Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
Customer Review: 405 Owner now using a 305
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased a Garmin 405 over 2 years ago and have used it on weekly runs since then. My experience with the 405 is similar to what a lot of other reviewers have indicated. Although the 405 looks great and the touch bezel seems like a good idea, it is pretty useless if it ever gets wet (including minor sweat) and it seems to have a mind of it's own sometimes, even when it is not wet.
In addition to the nice look of the 405, I really like the wireless ANT feature that allows the watch to upload a run to the Garmin Connect site. I have all of my runs uploaded since I purchased the watch and it is nice to be able to review previous runs and track the progress (or lack thereof).
However, one thing I have noticed in my running club is that most of the "hard-core" runners and coaches use the Garmin 305. I saw a special on Amazon for the 305 about a month ago, I decided it was too good of deal to pass up, so I bought a 305 and I have used it on about 5 runs since then.
There are a couple of things I don't like about the 305 as compared to the 405. The things I don't like, are, it is more bulky and not as attactive and it doesn't have the wireless ANT. To upload your runs to Garmin Connect, you have to attach the 305 charger and plug into a USB port.
However, other than those few things, I prefer the 305 over the 405. During my runs with the 305, I am getting much better information about my pace, timing and heart rate. I use the scrolling feature on both watches and have set up personalized screens to view what I want. I have found that even though I have essentially the same screens on both watches, the 305 is much easier to read and you can actually use the buttons if you want to see something in particular. I could never touch the 405 while I was running, in fact, I gave up long ago on trying to change anything on the 405 once I start a run and always lock the watch to prevent accidental screen changes from the bezel getting touched, which does happen when running.
The other thing I really like about the 305 is that at the end of the run, I can immediately see how I did. Theoretically, the 405 can do the exact same thing, but, in reality, the 405 is usually not responsive at the end of a run because of moisture (that sweat thing again) or for whatever reason and I always found it annoying that I couldn't see my history because the bezel wouldn't react until I found a towel to dry my hands and the watch. (This is especially annoying when running with others and when finished, they ask you how we did and you can't answer because the 405 is frozen).
So, my advice, get the 305 if you want to save some money and if you want a running watch you can use to get information while you are running and immediately after your run. Get the 405 if you want a watch that looks good and the wireless ANT is important to you. You will not regret getting the 305 and you really don't notice the bulk of the watch once you start running.
Customer Review: Fantastic training watch
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros: Mac and PC compatible (despite what the description says), excellent features, easy to configure if you read the manual, good user interface
Cons: Mac users should run the software update, elevation tracking not perfect near sea level, watch battery is rechargeable but not replaceable, watch is big
As a runner, I am thrilled with this watch after using it for a week now. In addition to heart rate, it accurately tracks pace, calories, distance, and multiple other data points. Its three data screens are totally customizable. The GPS signal is accurate as long as you're not between tall buildings or in a tunnel (I use it in NYC parks with no problems). The included Garmin Training Center (which IS fully Mac compatible on PPC and Intel, despite what you'll see in descriptions of the watch online) is decent, not great, but you can download a free web utility to upload your stats to motionbased.com to perform much more detailed analyses. (Mac users: be sure to also download the update to Garmin Training Center from Garmin's website.)
The watch comes with built-in workouts in which it prompts you to speed up/slow down/etc. You can add your own custom workouts on your computer or (with a little patience) on the watch. You can also customize a workout easily on the fly. You can use its included heart rate zones (auto-calculated based on your age) and pace zones or customize your own (I'm totally happy with the built-ins). And of course you can just hit the "Start" button and start running, to let the watch track your time, distance, pace, heart rate, and plot your path.
Plus, if you're exercising in an unfamiliar area, it even has a mode where it'll guide you back to your starting point.
I was very reluctant to spend more than $50 on a watch of any sort -- I'm the type who shops at Filene's Basement and Costco -- but made the plunge after reading its nearly all positive reviews here. So totally happy that I did.
Someone previously mentioned that negative reviewers had stated problems (e.g. small heart rate readout, difficulty customizing, etc) that could be resolved by reading the manual. This is absolutely true. This watch is the most customizable I've ever owned, including where and how large the heart rate readout should appear. With a little patience, it'll do exactly what you need. Don't be turned away by the negative reviewers.
The only really accurate negative I've read about is its size. Yes, it's big. Think G-Shock, but larger. The two included straps help in finding the right size, but it's not going to fit like your Swatch does. But that's a small negative to a really excellent product.
So a word to the wise: read the manual! The watch is easy to use if you read how first. It's not a simple heart rate monitor, though, and you may not figure it out on your own. Give it a little time and it'll be very good to you.
I really can't recommend it highly enough!
Customer Review: Sweet little device...
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this critter for Christmas, having asked for it, and am increasingly impressed as time goes by.
Yes, you have to take a minute or so to allow the GPSr to aquire the sats but it is a GPS accruate receiver. Hello? I find that I turn it on and set it on my car or nearby while I do a little pre-stretch or get my iPod ready to go and it's ready when I am.
I've been through the manual and still find new cool stuff. Admittedly a Tri geek, I like all the available data. The functionality of the training software that comes with the unit is great. All the info I want is dumped onto the computer. Graphs, averages, elevations, HR, Speed, Pace, Cadence(extra sensor), etc. Set up courses you do and race yourself. Multisport capability during the same workout for triathletes. I could go on and on.
I am doing the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in June and found the run and bike courses available for download on their site right to my computer and the F305. I can see the course and especially the elevation changes. Cool. I love this thing and it seems to be accurate as well. I've been using the Timex bodylink and will definately stay with the F305.
My only minor complaint so far, I'd like a wrist mount that would stay put when I rotate the unit on my wrist for the bike part of races. Like I said, very minor. Highly reccommended.
