I like this thing quite a lot. I've had it for about three weeks, and have used it on 12 workouts so far. I use it primarily for running, with biking a secondary usage. The main reason I wanted it was for the instantaneous readout of distance, running pace and heart rate, the latter needed for the speed work I want to do this running season.
The core functionality (distance and heart rate monitoring) works perfectly. There's none of the signal drops I've had with other heart monitors. Once the satellites are initially acquired, I've only had one dropout when I was outside. The initial acquisition of the satellites can be quirky and can take some time. The accuracy (according to the readout) is +/- 25ft, depending on how many satellites can be found. I've compared the distance measurement on the GPS with a known, measured distance on one of the trails I run on (the Chicago lakefront path). The GPS always increments a mile when I'm within 5 or 10 feet of the mile marker sign on the path. Well, I guess that's the least I should expect from a $350 GPS unit! Of course it's bigger than a normal running stopwatch, but that hasn't bothered me at all. The heart rate strap is also very comfortable and well-designed.
The display is crisp and has one outstanding feature: The information presented on the various pages can be completely user-customized. The default screen layout is rather poor, but in just a few steps I could replace it with the information I wanted to see while I run. There are almost 40 different data fields you can choose from for display. Examples: current pace, average lap pace, average run pace, heartrate, distance.
I had hoped that owning this device would prove motivational for me, and indeed it has. I can't imagine running or biking without it. Updating my training log is trivial now: Plug this thing into my computer, and it's done. My hope is that a future software update will do something about the pace calculation (maybe a few additional levels of smoothing?). If so, the Forerunner 305 would earn 5 stars+++.
Pros
Radically new design is better in every way
Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it
Cons
Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch — but so much more powerful
How much?
The Garmin forerunner 305 is available on the Gamin website for $299.99,but you really shouldn't be paying any more than $150 for this.The cheapest we have seen it is on Amazon who consistently sell this forerunner 305 for under $140
What's in the Box
- Forerunner 305
- Garmin Training Center CD-ROM
- heart rate monitor
- docking cradle
- expander strap
- A/C charger
- USB cable
- owner's manua
- quick start guide
What Others Are Saying
This Forerunner 305 has received rave reviews from most consumers on the net with an average
of 4.5 out of 5 from most reviewers on Amazon and the Garmin website itself.
Here are some of the comments to date:
"I love it. I'm using on all my street running training. I recommend. I want to buy a foot pod. "
"This thing is great! I've used the Garmin Edge 305 for my road bike which I've loved and decided to get the Forerunner to run with"
"I'm happy, becauase I bought an excellent support to train my body. I use to run 3 or 4 times a week, and this Forerunner help me to improve my time and my health"
Where Can You Buy the Garmin forerunner 305?
You can buy thisForerunner 305 from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.
Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Garmin forerunner 305?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.
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