
When you are inside the activity, in the first line you will see that it says "running by -your name- on date x".
Simply click on the "running" section and select the corresponding sport.
Hello, I have been given the FR 220 and I have several doubts:
- Keep it or exchange it for the Polar M400.
- Wait for the FR 225 to come out and for a bit more buy it from me (I find the optical frequency reader interesting).
- Buy me the Garmin Fenix 2 second hand (200-250 euros).
What do you recommend? I have to return or keep the FR 220 that I was given.
Thank you very much! A greeting and keep on working like this!
Hello Alfonso
Unless you are going to use the watch a lot in the mountains, with navigation and so on, I do not recommend the Fenix 2. It is a much more complete watch, but also more complicated to manage because of the amount of options it has, options that if you are not going to use it are not worth having.
The 225 and 220 offer the same, except for the pulse sensor. But you always have the option of buying a Mio Link If you are interested in this, it is best to buy 220 without a pulse sensor, and then buy the Mio Link separately.
If you practice other sports very often, the M400 can be better for you, for simple comfort, but at the same price, and as a watch exclusively for running, the 220 is a better choice, because of the vibration and the possibility of creating more complete advanced workouts.
Thanks a lot!! is that buying the FR 225 I would only get about 250 euros (since I have discount), and if I buy the FR 220 plus the Mio Link I would get more expensive, besides I have seen that the FR 225 has activity monitor. For other sports I do machines and sometimes spinning but I don't go out on bike (at the moment), that's why I thought of M400.
I don't want to fall short on the purchase and have a good decision.
I've also been offered a V800 fleece
If it was for you, which one would you buy?
Thanks again and sorry for insisting.
It's not a question of what I would choose, because we all have different needs and you are making very different choices that have little to do with each other.
It is you who has to assess how you are going to use the watch and what you need, so that you can choose accordingly.
Hello Eduardo, first of all, congratulations for all the information you give us and for how well you describe it.
I am a runner of three or four days of training per week and I am in doubt between the POLAR M400 and the FORERUNNER 220, a colleague has advised me without doubt the GARMIN..... but I have my doubts, I do not practice any other sport and if I find it interesting that the watch warns you for example in distance traveled.
Maybe you can give me one last push on my decision.
Thank you very much.
If you are going to do a scheduled series or workout, and it is important for you to be notified of changes in your workout and when a kilometer has been completed with vibration, Garmin will be the best choice.
If you don't mind so much this detail, the Polar M400 is also a very good option, and it also has warnings for each automatic lap.
Hi, Eduardo,
Can the GARMIN battery be replaced or does the watch "die"?
No, the battery is not replaceable at the user level. There are no longer any GPS watches equipped with a replaceable CR2032 battery. In case of problems with the battery, please contact the technical service.
Hi Eduardo, I swam with the clock and to see how it behaved, the gps signal was perfect and I mark the route perfectly, but the problem was that when I slowed down a little I skipped the car pause.... my question is therefore whether there would be any possibility of disabling this function?
I think I've figured it out....I've increased the time from 10 min/km to 30 min/km so I think it won't jump....then I'll try it!
If you are not going to use the auto-stop function, you can also deactivate it completely, and thus ensure that it will not give you any problems
Yes, of course, you can disable the auto pause function from the activity options.
Good afternoon, Eduardo,
Thank you very much for your explanation. One question. I was using the ADIDAS miCoach for the training sessions (it has a great variety and very intuitive), but the GarminConnect page doesn't seem very intuitive to me. Can you somehow "hook" the data from my GARMIN FORERUNNER 220 to the miCoach? Thank you very much again. Best regards.
I don't know the system of the miCoach trainings, but I doubt very much that they can be exported and imported to Garmin. And passing them manually I don't think it's very comfortable...
Thank you very much for your answer. Which one do you recommend? Do you think the one with Garmin is good? In the AppStore page of my iphone they put the application as very bad. What is your opinion? Thank you.
To tell you the truth I haven't tried any in particular. I haven't read any bad reviews of the training plans offered there. Another option is that you look at the plans you have in http://www.foroatletismo.com
Eduardo, good morning. I have read your analysis twice, very good work. I am a beginner in running, and so far I am doing it with my iPhone and Runtastic. I am happy, but when I run on a treadmill I have to put it in manually, besides, it seems to be a piece of junk when I go out on the street. To say that I have a Garmin etrex 30 with chest strap for mountain and bike, so I don't need my watch to be multisport. Having said that, I am between 220 and 225. The 220 convinces me, but the 225 is cool because the screen tells you what pace you are at, because my first goal is to burn fat, and for that I have to run at a certain speed. It is true that with the 220 you can set a minimum and maximum and it warns you by sound and vibration.
