Garmin Forerunner® 305 Handheld GPS Receiver

I have had my Forerunner 305 for almost 3 weeks now. Previous to this I used a Polar S150 (wired bike mount) for several years and a entry level Polar before that, so I am used to basic heart rate monitor but not advance data recording or GPS.

I have tested the Forerunner 305 running, biking and swimming and have been generally very impressed.

General: The concept of acquiring satellites before I get going took a little getting used to. After the first couple of times I generally get satellite acquisition within about 30 seconds as long as I am outside or in my enclosed front porch. I set the unit down so that it is completely stationary while acquiring satellites. I get spotty to no reception indoors. The heart rate monitor functions well in comparison to my Polars. I have only had erratic heart readings at the end of one bike ride (fixed by adjusting the strap), which is better performance than I generally would get with the Polars (Except for Swimming, see below). The grade measurements are so erratic as to be totally useless. I have had the grade measurement vary from 8% to 25% back down to 5% within one minute of sustained climbing on the bike. I believe this is due to a poor averaging algorithm (2 point average as opposed to smoother averages involving more points). This is something I intended to test once I figure out how to access the raw data. Data recording is interesting, but is highly dependent on the software used to analyze it. Training center software is decent but unsophisticated (lack of user configurable option is disappointing in a $300+ product). Motion Based has been fun to use, especially the map player. As noted in a previous post of mine errors in distance calculations arise due to Motion Based insistence on connecting erratic track points recorded when you are standing still.

Running: To this point I have done about half a dozen runs of 3-3.5 miles each on a couple of different courses. Mostly I run on trails with trees (no real leaves as of yet) with some street and open field running mixed in. Generally in the trees I average an accuracy of about 25 ft, which I consider to be pretty good. The tracks and distances are both reproducible to within this approximate 25 ft range. I have found the “instantaneous” pace to be somewhat erratic but generally within approximately 5% of the short term mean. The auto stop feature (I have it set to stop if pace falls below 30 min mile) working decently on the run but occasionally does not register that I am stopped. Overall I am very excited to easily track my running distance and have a pretty good idea of my pace.

Biking: Used for approximately 10 bike rides both on and off road. Despite some concerns that the antenna faces the wrong way when mounted on the handlebars (I mount mine by wrapping the monitor around a piece of foam) I generally get great GPS reception on the bike. Accuracy is generally about 15 ft on open road and 25-30 ft.on trails. The speed and distance seems to be very accurate and the precision (reproducibility) is within 1%. The auto stop feature works extremely well on the bike, starting and stopping the unit within 1 second. The one down side is that the buttons you are most likely to use for cycling are on the side of the unit (the up/down and occasionally the mode button).

Swimming: I have only tested in an indoor swimming pool, hoping to be able to record my heart rate. Unfortunately, unlike my Polar S150 the heart rate signal cannot be measur

The Seller was very flexible. Quick service. Love the watch, it is amazing. Works wonderful. Thanks!!!!

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a GPS watch used for walking, running, cycling, etc. I have only used it for running. I have found the GPS tracking to be very accurate. I often run on a trail that has every half mile marked, and the Forerunner has been correct within 0.01 miles (53ft) on 3 to 5 mile runs.

Pros
Easy to use
99.8% accurate on distance based on my calculations
The biggest advantage has been creating new running routes and getting accurate distances to be able to monitor my training. Freedom to run where you wish and know the distance
Works well with the heart monitor
Can be mounted on a bike with the extra purchase of a mount

Cons
A little bulky in size, but I do not notice when running

First i gave a wrong addres and they was very nice to me, got it back resend with no charge, even that i told them that it's my problem.
I'll rebuy from them.

Excellent product keeps track of everything I’m looking for when cycling. Great battery life, feels comfortable on my wrist. I also have the heart rate and cadence accessories – wouldn’t not go without them.

