Garmin Forerunner 920XT Review – Why triathletes LOVE it so much?

The Garmin Forerunner 910XT was a revelation when it was released in 2011.

Fast forward a couple of years and we have the perfect GPS training watch for triathlon and other multi-sport exercisers.

The Garmin Forerunner 920XT GPS sports watch has been reviewed by Tristan Haskins aka CardioCritic

Confused by the Forerunner range? Don’t be.

The Garmin Forerunner range of GPS sports watches is extensive with over a dozen models in the last 10 years.

I’ve written an overview of the Garmin Forerunner watch range so you buy the latest and most appropriate Forerunner model for your needs and budget.

The Forerunner 920XT is a true multisport GPS sports watch from leading sports watch manufacturer Garmin. When in the water measure distance, pace, stroke type/count and pool lengths.

Drill logging and SWOLF score to measure swimming efficiency. On the bike you can monitor predicted VO2 max (with HRM strap and Garmin Vector pedals).

Also keep an eye on altitude and power (with optional power meter). Finishing with the run, you have access to advanced running dynamics, even a metronome to guide your running cadence.

With a smartphone and Bluetooth connection the 920XT can receive smart notifications when you receive emails, texts and other alerts. Using the Bluetooth connected features, via a smartphone, you can enjoy automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking and social media sharing.

Updates July 2015 ** – Garmin have just released two new products. The HRM-tri and HRM-swim heart rate belts for use while swimming.

These new belts work in a similar way to the Suunto Smart belt and RECORD the heart rate data internally (in the HR belt) while you swim. At the end of the swim the Heart Rate data is uploaded to a compatible wrist unit (920XT, Fenix3)

Updates July 2016 ** – Garmin released the Forerunner 735XT. Very similar multisport / triathlon focused functionality with the added benefit of Garmin Elevate OFF the WRIST heart rate sensors on the back of the watch …

Note > If you’d prefer the convenience of no chest strap please read the Forerunner 735xt review. The 735XT utilises wrist based heart rate sensors.

Advanced Training & All-day Activity Tracking

Forerunner 920XT packs a fleet of high-end training features into a sleek watch that is wet suit-friendly and about 15 percent lighter than its predecessor, the Forerunner 910XT.

It boasts a high-resolution color display; flexible, hinged bands and a watch mode, so you can wear it all day. The activity tracking feature measures your steps, sleep and calories burned all day, giving you a more complete picture of your daily activity.

Swimming Metrics

Whether you’re training at the pool or out in the open water, Forerunner 920XT captures detailed swim metrics, including distance, pace, stroke count, stroke rate and SWOLF score.

The drill logging feature allows you to easily log swim drills and kick sets at the pool, and the 2 types of rest timers keep you pushing off the wall on time. Use time alerts to help you hold your pace, or distance alerts to let you know when a set is over. There are even alerts for calories and stroke rate.

Power – Crank Up Your Training
The 920XT is compatible with sensors such as speed, cadence and heart rate to provide advanced training capabilities for your cycling workouts.

It can also display power metrics when paired with ANT+® power meters, including the Vector™ linenofollow of single- and dual-sensing pedal options.

If you train with heart rate and a power meter, Forerunner 920XT can derive your VO2 max estimate for cycling to help monitor changes in your fitness.

The color gauge shows how you rank compared to other athletes in your age group. Another feature that lets you see how you measure up to others is Garmin Connect segments. Once your ride’s done and uploaded to Garmin Connect, you can see where you stand on the segment leaderboard.

Perfect Your Running Form
You’ve asked for it and now it’s here — running dynamics data for a dedicated multisport watch. Based on the same technology available in our Forerunner 620 and fēnix™ 2, the 920XT helps you train for optimal running form when used with the HRM-Run™ monitor.

This pairing allows the 920XT to report your cadence (total steps per minute), vertical oscillation (amount of “bounce” in your step) and ground contact time (how much time your foot spends on the ground during each step). The 920XT also has a metronome feature with vibe and audible alerts to guide your cadence training.

Advanced Heart Rate-based Features
When used with a heart rate monitor (either a standard Garmin HRM or the HRM-Run), Forerunner 920XT offers additional features that can dial in your recovery status as well as your racing potential.

First is a recovery check, which is a real-time indication of your recovery state within the first several minutes of an aerobic activity. After the activity, the 920XT provides a recovery time indicating how long before you should attempt another hard effort.

The 920XT can also estimate your VO2 max for running when used with a heart rate monitor and for cycling when used with a heart rate monitor and power meter. Based on that data, it can predict your running race times for several distances.

Garmin Connect
Now your brick workouts and race activities have a whole new view in Garmin Connectnofollow, our free online community where you can save, plan and share your efforts.

When you complete an activity using a multisport activity profile on your device, each leg and transition time is stored in one combined file for easy review and sharing. Individual tabs let you access detailed data for each leg.

There are multiple ways to sync your data with Garmin Connect. The 920XT can transfer the data through the Garmin Connect™ Mobile app on your smartphone using Bluetooth® technology.

You can also set up one or more Wi-Fi® hot spots, and the 920XT will automatically sync with Garmin Connect when in range. Or sync with your desktop through a USB connection.

Pair the 920XT with your smartphone and the Garmin Connect Mobile app for additional capabilities that can help you stay connected during your cycling and running workouts or races.

The live tracking feature lets you invite followers using email or social media so they can see your stats and location on a map in real time.

Smart notifications let you see email, text and other alerts on your watch when paired with your compatible Android™ or Apple® device. When the 920XT is paired with your phone and the Garmin Connect Mobile app, your completed workouts can instantly upload.

The Garmin Forerunner 920XT is the culmination of years of research working with the world’s very best sporting legends. The 735XT has the minor edge of wrist based heart rate, but for people at this level who want 100% accuracy for heart rate a chest strap is still recommended.

Whatever your sport(s) the Forerunner 920XT will record, motivate and help analyse your training every step and heart heat along the way. It’s easy to award the 920XT a review rating of 5/5 stars as it’s quite simply perfect.