Garmin, ever the product differentiator, has taken the wraps off two new Forerunner devices: the 310XT and 405CX. If you’re familiar with Garmin’s wrist-mounted GPS line, the 310XT (over there on the right) is the heir apparent to the larger, traditional Forerunner models like the 305 reviewed here, while the 405CX (pictured below) resembles its … er, forerunner, heh, the watch-resembling 405. The big news here is that the 310XT is triathlon friendly: it’s waterproof, and sports 20 hours of battery use under typical use, Garmin says.

This will no doubt appeal to the tri-geek crowd, because they are nothing if not data hungry. Show me a triathlon competitor and I’ll show you someone that will likely know what their average watts produced on the bike during their last training session, their lactate threshold heart rate, and whether or not they exceeded it during their latest run. In any event, Garmin is clearly marketing the 310XT at triathletes.

The 310XT is waterproof to 50 meters, and will be sold by itself or with a waterproof heart rate monitor strap coming this summer, Garmin says. Although it won’t transmit underwater — it’s not like you’d be stopping during the swim leg to look at the gizmo on your wrist, or be able to listen for its beeps — as Garmin notes, you can wear it under a wet suit and shave a second or two during the transition to the bike portion of the race. Garmin also promises you can move the 310XT form your wist to your bike with an optional quick release and bike mount “effortlessly.”

The Forerunner 310XT categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process, according to the company. It also uses audible signals and/or vibration alerts for intervals, heart rate zones, and whatnot.

For out-of-water activities, the Forerunner 310XT tracks speed, distance and location, and heart rate, as well as heart rate-based calorie computation. Like previous models, runners and cyclists can race against or with the Forerunner’s virtual partner, and users can adjust its pace on the fly. The 310XT can also be used indoors with Garmin’s foot pod, which measures stride, as well as with Garmin’s speed and cadence sensor for bikes. Like all of Garmin’s more recent sport models, this one also relies on ANT+ technology to download data to the users computer.

Hardcore cyclists and others that are fussy about grade percentages and elevations should note that like the other Forerunners, the 310XT doesn’t have a barometric altimeter.

Although it’s not naming its maker, Garmin promises the 310XT has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with Garmin’s HotFix technology, and that it can maintain a satellite signal lock in the woods or in the city. So quit making excuses and get out there and try and qualify for Kona.

Wanna get a sneak peak in person? Garmin made the 310XT announcement in anticipation of upcoming marathons in Paris and Boston, where it will be on display at Garmin booths in each location. The new Forerunner will retail for a suggested $349.99.

Big Wrist Gizmos (or Water) Not Your Thing? 405CX to the Rescue

The Forerunner 405CX improves on its forebear (note, we didn’t succumb to temptation and make the forerunner pun again), the 405, with increased accuracy in heart rate-based calorie computation and improved comfort, according to Garmin.

Using algorithms developed by exercise scientists and world-class athletes, Forerunner 405CX monitors the micro changes in a user’s heart rate and uses that detailed information to better calculate the number of calories burned during aerobic activity, the company says. The 405CX also offers users the choice of two additional form-fitting bands to accommodate large and small wrists alike, and is available in a new deep blue color.

Okay, this part makes me laugh. If you’re a fitness geek, lets face it, style tends to be low down on your list — cept for roadies (if you ever see me riding around with a matching frame pump, please shoot me). Nevertheless, Garmin promises the 405CX “fits in at the gym or around the office.” Speaking as someone who occasionally gets laughed at for still rocking a Timex Triathlon watch from about 15 years ago, color me relieved.

But we digress. Garmin says its new heart-rate based calorie computation is no joke; it went to the country where consumer heart rate technology was born: Finland. It consulted with Firstbeat Technologies Ltd., a company built on heart rate analysis, specializing in developing user-centered software for heart beat signal analysis in exercise and sports, weight management, and stress monitoring applications, according to Garmin.

In addition to monitoring heart rate and counting calories, the Forerunner 405CX tracks speed, distance, and location. It also features a patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch for navigating its various options. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner, Garmin says.

The Forerunner 405CX will also be on display at the Garmin booth at the upcoming Paris and Boston marathons. It will retail for a suggested $369.99.

Forerunner 310XT Key Specs:

• dimensions: 2.1″ x 2.2″ x 0.8″ (5.4 x 5.6 x 1.9 cm)
• display: 1.3″ x 0.8″ (3.3 x 2.0 cm); resolution of 160 x 100 pixels
• weight: 2.5 oz (72 g)
• battery: rechargeable lithium-ion; 20 hours, typical
• water resistant to 50m
• lap history: 1000 laps
• waypoints/favorites/locations: 100

More info on the Forerunner 310XT  is available at Garmin.

Forerunner 405CX Key Specs:

• dimensions: 1.88″ x 2.78″ x 0.646″ (4.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 cm)
• display: 1.06″ (2.7 cm) diameter; resolution, 124 x 95 pixels
• weight: 2.11 oz (60 g)
• battery: rechargeable lithium-ion; 2 weeks in power save mode; 8 hours in training mode
• water resistant: to IPX7 standard
• lap history: 1000 laps
• waypoints/favorites/locations: 100

More info on the Forerunner 405CX is available at Garmin.

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