I think the swatch-like approach would work great – though the dimensions of the screen protector on the heart rate monitor site doesn’t seem quite large enough.

I don’t think the invisibleSHIELD from Zagg would work at all as far as preventing the exposed 310xt glass face from cracking on impact . . . in my opinion. If the film is dense enough to resist scratching then I think it would transfer all the energy from a face-first fall directly to the glass face of the 310xt.

A near perfect solution may be if a protective film like this had a bead of silicone or raised rubberized lip around the outside edge. Then the method of attachment would simply be thru adhesion to the glass face and the needed cushion and raised protective rim is built right in. Then you could avoid all the additional material and fitting requirements of the swatch-like approach.

Of course, this still puts impact force disbursement on top of the glass itself as opposed to the plastic watch housing. Ideally the glass would never touch another surface and/or receive the transfer of energy.

(yes I am just randomly looking for solutions on the internet, the thought of it cracking from a small drop appalls me)

They will replace the model with a new (they might have said ‘refurbished’?) model for $219.

This can happen today. I don’t really have any choice but to take it.

I paid around $500 for the original model (bought it from Amazon and paid to get it to Sydney, Australia).

Now $219 for this…

I will just post the facts of my case and let others decide whether it influences their purchase decision.

A.

This morning I find the face shattered?

I am on hold to Garmin in Sydney Australia… Will let you know how the service goes.

A.

When I broke the glass on my Garmin 310xt, I had the same back-and-forth response on fixing it. It takes the price of the unit up another $100. I wouldn’t have purchased the device if the retail price was $100 higher. And getting it fixed doesn’t lessen the risk of the exact same thing happening again, forcing you to ask if you’re throwing good money after bad.

I chose to get mine fixed. I’m addicted to the training encouragement that my 310xt provides. And that it’s waterproof, it can stay on during transition training in and out of the water.

…but with the exposed glass face, I’m constantly concerned about breaking it again. I hate that I’m preoccupied by a device that should be serving me rather than the other way around.

I don’t know that I can offer sound advice on this one. Sticking with the Garmin 310xt keeps you mobile and able to pursue cross-discipline activities (I hope you get to take up running again!). If swimming isn’t in your future, you may consider just about any one of Garmin’s other wrist-worn gps units, which are all designed with face protection and a recessed surface. It was swimming that sent me the 310xt route.

Best of luck with your decision . . . as well as your physical recovery.

I’m actually writing for advice. 3 months ago, I injured my back and haven’t been able to run. I may not be able to run again. This was quite traumatic. However, I’ve become almost as obsessive with bike riding and keeping track of my outings. I like the 310xt on my wrist when I’m riding but I’m wondering if I should consider another product. I also use my bike to commute to the train to work. I don’t want to have to hassle with taking a device off and on the bike. And I’m hoping that I will be able to run again so I don’t want to buy anything that is specific for bikes. I find the 310xt great for both sports.

Thanks for any recommendations.

NO change policity in Argentina, so I must purchase a new one, or still using it as is.
Great product from Garmin, Rubish customer support.

After spending a lot of time on the phone with Garmin support, it looks like I’m stuck with a broken watch or paying 25% of the original price to repair it.

I can’t believe that a company like Garmin wouldn’t a) make a sturdier product – especially one designed for outdoor sports b) have a better warranty or c)have better customer service to deal with it.

I actually don’t want it anymore and not sure what to do with it now. The last thing I need to be worried about when racing is handling my watch with kid gloves.