subject: Best GPS watch for Runners [print this page] Best GPS watch for Runners Best GPS watch for Runners
Best GPS watch for Runners
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking toolI have every usedit really is that good.
The forerunner display is crisp and has one outstanding feature: The information presented on the various pages can be completely user-customized. The default screen layout is rather poor, but in just a few steps I could replace it with the information I wanted to see while I run. There are almost 40 different data fields you can choose from for display. Examples: current pace, average lap pace, average run pace, heart rate, distance.
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. The 305 model includes wireless heart rate monitoring and it can also be connected to Garmin's wireless bicycle speed and cadence sensor.
The Advantages of the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS
Flawless heart rate sampling, great distance measuring and lap-average pace calculation, seamless integration with a PC, fully-automatic training log update and user-customizable display
Dis Advantages of the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS
Wildly-varying pace readout.
It's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful
Garmin Forerunner 305 Review
I've been using the Forerunner 305 for a couple of years. When my old unit popped off my bike and shattered on the pavement in a freak accident, I chose to replace it with the same model rather than upgrading to the 405. I like the big display and it works extremely well for cross-training.
I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on Google Earth is amazing. The included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.
Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. It's better in my opinion than the Polar products. One nice feature is being able to customize the display screens.
It syncs to the satellite in a reasonable amount of time, seems to track my pace very well, tracks distance well, and the heart rate monitor seems WAY more accurate than the dedicated exercise machines at my local gym.
I have a 2.1 mile run where I've done the same exact route about 6 times... and when I compare the maps of each run... they overlap almost exactly.
I have purchased 4 of these watches. One watch for myself and the other three as gifts. All of us are runners and find the convenience of putting the watch on and running out the door is wonderful. No mapping out mileage or driving in the car to plan a route. The software is good for keeping track of mileage, speed and elevation. The info can be downloaded to "Garmin Connect" for even more good info. I've worn mine for 4 years and have had no issues.
Check out the Garmin Forerunner video and see how some of the features work on the best GPS watch for runner's site and see for yourself how good this little wrist watch really is.
