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

Buying this device was a gamble. This is my third Heart Rate Monitor and my first GPS device. It is amazing. It's so much more intuitive and easy-to-use than the previous Polar HR monitors that I have owned. It is worth every penny, in my humble opinion. The web based application provided by Motionbased.com is so thorough, and it literally takes one click to upload your data and less than 15 seconds. Imagine a graph that includes your HR, time, distance, and elevation coupled with a satellite view of your trek, and bunch of other stats to review if you desire. And the Web based application works seamlessly with a MAC. Best of all, HR monitor and clock on the Forerunner are so easy to start and stop. In addition, one can customize the data that is on the screen. So whatever you care to track as you trek, simply configure the device to show you that information. Really it's easy. This thing is the coolest and smoothest application of technology. It makes training fun and informative. The only thing lacking is a countdown timer. But hey, perfection is just around the corner. Thank you Garmin. This product exceeds my expectations.

Great for vacation. Tracks your whereabouts. Capturing transportation speed/time. Great integration with Google Earth. Became an addict to a Garmin Forerunner® 305 GPS Receiver. Accurate and good. Heart rate monitor is great too. Mac user can upload their run too. Full Mac support expected to be ready in months, Mac version of Garmin Training Center. For now, fellow Mac users out there. Get this and you will see ease of use of this 305 (much like a Mac) and promised support of Mac software by Garmin. Get one today!

Mac support is sweet.

I did not receive the item. The shipper was notified but refused to send another unit or refund my money. I was later notified by UPS the the shipper had filed a claim and was receiving a payment from UPS for the item. As of now the shipper has received payment for the item from me and from UPS but still refuses to refund my money or send another unit.

I requested assistance from ebay but was told that I should contact the sender to resolve the issue. So far I cannot get assistance from the sender of from ebay.

I love my new Garmin. No more driving around with the car to get an estimate of mileage. You know your distance and your speed and pace. No cheating...if you cut your workout short, the Garmin knows.
Excellent easy to use software. Big enough screen so I can see it without my glasses.
I run 5ks, 1/2 marathons and fulls. It helps with all my workouts.
A great training aid. I'd recommend it without reservation.

I have been training with power on my bike for some time and recently started running using pace instead of heart rate. The 305 has performed beyond my expectations. I have a Timex speed and distance and the 305 is light years beyond. The best part is the ability to build custom workouts and download from the training center. It is like having a coach on your wrist. Hear a beep, check the display and adjust accordingly. I reset the smoothing to a lesser mode and find speed and pace function much better. The heart rate readings are identical to my polar 720 which I consider highly accurate. It takes a little bit to figure out all of the functions but once you get them down it is real simple. It only take about 30 seconds to acquire the satellites unless you change locations drastically. All in all well worth the money spent.

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is the bomb! I originally purchased it to monitor my pace during races so I wouldn't start out so fast, but I got sooo much more. I love the AutoLap, AutoStop, AutoResume features because I can run without having to worry about stopping my timer or taking a mile split. It's also helping me monitor my heart rate and train smarter. And, the pre-programmed workouts are great! It looks as though it would be very uncomfortable to wear, but it's not; I was surprised at how quickly I forgot it was on my wrist. Love it!

Being an avid runner and living in a new area, I was interested in having the GPS capability to track my mileage. The fact that it tells you mileage, pace, heart rate, elevation and more is incredible. I am preparing for the Hood to Coast Relay in Oregon and an early winter marathon. This product is definitely a great tool.

We love how simple this device is to use. We decided to buy this particular unit because it doesn't have the GPS arm band. It is an all inclusive unit that has the potential to add for biking. We travel alot too, and it's fun to go on runs and to come home from vacation to see where in the world, as well as the paths, we've run.

