305 Edge or Forerunner: Can anyone give me a good reason why I might consider the 305 Edge over the Forerunner?
349773
HM, did you ever get any good feeback to your dilemma? I am in the same boat now, debating between the 305 Edge and Forerunner. As a Mtn Biker (primarily) I'm leaning toward the Edge but they both have the functionality I need.
1289871
Actually I contacted Garmin. And they acknowledge that 255w does have all the features of 260w plus more. And they can't explain why 260w cost more. So I guess I'm getting the 255w then.
1114658
As further comment, one of the Forerunners can be used with cycling as well, albeit I am certain it does not have all the bells and whistles of the Edge 810 for cycling. However, I don't think the Forerunners allow loadup of maps.
1154321
Running dynamics statistics are the differences, but not worth the money. The 610 have more features like bike mode and customs workouts.
2012426
Yes, it can do both. They are actually back-to-back options as you toggle through the possible views during a run. I would offer that I've used Garmins in the past and the their pace seems more accurate, and quicker to adjust, while on the run itself - an important quality if pace is your go-to metric while on the run. It will all even out once you upload the run to your running site of choice but that's of little consolation while running. Don't get me wrong - this is a small complaint and I like the watch so far.
572630
It says in the description of the Garmin 405CX I received; "Forerunner 405CX comes with a flexible, wireless heart rate monitor to help you make the most out of your training". I don't use this but it there.
1076552
I LOVE mine and I haven't even completely learned all of it's features. I chose it because my running coach (who also does tri's) has it and I knew that she could help me. I believe it would be a good choice, unless the mountain areas are poor GPS locations. Other than that, I recommend it!
1000799
I always run with the heart rate monitor on my 305. Once you get used to using it it really is a valuable training tool to monitor intensity in different types of workouts. I often feel I'm working hard, for example running up a hill, and look down to see my heart rate 20 beats higher than I want. This tells me it's okay to slow down until I get back to flat. Very important if you want to stay in aerobic or anaerobic zones for specific periods of time. Also, it's cool to see how much lower my heart-rate is now compared with a year ago running the same pace. It tells me I'm in much better shape and helps me set goals for future races. I always run with the heart rate monitor on my 305. Once you get used to using it it really is a valuable training tool to monitor intensity in different types of workouts. I often feel I'm working hard, for example running up a hill, and look down to see my heart rate 20 beats higher than I want. This tells me it's okay to slow down until I get back to flat. Very important if you want to stay in aerobic or anaerobic zones for specific periods of time. Also, it's cool to see how much lower my heart-rate is now compared with a year ago running the same pace. It tells me I'm in much better... » Read More I always run with the heart rate monitor on my 305. Once you get used to using it it really is a valuable training tool to monitor intensity in different types of workouts. I often feel I'm working hard, for example running up a hill, and look down to see my heart rate 20 beats higher than I want. This tells me it's okay to slow down until I get back to flat. Very important if you want to stay in aerobic or anaerobic zones for specific periods of time. Also, it's cool to see how much lower my heart-rate is now compared with a year ago running the same pace. It tells me I'm in much better shape and helps me set goals for future races. « Show Less
837275
Hey MelissaS, I've been researching the Garmin GPS's for a couple of weeks and can tell you the differences I've seen. The 255W has a few of "new" features in their 2x5 line but the two that I've seen people the most happy with in the reviews I've read are the satellite "hotfix" and the faster processor. The "hotfix" is supposed to speed up satellite acquisition immensely by having the unit remember where it was turned off last so it can calculate where the satellites should be when you turn it back on and from what I've read it works like a charm. The faster processor will speed up things like map drawing and looking up points of interest which people have really seemed to also notice in their reviews. The big drawback of the 255 and 255w is the text to speech voice quality (this is the voice that pronounces street names). Apparently the voice quality isn't as good on the 255 line as it is in the previous products due to the voice engine Garmin has used in this model...most people I've read say they can live with it but some bring it back due to the quality. I would goto a store and try both side by side to see if you can live with the quality. I did that today and was able to understand what the 255w was saying even in a busy store but still think I'll wait for the 265WT in October. Hope that helps!
1140569
Forerunner 305 doesn't have a barometric altimeter, but it's still able to "approximate" the elevation/grade. As CompExpert mentioned, it does do the job, but it's flaky. If elevation/grade matters to you a lot you're better off with the Edge unit that has a barometric altimeter; however you won't be able to wear the Edge on your wrist.
2012761
Go with the Legend Hcx, I know it's more money but the Micro Sd card slot makes a HUGE difference in the maps you can do. I own the the Venture Cx(NOT THE HC) and I have a 2gb micro sd card with streetmaps and Topo for the entire US on the card.The letters in garmin speak mean this H= High Sensitivity, C=Color and X= external Memory card support.If you want to save 20 or 30 bucks go with the one I was saying the Venture Cx, but I bought my unit over a year ago, when the High sensitivity units weren't available, Today without a doubt I'd go with the Legend Hcx(they don't make a Venture Hcx just a severely limited HC. You are also going to need either Street maps or Topo(for hiking) so figure on an extra $125 or so or look online for free options, hope I helped you.
646731
Very easy to connect and it holds tight. This guy has a great review and shows how it connects: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/11/garmin-forerunner-depth-review.html. I love my new 220, I had a 405 for years and the 220 is a wonderful upgrade!!
360923
That is the mistake I made.... older model 205/305 will work on Garminconnect in May. The 405 is not slated for support until Q3 of 2008. You only find this out after purchasing and downloading the software. For now I am using Fusion (same as Parallels). Also, keep an eye on runnerplus. They are very close to supporting Garmin and have a very robust site.
1076548
As others have answered I would recommend this for both trail running and road races. It is possible that you will lose gps on some of the trails, but that is going to be the case with any gps watch. For OCR's, I have a friend who used this on one and he said it did fine. I think the best match for you would be the 910. If you are looking to stay within a certain price range, the 410 would work, but you may want to consider the 910.
1074944
Works on my edge 200 not 100% sure about a 305 though....you could google edge 200 and see if the back of your 305 looks like the back of a 200
2152077
I took back the 301 and got a 401 for the compass. A good decision. With the 401 you get speed, maximum speed and moving averge speed. No calculation needed. Just read the display.
1375385
The Garmin Edge 200, 500, and 800 (and many other Garmin products, for that matter) share the same rear mounting fixture. That fixture is what nestles into any mount- be it a bar fly, handlebar mount, or wrist band. You'll simply set your Edge 200 on any of the included mounts- and twist! It'll lock right in! Easy-peasy!