Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Garmin Forerunner 305

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JohnT
03-31-09, 07:42 AM
I am considering the Forerunner 305 for cycling and running. I have read some of the previous posts on pros and cons but was hoping someone might have some up to date feedback on pros and cons. One specific questions: With the cadence option, does the cadence display on the unit while riding?

Eclectus
03-31-09, 06:47 PM
I got the runner's Edge 305 since I already had a cadence meter, I have a mapping GPS, and price was $160 at amazon. I really mainly wanted the HRM.

I read that when chest transducer batt dies on a Polar, you have to send it back and it reportedly costs $50. I ride daily for 4 hours, which could run a battery down ever 9-12 months, so when I read that Garmin's HRM is reliable (mine has never given me a "crazy" reading in first 3 mos, not even a momentary one) and uses a $2 watch batt, I got it. As for sat tracking, it locks them in about 10-15 seconds from a cold start
Eclectus
04-01-09, 09:48 PM
oops, I mean the Forerunner.

Herbie53
04-03-09, 09:40 AM
My wife has a Forerunner 305 (she runs, I don't unless chased) and I have an Edge 305.

The Forerunner does everything the Edge 305 does, but lacks an altimeter, so elevation/grade data is less refined (uses 3D GPS only). Also, the screen is a bit smaller, doesn't seem like much, but for me it means fewer fields per screen.

IMHO the Edge is definitely better for cycling, but you cannot put it on your wrist and use it to train for your next marathon.
SSP
04-03-09, 02:20 PM
I recently upgraded from a Forerunner 205 to a 305 because:

a) I wanted the heart rate functions for training.

b) They seem to be phasing out the 305, and there are some killer deals out there on it - around $150 if you look around (the new 405 model is over twice that much).


I've been using the 305 for about a month, and have found it very reliable, despite a few weird high heart rate spikes (can't tell if it was me, power lines, or ??).

One word of warning - the "calories burned" are a joke. Divide in half and you'll be in the ballpark. Elevation gain is not too bad from what I can tell.

Note: if you don't need the HRM functions, you can pick up a 205 for around $80. Awesome deal - especially if you're also into running or hiking.