If you're into running at all and don't mind shelling out the $ for the latest techonology, THIS is the set up for you. I'm a junkie for data and info about my running and to track my progress and this watch does it all. Elapsed time, split times, heart rate, avg heart rate, different zones for HR, avg pace, distance, speed, avg speed, and the list goes on. It'll even help you home if you get lost out on your run! The best and easiest part is when you get home all you do is plug it into your computer, boot up the supplied software and the watch uploads all it's history to the program so you can view and save your data for ever. The first time you see your speed, distance, time and heart rate displayed on a graph you'll wonder how you ever lived without this. Technology is a good thing.

Definitely worth the money spent. GPS is quite accurate, and has some excellent features. Best part is loading workouts into pc (with Garmin's software), MotionBased web site software also pretty useful as well. Things I don't like: a) takes 2-4 minutes from time you turn on the watch until it's picked up a satellite, so don't expect to turn on the watch and immediately be ready to go; b) while the total distance is accurate, the real-time current pace isn't very accurate ... probably would be on a track though; c) some additional displays including cumulative average pace would be useful; d) I share my watch with a few others in the family, and it would be nice to more easily change profiles. The only really annoying bit is the time to synchoronize with satellites. This device is loaded with features, but like anything else, it takes time to sit down and learn about many of them. Overall, very happy with it. For someone who does a lot of trail running or mountain biking, this would be really ideal.

Garmin Forerunner 305 works great, for the most part. It accurately tracks distance, pace, and heart rate, and allows you to create and save workouts and courses. Once information is uploaded to your computer, the software provides detailed information in the form of charts, maps, and totals. The GPS seems to have very few of the satellite signal problems experienced in previous models. The only cut-off of signal I have seen thus far is while traveling through a long tunnel. It works great in dense forest areas; tree cover doesn't seem to be an issue.
Only complaint: I've had the device for a little over a month, and have had to reload the software twice during this time, to "repair" the connection with my computer.

This product is absolutely the best purchase I have ever made to help improve my running. The online running journal is probably one of the best features that I didn't even realize came with it. This watch is well worth the money that you pay. The only disappointment is the fact that it has no light for your early morning and late night runs.

Primary reason for purchase was to track milage and monitor my heart rate. I chose the 305 after careful consideration and conversation with owners. I run in SW Oklahoma where GPS accuracy seems lower than other places I've been around the globe. The 305 has no problems with this situation and has proven accurate in recording distance as compared to a military surveyed 3 mile course. The light tree cover, occasional buildings and powerline do not seem to be a problem. The unit is easy to use and has adequate battery life even with the use of the backlight. Two negatives: personally wish heart rate reading was larger and as noted in other reviews, the altitude accuracy is at best marginal. I.E. indicated it was uphill both ways and significant differences in altitude at the same location. All and all it is a good tool that keeps me honest on mentally challenging days and I would not hesitate to purchase again.

After running in the Knoxville, Tennessee half marathon. I got hooked on running and wanted a way to keep track of where I had been and my time etc. I had read about the Garmin Forerunner in Runner's World and just had to buy one. I love this GPS unit because I can keep track of my pace, heart rate, distance etc. while I am running. This is also a great unit to use while biking. I would suggest using Http://www.allsportsgps.com instead of the program that comes with the Garmin Forerunner 305. This is a wonderful GPS.

I travel 3-6 days per week all over the country and to many places outside the country. I have found the unit not only very practical for travel but a nice way to find my way back to the hotel incase I get lost. I love the calorie counter and lap button for determining intermittent distances for loops I leave off or add depending on the mileage I am looking for. It often takes a while for the unit to figure out where I am but it is worth the time. Works well in the cities as well as off road and I have only had it cut out when under a bridge or in a tunnel for a length of time.

Much smaller than 301. Easy to use. Helps with pacing and making a run more challenging and exciting. Replaces a running partner when in a bind! Highly recommend. Hard to read heart rate monitor on watch - a little small. Lots of bells and whistles. Lose GPS signal when under trees or in bad weather but picks back up. More accurate when running straight distances versus laps around the neighborhood.

