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: Better than 405 & Polar....1 Caveat....Love GOOGLE EARTH!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on GOOGLE EARTH is FANTASTIC!!!! (the included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.
Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. It's better in my opinion than the Polar products (of which I've owned three)
I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)
My only complaint is that it's easy to leave it on and run the battery down - which is a bummer if you're just about to work out. I wish there was an "auto off" feature which would shut it down if it detects no movement or heart rate within an hour or so. Fortunately, with Li-Ion batteries, as little as a 10 minute charge gives you enough juice for a 90 minute run.
This is much better than the Forerunner 201 which I previously owned (locks on satellites 10 times faster) and I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)
I bought the 201 when it first came out. It was head and shoulders above the Timex product (remote GPS pod) and I even used it to go geocaching.
However, I'd have to strongly recommend against anyone buying the 101/201 today - I was "lucky" to have lost this kayaking a couple of years ago at which point I upgraded to the 305. It is SOOOOO much better that I have to now rate the 201 as one star in comparison. (The 205 is the same as the 305 but without heart rate)
First, the 101/201 had a very unusual shape. The 205/305 is a bulky watch but the looong 201 prevented you from wearing gloves - a real problem when skiing, cycling, etc.
Second - and more importantly, the 205/305 have the SIRF Star III Chipset, which means it can lock on to your position and hold the lock better.
Imagine if you will - you're all ready to run and pumped up - whoops, you now have to wait an extra few minutes to lock your position, otherwise it cannot tell you your speed, location, etc.
My 201 locked on far faster than my running partner's Timex (He had to hang it on a tree while he was getting ready since it often took > 5 minutes to lock.) the 305 can lock in as little as 5-10 seconds most of the time. The 201 would lock in ~2 minutes half the time and would occasionally would take up to 5 minutes. If you had traveled to a new location ~100 miles away from your prior location, the 201 would take up to 10 minutes to get a new lock. ARRRGGGGHH.
Also the 201 would lose lock all the time when running in even moderate tree cover or heavy clouds. With the 305 I can even get a lock in my house most of the time.
Finally, the 201 cannot lock IF YOU ARE MOVING! The 305 can lock even if you're riding a bicycle. I think I've even gotten a lock while driving.
Yes the 205 and 305 cost more but with the huge difference in functionality I find it astonishing that Garmin would continue to sell the 101/201 given how much better the 205 and 305 are.
p.s. Don't bother with the 405. Interesting concept but not practical. Read the reviews.
If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know!
Customer Review: Let me add my positive review to the others...
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been an on-again-off-again runner for years, and never bothered to use more than a heartrate monitor when running regularly. Last month I signed up for a half-marathon scheduled for August 2010. When I began looking into various training programs to get me ready for the run, I realized I was either going to have to spend some tedious time online mapping out my routes in order to be sure I was running the correct mileage on my training runs...or I could invest in something that would do that for me. I initially thought I wanted something smaller on my wrist, but since the smaller versions of the Forerunner cost twice as much, I decided I could handle the larger size.
I invested in the 305, have been using it for a week, and am very happy with it.
One thing I haven't seen in any previous reveiws is a mention of the tiny font used for the heartrate information. I was hoping I could do something about that: customize a screen, for instance, to make it larger, but I haven't found any way to do so. When I'm running, especially in dim light, I need to stop for a moment and peer at the tiny numbers to check my heartrate. Since this is a heartrate monitor in addition to its other functions, it would be nice if I were at least given the option to make the numbers on the screen larger and easier to read.
On the other hand, information I didn't expect to be interested in, such as my pace, has already become more important to me than my heartrate, so perhaps I eventually won't mind the tiny heartrate numbers.
Pace, as other reviews have mentioned, can vary quite a bit during the course of a run. I tend to notice a difference of about a minute-per-mile, even if I think I'm carefully running at a consistent pace. (As a beginner, I'm not completely sure I'm being consistent, even when I think I am). That doesn't really bother me at this point, I figure that as long as it's reasonably accurate, it keeps me from running too quickly or too slowly on my training runs.
