Forerunner 205 vs. 305 I am looking to purchase 2 Garmin Forerunners. My wife wants to purchase the 205, but I am looking at the 305 because of the heart rate monitor. Has any one purchased both? As I undestand the HRM is the only difference. Is the HRM worth it to spend the estra money? Forerunner 205 vs. 305 I am looking to purchase 2 Garmin Forerunners. My wife wants to purchase the 205, but I am looking at the 305 because of the heart rate monitor. Has any one purchased both?... » Read More Forerunner 205 vs. 305 I am looking to purchase 2 Garmin Forerunners. My wife wants to purchase the 205, but I am looking at the 305 because of the heart rate monitor. Has any one purchased both? As I undestand the HRM is the only difference. Is the HRM worth it to spend the estra money? « Show Less
1000794
Old discussion now, but I train pretty hard for various (running) races and I don't bother with a HRM, I know which 'zone' I'm in and how long I'll be able to run for based on speed and my breathing so all I need to know is distance and time, that gives me everything I need really, this has been a useful thread for me because I didn't know that the Ant+ was the only difference, so I'll just get the 205! What did you get in the end? Is it good?
1000795
I hope someone replies to this post cuz I have the same question. I'm eyeing the 205 and 305 too. I'm not a marathoner or bike enthusiast, just a runner who might like the HR function added to my data points. I wonder how many use the HR monitor with the 305 consistently or does it end up in a drawer after a while.
1000796
Just curious, I'm thinking of getting the 305, but I already have a Polar HRM... Did you say that your Polar strap works with your 305? If so, that'd be nice not to have to purchase a second strap.
1000797
The heart rate monitor is not the only difference between the 205 and 305. The 305 supports auxilary devices with the ANT+ interface. The heart rate monitor is one such device. Other supported ANT+ interface devices are a cadence meter for biking and a foot pod for running (allows speed and distance to be calculated without GPS reception, or on a tread mill).
1000798
I have a similar question as Bryon has. I have a Garmin Cycling Heart Rate Monitor (305) and was wondering if I could get by if I bought a running 305 and used my existing strap.
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
1687266
Thank you for your interest. This sale is for Premium HRM. The one that is beind sold for 99$ is the HRM-RUN. The new belf of Garmin that comes in the Fenix 2 and FR 620 only.
1927857
The heart rate monitor from the Forerunner 610 will work with the 220/620. However, the 620 is their newest and offers more features like the VO2 Max and estimates. Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a great day!
580339
Thanks for your detailed insights. From your post and others I've read, seems like I'll stick with the 305. I am very happy with the accuracy and ease of use, I just need to find some way to make it not rub my wrist so much. And the only other thing, and this is minor, is that it does not calculate calories expended unless you are using the GPS. I would think they could make an estimate when you are using the footpod indoors, but they don't. (The Polar R200sd does do this.)Maybe they will get the kinks worked out of the 405 sometime and I'll think about it then. Until then, I guess it doesn't pay to be an early adopter. Thanks for your detailed insights. From your post and others I've read, seems like I'll stick with the 305. I am very happy with the accuracy and ease of use, I just need to find some way to make it not rub my wrist so much. And the only other thing, and this is minor, is that it does not calculate calories expended unless you are using the GPS. I would think they could make an estimate when you are using the footpod indoors, but they don't. (The Polar R200sd does do this.)Maybe they will get the kinks worked out of the 405 sometime and I'll think about it then. Until then, I... » Read More Thanks for your detailed insights. From your post and others I've read, seems like I'll stick with the 305. I am very happy with the accuracy and ease of use, I just need to find some way to make it not rub my wrist so much. And the only other thing, and this is minor, is that it does not calculate calories expended unless you are using the GPS. I would think they could make an estimate when you are using the footpod indoors, but they don't. (The Polar R200sd does do this.)Maybe they will get the kinks worked out of the 405 sometime and I'll think about it then. Until then, I guess it doesn't pay to be an early adopter. « Show Less
143715
Depends what you want it for.The name should answer your question. The Forerunner is for running. The Fenix is primarily for hiking and other outdoor navigation. It will do the running stuff too. but the Forerunner may have more "fitness" features -- the ads say it's "like having a coach." The Fenix probably has more "outdoor" features (e.g., altimeter-barometer-compass).
1906611
The 410 is good for triathlon training - I have been using for just that for the last 18 months. However, Garmin has a triathlon specific device, the 910, which is much better suited as it can also be used for swim training in the pool and also in open water. The 410 cannot and is therefore limited in that respect.
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.
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.