What do you advise? I've been looking at the m400 polar and tomtom runner too, but having the Garmin tape I don't know.
Right now I upload all my races to Runtastic, but I could download them to gpx and upload them to Garmin connect for example.
You tell me what you think.
Greetings
In your case, being already a Garmin user and having an ANT+ sensor it is best to stay "in the same house".
In addition to the display, the new features of the 225 are the optical pulse sensor and the activity monitor, but the main thing is the sensor.
On the 220 you can select the heart rate zone field, which is ultimately the same, but without the graphics. So if you don't mind the optical sensor and are going to continue using the ANT+ band, the 220 offers you the same and is more economical.
Thank you, Eduardo. Let's see if I can make up my mind that what one has is missing from the other... hahahaha, there is nothing 100% perfect
Miguel, how are you doing with the 225? Although I like the performance of the 620 better, for example, I am determined to do without the chest strap and I think the Garmin 225 is a better option than Fitbit Surge or Tom Tom Cardio...
Hi Unai. In general I'm very satisfied. The beats are good, but if you make too many changes of rhythm it won't work. To run at a constant pace is perfect. I have the band so if I need to use it. For the rest I liked the Tom Tom to go home, but in general I think the Garmin is better. You do the buttons right away.
Good morning Eduardo. Yesterday I bought the Garmin FR220 and it turns out that no PC recognises it except the one in the shop. I have Garmin Express installed. Have you known any other cases with this same problem?
Clearly this is a matter of driver installation or Garmin Express installation, as connecting to a computer can rule out cable or clock failure.
Uninstall Garmin Express, disconnect the clock from the computer, and repeat everything again.
Eduardo, solved. The two PCs I tried to connect with were missing drivers. It wasn't a problem with the clock. A greeting and congratulations for the page.
Hello Eduardo. A simple question. I am interested in buying the Forerunner 220 but I need for track training the following function: let's say for example that I have to do series and I want the watch to beep me every 20 seconds as many times as I tell it. It is simple but few watches allow it. It is to keep an exact pace in a 1500 for example. Thank you very much.
You can't set an alarm in your own time, but you can set a training session with a certain target pace and it will alert you if you slow down.
Excellent analysis congratulations, one question I use the nike+ application, if I have this watch can I synchronize it with this application? That is to say that I keep adding my km in the nike application, is it possible?
Yes, in the Nike+ application you can link to Garmin Connect, and all workouts you do with Garmin will also go to Nike+
Good morning, Eduardo.
I want to change to Garmin FR220. I have the Polar H7 sensor and I wanted to know if it is compatible with Garmin. The truth is that looking at your explanation I am more convinced than the Polar M400. If it is not possible, could you indicate me another one that is compatible?
Thank you very much.
The Polar H7 is bluetooth, and the Garmin FR220 has ANT+ connectivity, so you won't be able to use it. You would have to buy the watch with the pulse sensor.
Your sensor would be compatible with the new Polar and Suunto, Garmin only uses ANT+ sensors
Well, first of all I would like to tell you how much I liked the analysis, very objective and explanatory, thank you.
On the other hand I have some doubt, currently I use a polar m400 for running and when I go to the gymn (when) for the subject of calories etc, this clock has that mode (when) ?? another doubt, it has a stopwatch ? I say it to measure the breaks in the gymn, greetings and thanks.
You mean the Garmin 220? It only has race mode (indoor or outdoor), and it doesn't have a stopwatch either.
if to 220, I mean if it has some general sport mode that measures the pulses that is not running, and as a stopwatch that I could use to take the rest times between series in the gymn? neither I want to put the option of running so that I am not affected by the values on the web, a greeting and thanks.
No, he has nothing but the ways of running
Eduardo, hi, I wanted to ask you a question about the Garmin220; my husband started a few months ago in this running thing, facing a half marathon, marathon, etc... and at the moment it is working with the Asics application and with his Iphone, but I wanted to give him a watch because running with his mobile is a nuisance... He is very interested in knowing how much time he has made in each kilometer, and I am not sure if the Garmin gives this option... can you clarify it for me? Thanks...
