Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $234.99 You Save: $65.00 (22%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $175.00 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
Digital camera Review: A great improvement over the 201
Summary: 4 Stars
I received this as a birthday gift to replace the Garmin 201 that I had been running with the last three years. So far I've been very happy with it. I've had it for just over 4-wks and have already logged 250+ miles with it. The time to satellite has been much quicker; however there have been a few days it has still taken as much as 5 minutes depending on my starting location. I've only lost signal during one run and I've only had one other "pacing" problem with it. The elevation charting is not entirely accurate as I've done multiple loops of the same course and they are not even close to super-imposable. Despite these minor limitations, the Garmin 305 is a good training tool and it does what is needed. I like the analysis software, heart rate data, and the ability to view my runs on Google Earth. I only gave the Garmin 305, 4 out of 5 stars because there is always room for improvement. However, I would highly recommend this for anyone who wants to easily follow their running or take it to the next step.Digital camera Review: A great product
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm very, very pleased with the Garmin 305. So much so, that after 3 months of use, I bought one for my wife. The biggest selling points for me are the relatively small size, and the great reception. One of my colleagues opted for a Timex model that has a GPS unit strapped to his arm with wireless to a wristwatch. He almost never uses it because of the poor reception.
One frustration with the Garmin, though, is the software they provide to analyze your workout data. The software has very limited capability and frequently makes errors in associating the type of workout. At least once a week it combines a bike workout with a run workout, even though the two workouts were on separate days and I was very careful to reset the watch. Combining the two makes it a "Multi-sport" workout and puts all the data into a separate category.
One suggestion to Garmin (besides improve their software) is to make a version that can be worn in the water. Since I dabble in triathlons, I'd love to gather data in the water, too.
Digital camera Review: A great product for the reduced price
Summary: 5 Stars
I had 101 for about 3 years before I bought this 305 about 3 years ago when the price dropped from $250 to about $170. (BTW, my 101 still works and my wife is using it now). I use 305 mainly for my running but also started using it with Garmin forerunner Bike Mount and it works well on the bike.
Pros
1. Much improved reception of GPS signals
2. Improved hardware integrity or sturdiness
3. Ease of transferring data to the computer and a
great software of mapping and analyzing the run data.
Cons
1. Not comfortable to wear this for a long run.
There is a sharp edge at the bottom corner which
rubs against my wrist and it gets pretty painful
after about 10 miles of run. I have to put a
bandage to reduce the problem.
2. Distance reading is consistently shorter by about
1% both with 101 and 305. It was annoying at the
beginning but I don't think it is a big problem now.
I just remember I have to run 26.5 mile on my Garmin
for a full marathon.
Net
I recommend it(5 stars)for $150 with one waring;
This is an electronic gadget controlled by software
codes and you expect software glitches soon or later
just like with your PC. I had a few problems both with
101 and 305 (not turning on and a frozen display) but
the problems were fixed by resetting the software(and
perhaps reloading a software). You may have to contact
Garmin for the instructions of how to reset. Their
support by e-mail (used to be by phone) is not
that bad (you'll get the solution), but it is
definitely slower than by phone. Garmin has some room
to improve.
Digital camera Review: A great running companion
Summary: 5 Stars
This was exactly what I was looking for to accompany me on my runs. I am extremely pleased with it as I do not have accurately marked running courses when I am currently located and now that does not matter. I have put it through the paces from my short speed workouts to my long runs, it has stood up to the rain and all the sweat and tears. I would recommend the Garmin 305 to anybody who is serious about their cardio.Digital camera Review: A great training addition
Summary: 4 Stars
OK, lets face it, you can run without this item but it sure does add to it and give your friends and other runners some toy envy. Having the ability to set laps and track time for each (I use miles) gives you a documented history of your performance.
Only con I can give it is it can take a while to sync up to satellites initially especially downtown (Boston), which can frustrate people you are running with more than yourself.