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Garmin Forerunner 201

 
 
Garmin Forerunner 201
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Garmin Forerunner 201

4.0(354 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Review Combining powerful performance-tracking features with a GPS receiver, the Garmin Forerunner 201 offers runners and hikers a unique way to track their exercise regimens and goals. Unlike its main competitor, Timex's BodyLink sport monitoring system, the Forerunner 201 integrates the GPS receiver into a single body (BodyLink has separate housings for watch and GPS).


101
201
301
1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport.
2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate).
Speed
Pace
Distance
Calories burned
Heart rate
Sports profiles1
Advanced workouts2
PC interface
(serial)
(USB)
Analyze workout data on PC
Size (inches, WxDxH) 3.3 x .9 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7
Weight (ounces, with batteries) 2.6 2.75 2.75
Batteries 2 AAAs, 15 hours Rechargeable, 15 hours Rechargeable, 14 hours
At first, the device felt a little bulky on my wrist, both in weight and in size (it measures 3.26 by 1.71 by 0.69 inches). But it really is light enough (less than 3 ounces) that it felt comfortable and transparent. I did, however, position the band a bit higher up my arm to ensure full mobility of my wrist, as the length of the Forerunner tended to get in its way.

The large display--with equally large, easy-to-read characters--helps you avoid having to squint at the readout. Just a quick glance at your numbers and you'll maintain your training concentration. The six rubber buttons on the front of the chassis are easy to access (unless you're wearing bulky gloves). I easily got the promised 13 hours out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At the end of the day, I'd just recharge it for around two hours and it would be ready for me the next morning.

While this is definitely a workable GPS receiver, the Forerunner is slim on overall GPS features--which is not to its detriment (think of it as a performance monitor with a dash of GPS). That said, the Forerunner was able to pick up a GPS signal just about wherever I went outside (though it had very slight hiccups in the center of downtown). But if you're looking for a full-fledged tracking device, the Forerunner isn't for you. (You'll want to start with a basic GPS unit like Garmin's eTrex.)

The Forerunner 201 has a variety of helpful tracking, monitoring, and navigational features. The History function enables you to view your workout statistics broken down by individual days, cumulative weeks, or your entire workout history (if you track different workouts during the same day, they'll be broken out as different laps). You can even view a map of your route. And much like other GPS units, you can save waypoints (called "locations" in Forerunner parlance) to mark the coordinates of a place you want to return to later.

Most interesting is the Virtual Partner mode, which enables you to set goals for a workout which will then be completed by a digital character displayed on the Forerunner's screen. You can then see how far off the time, pace, or distance you are of your virtual training buddy's; your digital character even stops when you do (though the buddy keeps on going). I found that, unless you've got a good idea as to your pace or distance, you'll have a couple of trial-and-error training sessions to get in sync with your buddy. I cut short my first attempt after my buddy got so far ahead of me that he disappeared off the screen (which I'd like to believe was not due to my woeful pace).

I was disappointed at not having the LogBook software, which enables you to keep a journal of your exercise activities (it was not available at the time of this test). But overall, the Forerunner 201 is a very useful exercise-monitoring system that will be prized by anyone involved in serious physical training. --Agen G.N. Schmitz




Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance.

History: Review training history by day or week.

Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location.

Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner."


Pros:

  • Loaded with performance-tracking features for the serious athlete
  • GPS functionality a bonus, especially in referring back to previous routes
  • Virtual Partner feature offers a fun, competitive way to keep you concentrated on training
Cons:
  • Lack of Logbook software at time of test
  • Virtual Partner feature takes some trial-and-error adjustments

  • Waterproof, wrist-mounted training device/GPS receiver for tracking lap times, distance, and calories burned

  • Integrated GPS receiver displays your progress on favorite routes and saves up to 100 locations

  • Virtual Partner mode sets time, pace, and distance goals and races you against digital competitor

  • History function breaks down workout statistics by day or cumulative weeks; includes serial PC interface

  • Adjustable wristband and AC desktop charger; measures 3.26 x 1.71 x 9.69 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

In Stock
Availability: Usually ships in 6-10 business days
Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
Our Price: $279.99

Note: Item may be sold and shipped by another company. Learn more.
Product Details:
Product Length: 8.5 inches
Product Width: 6.1 inches
Product Height: 3.6 inches
Product Weight: 2.0 pounds
Package Length: 8.5 inches
Package Width: 6.1 inches
Package Height: 3.6 inches
Package Weight: 0.75 pounds
Average Customer Rating: based on 354 reviews
 
 

Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Review:4.0
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.

