User Comments

1. 

   1/03/08

   melbedggood

   before you buy one...I just got this post from engadget, looks like the 405 is around the corner:
   
   www.engadget.com/2008/01/03/garmins-new-forerunner-405-puts-the-watch-back-...

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2. 

   1/03/08

   chemrat

   I was in the market for one before I started getting injured. I just use a non-GPS thing that gives me time, mileage (not sure how accurate because I haven't calibrated it), pace. It is a Nike sdm tailwind.
   
   A friend had one of the Garmin's several years ago- it must have been an earlier model. It seemed fine, but overkill. He had the money so he bought one. It didn't make him a better runner, but he wasn't very good to start with.
   
   I think they could be great if you run a lot and want to be specific with your pacing and distance. I'm happy if I just make it out for a run these days, so I don't feel I need one.
   
   Best wishes, Jim

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3. 

   1/04/08

   cymrusteve

   I've had my Forerunner 305 for about 18 months and absolutely love it. I also owned the previous model (301) which was good but not great. The 301 would struggle on trails and sheltered areas and very often would provide inaccurate data. The 305 however, is much more accurate and rarely loses reception.
   
   There's a slight learning curve involved if you want to get the most out of the unit (courses, workouts, multi-sport usage for example), but really once it's charged and switched on, you're ready to go.
   
   The only problems I've encountered with the 305 are related to the heart rate monitor, not the GPS unit itself. One time water somehow got in to the battery compartment and corroded everything. Garmin very nicely replaced the strap even though the unit was out of warranty ($60 value).
   
   I've also just been through more heart rate monitor woes, but I managed to fix the problem myself this time:
   
   www.runbulldogrun.com/forerunner-305/i-fixed-my-garmin-forerunner-305-heart...
   
   I also love the fact you can upload your GPS activities to sites like motionbased.com. I love to analyze my workouts and study my stats and there's even close integration with Google Earth & Maps.
   
   Here's a link to my MotionBased stats: stevespeirs.motionbased.com
   
   One complaint people have is that the unit is bulky (especially women with smaller wrists). I'll admit the 305 is larger than the average watch, but the unit is surprisingly lightweight for it's apparent size.
   
   Now with the release of the all new Forerunner 405, the size issue might go away for good.
   
   You can read more about the all-new super-duper 405 here:
   
   www.runbulldogrun.com/garmin/oh-no-garmin-announce-the-new-forerunner-405/
   
   I must admit I'm almost tempted to upgrade my trusty 305, but I'll probably wait it out, see what the user reviews are like and hope the price drops in the future.
   
   Feel free to email/PM me with any specific questions about the 305. You can also find my contact info on my Run Bulldog Run blog www.runbulldogrun.com
   
   Happy Forerunning!
   
   --Steve

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4. 

   1/04/08

   kchealy

   I have the 205 which is basically the same as the 305 except that it doesn't have the heart monitor. I really like it.
   
   Once it's charged up and you've got a good signal, it maintains it really well - it'll lose signal going through a long underpass but it will pick it up very quickly once you get to the other side. cymrusteve is right about the learning curve if you want to use some of the advanced functions, but overall, I think it is easy to use and the buttons are large enough so you can work them easily without too much fuss when you're running. If you have the money and you like to be more technical about your running, I think it's a good investment.

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5. 

   1/04/08

   mshull

   I currently use the Forerunner 301. It meets my simple needs, but I don't like the size. Also, it occasionally loses the signal in hilly terrains.
   
   I'm waiting to upgrade to the 405 model.
   
   Good Running, Mike.

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6. 

   1/04/08

   chemrat

   www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Wrist-Mounted-Fitness-Computer/dp/B000CSWC...
   
   I don' know if this link is too long to survive, but I had an email from amazon this morning that the 305 is on sale today as a bundle with the indoor footpod (which may be something like my Nike trailwind for when you can't get GPS).
   
   $199.99 for both (I'm not getting any affiliate credit, i.e. money, for this notice). Best wishes, Jim

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7. 

   1/05/08

   jtj3

   I've been using the 305 for about 3 years now. I had the 201 for a year or so before that...now my wife runs with the 201. I like the 305 a LOT better. It starts up quicker, does better in trees/obstructed areas, has the virtual trainer (not sure if the 201 had it or not), etc. I love it. In contrast to what chemrat said about his friend, the 305 has made me a better runner--it allows me to keep a decent pace, do speed work, and set pacing goals during races.

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8. 

   1/06/08

   cyberpenguin

   Thanks everybody for your wonderful & very useful comments!
   
   So who here is going to run out & buy the Garmin 405 as soon as it becomes available?
   
   FYI, if you are a Mac person, please be aware that Mac-compatible add-ons won't be available until the third quarter of 2008. (Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center are currently compatible with Windows 2000 or later.) More info on specs can be found at the following link, (click on the specs tab):
   buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=11039

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9. 

   1/12/08

   davegill55

   I keep finding out one important thing. Make sure the battery is charged up! It works better that way.

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