I love the fact that distance is displayed. If I'm doing a four-mile run, I get on a trail, run just over two miles in one direction, turn around, run two miles back and walk the last little bit to cool down.
Satellite response time has been very quick for me: I haven't yet had to wait longer than a minute. When I can, I set it outside and turn it on, put on my running shoes, and the Forerunner is ready to go when I am. When I can't do that, I stretch for a bit while the Forerunner links with the satellites.
I didn't intend to write a review this soon after my purchase, but in only a week, my Forerunner has already revolutionized the way I run and the way I think about running. Instead of being stuck to my standard path or being forced to calculate a new route online, I'm free to run anywhere I want. Since I travel a great deal for work, this is incredibly helpful. I find a nearby trail, and I'm off!
As far as the size goes, it has not been an issue for me. The 305 is not as large as I'd anticipated, and other than the heartrate numbers, the large screen makes it easy to glance down and check my time, pace and distance.
I think this is a wonderful training tool, and I'm only sorry I didn't buy it sooner. I highly recommend it.
Customer Review: What's Not to Love?
Summary: 5 Stars
I have wanted the Garmin Forerunner 305 for quite awhile and was thrilled when I finally got it as a birthday gift this past May. I recently became a runner and was interested in being able to do set workouts, as well as accurately track my mileage. Previously I was using various fitness maps and found them to be somewhat of a pain to have to constantly track and modify my routes, so I often used the same routes over and over and really felt like I couldn't deviate from them because then it meant more tracking and I was tired of taking so much precious time to do the little details. Well, my Garmin truly set me free! Now I can run in any direction and never have to worry about the tedium of tracking my route.
I have found the software that came with the watch to be adequate. I really appreciate that it comes with pre-loaded "workouts" from [...]. They provided me with a good base for training and I was more confident in copying, then modifying to fit my own needs by having a base template. But what is even better is the increased benefit by having Garmin Connect online! I love Garmin Connect! It is such a motivator to click on my calendar and see all my workouts, weekly totals, goals, etc. It is a very useful tool and it has definitely helped to improve my training.
I haven't used the Garmin for cycling yet, so I won't review that functionality. I currently use it for walking and running and cannot report any issues whatsoever with it. It has worked perfectly every time.
The one con for me is the HRM in regards to the calories burned data. As other reviewers have noted, the calories burned are based on other factors besides your actual beats per minute and percentage of max. I actually had the exact same calorie burn for the same course walking and running which is nowhere near accurate. As some reviewers have mentioned, the heart rate reading is so small it isn't easily read...directly out of the box with default settings this is absolutely true. However, with the customizable data screens (there are 3 screens total that you can customize) you can set your heart rate as a data field and it is easily readable while exercising. I have my Screen #2 set to display my heart rate, average heart rate, heart rate zone and pace zone. They are all easily read and provides me accurate information and I still have the other two screens for the other data I wish to see. Problem solved!
I am hopeful that somewhere down the road Garmin will release a software update that will address the calories burned issue and if they ever do then my Garmin Forerunner 305 will be absolutely perfect! But until then, it is pretty darn near perfect and is like having my own personal trainer with me on all my walks, runs and rides! AWESOME!
I definitely recommend this product for anyone that is interested in being set free from the tedium of using maps to track their miles or are stuck using the same routes over and over so you know where the mile markers are. Garmin can set you free and allows you to focus entirely on just enjoying the run!
Customer Review: A "MUST HAVE" for runners, walkers, bikers
Summary: 5 Stars
I got the Forerunner 305 because someone stole my 201 (right out of my Baby Jogger Stroller!) that I have had since 2005. I felt lost running without a Forerunner so I had to get a new one. I absolutely love, love, love the 305 and recommend a Forerunner for all runners! Here are a few of the things that I want to comment on regarding the 305.
SIZE - yes it is huge but it is still smaller and sleeker looking than the 201. I am 5'3", 110 pounds and I wear it using the smallest hole and it fits perfectly. I used to take the 201 off as soon as I was done using it because I felt ridiculous wearing it. Hence that is why it was in my daughter's stroller and got stolen while we were at the playground. Anyway, the 305 is large, but it is the perfect size for reading quickly while running. It also doesn't bother me enough to have to take it off immediately. Check out my picture of the 305 on my arm for an idea of how big it is. There is also a longer strap if you have a bigger wrist.