I was a little nervous about purchasing a foreruuner 305, as I had read a lot of mixed reviews while i was doing my research on the product. However when it arrived and I finally got to try it out for myself, i could not have been more pleased and awestruck by this little gadget!
the simplicity of the menus makes it straight-foward to operate, and the manual is very clear and easy to read as well. The only think i would wish for is a troubleshooting guide, but all the can be found on Garmin online anyway.
the way that you can customise the screens and show exactly the info you need/want to your own personal tastes is great, and I have not had any problems at all with satelite signals. It will usually pick up a signal in less than 30 seconds, and once it has the signal, its there until i turn the device off. It even holds the signal when I am indoors!
I have been using the heart rate monitor feature as well, and the training centre software lets you easily see at a glance your heart rate, pace, speed, distance and elevation and how they all relate to each other :)I LOVE being able to check my speed and distance while out running- its way better than going and measuring your route in the car later...esp when running off road of course too- a very useful tool if you are training for a specific distance and have a time goal in mind :)
The virtual partner feature is fantastic for pushing yourself while running (i have not used it for cycling or any other sports yet) and I have made major gains in my training since I have been useing the forerunner!
I definitely recommend it to anyone who is contemplating getting one, you won't be disappointed!

The watch is awsome.
The gps is very accurate.
As a sport athlete I think this watch us a must.
Best regards,
Tal Glantz

all ok!!!
very good tecnologies!!!
i'm runninig byking end more...
very well!!!
sorry for my englis, but i'm ignorant
italian....

Forerunner 305 is probably the best Heart Rate monitor with GPS on the market. Maybe even better than the successor 405 which has for the most part the same specs, but a smaller screen. Its GPS specs are by far the best in comparison to similar products on the market. The unit's GPS signals stay with you through dense fog and forest. With all its features no workout no longer i s boring. I have had it for a month and now and it has filled all my expactations and more...

Can't wait to get out in the woods for my next run!

It a very good GPS receiver 100 times better than the forerunner 301. It measures distance very well and keeps tract of your mile splits. I love it.

Great product. Easy to use, versatile programming. Syncs with your PC so you can get histories of your running events. Highly recommend.

This is a high quality piece the form and function it great for any sport if you want to have constant feedback on speed distance and heart rate.

The only issue I had was that the battery in heart rate strap died relatively quickly but a brand new battery and it was back to complete satisfaction.

I bought the Garmin Forerunner® 305 Handheld GPS Receiver almost 2 month ago and was immediately impressed with the number of features available on this product. It works perfectly and I’m satisfied about it. The product respect the descreption.

I bought what i thought was a new watch but it turned out to be newly overhauled item which is not satisfactory

The Garmin 305 is a great product for any level of runner. I have not been running very long so this product helps keep track of my daily progress.I love downloading the data from a run and compairing it to other days.If you don't have a computer it still displays,pace,time and distance.

It works great. I am an avid cyclist and have always found that I use my cycling computers to improve my performance, a little faster, a couple more miles. I have always hated running but with my new toy I find myself having more fun and running harder and farther to beat my previous runs. I have not learned all of its features yet, but some of the options on the customizable displays are alot of fun. I went Kayaking with it and was able to determine what time to head for home due to its time of sunset feature, it got me home just before it got dark. If it wasn't as bulky as it is I would wear it walking around disney just for fun, I may anyway after the food and wine festival run. I will most likely buy a 405 for the wife soon, just waiting for the price to come down a bit, but I will buy more Garmin products in the future.

chris

This item works thru the trees and is perfect while i'm mountain biking or trail running.I know several people who own it and they reccommended it with very strong marks.

As a distance runner and trail runner, I wanted to find a watch that could track my distances acurately. So I simply just started noticing what other racers were using. The three major brands are Garmin, Suunto and Polar. I have purchased all three brands and each have areas they shine in.

The Garmin 305 is simply the most accurate GPS watch I have used and it is the most popular. The 405 has just come to market, but based on my experience with other Garmin products, YOU WANT TO WAIT AT LEAST A YEAR FOR USERS TO "BETA TEST" NEW PRODUCTS SPECIFICALLY FROM GARMIN. The 305 is tried and tested and is the most popular GPS wrist device around. The many firmware upgrades have made it work nearly perfect.

The only downfall of the unit is its bulky size (but you will get used to it) and that it does not have an altimeter (which is useful if you are a hill or trail runner).

I have had this device for approximately one month now and am very pleased with it. It is very easy to use and the accuracy is right on. I would highly recommend this product. Also, I have had other heart rate monitors that did not work. This one is right on the money.

