The Garmin Forerunner 210 is a fantastic heart rate monitor, for a lot of different reasons. First off, the version featuring the foot pod accessory gives you unparalleled flexibility for your training. Not only does the foot pod enable you to collect training data while you work out indoors, but the Garmin Forerunner 210 can also connect to many indoor fitness machines. This means you can collect data pretty much no matter where you choose to get your workout. The small size of the Forerunner 210 makes it easy to forget while it's on your wrist, meaning you can focus more on your workout and less on adjusting a clunky unit. Just its size alone makes it a great advancement in Garmin's Forerunner line.
The Garmin Forerunner 210 is extremely easy to use and detects satellites quickly. The premium version of the Forerunner 210, which includes the foot pod and a softer chest strap, is well worth the extra. There are, however, some excellent features in the higher-end Forerunners that are lacking in the Garmin Forerunner 210.
The Virtual Partner, courses mode, automatic pause, and pace notifications are all missing in the Forerunner 210. These features are indispensable for anyone who is truly serious about their training. These features also might be what turns a casual runner into a serious one, giving them the extra push they need to take their fitness to the next level.
Still, the Forerunner 210 allows the same data-sharing capabilities of more expensive model, allowing you to upload your maps and routes onto websites like Map My Run, Map My Ride, or even Google Earth. Cyclists can certainly use the Garmin Forerunner 210, but it is not compatible with cadence sensors. This means that it will still capture your speed, mileage, and heart rate information but it will not record data on your cadence. And, as usual, users can use Garmin Connect to share and analyze data with other Forerunner users.
As for the GPS signal, the Garmin Forerunner 210 does very well. It captures and maintains signals even around tall buildings and in the woods. In this respect, it is a great leap forward from earlier models. While the Forerunner 210 might not quite be feature-packed enough for advanced users and serious athletes, it has the ease of use, convenient size, great satellite reception, and features that any casual user would be quite pleased with.
