Details
Brand
Garmin
Model
Forerunner 210
Battery Life
8 Hours
Use
Tracking
Latest Version
Forerunner 235
Key Features
• Lithium• ion battery• Backlight• ANT+ technology• HotFix GPS system• Easy to use• Slim profile• Garmin Connect• Heart rate monitor and foot pod (sold separately)
Comfort
One of the best features of the Forerunner 210 is the size. While some GPS and fitness watches can be bulky, the Forerunner 210 is not. It is a lightweight and has a slim design. Users felt comfortable wearing this watch on runs and did not feel weighed down.
Size
s Available;The Garmin Forerunner 210 comes in only one size. Like many watches, the band is adjustable. It is unisex and fits most. The actual size of the Forerunner 210 is relatively small overall which many users like.
Accessories
The Garmin Forerunner 210 comes with an AC adapter and charging/data clip for connecting with a computer. Optional accessories that can be purchased separately include the heart rate monitor (chest strap), foot pod and bike mount.
Style
As far as style goes, the Forerunner 210 has a simple, sleek design. It comes in two color options: all black and white with neon green. Unlike some GPS and fitness watches, this watch also works for everyday, casual wear as well. For runners looking for a slim but stylish watch, the Forerunner 210 is a good choice.
Activities
The Garmin Forerunner 210 is a GPS enabled watch that works well for runners and walkers. The GPS uses a highly sensitive system called HotFix prediction system to connect to satellites to track your location. All workouts are saved on the watch and can be uploaded to the Garmin Connect website. With an 8 hour battery life, this watch will be able to track long runs including marathons. Since this watch was designed for runners, it is shock resistant. Since the watch is only water resistant, it cannot be used for swimming.
Basic Features
The Garmin Forerunner 210 is a GPS enabled watch that works well for runners and walkers. The GPS uses a highly sensitive system called HotFix prediction system to connect to satellites to track your location. All workouts are saved on the watch and can be uploaded to the Garmin Connect website. With an 8 hour battery life, this watch will be able to track long runs including marathons. Since this watch was designed for runners, it is shock resistant. Since the watch is only water resistant, it cannot be used for swimming.
Advanced Features
This version of the Forerunner does not come with many of the advanced features you’ll find in the newer model. However, users are able to download their runs to Garmin Connect which will show the details of their run including route and elevation change as well as pace, distance and time. From there, users can share their workouts through social media or set workout goals. When used with the optional chest strap, it will track heart rate as well as heart rate zones. An optional foot pod will ensure the accuracy of 98% and is suggested for indoor running (i.e. treadmill). The ANT+ technology in the watches allows users to connect to various fitness equipment as well as the Tanita BC-1000 body composition scale. The Forerunner 210 uses the heart rate monitor to more accurately calculate calories burned.
Connectivity
Since this is an older model, it will connect to your smart phone. The only way to view workout details is to connect the watch to your computer. It connects to both PC and Mac computers. The Garmin Connect app is both on smartphones and via the web, but for this particular Forerunner model, you can only upload via your home computer.
Ease of Use
Many users were happy with how easy it was to use. The “Page/Menu” function made it easy to scroll through history and settings. To start a run, it’s as easy as a press of a button. The first-time usage will require charging it and answering a few questions on the screen. After that, it is ready to go. Simply press start to run and stop to end the run. It’s that simple. Also, the Garmin Connect is easy to use and allows users to see all their data from a run on one page.
Power Source
The watch comes with an AC adapter and a charging/data clip. The charging/data clip allows users to connect the watch to their computer to charge and upload their workouts. The AC adapter will allow users to just charge the watch. Fully charged, the watch will last for 8 hours in GPS mode and 3 weeks in watch/power saving mode.
Accuracy
The HotFix GPS prediction system featured in the Forerunner 210 provides pretty good accuracy as far as tracking goes. This particular Forerunner suggests that using the foot pod along with the watch will provide up to 98% accuracy. However, the foot pod is an optional add-on and does not come with the watch unless specified. While accuracy has improved on the latest models, the Forerunner 210 still does a pretty good job tracking workouts.
Face
On the Forerunner 210 is easy to read the screen. It also features a backlight in order to see the screen in low lit conditions. The resolution of the face is 52 x 30 pixels and the size of the screen is 1″ x 1″.
Band
The band of the Forerunner 210 is adjustable and there were no complaints as far as sizing or comfort level. However, there were reports of the brand breaking and unfortunately, because of the design, the band itself cannot be replaced. The band is made of Elastomer (AKA rubber) and the watch fits most as it is a unisex design.
Apps
Workouts can be upload onto the Garmin Connect website in order to view data including time, pace distance, elevation, and route. Users can also set specific running goals and share their workouts on social media. As stated above, Garmin Connect is both on the web and as an app on smartphones, but the watch can not link to smartphones, so all uploads must be done via the computer.
Sizes Available
The Garmin Forerunner 210 comes in only one size. Like many watches, the band is adjustable. It is unisex and fits most. The actual size of the Forerunner 210 is relatively small overall which many users like.
Durability
Overall, the Forerunner 210 is a pretty durable watch. However, there were some complaints that the band had broke (and could not be replaced because of its design) and that rust had formed where the charger plugs into the watch. Also, as a reminder, the 210 is water resistant, not waterproof, so it cannot be used for swimming.
Price
When the Garmin Forerunner 210 first came out, it was around $300. Since it has been around for a while, the price has dropped and currently is priced at about $150. The price depends on which package you choose. Add-ons that will increase the price include the foot pod and heart rate monitor.
Bottom Line
The Garmin Forerunner 210 is a great basic GPS watch for runners. It isn’t bulky, like other watches, and works well for casual wear too. It does work indoors, but the optional foot pod will provide you with better accuracy. The optional chest strap for heart rate monitoring is a nice plus. Though this may not have some of the other frills as many modern fitness watches such as Bluetooth capability or texts and phone alerts, it still works very well for runners who simply want to track their pace, distance and time. It is definitely easy to use the watch. There were some complaints about the durability of the band as well as some rust forming where the watch hooks up to the charger, but overall, the 210 seems to be a well made, long lasting watch. The Garmin Forerunner has seen many changes since this version, but although the 210 is “outdated” it still works well. The low price is also an attractive feature. If you aren’t looking for anything to fancy and just want basic GPS and tracking features, then this watch is for you.