SATELLITE CONNECTION - unbelievably fast! The 201 used to take up to 15 minutes to make a connection and it would lose its connection under relatively dense tree cover giving me inaccurate distance and pace readings. The 305 only takes about a minute and I have yet to lose the satellite connection during my runs in shady areas and on cloudy days. The pace seems pretty accurate. For me it seems range from 6:00/ mile to 9:45/ miles with the average pace always being right on when compared to my official race paces.
HEAR RATE MONITOR - The 305 monitors your HR during your entire run. The monitor is a little too big for me with the chest strap at its tightest setting. I have to tuck it into my sports bra in order for it to stay put. To give you an idea of its size, my bra strap is a 32 and 34. But once it is tucked in securely, I forget that I am wearing it.
ALERTS - You can set your Forerunner to beep if you go below or above a certain pace and HR, and when you reach certain points/laps, such as 1 mile marks. The 201 has the alerts feature too.
Garmin Training Center Software and Garmin Connect website - absolutely awesome. I have a Mac and never uploaded my 201 data to my computer. With the 305 I can upload my data to the Training software and the Connect website with my Mac. I prefer the website because it maps your run on actual maps. It also plots your pace, elevation, and heart rate. When you click the "play" button, you watch a little circle move along your route alongside your exact pace, HR, and elevation. You can see exactly where your pace and HR changed! You can also see other users' routes, their paces, and their HRs as well. Very cool.
I love my Forerunner 305 and feel totally lost without it. There are many other features too, but these are the ones that feel are most important. It is great for training. I actually medaled in my age group in the last 3 of my races and it happened to coincide with me using my 305! I definitely recommend this to anyone who runs or bikes!
Customer Review: Great device for running
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been using the Forerunner 305 for the past five months and can't imagine how I got along without it.
I primarily use the unit for my running, which has improved dramatically. This is because the unit allows me to easily monitor a wide variety of items on three screens that can be customized to each show four items.
My first screen shows total time elapsed, speed in MPH, total distance and heart rate. My second screen shows the time for my current lap, the time for my last lap, the lap distance covered so far (I set a lap to equal one mile), and again heart rate. My third screen shows calories burned, time of day, paused time and sunset time. There are many other combinations available.
For me these settings have enabled me to improve my running by giving me an accurate picture of how I am doing. I can then download each run onto my computer and compare my progress from week to week. The Garmin software is primitive, but is suitable for my needs. There are more sophisticated software alternatives that you can read about in other reviews.
I have been able to get a GPS signal even on completely cloudy days, and have not lost it when running through paths with lots of trees.
The heart rate monitor readings do not "bounce around" like they do on many execise monitors, but rather are always steady. This enables accurate heart rate monitoring instead of bouncing around 10 or 20 beats at a time.
As a separate accessory you can purchase a footpod, which is a transmitter that attaches to your sneaker so that you can use the 305 indoors on a treadmill, which I do very often during the winter months.
The unit itself is not bulky to wear, and feels pretty much the same as wearing a watch, though of course it is somewhat larger.
When running I especially like the auto pause feature, which stops the time being recorded for laps and records the time standing still, such as a rest stop or waiting for a traffic light to change. This is far superior to manually stopping the timer, because many times you resume running and forget to turn the timer back on.
My one minor gripe is that there is no auto off feature, so that if you forget to turn the unit off, you will drain the batteries.
Overall I highly recommend this unit and have not had any problems with downloading my data or installing software updates.
UPDATE Sept. 23,2008: If you own a Mac, the Garmin Training Center software is even more primitive than the PC version. I highly recommend a Mac software program called Ascent. It is highly customizable and terrific for organizing your data and training. I wish they made a version for the PC as well.
UPDATE July 4, 2009: A few weeks ago I bought the Forerunner 405cx (which I have reviewed on Amazon) to replace my 305 and am very happy with my decision. But since the 305 costs less than half of the price for the 405cx, you have to decide whether the new features are worth the extra money to you.