The appearance and performance are outstanding. How can the best runner lose it - Jiaming Forerunner 630 Play experience

Forerunner 6 series has always been the flagship model in the professional running field of Garmin sports GPS watches. Whether it was the classic FR610 or the leader of the new intelligent hardware wave FR620, almost every generation of Forerunner 6 products can bring new and different user experience to runners. After two years, what kind of surprise will the Forerunner 630 bring us

Before the main character goes on stage, let's introduce me and the previous equipment. I started running in 2008, but failed to keep up. I really liked it and insisted on it. It was the end of 2012. It has been almost 4 years now, and I have participated in more than 10 marathons. I have continuously added some equipment: GARMIN Forerunner410，Forerunner620； New Balance New Bailun 906 GPS, MIO FUSE, SCOSCHE RHYTHM+heart rate wristband (watch), millet bracelet (both ordinary and photoelectric heart rate versions), etc.

It was in the second half of 2015 that the Forerunner630 was known. At that time, I was using the Forerunner 620. After I accidentally saw the news that 630 was going to release on the Internet, I always paid attention to it and compared it with the 620 in my hand. As an upgraded version of 620, 630 not only has a more fashionable appearance design, but also has three new running dynamic data, namely, tread frequency, vertical amplitude and touchdown time. In addition, it has added touchdown time balance, stride length and vertical stride length ratio, which makes data analysis more powerful. This makes my eyes shine; Its daily activity monitoring, intelligent control and notification functions, which are unique to smart watches, all of which give me the impulse to have it right away.

Forerunner630 features GPS+Glonass double star positioning technology, built-in Bluetooth and Wi Fi wireless communication functions, and can use ANT+for wireless transmission with accessories (heart rate band, frequency pedal, etc.). Can connect intelligence And Garmin Connect cloud to easily synchronize motion data anytime, anywhere. At the same time, the Forerunner 630 also has a depth waterproof ability of 50 meters, which means that there is no problem in swimming training with it.

In the official introduction, the Forerunner 630 is called a player level smart GPS sports watch. Let's see how powerful it is.

Unpacking

In my impression, since Forerunner 220, GARMIN has started to use a packaging box that combines paper boxes with transparent plastic. This packaging method can visually see the appearance of the watch.

The whole package continues the consistent dark color of GARMIN, looks simple and beautiful, and different sides of the box introduce the main performance and characteristics of the Forerunner 630.

Open the box, and the contents will be simpler. In addition to the Forerunner 630 host, there is only one data cable/charging cable, one manual and one certificate of conformity. As a sports watch that can monitor heart rate, the Forerunner 630 does not use the heart rate belt as a standard configuration, but needs to purchase it separately.

This trial is the Chinese version of the Bank of China, so it is also equipped with instructions in simplified Chinese, so that "English blind" I can understand it more quickly.

appearance

Seen from the appearance, the Forerunner 630 is a round design of the Forerunner series, with white and sky blue lines added to the edges, making the whole dial look more fashionable. Except for the GARMIN logo on the upper part of the dial, there is no other logo on the whole front.

Compared with 620 and 410, the overall dimensions are basically the same as 620, but much smaller than 410. It is also lighter than 620 and 410, only 44g.

The resolution of the screen is 215 × 180. With this design, the proportion of the whole screen is very high. Both display clarity and color are excellent. Even in the sun, it is also clear.

The back of the meter is very simple, with four metal contacts on the edge for charging and data transmission. In the middle are some function and performance information, such as Bluetooth, WIFI and ant+.

parts

Let's talk about the watchband first. The Forerunner 630 watchband is made of anti-skid rubber material, a bit like silicone, elastic but harder than silicone. The watchband itself is designed with an arc, so it can fit well regardless of the thickness or thickness of the wrist.

The watch strap has a hollow design, which is not only convenient to buckle, but also more breathable.

The strap is fixed by a screw lock, which requires a special screwdriver. For some reason, this time there is no replacement strap, so there is no disassembly tool.

The charging line is also used as a data line. It is still a clamp type, relatively small (compared with 410). It is clamped on the dial and can be charged and transmitted with the computer when it contacts the metal contact. But I don't know why GARMIN doesn't adopt the magnetic suction design like 620. The clamp type design is easy to lose its elasticity after a long time, affecting contact (my 410 is like this).

operation

The Chinese version of Bank of China is available, and all interfaces are displayed in Chinese. The operation of 630 is realized through the four buttons on both sides of the screen and dial, which is very simple and convenient.