Hi, Clara.
Of course. You can see instantaneous rhythm, per lap, last lap, etc
Thank you very much Eduardo, I assumed that it makes no difference whether a lap is measured, whether it is called "lap" or "kilometer", but just in case... ;-))
And after seeing the great analysis of the watch, I have also seen the one of the Polar, and the truth is, I have doubts... In view of what he does (by the way, your namesake...), which do you think would be better? As I told you, his activity is running, focusing on all kinds of races, and improving with time and setting himself challenges, even trial type, etc... Garmin or Polar? Thanks in advance... Clara.
The difference is that Garmin has vibration and a better online platform and more comprehensive workout planner.
The Polar, on the other hand, is better on screen, has more sports profiles (also cycling, for example), activity monitor and more extensive configuration possibilities.
Hi Eduardo, first of all thank you for this post for taking the time to clarify all our doubts.
I've had a Garmin Foreruner 220 for 1 month and I've only tested it by training series on a running track. Today in particular I have done a 2,000+800+600+600+400, which is a total of 3,800 meters, and the watch marks "4.89 km", having offset of meters in each lap. For example, in the 400 it reads "0.43 km", or in the 800, which reads "0.88 km". I am worried because I think this is out of the normal time lag of a few meters that a gps can have. What should I do?
Thank you very much.
Keep watching it, because as you say that error is far above normal. Before starting the activity, leave the clock for a few minutes with the signal obtained but without starting the activity, to ensure that you have connected to as many satellites as possible. If you continue to record such extra distance, you may have a problem.
All right, I'll tell you. Worst case scenario, I'll send it to warranty. Thanks a lot.
Hi Eduardo: As Jose told you 4 months and 4 days ago about his Forerunner 220, the one I have is also wrong, although in my case the opposite is true: I need to make 10200 to get the 10,000, and it is always the same or very similar, with a difference of 20 up or down. The same thing happened to me with another 220 that I ended up returning for this reason. I don't know what to do, because the 405 that I also have, and it's time for me to retire after five years of using it, measures me almost perfectly. I take the measurements on the track of the Canal de Isabel II, in Madrid's Parque Santander, which I'm sure you know or have heard about, so there should be no doubt. What do you think I should do: the error goes beyond the 1% that the brand warns about?
Thank you very much.
It's totally normal. You have to take into account that the GPS is not a precision device. The strange thing is that if you do 10km it always marks those exact 10km. The satellite signal bounces, there are variations and the smart recording can produce errors like the one you see.
I understand what you're saying, Eduardo, but an error like this is over 100% the margin indicated by the brand, and in fact I don't know anyone who uses a Garmin that is as inaccurate as mine, so I'll wait another month to see if it fits and if it doesn't, I'll definitely return it.
Thank you very much for your answer, though.
Hi Eduardo, I'm getting the Garmin 220 in a few days, and while I've been reading the very complete analysis you've done and some forum, my question is if the chest band of my old Edge 705, which is also ANT+, will be compatible, but it doesn't look anything like the one now. I'm saying this because I bought it without a band.
Thank you and a greeting
Yes, it's compatible because it's ANT+. You won't have any problems.
Hi, Eduardo,
Thanks for the review, it's very complete. I'm going to buy a heart rate monitor with GPS and I have doubts between the Garmin 220 and the 310 XT.
I like the 310XT because everyone speaks very highly of it, the ability to put tracks in and the battery life. The price is 169 euros on Amazon.
However, it has been on the market for several years now and the new models are perhaps more up-to-date, and it is not connected directly to the computer with a cable but through a USB pigeon that receives and sends the information.
I also like the Garmin 220, it meets my needs, the price is similar and the connectivity is higher (smartphone, etc.).
Do you think a 310 XT is worthwhile or has become obsolete and is it better to buy the 220?
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Thank you, Jose. Remember to vote for the Journal Awards!
Personally, I think that if the Garmin 220 totally fulfils your needs, you shouldn't opt for the 310XT. It's a great watch (in every sense), but if you don't use the extra possibilities it offers, I don't think it's worth carrying around. The 220 will make it easier for you to adapt.
Hi, I wanted to know if you can change the sports option, i.e. if you have skating, etc. Thank you
No, it only has a running profile, you can't change it to any other. When it comes to synchronizing you can change it, but sports like skating are not covered.
