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| Date Reviewed: 11/21/2006 |
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Strengths: The Garmin 305 is very comfortable and easy to use. You can choose from a variety of screens to have diffent information available at your fingertips. This product has increased my workouts and traini
Weaknesses: Sometimes it takes a little while to find the satalites.
Summary: This product is great. I would recommend it to others seeking this kind of information for workout or training purposes. The Garmin 305 is comfortable to wear and easy to operate during training. The options allow you to monitor your workouts in a variety of ways.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/28/2007 |
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Strengths: A runners dream watch! Waterproof, Time, pace, distance, automatic lap count, a GPS, a Heart Monitor(HR) rolled into one.
Weaknesses: Large on wrist. Elevation data has noise due to nature of GPS. Chest strap feels a bit insecure, could use vertical support like a bra / bro (Seinfeld)
Summary: Forrunner 305 Watch/GPS unit............................. Pro's: A runners dream watch! Time, pace, distance, automatic lap count, a GPS, a Heart Monitor rolled into one. Compete against yourself from prior data. Watch how your speed affects your heart rate. Pace,Dist, HR appears very accurate, Grade and elevation useably accurate. Nicely waterproof, should last a few years (gaskets) if not severely impacted or scratched. Lighter than many everyday watches, comfortable to wear (I'm an adult). HR monitor strap has good pickup. If you can change settings on a cell phone you can setup the 305 for your liking. Con's: Larger than most everyday watches. Elevation has resolution of feet so given accuracy of 10 M. For flat ground it varies due to nature of GPS. It is significantly noisy (inaccurate) but is usable and surely better than having no elevation readout at all.... buttons quite firm to push, may be difficult for those with not so strong fingers. Beware sunscreen can plug audio holes! HR monitor strap feels like it may slip down, could use a vertical strap like a bra (or "bro" from Seinfeld). Included Software............................................... Pro's: Easy installation. Easy to use display of data and maps Easy to delete unwanted sessions Con's: Software presumptuous to leave a visible icon in the task tray. Cannot run software without 305 connected to computer, the software will not start without it. Map is not very detailed, it does have major roads but no neighborhood roads or less significant water bodys. Cannot "mark" landmarks from using the computer and transfer it to the 305 Cannot change user profile in computer and transfer it to the 305 Conclusion:......................................... To me the 305 is near the leading edge of technology, the 305.... a runners dream watch with time, pace, distance, automatic lap count, a HR monitor, a GPS, rolled into one, it's big, but light and conforms to the wrist. It's waterproof enough to use windsurfing...I hit 18 mph today! It's fun, informative, useful to maximize performance, but a bit techy, and better not bang it around.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/28/2007 |
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Strengths: The display is crisp and has one outstanding feature: The information presented on the various pages can be completely user-customized. The default screen layout is rather poor, but in just a few steps I could replace it with the information I wanted to s
Weaknesses: The only disappointment is the point-in-time (instantaneous) pace measurement: It varies wildly during a run. I see swings as big as +/- 3 minutes/mile. I'm a marathoner and I know my pace is fairly consistent during a run. I just looked at my run today,
Summary: I had hoped that owning this device would prove motivational for me, and indeed it has. I can't imagine running or biking without it. Updating my training log is trivial now: Plug this thing into my computer, and it's done. My hope is that a future software update will do something about the pace calculation (maybe a few additional levels of smoothing?).
100% of People (4/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/20/2007 |
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Strengths: The small size, HR monitor, and GPS all in one
Weaknesses: Lots of accessories to buy if you want to use it on a bike, better software available online
Summary: Overall, this is a great package all in one. Garmin did it right. It's a small package that can do a lot. After running, you can track your path on your computer. The ghost function is a great way to check your progress by competing against yourself. Definitely for someone who likes to track their progress.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/14/2007 |
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Strengths: See Summary
Weaknesses: See Summary
Summary: I use the watch almost every day. I am currently training for the Portland marathon and wanted a watch that could do just about everything.
The watch is extremely accurate on roads and tracks, to give you example I tested it on a certified track and ran 1 mile. The watch read 1.01 miles. Did it again same result. The only time it had been off was when I run on a trail system in Portland call Wildwood trail. The trail is marked every 1/4 mile after doing 8 miles the watch said I ran 7.77. Love the heart rate monitor works every time, never have had the signal get lost like other watches.
