Customer Reviews

Garmin Forerunner 50 Water Resistant Running GPS With Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

I did a lot of research before purchasing and was down to the 305, 405, and 50. I really wanted a GPS watch, but the price of the Forerunner 50 with footpod and HR monitor couldn't be beat. I also liked the smaller watch and the fact that it didn't need to be charged.

After owning it a week:
I really like the watch. I don't typically wear them, but it is very comfortable. It is only slightly larger than a typical watch and has a fine adjustment on the band. I'm wearing it all the time.

The hardware is impressive. The foot pod and HR monitor worked very well right out of the box, and were comfortable to wear. They "paired" right away and were ready to go when I was ready to run. The ANT installation went as advertised on windows vista, and the upload works automatically for Garmin Training Center, but not Garmin Connect.

Possible improvements:
For the watch itself, the number of "views" while in training mode can be confusing. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it with use or reading manual, but it is clearly more than I'm used to.

Installation: The process seemed to drive you toward choosing either Garmin Training Center (software on your computer) or Garmin Connect (web sofware), but not both. I didn't know the pro/con of either, so I wanted to try both. It was awkward when it wanted me to install ANT drivers again for the installation of the second one. I canceled the installation at that point - but found that Training Center was installed.

Software: It is really not clear to me if Garmin Training Center is still being developed. They seem to be improving Garmin Connect (web) regularly, but at its current state, it doesn't have any benefit over Training Center. (remember - I'm not seeing the GPS/maps, so maybe there is distinction there). So after a week, I still find myself bouncing back and forth. There are a few bugs in Garmin Connect and a few notable features that I would really like to see (that is available in other web training software).

Results:
I'm very happy with the HR monitor and cadence results. They seem spot on and reliable. I'm still working on the distance and pace. I did a test 3 mile run on a measured course and found that it recorded 3.1 miles. I messed up a calibration run by hitting the wrong button, so I'll be trying that again (a subsequent 8 mile run was recorded as a 9 mile run... argghh). I've found that the instantaneous pace is not accurate, but hope it will improve with calibration. Garmin Connect is also doing something weird with the average pace calculation... but I think that is a bug that will be fixed.

Overall I'm very happy with the purchase, but hope they continue to improve the software. Currently, that is the weakest link. If they don't, there may be other sites that accept forerunner uploaded data to fill the gap.

It works pretty much as described. I used it on the treadmill today just to test out its accuracy, and it recorded a 3 mile run as being 3.2 miles. I'm thinking the treadmill must be the more accurate of the two, but I could be wrong. At any rate, you can calibrate the device so it's not a big deal. The heart rate monitor agreed with the monitor on the treadmill, and the end calorie calculation was within 2 calories of what the treadmill reported.

The sync feature is pretty cool, but the software feels a little "old". It's good, but it looks and feels like it was written in 1995. Getting the 405 would probably make the software a little more useful because with the GPS you can view your route on a map and it tracks not only distance but elevation.

Overall I'd say it's fun to use and that it's helping my workouts.

Very good product. The things I like best about this product are:
1. You don't have to charge the watch, like some other models
2. It isn't bulky, like some other models
3. The foot pod is great for measuring speed, cadence, and distance

The only cons I have are that the telemetry strap is not compatible with cardio machines in a gym that have heart rate monitors built into them (so you always have to bring the watch with you), and the software for viewing your comleted workouts is pretty bare bones. I am willing to bet that Garmin will roll out software upgrades in the future though.

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.

Specifically.. on Garmin's site it says..

"Garmin Training Center (GTC) is a training tool for your computer that works with your compatible Garmin fitness device. With GTC, you can analyze and store workout data from your Garmin device on your computer, as well as plan and save future workouts. GTC is included when you purchase a compatible Garmin fitness device. You can also download the latest version of Garmin Training Center for free.

Compatible Garmin devices: Forerunner 50, Forerunner® 201 (PC only), Forerunner 301, Forerunner 205, Forerunner 305, Edge® 205, Edge 305, Edge 605, Edge 705

Compatible computers: IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® 2000 or XP operating systems | New! Intel-based Macs or PowerPCs (G3 or newer) running OS X 10.4 or later"

The above would mean to me that the Garmin Forerunner 50 is a compatible device with the usage of the Garmin Training Center software.