Remember to send in your vote for the Journal Awards!
And how can I switch to other sports
Sent by Outlook for Android
Once the activity is synchronized, you can log in to Garmin Connect or the application and change the activity type.
By the way, skating is an option you can choose.
Hi, I read the answer below about the comparison between the Garmin 220 and the 310 XT. I gather that the 220 can't be tracked, but does it have a function to return you to the point of origin?
Is there a gps clock in this price line that allows tracks to be included?
Thank you very much.
Hello Michelangelo
No, there's no return to source function. In the Forerunner 230 however they have incorporated it.
You can take a look at the Suunto Ambit3 RunHowever, before the Ambit3 Run, I find the option of Ambit3 SportThese are the most economical options that include the possibility of route navigation.
Congratulations on the work you do with the reviews, it's not long since I discovered you and I can't stop reading you. I'd like to ask you a question, I've been running for a couple of years now and I'm about to buy a GPS watch, the problem is that the budget is tight, hahaha. I've seen the Forerunner 610, I know it's old, but it has functions that the Forerunner 220 doesn't have like the Virtual Race and Virtual Partner ones and the truth is that I'd find them very motivating to improve myself with every training session. Would it be a bad buy if I decided on the 610 instead of the 220? Thank you very much.
Not a bad buy. If you value the cycling options offered by the 610, I'd go for that model. For strictly running, the 220 seems like a better choice. More battery, better connectivity, better water resistance...
Good afternoon, I congratulate you on the website, it's really good.
I run about three times a week and from time to time I bike, I also do fitness in the gym. Do you think the Polar M400 is a good choice or better the Gamin 220? In the Polar you can program your workouts? it has to be from the computer or mobile?
Greetings
For your use the M400 is a better option, as it is multi-sport and you can create an activity for each of the sports you are going to do.
On the Polar you can also program the way you train, via the computer (not the mobile phone). You can see the specific details of these trainings in the M400 test.
If you want Garmin, for your use I recommend the 230, which already includes a variety of sports profiles.
Thank you very much. The 230 is very good but it looks expensive at the moment. I think I'll go for the m400, the price looks right.
Greetings.
Excellent post! One question: In the first photos on your wrist next to the watch you have a bracelet. What is it?
It's Mio Link. Here are all the details: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/mio-link-prueba/
hello! this garmin 220 is waterproof? you assure me that I get into the pool and "I do not drown" ...?? thanks and greetings!
hello! this garmin 220 is really submersible? you assure me that I can get into the pool and ... "I do not drown" ...? thanks.
Yeah, no problem. You can swim with him.
Hi Eduardo! I've had a 220 for 9 months, and in a pretty cold run, it's stopped in a little over an hour. The screen shows distance, time and rhythm that it had when it stopped. It doesn't do anything to me, not even charging it, and no button works. Do you know how to fix it? Or where to go? Thanks!
Try connecting it to the computer, to see if it activates the USB mode and restarts. The second test you can do is to press and hold the lap button and the lighting button.
Otherwise, waiting for the battery to run out and recharge it.
Thank you very much Eduardo! It seems that the option of running out of battery has been effective. I hope it doesn't happen again. Thank you!
Thank you very much for the analysis. Bought through your link.
Thank you so much for putting up with the page!
Thank you very much for the information. It's just what I needed to read. I'm going to see the M400 too. Greetings!
Eduardo, congratulations for the analysis. Impeccable. I have a question. I would like to know if the heart band of a Forerunner 210 (already dead) is compatible with my old Forerrunner 305. The difference I see between them is that the band of the 305 was of the "rigid" ones while the band of the 210 is of the flexible ones. I'm in doubt about this because I went for a run yesterday and couldn't get the Forerunner 305 to detect and sync with the new band. Thank you very much! Regards!
Yes, it works perfectly. You will have to add the sensor (and check that the battery is not empty)
Eduardo, thank you very much. If I'm not wrong, that means that if I buy an FR220 without a heart band I can use it with my old FR210 band, right?
That's right.
I have little with the Forerunner 220 and had used it on the 50%. This comprehensive and explicit review has helped me to get the most out of it without the need for an instruction.
I take this opportunity to ask: what is the bracelet you wear next to your watch for?
Thank you, Rafa.