It has so many different options can’t list them all here really should download the user manual or should I call it a book to get an idea of what it can do. I have also used it for biking works great it has different settings for running, biking, and other. The screen is large and has it where you can display different items on four different screens.
I also use it at night, set the light to stay on the whole time I run so I can be running in the middle of the night and easily read the display with no problems.
Now if I had a wish list there are only a few things I would like to see in the next module that this doesn't have:
1.) Little longer battery life, but if you charge it each time after you run you will never run out of batteries. I have done a 5 hour run battery was only about ¼ dead.
2.) Have a vibrate option (It has all kinds of sound alarms for just about anything, pace, heart rate, heart rate zone, distance, time, on and on.) but I like to run with my head phones so I am unable hear the sound alarm. (not a big deal though)
3.) Better software, the software interface kinds of sucks and doesn't have very many configuration options, would love to see them link into google maps that would be great. It is obvious they focused on the watch and not the software but still gets the job done.
The elevation is very accurate. Drove to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado and the sign said something like 14,443 feet and the watch said 14,439. There was usually a difference of about 3 to 5 feet. When using the watch it keeps track of all the ascendants and descents you do on your run, hike or biking then downloads all that information to your computer.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/06/2006 |
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Strengths: Very easy to configure and setup. Intuitive. The 3 screens can display 3 to 12 of the 37 data fields available. Excellent software. The HR monitor is more reliable than my Polar.
Weaknesses: Takes a minute or so to lock in on satellites, but I now set it on the window sill while dressing. It's locked in when I'm ready to run. No print capability for PC data and chart.
Summary: Has made running more fun, and increased my distances, by taking fun routes instead of pre-measured routes. Run different routes every day and know what your performance is. Charts. map, and data are great for analyzing distance, pace per lap, averages, heart rate, and much more. Larger than a watch, but comfortable. Historical data available on watch or PC. Small, easy to use cradle. Exceptional design of device firmware, software and hardware. I'm a critical person and can find little to improve other than accuracy (which is fine for my purposes.) Uploading data is automatic just by connecting the USB cable to cradle. No print function on software, but work around this with screen print. Would not want to run without it.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/12/2007 |
- poind
- Member Since:
Apr 2006
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Strengths: Ability to track pace, actual route, heart rate, you name it
Weaknesses: Overall room for improvement -- size/weight, elevation accuracy, software, etc.
Summary: I wasn't sure about this gizmo when I started out -- I mean, it is bigger than your usual watch, and I'd never worn a heart rate monitor strap while running before. Now I can't imagine running without it.
Find the heart monitor much more useful than expected (including when doing things like stationary bike). Greatly like the ability to track actual distance covered, actual pace, etc. A hundred times better and more useful than the basic pedometer and stopwatch I used to try and make do with.
The unit certainly has room for overall improvement. The size can surely come down over time. The software can be improved (though SportTracks is worthy freeware). Elevation accuracy leaves something to be desired. I'd love even more ability to customize displays, or have a selection of color, etc., etc.
But there's no better product out right now, and I can no longer imagine workouts without the tracking and comparison ability that the Forerunner 305 provides.
Extremely useful (especially if one shops around for a good price), and though I'll be looking forward to the improvements of the next iteration, this Forerunner has already markedly changed my workouts for the better.
A product in the category of "how did I ever live without it"....
88% of People (7/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/31/2006 |
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Strengths: The Garmin Forerunner 305 Wristop GPS is light weight, accurate and leaves no question as to what your heart rate is during any part of your exercise. It measures distances so there is no question of
Weaknesses: Takes about 1-2 min for the device to finish its satalite sync when first loaded. Also, the UI on the computer needs some work to sort data. It would also be nice if it could use this data to show you
Summary: I wish I had this device before. Now I have no questions as to how far I have walked or run. I am quite happy with it. The UI for the software on the computer needs some work but it is fairly functional the way it is.
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| Date Reviewed: 08/11/2007 |
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Strengths: Great way to compare your heart rate with distance and pace along a course. Easy to set up and shows accurate distance. Very compact and lightweight for a GPS unit.
