Garmin 305

[Pumbaa80]

I'm considering purchasing a Garmin 305 (switching from a Polar F6). I think it will be helpful with the running intervals and the GPS sounds great (less running on the track!)!

What I'm a bit confused about is the calorie counter. I know all of the calorie counters are going to be less than perfect, but I've been reading that Garmin 305 doesn't factor the HR and only uses time and distance. Wouldn't that mean that two people at two totally diffrerent fitness levels walking or running together would get the same calories burned (according to the watch)? That just doesn't seem like it even attempts to be accurate. Maybe I'm not understanding something? Thanks in advance!

 

[lisah0711]

This might be some more replies if you posted it on the events side of the WISH boards. I will be interested to hear the answers that you receive as I see a Garmin in my future.

 

[Pumbaa80]

This might be some more replies if you posted it on the events side of the WISH boards. I will be interested to hear the answers that you receive as I see a Garmin in my future.

Thanks for the suggestion. I"ll do that!

 

[mizzoumatt]

I have had a 305 for about a year and a half. It is one of the best purchases that I have ever made. It allows you to track everything so much easier. It really frees you up from having to stick to known routes. I could not recommend this device more. I love it.

"What I'm a bit confused about is the calorie counter. I know all of the calorie counters are going to be less than perfect, but I've been reading that Garmin 305 doesn't factor the HR and only uses time and distance. Wouldn't that mean that two people at two totally diffrerent fitness levels walking or running together would get the same calories burned (according to the watch)? That just doesn't seem like it even attempts to be accurate. Maybe I'm not understanding something? Thanks in advance!"

About the calorie counting. I believe that it does factor in your height and weight. Using this information along with the distance traveled it can come up with a reasonable calorie count. This is due to the fact that speed is not a factor in the calculation. It takes roughly the same amount of calories for a person to travel 1 mile if they are walking 20 min miles or running 8 min miles. The same amount is burnt for the same distance. It may take longer to walk the mile but the same amount of energy is used. I think where the calorie counting falls short on the Garmin is when it tries to figure in elevation changes to the counts. This unit can not accurately show the elevation so it messes with the calculation. So in conclusion to your concerns. If the two people were the same height and weight independent of fitness level they would burn the same amount of calories. but if the two people were of different sizes the watch would calculate the calories differently and would show the heavier person burning more.

 

[Pumbaa80]

Thanks for your reply! I actually just got the 305!

 

[Disney Yooper]

I'll be interested in how you like it since you just got it. I have committed to running the Disney 2012 Marathon which gives me 15 months to train. I ran the Princess Half in 2009. The only issue I had was all my training was inside on a treadmill because I could track how long, fast, etc. I was running. That was fine for the half but for the full, I know that I'll need to spend some time outside and want something that can help me track those same things.

 

[Pumbaa80]

I've used it a couple times so far and this is my opinion so far...

When I first put it on, it definitely felt big and clumsy, but once I was running I never noticed it. I'm use to using a Polar F6, so the shape and size of the Garmin 305 feels huge in comparison.

I haven't even started to learn how to use all the features - including using the interval timer (which was one of the main reasons for purchasing the watch) - so I'll report back when I've played with it some more.

What I have used that I am VERY happy with, is the GPS. I like that for the longer runs we don't have to stay on a pre-measured course. I tested it on a one mile track to see how accurate it was, and it was right on. I told my husband that either the Garmin is very accurate, or the person who measured that track did so with a Garmin. It was that precise!

I also liked that the Garmin doesn't require stride measurements, etc. Set-up is easy - charge it, put in your personal info, and you're all set!

Uploading the info to the computer is super easy. The display is very easy to read. All and all (especially for 144.00 on amazon) it's great!!

How did the half go? that's what I'm working towards right now (the Jan half).