The bracelet you see is Mio Link, an optical pulse sensor: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/mio-link-prueba/
hello eduardo, thanks for the analysis, from Benifaió. i wanted to ask you a question, as i have registered for the half marathon in Valencia, and in order to train a little bit correctly, i think i will have to get a watch to control times, especially. i gave my wife the m400, but i doubt between the m400 and the 220, which would be in my price range. i will only use it for running, and i usually run with headphones, so maybe the issue of vibration in phase changes is important.
What would be your recommendation?
thanks and greetings
Well, if you like to train by listening to music, the one I recommend is the TomTom Runner 2 with musicTake a look at the evidence.
Hi. I have a question. Apart from running I need to use it as a stopwatch only. I haven't found that function... Is there anything so basic about it?
Thank you
No, there's no timer available.
my garmin watch does not turn on i loaded it into the computer and it does not respond what is done in that case
If after several hours connected to the charger it does not charge, what you will have to do is think about buying another one...
Hi, I recently bought the garmin forerunner 220. And one day to run I got it in my interval training. And now I don't know how to take it off. And every time I go for a run I have the watch that marks my intervals. And it's not what I want. How can I deactivate it, to go out and do a normal run?
You have all the details of how interval sessions behave in the Garmin manual.
I have read your post from beginning to end; certainly a quite complete watch for the price, with very good functions. It has guided me to know that, in a 90% it is functional as long as it is run on asphalt (city) My doubt/question would be Which model of watch, no matter the brand, is better adapted to wooded areas and mountains? I do my training in the city and a little bit of forest, but the long distances I usually do them on the plains, hills and feet of mountains that are on the outskirts of the city. Sometimes, not even the GPS of the cell phone marks the routes well.
In advance, I greatly appreciate your work; you have one more subscriber.
A lot of success, from Mexico!
The watches for running in the mountains are more adapted to the theme of navigation, barometric altimeter, etc. But as for the GPS signal everything will be similar. Anyway take a look at the shopping guide, it will solve many doubts: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/reloj-gps-2019/
Hi, Eduardo. I'm about to buy a second-hand one since I'm a beginner at this running thing.
My question is: can it be configured as if it were new to add my data if I buy it second hand? I have seen a tutorial on the Garmin website and it explains that this is done the first time the clock is turned on.
Thank you very much!
I do not recommend buying a used FR220. The battery can be quite punished (and cannot be replaced).
If you want something cheap and simple, opt for the Forerunner 35.
Hello good afternoon I have a Garmin 220 and and I put all the time acquires gps position to start timer and do not know how to do it thanks greetings
You must search for GPS signal outdoors. If it does not find GPS after a while searching, it is broken.
Hi, I have a question. To take my heart rate I have to have an accessory apart from the watch? Or the watch itself can take it? Thank you!
Yes, you need external, the 220 does not have an optical sensor.
Hello!
Thanks for the dedication! What a great article! Congratulations, really!
I already had a Garmin Forerunner 220 from 2014. Now I wanted to use it again, but even if I charge it I get a gray screen with blurred numbers... Do you know if the technical service is good and if it will be worth fixing it? I would not like to have to change it, although I am aware that it is quite old, it is new! I hardly used it and now I wanted to take it up again?
Thanks again for your help!
A salute.
Alice
Thank you Alicia.
Garmin's technical service does not perform repairs, but has a flat rate on replacement units. That is, whatever happens to the watch, you send in the old one and they send you a remanufactured or new one for a flat rate.
My recommendation is that it is not worth it for a watch like the FR220.
Hello,
I congratulate you for such a detailed analysis, thank you very much.
I have a GPS Garmin EDGE 520 plus, and now I have a Garmin Forerunner 220 with heart sensor, my question is; can the two devices be connected, I like that the GPS 520 plus (with which I practice mountain biking) is marking me the heart rate, but I would also like the watch 220 to vibrate when I exceed the pace I select.
In addition to this, if it is possible, what other things can be done by having the two devices connected?
Thank you very much for your help.
Greetings
Jesus
No, there is no possibility to connect both devices together.
Hi, first of all great analysis of the watch congratulations. I have a small doubt I want to use the garmin 220 to count steps (for use as a daily watch) , is it possible? as if it were an activity bracelet.
Greetings
Not possible, the FR220 does not have an accelerometer for poder counting steps in watch mode.