What I got was just what was promised and shown. I bought it becasue it had a buy it now and it was shipped very fast.

No problem with delivering to Czech Republic, Watches was excelent, without any problem - only new goods

Originally pre-ordered the 405 until I the release date was finally given. Reason was some of the reviews indicated that the device was clunky and large. It is not that cumbersome to wear in fact I have worn it long on several runs of 10 miles or more already. the readout is large and easy to set up. I love it!

Thank you for the great transaction. The product is exactly what we wanted. Thanks for the fast shipment.

E' la versione con sensore di battito cardiaco del Forerunner 205, che ne aumenta le possibilità grazie all'integrazione dei dati della frequenza del vostro cuore, consentendovi di eseguire un monitoraggio ancora più accurato dei vostri allenamenti. Nel caso si desideri utilizzare questa unità per l'allenamento con la bici, è inoltre possibile collegare anche il sensore di cadenza di pedalata (opzionale, lo stesso dell'Edge 305) incrementando ancora le già elvate prestazioni. Come tutti i Forerunner, le funzionalità del 305 includono il "Partner virtuale" per allenarsi contro un avversario ipotetico (di cui chiaramente potrete definire passo e velocità), e la funziona di pausa automatica, indispensabile se ad esempio sulla vostra strada trovate un semaforo rosso. Grazie al sensore GPS integrato, non è necessario premere il pulsante del timer per marcare gli intertempi sul giro: vi sarà sufficiente impostare il punto di partenza o una distanza prefissata, e quando ripasserete sul punto definito (oppure una volta percorsa la distanza se state correndo in linea) il Forerunner marcherà automaticamente un giro ed un intertempo. Grazie alla funzionalità delle "Corse", potrete inoltre salvare i dati di una qualsiasi sessione di allenamento, e riutilizzarli dopo qualche tempo per verificare i vostri miglioramenti. La possibilità di impostare diversi profili, ognuno caratteristico di uno sport diverso (ad esempio, per la bici e per la maratona) vi permette tramite la pressione di un tasto di cambiare radicalmente tipo di allenamento in un attimo. Ed i dati forniti dal GPS (che riassumono le funzionalità di base di un GPS palmare per escursionismo), perfettamente integrati nel lavoro di allenamento, vi consentono di marcare le posizioni interessanti o i punti di maggior sforzo, per prepararvi in tempo a superarli al meglio. Infine, come per i Forerunner 205 e 301, tramite il vostro PC ed il software "Garmin Training Center" (incluso nella confezione) potrete scaricare i vostri dati di allenamento, visualizzarli ed analizzarli, ed addirittura confrontarli con moltissimi altri atleti in tutto il mondo, tramite appositi siti Internet.
Funzionalità:
Funzionalità altimetro: Altimetro GPS
Funzionalità bussola: Bussola GPS
Funzioni accessorie(non GPS): Cronometro; toni di avviso;
computer di allenamento
con cardiofrequenzimetro
Allarmi: Toni di allarme di allenamento
per tempo/distanza/velocità/
frequenza cardiaca
Collegamento al PC: Porta USB integrata per il
trasferimento bidirezionale
di waypoint e dati di allenamento
con software Training Center incluso
Caratteristiche :
Tipo GPS: SiRFStar III
Schermo: 160 x 100 pixel, 33 x 20.3 mm
4 livelli di grigio,
1 livello di retroilluminazione.
Dimensioni: 53.3 x 17.8 x 68.6 mm
Corpo: Completamente impermeabile,
in resina resistente agli urti,
impermeabile secondo lo standard IEC 529 IPX7
(immersione ad 1 metro fino a 30 minuti).
Peso: 77 grammi
Temperatura di funzionamento: da -20°C a 60°C
Presa per antenna esterna: no
Alimentazione :
Esterna: USB; da 4,5 a 5,5 V
Interna: batteria ricaricabile agli ioni di litio.
Durata batterie: fino a 10 ore, utilizzo tipico.

i like it. i love it. i am 62 year old ex marathoner who has gotten lazy and needed something to motivate me to get started again for health reasons. Thank God it is working and i love the instrument.