The screen is a touch screen. It is convenient to operate the function menu and switch pages through touch. The menu key is located at the bottom of the screen and is used to call up and open the function menu, slide to switch pages, etc.

When the finger touches the screen, the touch point will change color. However, because the resistive screen is used instead of the current popular capacitive screen, any object that can be touched may cause misoperation. However, it can be avoided by locking the screen with the screen lock key. But it is much better than my 410 touch ring (sweat can cause movement).

In addition to the menu function buttons at the bottom of the screen, the 630 has two round buttons on the left and right sides of the body, the left side is the power switch/backlight button and the return button, the right side is the circle counting button, and the movement mode/start button. Each key has its main function identification.

Press and hold the return key to lock or unlock the operation.

Compared with 620, the functions of these four keys have not changed much. It's just that the logo has changed.

set up

Although I have paid attention to 630 for a long time, after I got it, I found that it has more functions than I imagined. I must spend some energy to study it.

Press and hold the power key to start the machine. For the first time, the power is about 14%, because after a lot of operations, it is better to fully charge. Connect the charging cable and charge it to 100% in about 2 hours. The charging speed is very fast.

When the power is fully charged, the next step is to set. All settings are in the menu, which is relatively simple. There are time format, personal information, activity mode, activity tracking, wifi, Bluetooth link settings, etc.

For a GPS sports watch, of course, we are most concerned about the sports mode. Sports mode includes running, competition, indoor running, cycling, etc., and can be defined by yourself. Various modes can be selected in the menu settings or by pressing the button on the top right directly. Press the key briefly to enter the activity mode interface, and select the current movement mode by sliding left and right.

In the activity mode, the watch will automatically enter the power-saving mode if it does not start the activity for 3 minutes. This process will be prompted by sound and vibration, with a transition time of 30 seconds.

After everything is set up, you can officially start the experience tour.

The initial interface seems to be a bit standard. It's just an ordinary electronic watch. It's a bit out of place with the so-called player level smart watch. Fortunately, the Forerunner 630 provides the DIY function. Download the required plug-ins through Connect IQ, and download your favorite dial interface or data display mode.

Connect the watch to the computer. In Connect IQ, there are various small plug-ins. Download your favorite plug-in. After synchronization, you can enable it in the watch. I downloaded several timesheets, so it seems that they have improved a lot immediately.

If you don't like the downloaded plug-in, you can delete it through the application management in Connect IQ. There are many plug-ins available for 630 in Connect IQ, but not all of them are easy to use. You should download them yourself.

Other more functions, especially the detection of the second generation running dynamics, will be slowly shared with everyone in the actual experience.

Try on

After some settings, I can't wait to get started. As mentioned earlier, the design and material of the Forerunner 630 watch strap are very comfortable to wear. With the buckle holes every 2mm, it can almost adapt to wrists of various thicknesses and achieve "stepless" adjustment.

As the main lightweight running watch, the Forerunner 630 weighs only 44g. It is indeed quite light among the mainstream sports watches at present, and can hardly be felt in sports.

Practical experience

As a professional GPS manufacturer with a history of nearly 30 years, GARMIN has been committed to the design and development of GPS products for a long time, and its GPS performance has always been in the leading position in the industry. Therefore, this actual experience does not compare it with other brands, but with its predecessor products.

The watch was received in the afternoon of May 20. After a day of research and play, I also learned about the basic settings and functions of 630. I just participated in the half marathon on the 22nd, which is a great opportunity to experience.

Get up early on May 22 and go out with 630, 620 and 410. In order to avoid being envied (beaten), I just wear 630 on my hand, while 620 and 410 are hung on my waist bag.

Of the three watches, 630 and 620 all use GPS+Glonass double star positioning, so once you enter the running mode before running, it will take about 3-5 seconds to successfully position. But 410 is just GPS positioning, and it took 3 minutes to successfully locate. In the subsequent experience, even in a room, 630 can be located in about 3 seconds as long as it is close to the window.

At 8:00 sharp, the organizing committee fired the gun and started the first show of 630.