Well, after three years, I am still extremely happy with this device. I've used it with the quick release wrist and bike mount as well as the cadence unit. Everything works well though the unit did pop off the bike a couple of times at the Treasure Island triathlon where there are some serious rough spots in the road(was on my wrist mount at the time). Scratches to the unit but no serious damage though it's ultimate demise may be related.
I've used it during all segments of triathlon including swimming. Don't put it on your wrist but in a under your swim cap. It is water resistant and I would soak it periodically in the sink to aid in cleaning without problems until last month. I suspect lost a bit of it's integrity after the three falls off the bike. (Twice in 2007 and once in 2008, all at TI) I've never had it disengage at any other race. Anyhow, it got waterlogged and works intermittently now. I've decide to replace it with another 305 rather than the 310xt. I think the 310 has to work out a few things and the only real advantage is the increased water resistance. I now use a zip-lock under my swim cap, just to be safe. I love the F305 and have been really missing it.
Cons: Size. Some of the new units are smaller. Still wish I could rotate the unit to view on my wrist without turning my wrist while running. Minor stuff.
Replacing my broken unit with the same one because I still love the functionality relative to price and nothing out there is appreciably better IMO.
Customer Review: Very useful tool
Summary: 4 Stars
Let me start off by saying I think this is a great tool. I did a lot of research and price comparison before purchasing the Garmin 305. I have now owned it for over a year and have found that it is a valuable tool during training and diagnosing issues.
During my research one issue that seemed to be prevalent among the lowest reviews was that of reliability. On this subject I will agree. After one year I am on my third Garmin 305. I don't usually purchase extended warranties but because of the reviews I read, I made an exception in this case and spent a little extra and I think it was well worth it. Out of the box my first 305 worked very well, no issues. However, after just about a month, two or three lines at the top of the screen stopped working. It wasn't enough that it interfered with the display but the unit was only a month or two old and I really hadn't run with it all that many times. As a matter of fact I had only charged that GPS once. After returning the unit for a second one, out of the box the down menu navigation button didn't really work and during the initial programming stopped working altogether. I now have a third one and it seems to be working just fine. No complaints and no problems to this point.
Other low marks from previous owners cited issues with the GPS not being able to stay lock on the satellites while running under vegetation or around tall building and once clear of the obstacles, the unit was unable to relocate the satellites. I have not experience this issue with any of the units I have had. During the initial power up the instruction indicate that you should not move around. The display shows a progress bar as it searches for the GPS satellites and this does take a minute or two. I usually power it up and set it on a window sill while I finish getting ready for my run. That said, my regular routine takes me under four lane highway bridges and through tree covered streets and I have never had any problems. I can see though that with as long as it take for the unit to lock onto the satellites during the initial power up that if the unit did lose communication that it might not be able to lock back on if you were to keep running.
Again, I love the unit itself. For the price, I feel it is a valuable tool. The only problem that I have is with Garmin and there seemingly lack of quality control for this model. It is a workout GPS unit and it should be able to handle any reasonable amount of abuse associated with running, biking, and even swimming. Maybe asking it to go fifteen rounds of boxing is a little too much, but I have not put it through a fraction of that kind of abuse, especially anything that would cause it to have issues. That said, if I could find another unit or brand that could do much of the same things that this unit is capable of doing at the same price but the quality was better, I would not hesitate to buy that model instead. I hope this helps.
Customer Review: 1 week Review
Summary: 4 Stars
I have had the product a week and have worked out 6 times with it. There are a lot of features, most of which I have not yet explored. I know for a fact that I am not using this item to the extent of its capabilities...but I'm ok with that :)
First off, I followed the quick startup guide about basic features of the watch. This includes setting up your displays, heart rate monitor, etc.
I then installed the training center software and checked the watch and the software for any updates. For anyone who is literate and has a 2nd grade Apple 2E basic knowledge of computers, this was, um, easy?
I did my normal run as usual and plugged it in via the dock..and voila...the WORST mapping software I have ever seen! The heart rate charts and the pace charts, elevation, etc...all very cool, but really Garmin? you are a GPS company and can't even have cool maps?
Fortunately, a buddy of mine told me about [...] which allows you to synch your device using Garmin Communicator (download for free).
I use the FREE version of mapmyrun because it gives me fly by video, and a better map (uses Google Earth) Now, again, this is the same information that I have on my Garmin Training Center, but the mapping interface is just better looking on MAPMYRUN...there are tons of softwares out there for this kind of stuff so pick the one you like. However, the Garmin software is better for heart rate trends, paces etc. and it even allows you to compare multiple workouts.
Another feature that I use is the pace and heart rate zone alarms...beeps at me when I am too slow or fast off pace, and beeps at me when my heart rate is too high or too low for the zone I am trying to stay in, annoying to those around you say on the YMCA track that constantly hear your beeping..but it also reminds them to move over when you are running by..kind of like a car horn (a nice bonus feature)
This leads into the downside and something I WISH I would have done: bought the pedometer foot thingy. I ran ONE day at the YMCA track, and was way off. My Average heart rate was about 30 BPM faster than normal, but the watch was saying I was running at an 11 minute mile pace (about 1 m30 slower than normal and I was SPRINTING)...I was indoors so it could not get an accurate fix. if distance is off, pacing is going to be off. THis means I was running ridiculously harder than I needed. If I had bought the pedometer foot thingy, it would have been more accurate.
Again, there are a lot of features that I have not even begun to scratch the surface on. BUT, that aside, this thing is AWESOME. I do not need to keep a running log to track my mileage for training, and remind me when I need new shoes. I can tailor my workouts around my heart rate zones, and it keeps me honest on the pacing. I love this thing and would highly recommend it for someone who is getting serious about running or is already in a training program for a future race