Garmin 910XT Reviewed

GPS is a big part of what we do here at Trail Genius, so it goes without saying that we have a lot of different GPS devises.  Some of the cameras we use have GPS built into them, but for long events their shorter battery life can be limiting, plus the time it takes for the camera GPS to sync when you change a battery is frustrating.  In the end we typically use a second external GPS as a backup to the camera, or run a non-gps camera with and external GPS so we get maximum battery life.

The Garmin Forerunner 910XT is the newest addition to our fleet of GPS devices, and I have been using it for a couple months in various activities and conditions.  So far we have been impressed and figured we would share our experience.

Being Garmins top offer for GPS watches, the 910XT does not come cheap.  All the online reviews for the watch were positive, and it's list of features met our requirements so we went for it.  The top two features on our list were reliable easy to use buttons and rugged waterproof design.  In this regard the watch is more then worth the money.  In fact other then being a little bulky, we have no issues with the watch what so ever.  Garmin really hit a home run with the 910XT.

Now most people don't create GPS enabled maps like we do, and are probably looking at this watch for training and racing.  A big part of what we do is also training, other wise we would never get through all our events.  The 910XT has been on my wrist through most of my early season training, including running, biking, and swimming.  The watch has performed well in all areas, with buttons that are easy to push but never on accident, and an easy to read screen with plenty on data field options.  The strap is super comfortable, and with the included extender I have been able to wear it with any training wear, even bulky jackets.  So far everything Garmin says the watch can do, it has.

Two things on the watch that I have not found very useful (so far) are the map mode and the virtual partner.  The map mode shows you the path you have taken, but it is in black and white with no referance to anything other then your own path so I don't find myself using it.  Same goes for the VP feature, others might find it useful, but racing the little guy in my watch is not my thing.  Neither feature takes away from the watch in anyway, but they don't get used by me.

So with that said, do we recommend you run out and get a 910XT?  Well we admit it is pricey, and if all you train and race for is one activity then it probably not worth it.  On the other hand if you are into all kinds of fun stuff like us, and there is water involved then the watch is more then worth it.  The 910XT is a big step forward in GPS watches, can't wait to see what Garmin comes out with next.