| Rating |
Review |
Date Reviewed |
- Product Rating:
|
- Pros: *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
- Cons: * 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
- The Bottom Line: 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.
|
by scbv,
26-Dec-07
|
- Product Rating:
|
- Pros: The small size, HR monitor, and GPS all in one
- Cons: Lots of accessories to buy if you want to use it on a bike, better software available online
- The Bottom Line: 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.
|
by sniper4hir,
20-Dec-07
|
- Product Rating:
|
- Pros: 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)
- Cons: 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.
- The Bottom Line: 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.
|
by dwmmlm,
30-Nov-07
|
- Product Rating:
|
- Pros: See Summary
- Cons: See Summary
- The Bottom Line: 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.
|
by tgebbie,
14-Nov-07
|
- Product Rating:
|
- Pros: Amount of information it is able to display/hold, durability
- Cons: Slow sometimes at picking up satellites, slightly larger than normal wrist watch
- The Bottom Line: Let me say that the strengths far outweigh any weaknesses of the unit. I previously had an older Garmin forerunner 101. The 305 is way better. The heart rate monitor is a big plus. It is a lot smaller than their older units, although it still could be smaller. The display is easy to read, and the backlight is nice for night runs. The unit feels very well built and very durable. The buttons have a nice feel and give good tactile feedback. The biggest flaw I have found is that it is slow at times to pick up the satellites. In all honesty though, I do live in the middle of the city surrounded by tall buildings. Normally I start to run and it will pick up the satellites once I get into a little open area. The included software is alright, I prefer Ascent for Mac over the Garmin software, although I am not crazy hardcore. I simply like to track my progress rather than to plan crazy workout routines. Overall a great unit. Highly recommended.
|
by dolausen,
28-Oct-07
|
|  |
