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!
780807
The one I got is pretty comfortable. It is more comfortable than the one I got from Polar a few years ago. I had never had a previous one from Garmin, but this has a pretty soft elastic strap. I don't think it will last forever (it is already starting to stretch a bit), but I've never had any chaffing from this one. It has also worked pretty well -- it never loses the ability to connect to the watch during a run, for example. The only thing I haven't been able to do with it is measure my resting pulse -- it is "smart" enough to turn off if my heart rate is too low.
254810
It does but it's a little flakey, and that's with good satellite coverage. GPS' just don't work so great when it comes to elevation. The 305 does work 'good enough' though. I do all my runs on mountains so elevation and grades are very important factors. I'm satisfied enough.
893016
I talked to Polar support today, they said the BluetoothSmart Stride Sensor is not compatible with the Polar Beat Android app at this time (April 2015).
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.
2094634
That seems to be some basic stuff they've taken away. I emailed Garmin as well as Amazon to see if I can get someone to say they are wrong, or maybe amazon can fix their description. A lot of money to spend if it is false. After reading reviews, some say they have the features, and some say they don't. Maybe they are more "previews" than "reviews." I was in particular looking forward to the garmin locate feature, as well as the routing features. I also like the new size of the 1300 series. Thank you for posting this info, I hope to find some answers from Amazon or Garmin.
1512563
I use it with my garmin 910xt and it works flawlessly. The strap is far superior to garmins and your garmin unit will snap right on to the polar strap.
1873963
Free Thinker - while I appreciated the details on the Droid, I find it totally unfair for you to pan Garmin and Seattle City Xplorer based on your comparing it with Droid and Google (Local Search, I'm assuming.) I don't know what Garmin unit you returned, and it's probably irrelevant - since Garmin is PRIMARILY for navigating while DRIVING. And, does this support the old adage 'You get what you pay for???' BIG difference in pricing - Garmin vs. Droid, and City Xplorer ($10 ONE TIME) vs. $70/mo. for 2 yrs (= $1680.) You're not comparing apples to apples.
1687266
Thank you for your interest. This sale is for Premium HRM. The one that is beind sold for 99$ is the HRM-RUN. The new belf of Garmin that comes in the Fenix 2 and FR 620 only.
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.
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.
1797172
In a nutshell, Bushnell has fewer "bells and whistles", but IMHO, is easier to use for basic, such as distances (obviously) and hazards. When I compared the two at my local golf shop, I thought Garmin's graphics were difficult to make out on a wrist worn small screen device. Maybe that's due to "older eye syndrome" !
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
759352
Hi...it is probably best for you to call the polar phone number for the comparison. I was very disappointed in how many features the watches now have. I just wanted one that would measure heart rate and calories burned and a few additional features. But one of the two I trialled was over the top. Anyway, in my experience, the heart rate monitoring feature only works w a chest strap. I know there are products on the market that monitor in other ways but all the polar watches I have had require the chest strap. Hopefully any of that is helpful. The wait time on the phone is very long but the person who finally answered seemed knowledgeable so perhaps worth the wait. Hi...it is probably best for you to call the polar phone number for the comparison. I was very disappointed in how many features the watches now have. I just wanted one that would measure heart rate and calories burned and a few additional features. But one of the two I trialled was over the top. Anyway, in my experience, the heart rate monitoring feature only works w a chest strap. I know there are products on the market that monitor in other ways but all the polar watches I have had require the chest strap. Hopefully any of that is helpful. The wait time on the phone is very long but the... » Read More Hi...it is probably best for you to call the polar phone number for the comparison. I was very disappointed in how many features the watches now have. I just wanted one that would measure heart rate and calories burned and a few additional features. But one of the two I trialled was over the top. Anyway, in my experience, the heart rate monitoring feature only works w a chest strap. I know there are products on the market that monitor in other ways but all the polar watches I have had require the chest strap. Hopefully any of that is helpful. The wait time on the phone is very long but the person who finally answered seemed knowledgeable so perhaps worth the wait. « Show Less
697978
Thanks N. Search YouTube for "Wonderland Garmin 405" that is what really peaked my interest.Ok, I was able to find the watch at City Sports. I love it and it finds satellites in about 30 seconds or so.I connected it via Garmin Connect fairly easily (using my Dell D620 Laptop and Windows XP), but I can't find how I can export the GPX files anywhere?
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.
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.