Garmin’s Forerunner series of running and cycling watches while not really the top of the market, are still reasonably popular in the GPS watch market. These devices can track runner/cyclists paces, distance, speed, track and, with the addition of a heart monitor, heart rate.
Well, all of that changed with the recent introduction of Garmin’s new Forerunner 225. This device comes with a built-in heart monitor which allows it to record user’s heart rates without the addition of an uncomfortable and bulky chest strap. The Forerunner 225 is expected to be released in the next couple of months, but if you’re in the market for a new Forerunner device, then now is definitely the time.
Because the Forerunner 225 has a heart rate montior built-in, the older models will soon be dropping in both value and price. So, GPS City is attempting to get ahead of the game by offering users rebates on the Garmin Forerunner 220 and 620 before the 225 has even been released.
Now through May 25, 2015, GPS City will be offering users a $25 rebate on the Garmin Forerunner 220 (making the final price $199.99) and a $50 rebate on the Garmin 620 (making the final price $349.99). Both rebates must be mailed in before the deadline and the devices must have been purchased during the month of May. For an additional $50, customers can add a heart rate monitor to the package. Shipping is free on both devices.
Of course, if you’re loooking to get it on the running-centric Forerunner 2225, GPS City is also currently taking pre orders for the device. The Garmin Forerunner 225 is listed at $549.99.
Not sure which device works for you? Here’s a chart GPS City put together to promote the devices:
Is is worth note that if you are interested in using the Forerunner for cycling, then it might be best to wait. I would be surprised if Garmin did not release a sister watch to the Garmin Forerunner 225 which includes compatibility with bike sensors and other cycling-centric features. Nothing has been announced yet, but I’m sure it’s coming.
It’s a pretty exciting time to be a Forerunner fan, as this makes Garmin the only maker of GPS watches that have the same built-in heart rate monitoring that Apple debuted with the Apple Watch. But, unlike the Apple Watch, this heart rate monitoring is actually useful.
