Equipment/monitor recommendations

[wvjules]

I want to get one of those things that measure HR, distance, steps, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[KarenAylwood]

I just ordered the Garmin 305 off Amazon yesterday, it's supposed to arrive on Monday!

From the reviews and reading this board it looks like the big favorite for the price. It's $160 right now. The better version (405) and Polars are upwards of $300 right now it looks like.

So I can't say anything about it specifically since I don't have it yet, but after a lot of research that's what looked like the best to me for the money.

 

[FireDancer]

The Garmin is pretty much the best GPS based watch. I don't know if it is technically a pedometer since it tracks distance and not steps. That many not be an actual distinction but I always think of it like that.

I found this Sportline via Google but I would go with the Garmin because I want one for running.

 

[bunnyfoo]

There are also apps for the iPhone that will measure distance, route your run etc. But I don't know how accurate they are compared to a GPS.

 

[wtpclc]

Another one for Garmin FOrerunner 305. Great price for solid equipment. Distance, pace, heartrate, and more all in one.

If you go for a step counter (or pod), you need to know your average step length. This varies so much for me, that I don't think I'd get a good count/distance.

 

[APrunner]

I have the garmin 305 and love it. It is nice to take off running, anywhere, any direction, and have something keep up with the distance for you. It is accurate. I have used it in 5K and 10K races and the distance has been right on. You can find the 305 at some good prices now. It is a little big, but it is light weight. It does not feel bulky.

It is definitely worth the money if you run.

 

[jwalker1]

I have the Garmin 405 and like it a lot. For the price though, I think the Garmin 305 would do the trick for what most people need. My GPS watch sure does help me when it comes to pacing and training, it is an awesome tool. However, if I would have had the money, I would have gotten myself the Garmin 310xt. Being that it is waterproof and has a 20 hour battery, it appealed to me, plus, I kind of love electronic gadgets.

 

[geaux_half]

I'm currently alternating between my 205 and 305 garmins. I'm also watching the 310 prices; the waterproof feature appeals to me as well. Both my 205 and 305 have lost their beeps due to moisture getting inside the case.

 

[johde]

I have the sportline s12. I picked up at K-Mart when they had it on sale. I paid $25 for it. I does what I need to it do for right now (although I'm drooling over the garmins but that's not in the budget right now). The biggest problem I've had is that I still can't get the step length calibrated yet. I walk mainly on the marked trail and my distance over 4-5 miles will be off by 1/4 of a mile. But the timing and HRM work well.

 

[airman]

http://roadrunnergps.com/gps/shared/RcKD

For the Blackberry users out their, I've been using the RoadrunnerGPS and it works pretty good. The link above is from my run this morning.

 

[jbucci]

I just treated myself to a 310xt as a birthday gift and absolutely love it. I previously had a 405 and this one is just so much more intuitive to use-- combined with the long battery life and waterproofing it is perfect It is a bit pricey and the 305 will do everything you need for much less $$

 

[wvjules]

I forgot about this thread. I might have to save up so I can splurge for one of those nice Garmins. Right now I'm just doing the C25K and running at the middle school track or around the neighborhood. I can make do without it but it sure would be nice to have someday.

I think I'd rather have the GPS function than the pedometer since even I can tell my stride varies greatly even in the same running session.

 

[VernRDH]

Another vote for the Garmin 305. Love it

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Very much a Garmin lover here. I love the freedom I get by being able to travel just about anywhere outside and know how far I've traveled and my pace. I understand some cell phones will work with similar results, but since I don't have one of those phones, Garmin it is for me!

 

[ohMom]

OP -- have you found what you are looking for? I can move this thread over to the Events/Competition sub-forum for more opinions if you are still in the market for one?

 

[wvjules]

OP -- have you found what you are looking for? I can move this thread over to the Events/Competition sub-forum for more opinions if you are still in the market for one?

I'm still in the market for one. There are so many choices. I think its just a matter of preferance.

 

[crewmatt]

The garmin's are pretty good - altho kind of expensive. Very nice all in one watches tho. You can usually find a good deal online tho.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I would also recommend Garmin 305 if you want HR included. I use Garmin 205 that measures distance, average pace, current pace, time and absolutely love it. It gives me the freedom to roam about the planet and count just about every step I take. (must be outside though) It has lasted me a few years and still going.

PS, just realized there was another thread started so I've merged both.

Hope you've found some useful info.