5Great product  Apr 10, 2010
This is a very nice product. It has numerous features and does what I need it to do. It is a little bulky but for the price it was very worth that.

5runner's helper  Apr 08, 2010
love this product. Gives me my time, pace, and distance easily and accurately. I hate technology but I could figure this out. Love having running history available. Great value for the price.

4Garmin Forerunner 201  Nov 02, 2009
This is the best running GPS out there in my opinion because the screen is big enough to see, unlike the 405 / 305, which have slightly better reception, but very little visibility. Unfortunately, this particular model that I purchased was not the USB model, but the serial connecting model (serial doesn't work with new computers without a USB adapter, of course). This is a mistake that can be easily made because there is no way to tell the difference unless you look at the back and see either 4 dots (serial), or a small trapezoid plug (USB) which is on the back on the newer 201 models. After purchasing an adapter it works fine with all of my computers. The "Triumph" HR monitor that I already had worked with it as well. Overall: Excellent product. Complaint: Be careful that you buy the 201 with the right connector.

3good companion  May 29, 2009
I like having this along with me while I run. The only thing that I miss in this model (as opposed to the 301)is that when you input your personal data it isn't as specific as the 301. It's more general in nature. Example, age, M/F,height....these are not available on the 201. Also, it takes a slight time longer to obtain the GPS signal.

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:

2101/201 VS. 205/305 - NO COMPARISON!  May 25, 2009
The 205 is $30 more than the 201, but is ten times the watch. If you can afford to the extra dough, here is why it's worth it.

I bought the 201 when it first came out (~7 years ago) It was head and shoulders above the Timex product with the remote arm pod and I would have rated it 5 stars back then because it was the best of it's kind. I even used it to go geocaching.

The problem is, I have to strongly recommend against anyone buying it today - I was "lucky" to have lost this kayaking a couple of years ago at which point I upgraded to the 305. It is SOOOOO much better that I have to now rate the 201 as one star in comparison. The 205 is the same but without heart rate.

First, the 101/201 have a very unusual shape. The 205/305 is a bulky watch but the looong 201 prevented you from wearing gloves - a real problem when skiing, cycling, etc.

Second - and more importantly, the 205/305 have the SIRF Star III Chipset which means it can lock on and hold the lock better.

Imagine if you will - you're all ready to run and pumped up - whoops, you now have to wait an extra few minutes to lock your position, otherwise it cannot tell you your speed, location, etc.

My old 201 locked on far faster than my running partner's Timex (He had to hang it on a tree while he was getting ready since it often took 5 minutes or more to lock.) the 305 can lock in 5-10 seconds most days while the 201 would lock in ~2 minutes *most* of the time but occasionally would take up to 5 minutes. If you were ~100 miles away from your prior location, the 201 would take up to 10 minutes to get a new lock. ARRRGGGGHH.

Also the 201 would lose lock all the time when running in even moderate tree cover or heavy clouds. With the 305 I can even get a lock in my house most of the time.

Finally, the 101/201 cannot lock IF YOU ARE MOVING! The 305 can lock even if you're riding a bicycle. I think I've even gotten a lock while driving.

Yes the 205 and 305 cost more but with the huge difference in functionality I find it astonishing that Garmin would continue to sell the 201 given how much better the 205 and 305 are.

p.s. Don't bother with the 405. Interesting concept but not practical. Read the reviews.

I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on GOOGLE EARTH is FANTASTIC!!!! (the included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.

Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. It's better in my opinion than the Polar products (of which I've owned three)

I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)

My only complaint is that it's easy to leave it on and run the battery down - which is a bummer if you're just about to work out. I wish there was an "auto off" feature which would shut it down if it detects no movement or heart rate within an hour or so. Fortunately, with Li-Ion batteries, as little as a 10 minute charge gives you enough juice for a 90 minute run.

If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know!