Garmin 310XT or Timex Global Trainer

After countless hours of using both of these training devices, I’ve come to this conclusion:

While both devices are not perfect (the 310XT is getting there with firmware updates), the average user will be well served by either one.

However, I do have a preference – the Garmin 301XT. For tech geeks (I fall into this category) it is the better of the two in terms of  overall accuracy and  in tracking several pieces of data, easy uploading of workouts to a training log, reliability during races, but most especially its ability to work well with ANT+ Power meter devices like the Powertap.

I was really looking forward to the Timex Global Trainer but unless they can fix a bunch of things with software/firmware updates, the Garmin 310XT gets the edge for me and here is why:

1. Battery life

– I have to recharge my Timex GT at least two times per week (regular or occasional use), it is getting to the point of annoying actually. Even when I think I’ve charged it fully one day later it indicates it only has half the power – I do have it in watch mode though but that kind of battery life is still fairly lame. The Garmin lasts for weeks on end. In fact, when I put aside the Garmin for two months to use the Timex exclusively, it still had enough of a charge to last for one week. The documentation states it has 15 hrs of battery life. I haven’t experienced anything close to that. Maybe I have a dud? I don’t even think about the battery going dead with the Garmin (it claims 20 hrs of battery life it comes darn close it that).

2. Size

– The Garmin is slightly smaller due to its box shape, and it will fit smaller wrists better than the Timex. The Timex is monstrous but that I did not bother me too much but I would help if it were smaller – especially for women buyers.

3. Use with PowerTap

– The Garmin excels here. It picks up power, cadence, speed, and as a result gives you the distance from the PowerTap hub. And with the latest firmware update, power data spikes are no longer an issue due to an increased sampling rate (no more 1 sec sampling, now your choice of 3 seconds, or 30 seconds). The Timex just picks up power but it does smooth out the data nicely too. If you want cadence or speed on the Timex you must purchase and install separate sensors on your bike. Garmin provides this option too, I don’t find it is necessary because the readings from the PowerTap hub appear to be accurate. Unlike the Garmin, the Timex does pick up the PowerTap signal without any prior setup, but with Garmin, once it is set up, you can program a bunch of different hubs to work with the device.

4. User Friendly Menus & Settings

– All menus and settings are done right on the Garmin 310XT, and you can easily get away with not reading the manual in order to use it effectively. Not the case with the Timex GT. There are many screen and tracking options that just don’t make sense or are plain unnecessary. You do have the ability to change settings with the Timex Global Trainer via your computer. It is a whole lot easier doing it that way than through their device.

5. GPS Satellite Hook Up

– It takes much longer on the Timex GT, and there is only a small icon to indicate to you when it does fully link to the GPS signal – unless you keep walking until you see the pace per km values show up on screen. The Garmin smartly starts up with a “finding satellites” screen and it does not go away until it syncs with the signal or if you shut it off manually. I regularly have to walk circles or stand still in front of my house for 2-5 minutes (that would be the low end) in order for a signal to arrive on the Timex. An update has made things better but it can still get up to 2 minutes. Now, if I remember, I turn the device on, put it near a window, get changed, and hope that a GPS signal is linked by the time I am ready to go. But then there is that battery life thing.

6. Wireless Upload of Workout Data

– The Garmin rocks here. You finish your workout, plug in your ANT+ sick in the computer, turn the 310XT on, go have a shower, and by the time you come back all is uploaded. Yes, the Garmin Connect site is pretty much just a storehouse for your training data, but you can then upload it to whatever training log you use such as Training Peaks. The Timex provides a free Timex branded Training Peaks account and you can do a quick upload once you plug in the special USB wire that comes with the Timex (takes a few attempts to learn how to connect it properly), but you can do the same with the Garmin because the free basic Training Peaks account is available for everyone. And easy upload is done from the Training Peaks Device Agent that allows for the upload of data from several devices. The Timex USB wire works well and charges the device as well so if you are uploading your workout data regularly finding time to recharge should not be a huge issue. You just have to remember to leave it connected practically every time you upload, otherwise you will run out of a charge during a workout or find out you do not have enough of a charge to start one.

7. Dependability, Accuracy & Workout Tracking

– A recent independent test showed that the Garmin 310XT is more accurate than the Timex Global Trainer. For whatever reason, the Timex GPS distance readings are a little off. For me, although it has a slick multiport mode specifically designed for race use, I would not use it for racing because of battery life, and because of the way it handles data. I put it through a few race simulations and after several attempts it just did not handle the workout data the way I wanted. It separated segments even though I selected to record and upload as one file, I picked an automatic interval of 1 km (for the run only – but apparently it tracks 1 km of everything only) and had data separated into 30 plus pieces of data to upload onto Training Peaks – not practical at all. I deselected that option, and while I no longer had multiple pieces of data, the intervals did not show – at least on Training Peaks but you can view it on the device. I did not have this problem with the Garmin. You can choose to track 1 km intervals of the run only and not have the bike separated in such a manner – something I like to do with Ironman racing so I can see how well I paced the marathon. My issues could have been fixed by now via a firmware update, or it could have been user error, but it all goes back to ease of use and the Garmin has this in spades.

I could go on with other minor points but I will stick to these big ones so that this review does not get out of hand.

I will state that it is all not bad news for the Timex Global Trainer

The Timex has a lot going for it too. What did I like?

– The heart rate strap is arguably the best of them all. Soft, comfortable, picks up a signal without wetting it down, and it appears to not utilize a lot of battery power. Five months of use and I have yet to replace the battery. The connection from the strap to the transmitter is smartly designed (snap in buttons) for durability and comfort.

– Price (generally $50-100 cheaper but well worth the extra for the Garmin if you require the features I keyed in on).

– Compass on the device (in case I actually do another adventure race). You can find your location, set waypoints, etc.

– Senses and syncs almost instantaneously with an ANT+ power device (no pairing needed).

– You can use it as a watch too – time and alarm (the Garmin is not designed for this but you can access the time if you toggle through a few screens).

– Comes with a bike mount.

I hope this helps in making your decision.

Happy shopping, whether it be for yourself or some lucky receiver of this gift.

If you purchase it at Running Free, make sure to use the code 11296 to save a few bucks.