Posts Tagged ‘garmin 305 watch’
My Review of the Garmin Forerunner 305 with Heart Rate Monitor
I’m considering ramping up my walk/run routine. You know – get out of the gym and run on real terrain like they do in the 5ks that are offered every month in my area. I thought if I am to ever step up my game I need to do it now before I change my mind.
I certainly do not want the expense of a trainer. I had used one in the past to lose weight with good results but can’t afford another one right now.
So, during my research on how to train I quickly realized I needed something to keep me motivated and focused when training by myself. I also knew I needed something to help me monitor my time, distance, pace, and of course calories burned. There are a ton of pedometers, heart rate monitors, and other gadgets out there that provide a lot of useful data but I think I might have hit gold with the Garmin Forerunner 305 Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor. Hint. This is the Garmin gps watch you may have heard some rumblings about. More on the gps feature later.
Oh, by the way. There is more to picking out a wrist mounted heart rate monitor than just price. As I took some time to check out the tools available for runners (or would be runners), I learned that and a bit more about running watches. Read on and I’ll let you know what else I found out.
What to Look for When Buying a Wrist Heart Rate Monitor
It didn’t take me long to realize that there are a few important things to consider when buying a wrist mounted heart rate monitor. Here’s the short list:
•Design
•Measurements
•Training functions
•Alerts
If you just buy the first heart rate monitor you see based on price alone then you will be disappointed especially if you are looking for something to help you lose weight or take you to that next level of athletic performance. So, continue reading and I will explain each of these in relation to the Garmin Forerunner 305.
Don’t Trip.
One of the complaints of users of wrist mounted heart rate monitors is the inability to get a quick update on their performance without having to slow down to view the screen or having to press a variety of buttons to access the data. If you didn’t slow down, you ran the risk of tripping and falling if you were running just for the sake of a performance update. Designs often included screens that were too small and/or had low resolution.
It looks like the Garmin Forerunner 305 has taken care of that design flaw. This screen is being touted for its perfect size, resolution, clarity, and crispness. No need to stop or trip over yourself trying to see how far you’ve run.
GPS Watch? Are you kidding me?
The widescreen curved display allows you to view the on-screen data while not compromising the unit’s internal antenna’s ability to receive GPS reception. The curved casing of the watch allows it to face the sky just enough to send and receive GPS communication while you are in movement.
It should only take a quick look to get the data you need while in movement. You preset the data you want to display from an extended list of choices. There are only two buttons on this improved design. Press the left button for power, backlight, and mode. Press the right button to “enter” or for the menu selection. Pretty simple, huh?
All of this without the bulky gps watch design you may have previously experienced.
**Quick Note on the GPS Function**
One of the many reasons I like the Garmin Forerunner 305 is that it’s great for runners or would be runners like me. It lets you know how far and fast you’ve gone as well as how to get home. The last part is particularly useful for travelers who can’t stand working out in a hotel gym (like me) or those who simply want to try unfamiliar paths.
Measurements You Can See
The all important measure of heart rate is fairly simple to establish with the Forerunner 305. The wireless heart rate monitor that is part of the Forerunner 305 functionality is said to be softer, have a more comfortable chest strap, and superior battery life. You simply pair the watch with the heart rate monitor before the first use. After that it automatically recognizes the monitor each time you use it.
You can track your heart rate, lap heart rate, average heart rate, and set target heart rate zones while wearing the chest strap. Speed, distance, pace, and calories burned are also readily displayed on the Garmin 305 watch.
An Autopause feature is a must for any training tool as far as I’m concerned. Autopause stops the timer when you slow down or stop and automatically resumes when you speed up which leads to greater accuracy of your overall measurements.
Ready, Set, Train!
In addition to the standard measurements of heart rate, distance, time, pace, and calories burned, the Forerunner 305 adds a few more for the serious athlete. Want to know the elevation, grade, heading, lap number? Simple, just select from the variety of measurement settings that are important to you to view during your workout and they will be available at a glance on your display screen.
If you prefer to workout with someone, Garmin has the solution for that too. The Virtual Partner function allows you to set up a virtual running or biking buddy that competes against you during your workout. Yes, she’s even displayed on the screen! You will know who is ahead and who is behind by the color of the screen. It lets you know how far behind by displaying the “Distance Behind” in number of feet.
Quick, interval, and advanced workouts can be preset using the Garmin Training Center software included with the device. This software goes where no personal trainer has gone before. Track your historical performance, view graphs of your heart rate, speed, distance, and more. When was the last time a personal trainer offered that much feedback?
Alerts
Have you ever just wanted to know if you met your training goal without having to continually look and check a screen? The Forerunner 305 allows you to train toward certain time, distance, speed, and heart rate goals. You can even vary the alert depending on the sports mode you are using.
Cheap Garmin GPS Watch – Where Are They?
The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor is available on the Garmin website for $200 but you really shouldn’t have to pay that much for it especially when the same Garmin is available cheaper elsewhere. The cheapest we have seen it is on Amazon who consistently sells this Garmin for under $185 if not much less. During the time I was writing this review, I saw it go under $150. Obviously, prices changes.
What’s Included?
• Forerunner 305 GPS unit
• Heart rate monitor
• Docking cradle
• Wrist strap
• Training Center CD-ROM
• AC charger
• USB cable
• Quick-start guide
• User’s manual
Does it include a Warranty?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor includes a 1 year parts and labor warranty.
Garmin Reviews
This Garmin 305 has received rave reviews from most consumers on the net with an average of 4.5 out of 5 from most reviewers on the Amazon website.
Here are some of the comments to date:
• “Excellent workout tool…”
• “Better than 405 & Polar…GOOGLE EARTH alone is worth the upgrade!!!”
• “Has changed the way I run”
• “I love the Garmin 305!”
• “Great for Cycling and Running”
• “The Garmin 305 is an excellent tool – very recommended”
• “Heart Rate Monitor Makes the Difference”
Any complaints?
This Garmin 305 wrist heart rate monitor currently has over 1,300 reviews at Amazon all cumulating in a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. It’s tough to maintain a near perfect rating with that many reviews. Buyers are clearly discounting the few negative comments, making the purchase, and posting their positive feedback. Even the 4 and 5 star reviews are lengthy and well balanced.
Where Can You Buy the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor?
You can buy this Garmin Forerunner from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon currently has the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.
Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.
