are these any good for race training or is there a better model out there

They're just fine, although the model is getting a bit long in the tooth now. Had one for a time, 'upgraded' to a 910XT, which I like a bit less.

I have one and it works fine for Sailig, Sup, running, kiting etc.. Fairly easy to use and sync etc..

The garmin connect software is decent as well..

Thanks for the info guys.

Dean do you have an iPhone? I use my iPhone for all of my training, racing etc. I do this with the phone in a life proof case, a BT HRM and sometimes using my Magellan Echo watch. There are a heap of apps that can be used and I have favourites depending on what I am trying to achieve.
I went this way as I already had a phone in a waterproof case that came with me and then all I needed was the HRM.
The phone and apps are always being upgraded also and I can export all of the data to any of the multitude of 3rd party interfaces (strava, garmin connect, nike and mapmyrun/ride)

Just another option