Review: Garmin Foretrex 101 GPS Wrist Watch
Posted by The GPS Advisor in GPS Watches, GPS for Water Sports, Garmin Products
Verdict: “Excellent Entry-level GPS Wrist Watch”
The Garmin Foretrex 101 GPS wrist watch is a new addition to the Foretrex 201 line, but in a more economical package with great features.
We are quite amazed at the sheer number of features that Garmin has packed into this fairly compact unit. After may years of carrying around a general handheld GPS unit, this is a refreshing alternative.
Heavy-Duty Features in a Little Package
Garmin claims that the Foretrex 101 has the same features at the Foretrex 201, but at a more economical price point, including PC interface capabilities for downloading waypoints, tracks and routes, and operation on two AAA batteries.
What about rechargables…you ask. Well, research has shown in the field that it is easier to carry spare batteries and replace them, than wondering where you will plug in your recharging module.
The Foretrex 101 offers all the most essential navigation data features, enhanced accuracy, extensive storage for waypoints, and reversible routes. All of this information is readily available on an easy-to-read display.
Easy Navigation and GPS Waypoint Management
The 101 is the perfect navigational tool for a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts, such as mountain bikers, hikers, and kayakers. This unit features Garmin’s intuitive operating logic, using six dedicated buttons (GoTo, Page, Enter/Mark, Up, Down, and Power) to simplify navigation.
The trip computer tracks and maintains important data, such as trip distance, trip timer, and other non-mapping navigation data. And the device can store up to 500 waypoints with graphic icon identification, 20 reversible routes, and 10,000 trackpoints. If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, then keep reading.
Use the Foretrex 101 to Drop Your GPS “Breadcrumbs”
The Garmin Foretrex 101 has a very intuitive layout and six dedicated buttons for simplifying navigation on the go. We especially like the ability to mark a location as a waypoint on the fly as we are boating along or hiking. Then, later we can use the GoTo function to get navigational assistance in returning to that point. Excellent for those points you want to return to at a later time.
Also, with the help of Garmin’s exclusive TracBack technology, users can retrace their steps by following an electronic breadcrumb trail back to their original starting point. How cool is that?
Free Up Your Hands for Outdoor Action with GPS
We think this is the best feature of all of these GPS watches. No more fumbling around your pack to pull out your trusty GPS. What is nice about the Garmin Foretrex 101 is that it has nearly all of the features of the handhelds in a compact and out-of-the-way package.
This is especially important if you are a mountain biker or a road cyclist who strays from home on a regular basis. Mountain biking is hard enough without stopping or riding with one hand - while reading your GPS. Can you say dangerous?
If you are into Water Sports, this is your GPS Watch
Because the Garmin Foretrex 101 is waterproof, it is a natural companion on any water sport adventure, like kayaking, canoeing, boating, and sailing. In fact, this device even incorporates a sailboat-racing timer!
Competitors can configure the countdown sequence prior to the start of the race and utilize their GPS location to be in the best possible tacking position when the race begins. I did not expect this kind of base functionality from a GPS watch…amazing!
The device is waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards and can be submersed in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damaging the components. If you submerge yourself for that long, you would not work very well either.
This is quite a solid package for the price. If you want a good all-around GPS watch that can do all of the basic functions (and then some), the Garmin Foretrex 101 is a good choice.
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