Weaknesses: I had the same problem as SilverB18C1, when you look at the recorded data for pace, it varies +/- about 30sec/mile although my pace is very consistent. The software isn't as extensive as I would like
Summary: 2007-08-12 21:34:58 Overall, I am very pleased with this unit. You can get fairly accurate pace information while you are running as well as distance, HR, etc. It helps to use the 'every second' data recording to get accurate pacing information. The software leaves a little to be desired. I would strongly recommend using sporttracks instead. It is a MUCH better software package. I live in West Los Angeles and haven't had a problem locating/losing satellites so far.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/18/2007 |
- dogues
- Member Since:
Jan 2007
View Member's:
Reviews
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Strengths: Accurate display of mileage traveled. Displays lap splits and even projects your pace for the preset lap distance. Heart rate monitor is comfortable and accurate.
Weaknesses: None
Summary: This system is a must for the serious runner/fitness enthusiast. I've been using my Forerunner 305 for about a month and love it...so much so I don't run without it. There are so many awesome features with the Forerunner 305, it'll take you a while to master it. Go out and get yourself a Garmin Forerunner today while you still can take advantage of the $50 rebate offer.
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| Date Reviewed: 04/12/2007 |
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Strengths: Lightweight
Weaknesses: No Music
Summary: Dude, It's cool. Can it be any better. I recommend this gadget to anyone who feels the urge to run like the wind. Life is too short so running through it is not as bad as you think special when you have the Forerunner 305. ;p
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| Date Reviewed: 04/11/2007 |
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Strengths: powerfull GPS unit, included software and offers, heart rate monitor strip
Weaknesses: b/w screen, little bit bulkier than expected
Summary: 2007-04-18 12:56:47 This unit is a great for tracking your running excercises, while with included software bundle and offers you will be able to expand that to the professional level.
Synchronize your watch with software installed on your laptop and store more than 1000 laps on the watch directly
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| Date Reviewed: 02/26/2009 |
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Strengths: Many options to view on the screen at one time.
Comfortable wrist unit and chest strap.
Satellite aquisition only takes 5-10 seconds.
Weaknesses: So far I haven't found any, except that I might try to find other software to use on my laptop for the data and mapping. The packaged software works fine though.
Summary: My wife bought me the Garmin 305 with the heart rate monitor as a birthday present. I recently started running again after some time away from it and was looking into a GPS unit to help me with training. This one looked like the best bet and I'm definitely not disappointed after using it to workout. It's an impressive gadget that makes me look forward to the evening runs that I go on. I can't wait to utilize its features in an actual race. I love this device a lot and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys running and wants to know more about their workouts.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/26/2007 |
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 powerful package and features, not for the technology averse Strengths: *Numerous powerful workout features tied to the GPS
*Ability to customize workouts based on running, cycling or mix
*wireless hearrate monitor works very well
*comes with garmin workout software
Weaknesses: * spartan GUI (map look and feel is similar to the etrex)
* some text (heartrate) very small and difficult to read
* wrist unit bulky for folks with a small frame
Summary: This device does everything it says it will do, and does it well. it tracks where you go, how long it took and tracks your heartrate. It has many advanced features to customize your workout based on heartrate zone, lap time, speed etc. The included software also adds to the customization by helping you plan and map our your workout routine as well as download and track results. I have not had a chance to use this outside extensively because I'm a fair weather outdoors exerciser :). I suspect i will get more out of this device as i familiarize myself to the format and menu mapping.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/30/2007 |
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Strengths: Data collection and mapping feature that can be downloaded to web application with Google map. Accuracy which is improved once downloaded by software (distance, pace, etc)
Weaknesses: Heart monitor display is too small to see. Access to website with your running data is not accessible from other PCs unless you have the web application loaded and sync your 305.
Summary: 10 runs so far and this is has been a blast. Reception has been great and syncing with laptop was an easy plug-n-play. Software could be a bit more advanced, but the online web application that you can access is much more advanced. Software logs and tracks activity easily and the Forerunner itself holds a number of runs in its memory so you don't have to sync data after each activity.
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