Garmin Forerunner 50 Water Resistant Running GPS With Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod
by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $115.00 You Save: $84.99 (42%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: GPS or Navigation System See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Forerunner 50 Water Resistant Running GPS With Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod
Customer Review: Makes you want to run!
Summary: 5 Stars
For a beginner level runner, its more than enough. All of the features are very accurate and if anything they are easy to calibrate. Comfortable enough for every day wear also. if you wanna get a little bit more serious with training, i recommend more advanced models like the 301 or 401 which include the GPS and/or the training partner features.Customer Review: Worth the Price
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for my wife. I have the Garmin 305 (satelite and does not work on treadmills/ inside) so this is much better for her because she can use it anywhere. She loves it and she hates all the technology stuff. We run 3-5 days a week and she has not had any problems with it.Customer Review: State of the art!
Summary: 5 Stars
Astonishing that a product retailed for USD 99.00 can do this much. The heartbeat is precise, the distance is measured effortlessly and precisely. The wireless connection to the computer's software works well. I do recommend it... Will even buy my wife one of those!Customer Review: Useful
Summary: 5 Stars
Its useful, practical and accurate, the good thing: is easy to read and displays the current pace, which is a must for anyone trying to improve speed. The cons: instrucctions are not user friendly, but once you get to know how it works is a great companion!Customer Review: Very good for a basic unit
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been running for the past 2-½ years with the Garmin Forerunner 305 (which I have reviewed on Amazon) and recently bought the Garmin Forerunner 405cx. Amazon had a deal where for no extra cost I received the Garmin Forerunner 50 (but without a footpod), which arrived a couple of weeks before my 405cx, so I had time to try it out.
The negative reviews are from people who did not research in advance what this unit can do, did not read the manual, or did not follow the directions. I think this unit works fine--so long as you understand what you are buying. Here are my comments (Note: I use this on a Mac with the latest update of Leopard without any problems):
1. This unit is a heart rate monitor, and works well. If you also want to track distance, then you need to have the footpod. I bought a footpod for my 405cx and discovered that it costs about the same by itself as buying a "package deal" where the Forerunner 50 and footpod come together. So if you think that you want more than just a heart rate monitor, get the package deal rather than buying a footpod later for the Forerunner 50.
2. This unit has no gps, no measurement of calories, and only a single heart rate zone. These additional features are found on the 405cx (which is much more expensive).
3. Make sure you install the Garmin software package before inserting the ANT USB stick. Also, if using a Mac with Parallels Desktop, VMWare Fusion or any other program running Windows, close out of the program when using the ANT USB stick or it may not be recognized on the Mac.
4. If using both a heart rate monitor and the footpod, pair them both at the same time. Make sure the footpod is on by vigorously shaking it until you see 3 red flashes.
5. Before you pair any accessories, first pair the Forerunner 50 with the computer. TX Pair must be on to do so. Once you pair, TX Pair turns off, so if you have a second computer, you need to turn TX Pair on again on the Forerunner 50 to pair it with the second computer. The same applies if you pair the heart rate monitor, and later decide to pair a footpod. That is why I suggest pairing both at the same time.
6. When pairing the heart rate monitor or working out, wet the band with water or saliva. That moisture is necessary for the HR monitor to work properly.
7. I suggest calibrating the footpod using auto calibration by running/walking a known distance. Otherwise your distances will not be reported accurately.
8. To set up the training options, press the mode button until you see Train. Press start/stop until you see Hold/Set and then the word Units. Release the start/stop button and press the View button to scroll through the training options. The manual is not clear on this.
9. I use a Mac program called Ascent that is far superior to Garmin Connect or Garmin Training Center.
This unit is the same size as a regular sports watch, which is what I use it for now that my Garmin 405cx has arrived. However, if you don't want to spend the money for a much more expensive unit with lots of extra features, and just need the basics, this unit is fine. I did not experience the problems referred to in the negative reviews. Just read the manual and learn how to operate this unit and you will be satisfied.