At the time I originally wrote this post, the Garmin FR620 and FR220 models were just about ready to ship out to stores everywhere. Since then, I ended up purchasing the Forerunner 220, but I did get to play with the 620 at a local running store event where Garmin representatives were demonstrating its capabilities.
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Garmin Forerunner 620 Review
I have to say, the Forerunner 620 is quite impressive. For me, the watch sync’ed with the satellite very fast, although the first time it was a little slower, most likely because it was learning where it was in relation to the satellite. After that initial sync, it connected within 10-15 seconds on average which is a lot better than the Garmin 110’s and some of the 200′ series watches which usually took a few seconds more.
While I believe a lot of the features are “cool,” I am not sure I personally would use most of them that often. This watch is feature rich, but these features are really targeted for the most serious of runners. If I had more time in a day to analyze the data, then I would certainly consider this watch.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you are someone who is really into analyzing data and want some cool things to look at or track or if you’re someone who wants a subset of features at a cheaper price point. If you fall into the first category, the Forerunner 620 is for you. If not, then go with a cheaper model with fewer features.
The 620 comes in Black/Blue or White/Orange colors.
Last update on 2023-05-14 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The only other thing I should mention is that, when I looked at this watch, the version the rep shared with me was still an early release. It was expected to have additional firmware releases to improve the functionality of the watch and stability. I have not reviewed it since. However, a runner in my running club owns one and reports that they’ve updated the watch once, and that runner has not yet had any issues.
In its marketing campaign, Garmin equates the watch to having your own running coach. As a running coach myself, (and I admit, I am biased) that seems a little far fetched. A watch is certainly not a replacement for a good coach. Regardless, as long as you’re realistic in your expectations, this is OK. It does have some really cool features.
Here are some of the features that make this a high end running watch worth seriously considering:
The Basic Features of the Forerunner 620
- The Forerunner 620 features a touchscreen, compared to the Forerunner 220, which uses buttons.
- It’s fully GPS-enabled and comes with high-resolution color displays.
- It tracks distance, pace, calories, and heart rate (with HR monitor version – heart rate strap may/may not come with the watch, depending on what bundle you select).
- It includes many pace types (like average page, best pace, etc.) and elevation measurements.
- It has built in sensors to track distance when you can’t access a satellite. For example, indoor tracks or tunnels.
► Compare the Garmin 620 against other Garmin running watch models!
The Cool Features of the Forerunner 620
- A Recovery Advisor FeatureAs a running coach, I see many runners who suffer from over-training syndrome. While I certainly wouldn’t only trust a watch, one thing that’s cool about the FR620 is its ability to detect rise in heart rate, from one day to another, based on its data history. One sign of possible impending injury is a runner’s increase in resting heart rate. This watch monitors your heart rate during the first several minutes of a run and then scores you, letting you know whether you should take it easy, take a day off, or are green for go. It does this using an easy-to-read color coding system. Again, an interesting concept, but we’ll see soon how well it works or if it’s more of a novelty.
- A Race Predictor FeatureBased on your VO2 max estimate, the 620 can predict your race times for several distances. (See the V02 section below)
- Live TrackingThe Garmin FR620 model allows others to see where you are during a training run (or race). To make this feature work though, you must be carrying a smartphone and be using the Garmin Connect mobile app. It can then use that phone’s signal to convey your position to family, fans, and coaches, wherever they are in the world.
- It Can Analyze Running FormAgain, as a coach I am biased that a watch will never replace a real running coach with a trained eye, but the 620 can help capture some statistics that would be useful. When paired with the HRM-Run (Garmin’s Special Heart Rate Monitor) you can:
• Measure torso movement – in order to calculate 3 different running metrics using the built-in accelerometer.
• Measure cadence – the number of steps per minute. It displays the total steps (right and left combined).
• Measure vertical oscillation – the bounce in your running motion. It displays the vertical motion of your torso, measured in centimeters.
• Measures ground contact time — the amount of time in each step that you spend on the ground while running. It is measured in milliseconds.
- It Helps Estimate Your VO2 MaxKnowing your VO2 max is a great way to measure your physical fitness and improve your performance. However, calculating VO2 max accurately can only be done in a laboratory or testing center. The Forerunner 620, when used with a heart rate monitor, will analyze data such as your running speed, beats per minute, and heart rate variability to estimate your VO2 max.What is VO2 max? VO2 max is a score that indicates the maximum volume of oxygen you can consume per minute, per kilogram of body weight at your max performance. It has been highly effective at predicting your capabilities as a runner. While having a high VO2 max is not a magic pill, it certainly gives you an advantage over runners with lower VO2 max. A color gauge on the watch shows how your VO2 max data compares to other runners of your gender and age range.
- Run / Walk featureThe Walk/Run feature is great for starting/stopping the walk/run segments with its built in time. If you use the Jeff Galloway approach to training or run/walk, this is nice!
- Easy Data SyncThe Forerunner 620 can sync using USB or Bluetooth. It also has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi.
► Compare the Garmin 620 against other Garmin running watch models!
