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

I've appreciate the commitment to communicate a possible late that really didn't happen, the kindless and the precision. For me it's a very good seller.

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!

I bought the forerunner after completing my first half marathon in the hopes of improving my performance. I have very small wrists and was quite concerned about the size of it when purchasing. After receiving it, it's not nearly as bulky as it looks in the picture. It's sizable for sure but easily worn even by my kids.

I love that I can program in my interval training so I can plan in advance and get to just run when I get home from work. I love all the information (including the heart rate) and the level of accuracy of the GPS. The first time I used it I was amazed that it clearly differentiates which side of residential streets I was running on.

Things I dislike about it....if I'm listening to music (which I usually am) the alarms from the device can go unheard. And all the information I love to have makes it hard to just take a relaxing run. If you can't ignore the information, leave it at home!

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Ciao,
Corro a piedi e vado in bicicletta, lo trovo uno strumento molto utile per monitorare gli allenamenti e per poterli archiviare ordinatamente, l'antenna molto sensibile montata su questo modello mi permette di non perdere il seganale anche tra le case in città o in montagna viaggiando in bicicletta in valle o tra boschi.
Bello facile e pereciso, son molto contento e soddisfatto di averlo acquistato.

Awesome!!! So much better the the polar I used to have. has many fun features and very informative!! Would recommend this for any runner!!

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.