Garmin vs Polar: Can anyone tell me why I would pay WAY more for a Polar than I would for a Garmin Forerunner 305?
66679
I have a Timex Ironman (Trashman would be a better moniker for this $90 disappointment!) that has NEVER given me reliable performance and has basically just quit after 17 months of unreliable service. I'm reading enough negative reviews on the Polar F11, which had otherwise sounded promising, to dismiss risking money on that product as well! While I have little or no use for GPS, the Garmin 305 is starting to sound to me like the accurate, reliable heart rate monitor I'm looking for based on further reading!
1687266
Thank you for your interest. This sale is for Premium HRM. The one that is beind sold for 99$ is the HRM-RUN. The new belf of Garmin that comes in the Fenix 2 and FR 620 only.
2227574
Good morning, Sorry but use a Timex equipment, do not know if it works in Polars equipment. Sincerely.
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.
928974
I don't think so. I tried one of the other Polar HR monitors that didn't have the Nike+ symbol on it and the GPS watch would never pick up the signal. I only found the monitor online. The GPS watch is sold at many sporting good stores and BestBuy but apparently the heart rate monitor is difficult to find other than online. It works GREAT by the way- highly recommend it. It's nice to see your workout with pace/elevation/and heart rate all mapped in google maps.
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).
355080
Thanks for the update, dsrussell. I'll take your advice and check out the review of the 765 that you mentioned at gpsmagazine.com. It's too bad that the folks at Garmin didn't include this info about the 765 in their owners manual. Must have been an oversight on their end. Again,thanks a bunch!
539532
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
2211589
based on pictures I looked up of "h1 transmitter" it appears to be the newer one. it is definitely a cheaper/lower quality strap. The sensors are in a rubber/plastic strap that is mounted on the elastic strap. My older (more expensive) cycle transmitter strap had the sensors actually woven into the elastic strap, not a separate plastic/rubber piece. Also, the elastic of this strap is lower quality and has a few rough spots that itch my skin in back so I have to put it over my sports bra in back. Lastly, the hook/eye on this new on is ribbon sewed onto the elastic strap :( vs my older cycle strap in which the eye that the hook connected too was more seamless as part of the strap; it was not a separate sewn on piece and for sure not "ribbon" material. on the plus side tho, you can change the battery vs the old one in which I found required professional replacement of battery (at a true polar authorized dealer). Again, for $104 it's fine but I would be returning it had I paid $179 + tax & shipping as it's advertised on Polar's site.
820809
I have a Dakota 10 and use it all the time for biking. True, it doesn't do any of the things Frank mentions. I guess I'm just interested in track, elevation and odometer, time, so it's perfect for that. Weather/temperature is applied when the tracklog is uploaded to Basecamp or Garmin Connect (although at this writing, the "new" Garmin Connect isn't correctly calculating distance on GPX files, so there's that.)
571946
I have the adidas and polar the polar is about twice the size and have a hard time getting a good reading from it. I use the adidas daily on my treadmill runs
1722184
I have a 255, 255w's smaller brother with identical features, and have been using it for over a year. I love it, but once you get your free map update online, you have to buy future updates fron Garmin at hefty prices. It is cheaper to buy a new unit than pay for lifetime updates($119). A onetime update is @ $60. Though I love my 255, it's a pretty stiff toll. I'm thinking of trying something different, because there has been some new road construction near me, and my current maps don't always suit.
255829
Agree with Sean. You would only be able to use the heart rate monitor functions of this watch. Polar sells a version of this watch with GPS accessory instead of foot pod but I have not heard good things about it. Polar's newer GPS devices are much more useful but not compatible with this watch. Only buy the foot pod if you plan on running only.
2275958
My husband has a Garmin watch that he loves for training purposes. You might be better off with one of those types of products. It uses GPS to track distance traveled and gives you your pace and other things. It works with software and you can see the map of your hike and other neat features. Of course, that will cost more, but might be more useful to you.
16673
I can't really answer that because I didn't wear it often. I didn't find it to be that user friendly so I went back to using my Polar watch w/ heart rate monitor. You may want to ask other purchasers and/or do a customer review search to get a better cross section of opininos.
306834
FYI - I just called Amazon, and I spoke with someone that was hard to understand. Anyway, he said he could not confirm the Garmin 350 would ship with v9. I also asked him what is Amazon's return/refund policy, and he was very vague. When I askded him for more info, he said to check online for their return/refund policy. I told him to make a note that I WAS going to buy the Garmin 350 from Amazon, but since he can't guarantee they have v9, I won't be buying it from them! I just sent Amazon an e-mail in response to their so called "Help" call. I'll let you know if I get a reply from them.
1123930
I should have waited on the new Garmin that was coming out. Not sure on your question.