Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS

Garmin Forerunner 305 Wristop GPS

Strengths: A runners dream watch! Waterproof, Time, pace, distance, automatic lap count, a GPS, a Heart Monitor(HR) rolled into one.

Weakness: Large on wrist. Elevation data has noise due to nature of GPS. Chest strap feels a bit insecure, could use vertical support like a bra / bro (Seinfeld)

Forrunner 305 Watch/GPS unit............................. Pro's: A runners dream watch! Time, pace, distance, automatic lap count, a GPS, a Heart Monitor rolled into one. Compete against yourself from prior data. Watch how your speed affects your heart rate. Pace,Dist, HR appears very accurate, Grade and elevation useably accurate. Nicely waterproof, should last a few years (gaskets) if not...

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Excellent workout tool

Strengths: 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 s

Weakness: The only disappointment is the point-in-time (instantaneous) pace measurement: It varies wildly during a run. I see swings as big as +/- 3 minutes/mile. I'm a marathoner and I know my pace is fairly consistent during a run. I just looked at my run today,

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?).

Everything it promises to be

Strengths: -High quality design -Works great in heavy coverage -Provides tons of data -MotionBased website adds great value

Weakness: -Wrist strap could be more comfortable -Not waterproof only splash resistant -Doesn't mount easily on a bike

I bought the 305 back in the spring of 2006 and have used it while running, biking, hiking, and for the first time this weekend for a sprint triathlon. I enjoy analyzing my workouts and activities, and this is such a great tool for understanding my exercising and fun. Mostly, I run and mountain bike. And being able to see my heart rate and pace along with elevation add fun to my activities. This...

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Better than 301

Strengths: Smaller than 301, GPS quick lock-on, accurate heart monitor

Weakness: Still pretty expensive but there are some dealers that offer free shipping and competitive pricing

I was pretty happy with my previous Garmin GPS, the Forerunner 301. The 305 has a better design, more like a watch or like a larger heartrate monitor. Running in the forest was always a problem with the 301. The 305 has a better lock-on than the 301 even though there were small drop outs, but only occasionally. Overall I am very happy with the 305.

Garmin Forerunner 305

Strengths: Great Functionality, valuable training information, a terrific training gadget.

Weakness: Not many, a little slow acquiring satelites, ~1-2 minutes to start, but after that it works great

This device works extremely well. When used with Motion-based, Garmins online service, it is very effective. Not only can you plot your workouts and keep track of any data you would ever need, you can plot your courses and export the maps to Google Earth (upgrade to the plus account for $20). The virtual partner feature allows you to train against a preset course you have done previously and race...

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Slow to Arrive, But Worth The Wait!

Strengths: Very customizable, LOTS of workout options; fairly accurate GPS (+/-20ft avg.)

Weakness: Indoor metal buildings - poor reception; size (but better than the 301); elevation readings (MotionBased correct this very well); unable to add additional runner profiles (one user only)

This thing is sleek and ready to use out of the box. It almost has too many options. The HR monitor is actually pretty comfortable, no gouging points, even running for 1 hour+. Lots of display options, and something like 5 different display screen options, with up to 4 items to display (like HR, time, speed, pace, etc.), and each one fully customizable. The software is very basic, but I imagine...

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Garmin Forerunner 305

Strengths: Very easy to configure and setup. Intuitive. The 3 screens can display 3 to 12 of the 37 data fields available. Excellent software. The HR monitor is more reliable than my Polar.

Weakness: Takes a minute or so to lock in on satellites, but I now set it on the window sill while dressing. It's locked in when I'm ready to run. No print capability for PC data and chart.

Has made running more fun, and increased my distances, by taking fun routes instead of pre-measured routes. Run different routes every day and know what your performance is. Charts. map, and data are great for analyzing distance, pace per lap, averages, heart rate, and much more. Larger than a watch, but comfortable. Historical data available on watch or PC. Small, easy to use cradle. Exceptional...

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Garmin 305 is wonderful

Strengths: The Garmin 305 is very comfortable and easy to use. You can choose from a variety of screens to have diffent information available at your fingertips. This product has increased my workouts and traini

Weakness: Sometimes it takes a little while to find the satalites.

This product is great. I would recommend it to others seeking this kind of information for workout or training purposes. The Garmin 305 is comfortable to wear and easy to operate during training. The options allow you to monitor your workouts in a variety of ways.

For you 301 users -- it's very much worth the...

Strengths: Much more accurate than 301; more accurate heart rate; less subject to corrosion. Didn't lose any of the great qualities from the 301. Now includes power cord (as well as USB).

Weakness: I wish Training Center (software that comes with it) was a little better. The poor quality maps on the software also haven't improved.

I started with the 201, used the 301 for a year, and just upgraded to the 305. I always liked the 301, and the 305 takes things a bit further. First and foremost, it's much more accurate. I used it on a track last night and it's _much_ more precise in current pace and the post maps than the 301 ever was (it seeks your location much more rapidly than the 301). The corrosion-prone USB port on the...

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Great running trainer, much improved over the...

Strengths: Comfortable, GPS has quick lock-on, accurate heart-rate monitor

Weakness: Expensive, mapping functions quite rudimentary

For those thinking about buying a 301 over a 305, think again. I had a 301 and upgraded to the 305. Not only is the form much better than the Forerunner 301, the accuracy of the GPS and heartrate monitor is greatly improved. The 301's GPS would often drop out when you're running in heavy tree cover or in the city, the 305 still maintains a accurate lock with the satellites. The heart rate monitor...

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