Excellent device. I use it for rowing, running, walking the dogs, cycling, pretty much everything. New Macintosh beta software has allowed me to track my data with a very quick interface compared to what I used to have to do, entering everything my hand. I now have everything in one unit rather than 4. More than worth it

This is really a great item. The GPS signal is perfect even in trails covered by trees (I do mountain biking in very narrow areas) and you can use it for different sports with no problem. The softwares are good (including motionbased which is really complete) and easy to use as well. I would prefer to have the Heart Rate monitor being shown in a larger space on the screen (only shown on the top right of the screen with small fonts) but this is maybe something that Garmin can fix easily with a firmware update.

The first time I came to know about the Garmin 305 it was pricing somewhere above the $300.00 mark. Nice gadget; not in my price range! I recently lost my POLAR heart rate monitor. When I learn that a friend had bought a Garmin 305 in Costco for close to $189.00, I thought the chances to get the item on EBay at a lower price were good.

I wasn't particularly interested in this clunky, ugly piece of 'jewelry'. But the value was too much too pass up; all the functions that the Garmin 305 were too many.

All those many years that I went on runs not knowing exactly my mileage. The easiness of just setting up the watch and don't worry about forgetting to hit the LAP button. My runs comparison. ALl the displays I can set up the watch for. The visual partner!

Since Ive got my 305, my runs have been more fun, and after 15 yrs of running, aches and pains and weight increase, the 305 has motivated me to go out for runs and bike rides more often. How did I live without it, I DONT KNOW. No runner, or active person shoudl be without it!

I bought the 305 because i wanted a workout watch that displays heart rate, distance, pace etc... at a reasonable price.
I am exteremely satisfied. The display is large and clear. I run with 4 field displays.Time, distance, pace and heart rate.
All data is transfered to the computer and can been seen on a map.All workouts are recorded and enable follow-up and improvement.

Just to clarify. This watch is intended for workout and fitness only.It is too large to be used as a regular everyday watch.

Watch features are much more user friendly than Polar.

Fantastic value for money !

Bought this for my first triathlon. I love it. It's great for tracking pace and heart rate. I use it on my bike and running. I've even stuffed it in a ziplock under a swim cap (works, but not convenient, digs into head, hard to push buttons).

I'd highly recommend it. Now that the 405 is out I'd consider the newer model.

The only things I don't like are 1) sometimes very slow to pick up satellites, 2) 405 is significantly smaller.

I originally purchased a Forerunner as an answer to my wife using the Nike+ iPod sports kit. Turned out that having an electronic gadget to compare our workouts was all the motivation I needed to start running again. I've used the Forerunner 205 (no heart rate monitor) for almost a year. I was so happy with it that when I decided to get a unit with a HRM, there was no question which model I would purchase.
The Forerunner 305 is very simple to use right out of the box. True, the wrist band and heart rate monitor may look bulky (especially compared to the 405), but I don't notice I'm wearing them. The basic functions - how fast, how far, how's my heart rate - are right up front with almost no thought needed on the user's part. The feature that allows you to race a virtual partner is one of the highlights in terms of ease of use and making a workout more interesting, if not more fun.
Learning to use the Forerunner to it's fullest requires the accompanying software, Garmin Training Center. This might take some time; though most features are intuitive enough to be figured out without reading through the manual, but using just a bit of trial and error.
That being said, there are several very good open source and freeware programs (such as SportTracks) that will allow you fully utilize the Forerunner if you decide not to use Garmin's software. Why use a 3rd party app? One small gripe is that Garmin Training Center does not include any street level maps. Though you can export workouts to Google Earth, you can't view say Google Maps or Satellite views within Training Center.
In the end, I think this is worthwhile product. I get a kick out of maps and GPS anyway, so the Forerunner helps to keep me motivated by giving me something to look forward too - a new map with every workout! The heart rate monitor is a tool that's been invaluable in helping me assess where I am and where I am going in terms of my actual fitness. It's another way to motivate myself because I get immediate and quantifiable feedback about each and every workout.
Hope you found this useful!