Garmin Forerunner 310XT – The Ultimate Paddlers’ GPS/HR Monitor?

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Many paddlers use the Garmin Forerunner GPS/Heart Rate Monitors - but they do have a reputation for being somewhat delicate.  Perhaps the latest model, with its 50m waterproofing will be the answer.

What's Interesting about it?

But looking at the specs on the Garmin website, there are several features that I like the look of:

• Waterproof - the unit is rated to 50m.  This is a huge improvement on all the other units that were only rated to 1m...  and often ended up leaking.
• Improved battery life - lasts 20 hours instead of the 12-14 hours of the 305.
• Wireless transfer of data.  This is pretty cool - there's a USB stick that listens for the data and as soon as you bring the unit within about 4m your computer automatically downloads your tracks.
• Quick release clip.  This one will please multi-sport contenders - you can unclip the unit from the wrist band and clip it onto a bike mounting.
• Size: it's smaller than the 305 - without the flat GPS aerial that sticks out below the screen.
• GPS sensitivity.  I can attest to the fact that the 405 picks up satellites MUCH quicker than the 305.  The 310XT appears to use the same receiver technology.

Pricing

Who knows what the street price will be but Garmin's RRP is $349.99 - but the heart rate band is not included.  So to get the equivalent set up to the 305, you're looking at another $70 - $420 in total. 

Other add-ons include a cadence sensor (for cycling); a foot pod (for running) and a quick release kit.

Demo Unit?

We've requested a 310XT from Garmin South Africa to review (haven't heard from them yet!) and we hope to bring you a review of the unit in the not too distant future.