So.. imagine my surprise when the Garmin Forerunner 50 arrived and wouldn't work with my Mac (current Macbook)..

Upon further reading and MUCH DIGGING on Garmin's site this is what I found.. the "ANT+Sport technology will not be mac compliant until sometime in 2008"

So, while the device itself might be fine (and it is), it's intended usage (with a Mac) is not. Garmin should be more forthright about this and insure ALL info on their site is correct (or at least is the same).

I also have the GPS enabled 205 but do a lot of indoor track running during the winter months. I compared the foot pod to the GPS & there was only a 40 yard difference on the mile (97% accurate). It seemed less accurate though if I was walking vice jogging/running. It's about only about 90% accurate jogging/running on the treadmill compared to the treadmill's stats and horrible when walking on the treadmill (~80%). Sometimes I wear both watches running outside because the 205 is more accurate & communicated well with the computer (& Google Earth, which is cool) and the 50 has a heart rate monitor & the pacekeeping is a lot smoother.
Two complaints:
1. Heart rate monitor strap is weak, don't force it, it WILL break. replacements are ~$13 on Amazon (I'd order another two)
2. Not really hassle free when downloading to the computer, the watch has to communicate wirelessly with the USB adapapter & sometimes it takes a while for the adapter to recognize the watch. You also cannot upload workouts to the Garmin 50 like you can with the 205.
If I could start over, I would have bought ONLY the 305 because you can get GPS, heartrate, & foot pod for indoor running. I would have spent less overall. I may trade up eventually.

I'm using this watch to help me train for a 10k and for the past month it has worked great. After reading the directions i was out the door in about 10min's so it's easy to use.

Only problem i have had so far, the heartrate monitor dosen't fit me... and i'm not so little that i shouldn't be able to adjust it to my size. If your a girl i would try to hunt down one of those sports bra's that holds the heartrate monitor in place. Otherwise, this is an excellent buy, worth every penny and easy to track my running hisotry.

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.

I purchased this model after serious debate over a GPS watch. The F50 overall has met my expectations, but I've had to keep in mind that it is only an entry model. It does not have the capability to handle more complex workouts including multiple alerts based on HR, pace, laps, etc. The major selling point for me was to have a watch compatible with the HR monitor, foot pod, and bike speed/cadence sensor (GSC10) which I also purchased - and keep the price under $150.

Pros:
- Can use for indoor and outdoor training via foot pod and the GSC10 which attaches to your rear bike wheel. No significant loss of distance as happens with GPS devices when in cities or under tall trees.
- Watch face is not too bulky (even for a small-wristed female), and very light weight. The design looks more like a traditional watch.
- The ANT stick and computer pairing was effortless for me. It worked perfectly and automatically transfers the data to the Training Center software.
- Foot pod seems to be very accurate, even without calibration. Clips on securely - I don't even notice I'm wearing it.

Cons:
- The watch has difficulty switching between biking and running. I have to manually pair the devices I'm using before each workout. It only takes a minute but very annoying that I have to set everything up each time. Not recommended for bike/run intervals. Here's where I miss the "change sport at the touch of a button" offered in higher-end models.
- The HR monitor strap is too large for me. I guess Garmin sells a smaller one, so either expect to purchase another or get used to tucking it into your sports bra if you are a smaller-sized female.
- There are only four buttons, which means each one has 4-6 different functions. It'll take some time to remember which button to push and in which sequence to find what you're looking for.
- Only two pieces of data are displayed on the screen during training (i.e. HR and pace, or time elapsed and lap elapsed, etc.) You have to scroll through the other screens by manually pressing the button. There is no auto scroll feature. If you want to track more than two at a glance, purchase a higher-end model.

Overall, you sacrifice some functionality going with the F50. But if it's the first sport watch you purchase and/or you're on a budget, it's a good one to pick. Garmin's website has an excellent comparison feature - check it out before you decide to purchase.

I've had for one week, and I'm thrilled!! I just wanted distance, pace, and heart rate, and it gives me all of these, plus more! Also, when I get home from my run, it makes nice fancy graphs and records all of my information while I recover!! Its my own little robot :) This price is a STEAL compared to any other vendor. I chose this over a Nike + Sportsband, and the two don't truly compare. Its easy enough for a first time runner, but good enough for one who plans to run for a long, long time!!