Two hours later, although the weather was muggy and there were many slopes and curves, I was lucky to finish the race safely. After crossing the finish line, stop the movement record of the three watches. The above figure shows the records of 630, 620 and 410 in this experience. It can be seen from the figure that the distance and path recorded by the three tables are basically the same. The deviation from the standard half horse distance of 21.0975 is about 100 meters, which is basically negligible. I usually set it as a reminder per kilometer. In this half of the journey, 630 and 620 reminders are almost at the same time. For 410, the start button was pressed after the start, so the reminder per kilometer also lags behind a little.

Most of the running data records of the Forerunner 630 can be seen in the GARMIN Connect APP. If necessary, you can see more detailed data in the GARMIN webpage version.

In the official introduction, the Forerunner 630 needs an HRM4-RUN heart rate band to achieve the second generation dynamic data monitoring. So before getting it, I spent a little time to understand whether the non HRM4-RUN heart rate belt can be used on the Forerunner 630. The following picture is a screenshot of communication with a runner.

But I still want to have a try. How about 630 with 620 heart rate band? If it doesn't work, I have to buy an HRM4-RUN heart rate belt for testing. The result was unexpected. It seemed that all the data needed were available.

Of course, many runners are not used to looking at their watches at any time, which doesn't matter. We can also look at the final statistics after running.

In the data record, in addition to the three running dynamic data of tread frequency, vertical amplitude and touchdown time, there are more touchdown time balance, stride and vertical stride ratio. According to these data tips, we can adjust the running status at any time. At the same time, training recovery suggestions will be given after each exercise. By analyzing the impact of this training on our physical strength, we can give how long we need to rest before the next exercise. This is also a very careful design. Especially for those who have just started running.

In the subsequent experience, I didn't compare the 630 with other watches. It mainly compares the performance of 630 in different running scenarios.

I ran for the second time three days later. Why three days later? Because after running on the 22nd, 630 suggested 72 hours for recovery. This time, I chose the road run. The route I often run is basically without slope, with slight curvature, and the distance is 11.53km. Except for the average heart rate, other data are basically consistent with the first time. The recovery time given by 630 is 36 hours.

The next day, it was still a road run, still a regular route, but some slope sections were added. The distance is 11.61km. However, due to the large number of phone calls, the range of changes in various data is also relatively large, especially the heart rate and step frequency. It may not reach the 36 hour recovery time recommended last time. Therefore, although the distance is similar this time, the recovery time given is longer, 47 hours.

After several days of experience, what seems to be missing? Yes, benefit index, VO2max, lactate threshold and pressure index. These three dynamic indicators are all related to the next movement state. The benefit index is based on the previous exercise to make a relative comparison. The index is high, indicating that the current physical condition is better than before. Lactic acid threshold is an important indicator of physical fitness. This is related to our heart rate, that is, cardiopulmonary function and intensity, and also interacts with the maximum oxygen uptake. Under the same VO2max, the higher the lactate threshold, the larger the aerobic capacity.

After 6 minutes of exercise, the watch will automatically display the benefit indicators, but the display time is only about 8 seconds; The lactate threshold and maximum oxygen uptake are displayed after the end of the exercise. Because I didn't fully understand how to check the pressure index at the beginning, I thought it could not be achieved, so I went to the forum to consult again.

After getting this reply, at first I thought it was really related to the heart rate band. After some research, it was found that 620 heart rate band could be used as well. Press the right button to enter the activity mode, and then the pressure index can be monitored. The pressure index should be measured before the exercise. Therefore, I personally believe that the 630 can not only adapt to the HRM4-RUN heart rate belt to achieve the second generation of dynamic data monitoring, as long as the HRM-RUN heart rate belt is available.

So after an interval of about 36 hours, I ran for the fourth time, with a distance of 19.53 km, including roads and a standard 400m runway. It is divided into three stages: 3.8km, road running; 12.03km, 400m runway; 4.02km, running on the road. It is to see the changes of various dynamic data in a short interval of rest.

Before the first stage of running, I measured the pressure index at home and it was shown as 1, low pressure score, which should indicate that I was in good health at this time. As shown below:

After starting, about 6 minutes later, the benefit index appeared, with a value of+2, indicating good status. After more than 3 km, the test at this stage is completed. According to various data, VO2max is 50, lactate threshold is 158 (I forgot to shoot), and the recommended recovery time is 19 hours.

After that, I didn't have a rest. I immediately measured the pressure index step by step. Unexpectedly, I was shocked when I measured it. Ha, it reached 100. The pressure index is so high, I think because 630 didn't know that I had just run 3 kilometers without a rest.