1820287
I agree with Ian-Paul. Before buying this HRM i checked it out at Sigma`s homepage. There you can see all the models and their options. I am very sattisfied with this model. At first it seemed a little too big for me, but I got used to it
2236001
There is a description right on the Garmin website that compares the two models (http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/). With the 620 you get a LOT more information about how you run - cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, V02 max, etc. It also helps coach you on how much rest time you should get and what your different race speeds should be.I bought the 220 because I don't want all of that extra information but I can see why other people would find it interesting. The 220 is an incredible watch, way better than my old Forerunner 405 - I can see the 620 being worth just $150 more if you want to dissect all of that data. There is a description right on the Garmin website that compares the two models (http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/). With the 620 you get a LOT more information about how you run - cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, V02 max, etc. It also helps coach you on how much rest time you should get and what your different race speeds should be.I bought the 220 because I don't want all of that extra information but I can see why other people would find it interesting. The 220 is an incredible watch, way better than my old Forerunner 405 - I can see the 620... » Read More There is a description right on the Garmin website that compares the two models (http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/). With the 620 you get a LOT more information about how you run - cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, V02 max, etc. It also helps coach you on how much rest time you should get and what your different race speeds should be.I bought the 220 because I don't want all of that extra information but I can see why other people would find it interesting. The 220 is an incredible watch, way better than my old Forerunner 405 - I can see the 620 being worth just $150 more if you want to dissect all of that data. « Show Less
880293
You would need a different model. The FR10 does not measure heart rate. I enjoy my Garmin FR410, which comes with or without a heart rate monitor. Some people don't like the touch bezel of the 410, but I don't have a problem with it. The Garmin 610 is a step up from the 410. It has an way to navigate touch screen, but the price is $399. I've researched these a lot and would stick with Garmin. Regardless of which Garmin you have, all of these sync with Garmin Connect. The amount of information given is impressive. After a run, all data can easily be synced to Garmin Connect. You can view a map of your workout, mile splits, and weather conditions. I don't even keep a running log anymore because I look on the calendar function Garmin has. You can also look at data for custom dates or pick a given time frame such as last week, last month, last year. If you have a Costco membership they sell the 410 near the jewelry, and if you don't like it jut return it, no questions asked! I'd be happy to answer any other questions. Let me know what you decide on!
710262
I bought a Polar RS800sd about a year ago after I got sick of my (2nd) Nike+ losing data after a run. The polar has been great. Simple to use, detailed info, and from what I've seen pretty accurate. I just bought a Garmin 405. Went to the REI garage sale and they had one for only $160. It was that low because someone returned it saying the band was broken. Check it out and it still looked fine, so I bought it just for the sake of getting a new toy. Just did my first run with it, and as of right now, I like the Polar better. I think I'm just used to that technology and am comfortable with it. The garmin doesn't come with any software. you need to download it all off the web, and it's not super simple to find. Polar came with some offline software which I like a lot. Now, I think once I get used to the forerunner, it may grow on me. There have been a LOT of reviews where people think the garmin is the best, and then there's 3rd party apps that let you map where you've ran. Plus, with the 405, I think you can use it for biking right out of the box. no need for a pod or anything.
761738
The wahoo app is pretty amazing. It allows you to customize workouts and which sensors to use. For indoor treadmill use, I have the heartrate monitor, but turn off GPS. For something outside, I like to track where I run so will turn on heartrate and gps. You can set up each workout under a different profile, and customize which displays you'd like to see. I like the one that shows my optimal fat burn heart rate. Oh, I almost forgot you can also set each profile to alert you. I have mine to alert me when my heart rate enters optimal fat burning zone, and also when it leaves it.
1349368
Please, check Garmin home page. There´s a lot of way to choose how to see the screen. I use my watch and check just distance, time and current pace in same screen. Otherwise, if you are not a professional, see the 220 for 100 dollars less.....
1065293
The fenix 2 pretty much does what the forerunner does plus more. For me, looks better than the Suunto Ambit 2, although they are pretty much the same watch. As a fitness watch garmin does a better job of cataloging your workouts and displaying in various formats. Paired with the HRM it's definitely the way to go.
1421921
I received the following yesterday from a rebate I sent in about a week ago:"Dear Cusstomer:"We just wanted to let you know we have received your rebate submission for $50 Mail-In Rebate with Purchase of Select Forerunner GPS 205 and 305 at Participating Retailers. Your rebate tracking number is: xxxxxxxxxx (actual number supplied) To check your rebate status just click on http://www.rebatetrack.com/quick/track/garmin/trackdetails.html?track_numberxxxxxxxxx Please be sure to keep a copy of your tracking number for future reference. Thank you for your purchase. We look forward to serving you again. Sincerely, Your Rebate Center I received the following yesterday from a rebate I sent in about a week ago:"Dear Cusstomer:"We just wanted to let you know we have received your rebate submission for $50 Mail-In Rebate with Purchase of Select Forerunner GPS 205 and 305 at Participating Retailers. Your rebate tracking number is: xxxxxxxxxx (actual number supplied) To check your rebate status just click on http://www.rebatetrack.com/quick/track/garmin/trackdetails.html?track_numberxxxxxxxxx Please be sure to keep a copy of your... » Read More I received the following yesterday from a rebate I sent in about a week ago:"Dear Cusstomer:"We just wanted to let you know we have received your rebate submission for $50 Mail-In Rebate with Purchase of Select Forerunner GPS 205 and 305 at Participating Retailers. Your rebate tracking number is: xxxxxxxxxx (actual number supplied) To check your rebate status just click on http://www.rebatetrack.com/quick/track/garmin/trackdetails.html?track_numberxxxxxxxxx Please be sure to keep a copy of your tracking number for future reference. Thank you for your purchase. We look forward to serving you again. Sincerely, Your Rebate Center « Show Less
1294239
Check with Garmin or check the documentation for the 910xt. I assume this is a new watch than the 305 series?