Customer Reviews

Garmin 305 Forerunner

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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)

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)

One nice feature is being able to customize the display screens. Another review criticized the 305 for the numbers being too small to read while exercising. I don't have an issue but would point out that you can significantly increase the size of the display by simply displaying fewer fields.

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.

If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know!

I been using this unit to run alongside the beach for the last 4 months. Overall very satified. Quick GPS satellite lock, accuracy is good, does not lose signal easily (as compared to the 301 model). Quick data transfer to the provided software (software a little rigid for performance analysis though). I would recommend this product if you are looking for a good GPS unit to monitor your runs. Heart rate monitor is also very good, no funny jumps in heart rate.

I'm in my mid 50s and really got into walking and then running at the beginning of this year. I bought the Forerunner so I could upload my workouts and use it for training, then download the workout information, including that from the heart monitor, to record my progress. I'll admit I'm somewhat of a gadget freak but not overly computer savvy. The Forerunner has worked just like I wanted it to with no problems. There may be a little learning curve, as there is with most instruments, but it is easily acccomplshed. I am very pleased that it makes my workouts easier by alerting me to changing intervals instead of me having to monitor my stopwatch. The information I download contains exactly the data I am looking for. You have to use the Forerunner to see where your paces fall in regard to the categories they have assigned but modifications to your workouts are pretty easy. I considered the Forerunner 205 but purchased the 305 model specifically because I wanted the heart monitor. To help train and keep track of distance, time, speed, heart rate, calories, and other data, I personally have no qualms recommending the Forerunner 305.

After using the Forerunner 305 for about three months I am still very impressed. I can't really add anything to what I said before. The instrument continues to perform as desired and expected, makes adjusting workouts for training easy as performance improves (slowly but surely). Finally, I would encourage new or less experienced runners not to be intimidated by the thought that the Forerunner 305 is too advanced for them, or is for experienced distance runners only. It is highly recommemded for anyone who is serious about their performance as it relates to their health.

This is an excellent product! Although it is rather large I would not trade it for a newer model. After reading reviews on all of the other Garmins I dedided to go with the 305. I utilized this for a month and a half training for a marathon and never had an issue with it. Due to the alerts that you can customize to stay on pace I finishe my marathon faster than I had planned fighting the watch to keep my pace for the last 7 miles!

This is a great watch. I use it for both running and biking. It will pair with ANT configured accessories (HRM, foot pod, cadence monitor etc) and it is fairly accurate. My big complaint has been the time to link up with the satelite and the battery life (thus the 4 stars vice 5). The computer software has been very useful in evaluating workout data and charting progress. If you want more analysis, you can port the data to excel to do analysis and make pretty pictures, but for me, I'm pretty happy with what it came with. One other thing, the Heart Rate monitor that comes with the unit is junk. spring for the extra $40 to get the premium soft strap monitor. Its much nicer to wear and is considerably more accurate. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a sport watch with GPS and heart rate support who doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg. Note, not for swimming.

I bought this unit primarily to use on hiking trails but found that its GPS is not well suited to that task. Seems like it might be handy otherwise although I found it a bit hard to navigate and it didn't seem able to calucalte the calories which was my number 2 priority. I suggest calling the manufacturer first to discuss your needs as the specs don't really address this issue. When calling Garmin, be prepared to wait at least 1/2 hour for service.