Customer Reviews:
 Accurately tracks my pace, easy to use November 3, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
The forerunner 305 gives exactly what I expected: an easy to use device that accurately tracks my pace and heart rate. I definitely recommend this product. My runs/usage are in neighborhood areas with only occasional tree coverage.
As for the accessory bike attachment (sold separately), I almost bought that until I read the reviews that the quick release sometimes inadvertently released. I wouldn't want to accidentally loose this expensive piece of gear, so I didn't get it.
Pluses:
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Customizable data screens
- HR monitoring
- Easy to use tracking software for analyzing your workouts afterwards
- Easy to program "advanced" workouts on the computer and upload to unit
Minuses:
- Elevation data jumps up and down a lot and doesn't appear to have short duration accuracy, maybe just the overall trend is accurate
- Plotting software does not have an option for changing the scaling of the Y-axis, so sometimes your data is cluttered, and it's hard to see the resolution
- Watchband : some people don't like it (rubberized plastic), but doesn't bother me much
Garmin watches are great for recording training and racing statistics November 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Garmin 305 replaces my Garmin 205, which I gave to my husband. I upgraded only to get the heart rate monitor. Both models are great to record training and racing statistics.
Advanced workout tracking October 31, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I have used this watch for everything. 14'ers, triathlons, adventure races, canyoneering, basically anything that can get the heart rate up and a nice sweat.
first, the watch unit is big. I am over 6'2" and 180 lbs, and the watch is big on my wrist. however, after 1 or 2 weeks i have gotten used to its size. I have taken it on long runs and long rides (12+ hours) and of course it gets annoying, but everything does after that amount of time exercising. the rubber does generate and trap a bit more sweat, but its better than a cloth band that just soaks it up.
the gps is highly accurate, i have compared it against several other units i have. I also have worn and used the polar s-625x, and the garmin unit is very accurate. i much prefer the complete cloth and clasp mechanism of the polar, but not enough to reduce usage of the garmin.
the watch is fairly rugged and water resistant, i have had it (often!!) completely underwater when kayaking and canyoneering, and it has not leaked or been destroyed for it. despite abusing this thing fairly regularly, it has continued to work day after day.
the downsides to this watch are few: it has to be recharged daily, or at least twice weekly if you workout more than 20 hours a week. it takes up to 3 minutes (average of 1.5) to get a signal unless you turn it on before putting it on and let it sit and gather signals for a minute. moving even slightly (scratching your head) will make you wait for the signal to catch up. the previously mentioned bulk is only an issue if you are very small, like my wife, or if you are worried about wind resistance when in the aero position in a tri. also, the software really does leave much to be desired, but it does not detract from the overall use of the watch as an HRM and distance tracking mechanism. (don't get lost in the woods during an adventure race and expect it to guide you faithfully back!)
overall, excellent product, well worth the money if you are an exercise fiend.
 Good product, but could be better October 30, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought the 305 to help maintain pace while training for a marathon. My thoughts:
GPS RECEPTION: I have had no problems. Only once did it take more than a minute or two to find the signal. It also keeps signal on trails through the woods that I like to run.
BATTERY LIFE: Could be better. I put the 305 on the charger whenever not in use to avoid a dead battery minutes into a run. The first time I used it, I got only about 2 1/2 hrs of total life (2 1/2 separate runs). It has a battery life indicator, but it does not show one on the page that I usually view (pace / distance / time).
COMFORT: I do not have huge wrists and the 305 is not the most comfortable watch. I find it more comfortable if I loosen it up just a bit and push it further up my arm than where I would wear a typical watch. The 405 looks more comfortable, but for the cost and potential other draw backs I chose the 305. Still glad I did.
ACCURACY: Appears to be fine. It seems to agree pretty well with my Garmin Oregon 400. I have not done the "to the foot" testing that other GPS reviewers do.
NEGATIVES: Battery life, comfort, not waterproof (I would love to wear this in triathlons).
PROS: Reception in woods, stores your workouts, MUCH better than any of those "foot pod" gadgets (I tried the NIKE+ Ipod thing - don't waste your money), keeps me on pace!
PURCHASE AGAIN: Yes.
Awesome Training Device October 28, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I have had the 305 for a few months, and bought it as an upgrade to the Forerunner 201 that I used to have. It has certainly not disappointed! It tracks satellites well, locks on and stays locked on much better than the 201 ever could.
I like the flexibility as a runner to go my own way, and not have to worry about figuring out how far or how fast I was going. All of that information is right on board with you throughout your run. It gives you the flexibility to go where you want to go and have the information about pace, time and distance without having to go back and measure the course you ran.
I also like the ability to load the runs into the software program. It makes keeping an accurate log of your mileage a non-issue, as it is all right there when you upload it to your computer.
In all, if you want to train using a heart rate monitor, this is the product for you. If you do not want the HRM, I would suggest the 205, which is the same unit, simply without the ability to use additional accessories. For runners and active people, this will revolutionize the way you train and track your training activitles. You will wonder how you ever did it before.
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