Under normal circumstances, if the pressure index is so high, it is recommended not to exercise, and have a good rest!

In the second stage, we ran a 400m track in the sports center, 12 kilometers. The monitoring shows that the benefit index before running is - 4, which is lower than the first stage, and the state is flat; After running, VO2max was 48, which decreased, and lactate threshold was 159, which increased; The recovery time has also become 3.5 days.

The weather is too hot. The maximum forecast is 35 degrees. At that time, it was close to 8 o'clock, and the temperature was estimated to be 30 degrees. I had to buy a bottle of water. Continue the third stage of experience after replenishing water. The benefit index is - 8, which decreases again and remains the same; After running, VO2max was 46, which decreased, and lactate threshold was 160, which increased; The recovery time is still 3.5 days. Is the maximum 3.5 days? This needs to be experienced later.

Now let's take a look at other data in GARMIN connect to more intuitively see the difference of dynamic data changes under different road conditions:

It can be seen from the figure that under different road conditions, with the same speed, there are obvious differences in step frequency, stride length and touchdown balance. The second section is on the runway, the road surface is flat without slope, the step frequency is slightly higher, and the touchdown time balance of both feet is almost the same. However, the front and rear sections of the route have slopes, the step frequency is slightly lower, and the balance gap between the two feet 'contact time is also slightly increased.

In addition to the above data analysis, the Forerunner 630 can also predict your competition results. My whole horse results can be so good. Of course, this is just to predict the time when we will finish the game in the best condition.

Due to limited time, there is no riding experience; The nearby swimming pool is not open yet, plus my swimming level is too poor, and I have no actual experience. If you have a chance in the future, please make up.

Daily activity monitoring

The Forerunner 630 has a built-in sensor, which can monitor and track our activities in real time, including step counting, sleep and sitting reminders.

This function is very user-friendly, especially for people in offices. After the activity tracking function is enabled, if we have no activity for a long time (about 1 hour), the screen will display and remind you through notification and vibration. At the same time, a red strip will appear on the border of the screen. If you don't move, it will grow slowly until finally it is reminded by shaking.

Smart Notification

In addition to the second generation of running dynamics and physiological indicators analysis, the Forerunner 630 also adds the common functions of the current smart watch. After connecting with the mobile phone through Bluetooth, you can accept the notification information on the mobile phone. By default, you can receive calls, SMS, WeChat, etc. However, to display the message source, you need to give GARMIN Connect sufficient permissions to read your address book.

In addition, other applications that need to receive information can be added through GARMIN Connect. As shown in the following figure, I added qq to the list.

It can also display the weather, control the music playing on the mobile phone and search for mobile phones.

Endurance

The Forerunner 630 has a built-in lithium battery, which can last for 16 hours when the GPS mode is turned on. If it is only used as a watch, it can last for 12 weeks. In this 10 day trial period, I ran 4 times, totaling 63.6 km, respectively taking 2:10, 1:20, 1:45 and 2:30, totaling about 8 hours. At present, 15% of the electricity is left. Although the GPS mode didn't take 16 hours, it was enough for most long-distance running activities.

Experience summary

Although it is only 10 days to wear the Forerunner630, its comfortable wearing experience, fast and accurate PS+Glonass double star positioning, rich data analysis, super long endurance, unique second generation running dynamic and physiological data, plus personalized customization functions, intelligent notification, life activity tracking, etc., make me love it. Of course, the Forerunner630 is not perfect. Due to the limitation of running memory, there will be some problems when the custom application is installed too much; Smart notifications cannot display details in sport mode.

Conclusion

At a time when people are more and more concerned about their health, running is often the first choice for most people, whether it is to lose weight or exercise. But is running really easy? According to the statistics of Harvard University News, the injury rate of runners every day is as high as 80% - 85%.

There are two reasons for our injuries during running: the first is incorrect running posture and bad habits, and the second is excessive exercise. How to avoid injury? One is to find professional coaches for guidance, and the other is to make daily training plans by yourself. However, in reality, not every runner can receive professional guidance. Then, only with professional tools.

If you are a professional athlete and have a professional coach, you may not need anything.

If you only occasionally walk and run, occupy the home page or compete for rankings on WeChat, you only need a smartphone.

If you are just an ordinary runner and really want to run seriously, you need a professional sports watch that can guide you, GARMIN Forerunner 630 may be your best choice. With its guidance, even if we can't change our posture, we can at least change our exercise habits, don't you think?