Which GPS Watch?

[marathonmommy]

If you use one, which one do you use?
I just returned the Garmin FR 60. It was off up to a 1/4 mile for a 3 mile run...in my favor. Don't want that.
I was looking at the new Forerunner 110 - the only drawback is that it doesn't show current pace - just the average of the total run or the average of the lap (as small as .25 mile increments.)
The 405 is an option but don't think I need all of the bells an whistles. I also like the size of the 110 . . . but will I regret this current pace thing?

Tell me your thoughts, opinions, etc. Tell me about your watch and what you love and hate! Please...

 

[FireDancer]

I have a Forerunner 305 and really like it. I don't really use the heart rate monitor but since the price on Amazon was so close to the 205 I went with it so I have the option.

Did you notice the Garmin was off while doing track work? I know quite of people who have said theirs is off when doing track work. The satellites that Garmin use are slightly de-calibrated for commercial use. Depending on how that de-calibration algorithm works running in small tight circles (like on a track) could amplify the degree of de-calibration. Since the main point of commercial GPS is for road based navigation I would assume the algorythm is optimized for more linear travel. Not a lot of cars (other then Nascar) drive in tight circles over and over again.

Just a thought.

 

[johde]

I also have the 305 and it seems to be the sweet spot in terms of price and functionality if you can live with the form factor. I really love it. I do use the heart rate monitor to help meaure my improvement. I also use the advanced workouts (that the 110 doesn't have) to set up walk/run intervals for training, ie c25k, galloway method, etc.

The 405 has the advantage of looking more like a watch but has a smaller screen and the bezel navigation that some people like and others can't stand. The 405 is also more expensive.

The 110 also looks like a watch but is stripped down in terms of functionality. Current pace is not a big missing function, I think you can set an auto lap and if you set the lap to 1/2 a mile or a mile you will get a

 

[Trudes]

I have the Garmin Forerunner 305 and I LOVE it! I have only had it a couple of weeks, and I wish I had bought it a long time ago. They have come down so much in cost over this past year. I found Amazon to have the best price, and free shipping. Just saying....

 

[cewait]

I am on my second Forerunner 305. First one split in half and Garmin replaced it so I actually have a spare.

For your money it is the better bargain. The 405 and 310 are the current state of the technology for Garmin - the 310 being water proof for triathletes and the 405 being the really cool bell and whistle unit. Note that all three units use the same GPS technology so the only differnce is user interface and features. Since the 305 is 'old' in Garmin's eyes it comes with a lower cost.

Note that your 60 unit only needed to be calibrated. It can be a pain to calibrate and calibration should occur regularly but it can be as accurate as the GPS unit.

One final thought on the 305 ... Get the velcro soft strap and replace the rubber strap that comes with the unit. I believe Garmin sells the strap alone - mine came with my bike kit.

 

[joan4mickey]

what about the new Forerunner 110?

 

[APrunner]

Another one in favor of the 305.

The 110 is supposed to be more basic, removing some of the bells and whistles that the others have. Supposed to be much easier to set-up. Yet it costs a bit more than the 305.

Personally, I like the display of the 305 better. The 305 is bigger, which may or may not be a good thing. I like it, some don't. Even though the 305 is on the big side, it is not heavy.

The 405 is closer in size to the 110, and has more functionality. Probably alot of stuff you don't need. I have not looked at the price of the 405 lately.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Another Garmin 305 vote here. I can't run anymore without mine!

I'm 5'4'' with small wrists and it felt big the first two runs and now it feels weird when I run on the treadmill and I don't have it on. I'm used to it and don't even notice it when I run.

 

[wilbur]

Another Garmin 305 vote here. I can't run anymore without mine!

I'm 5'4'' with small wrists and it felt big the first two runs and now it feels weird when I run on the treadmill and I don't have it on. I'm used to it and don't even notice it when I run.

Same for me. LOVE the 305. 1 of the best purchases I've ever made........Sue

 

[bunnyfoo]

I have the 405. It came out when I first started running so my dad bought it for me as a birthday gift. I really like it but the bezel can be sensitive sometimes. For example, sometimes if I run in the rain, I'll have to lock it because the rain drops hit the bezel hard enough. I've never owned the other models so I can't compare what they're like.

I also replaced my strap with a velcro strap after the rubber one that came with the watch broke. I like the new strap a lot better because it feels like it sits on my wrist more securely - the rubber strap wasn't as adjustable and sometimes the watch would slide.

 

[VernRDH]

Another vote for the 305. Love it, have had it just over year. I do use the HR monitor as I am concerned with calorie burn (doing WW). Yes it is kinda big and chunky, but you get used to it.

 

[cryssi]

I have the 205 because I didn't need the HR monitor. From what I hear, very few people actually use it anyway!

 

[liznboys]

Hey Laura, I replied on FB but in case you didn't catch it...

I bought the 205 last year on Amazon and recommend it. I didn't need the heart monitor on the 305 for ~$50 more. The new Garmins were too much moolah for me plus the reviews were not all good.

 

[JimB.]

Another vote for the 305!!!!

 

[johde]

When I bought mine, the difference between the 205 and 305 was $15. I thought it was worth it for the Heart Rate Monitor and the ability to add a foot pod later on (if I need it) The 205 won't support the foot pod. It looks like Amazon is sold out of the $145 305's right now (they recently had them on sale for $125).

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm a 205 user and love mine especially for the larger screen for my old need reading glasses eyes. I can use it w/o reading glasses. At the time it was all wanted to spend. Now that the prices came down, the extras are yours for the choosing.

 

[MikeofRose&Mike]

Thanks for all the advice. I got a Garmin 305 this weekend. I can upload my runs to Garmin connect, but cannot find a way to plan a route and send to the 305. Is this possible. From some other threads people might know I tend to get lost in the park.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[johde]

I know setting up a course can be done but I've never done it myself. If it's someplace you've never been, I think you need to map out the route online with something like mapmyrun or gmap-pedometer. export the gpx file and upload it through garmin connect.

 

[WDW*Dreamer]

I'll add my vote for the 305. I got one for Father's Day...been using it for my training getting ready for the W&D Half Marathon. So far it's been perfect.

 

[marathonmommy]

Thanks for posting on here again . . . I forgot I started this thread. I wound up getting the 405 b/c they let me return my FR60 (which I already had for 6+) months, so I upgraded. I love the watch - mostly use it for basic stuff at this point, but I really appreciate having the "current" pace. Thanks for all of your input!