Garmin Forerunner 620 GPS Watch
The world’s leading supplier in quality GPS watches has hit yet another home run with the Garmin Forerunner 620. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Garmin was originally a Swiss company (yes, the people that are known for their watches), but has since branched out to service most countries across the globe. Their GPS watches are arguably the best in the industry today, and the Garmin Forerunner 620 is no exception.
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Garmin has done it again!
This tech marvel packs in a phenomenal assortment of features from A-Z, including WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth Smart, and a slew of new functions that previous Garmin GPS models didn’t have.
In my opinion, the Garmin Forerunner 620 should be on the buying list for any serious runner or triathlete that is looking to enhance their runs with a powerful new companion. Not only does the 620 track metrics during exercise, but also while the user is at rest, providing the user with a “recovery rating” in order to minimize over-training (which is something many runners suffer from).
You can definitely use this watch for swimming as it is water proof up to 50 meters. It also has biking options as well if you purchase the extra accessories for it.
Screen and Battery Life of Garmin Forerunner 620
Garmin truly broke the mold when they made the 620, by adding a color touchscreen that is makes life for a runner so much easier. No more fidgeting with buttons and no more having to hold the watch all the way up to your face just to see what’s on the screen.
The screen comes in at a circular, 1 inch diameter, with a whopping 180X180 pixel resolution and an additional back light to help user view the screen in low light. Overall the watch weighs 1.5 oz so it's the perfect size and weight.
The watch itself can store up to 200 hours or exercise activity.
Without the GPS on, the watch boasts a battery life of up to 6 weeks, which is fairly impressive given the size of the screen. With the GPS and ANT+ enabled, the battery life is still operational for up to 10 hours, which should be adequate for even the longest training sessions or running event shy of an ultra-marathon.
With the ANT+ you can integrate metrics from you power meter device if you have one. Most serious bikers or triathletes have these which makes this a great multi-sport watch or watch for serious athletes.
For those that aren’t running 10 hours a day (which is most of us), the long lasting battery is quite convenient. If you’re anything like me, then you’ve forgotten to plug in your GPS after a training session and it’s dead when you come to check on it the next day. Not the Garmin Forerunner 620.
Functionality of the Garmin Forerunner 620
The watch is less complex than others that I’ve used and was surprisingly easy to maneuver through once I got the hang of it. Garmin obviously had the needs of the runners in mind when creating this gps running watch because they made it simplistic enough that one can jump from feature to feature, screen to screen while still maintaining a light jog, which is a step up from other brands that make it rather difficult (and often downright dangerous) to change settings while on the go.
In order to activate the GPS, all one needs to do is hit the “Run” button and the watch will immediately begin searching for a satellite signal while simultaneously reading your heart rate.
The one downside to functionality that I found was the reliance of the ANT+ technology to heart rate monitors, which obviously works, but is slightly less reliable than Bluetooth Smart.
Once you’re underway, the screen will present you with your standard readings (distance, heart rate, time, pace, etc). In order to navigate from screen to screen, it takes no more than a tap or a swipe. For instance, once you’ve reached the heart rate page, you’ll be provided with an excellent, highly visible zone split display, which allows you to see what heart rate zone you are currently in while in motion. Garmin also decided to combine the heart rate tracking with VO2 consumption. Yet another metric you can use to see how well you getting in shape.
Cool Running Metrics
I wouldn't do it justice unless I mentioned that this watch can track your strides or your steps per minute. It also has a feature to track how long your foot is on the ground called your contact time. Lastly it tracks your vertical oscillation which measures your bounce in your stride in centimeters. You can seriously dial in your running technique if you track this and watch this during your runs.
Garmin Forerunner 620 App
Yes, like previous models, the Garmin Forerunner 620 will pick up wi-fi or dock with your other digital devices in order to transmit reports of your training sessions. You’ll be able to sort through your workouts and choose from a large assortment of data in order to maximize the productivity of future runs.
I can assure you, the analysis, and the wide range of data available on any digital device at the touch of a finger will impress you. It comes equipped with graphs, charts, challenges, and personal bests in an easy to read format. There are even social sharing options so that you can share your results (or brag) with friends on Facebook or Twitter.
If you feel as if you need a little boost in performance (let’s face it, who doesn’t?), then you may find the coaching option or the VO2 Max estimate to be suitable.
Yes, it has all the bells and whistles!
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 620 is a fine piece of technology. Garmin has become the “Apple” of the GPS tech world. They’re always innovating and always ahead of the competition and the 620 is no different. The forerunner 620 is a stellar GPS watch for runners as it is easy to navigate, has an extensive battery life, and a TON of valuable functions that will help you run faster, run better, and get in the best condition of your life.