Garmin Forerunner 305 Features
- Sleek wrist-mounted sports performance trainer with high-sensitivity GPS receiver and heart rate monitor
- Monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calories burned for smarter, more effective conditioning
- Powerful GPS navigator provides faster acquisition times and improves tracking under trees and near buildings
- Delivers detailed post-workout analysis on bundled Training Centre PC software (connects to PC via USB)
- Includes rechargeable lithium-ion battery; measures 2.1 x 0.7 x 2.7 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
This is the second GPS running watch that I have used and I am still thrilled about the excellent GPS reception and accuracy on this device. The previous GPS watch that I used was the TimexGPS watch which had very poor satellite reception and would not work on a cloudy day, let alone in rain. As a result, I returned it for the Forerunner, which has much better signal reception, managing to gain a GPS lock even in conditions of heavy cloud and rain.
The Garmin Forerunner 305 comes with a cradle for recharging it and a USB link which allows it to be connected to the computer. The UBS link charges the watch while also allowing computer connectivity. The interface is fairly simple to grasp making the instruction manual which comes with it redundant.
The watch has amazing accuracy. One example of it being the symphony of alerts that are generated when a group of us, all bearing the same watch near the end of our run. Even after a 50 mile journey, my watch disagrees with the tachometer by barely 20 yards.
Despite the very long battery backup, it is absolutely imperative that you remember to charge the watch after every use as there is very little time from the first warning of a low battery to it shutting down. This has proved to be one of the biggest downsides for me as it nearly got me lost during a run in a terrain I was unfamiliar with.
The supplied software is another big letdown. Although it drastically affects your system performance, it is hardly useful. Though you can set up way points throughout the course, the less than basic maps do not have features which display streets and paths which almost makes it impossible to set up your own way points and choose a desired course for running, making it nearly impossible to set up your own course for training on the computer.
For a first timer, the Garmin Forerunner Watch could feel like a brick because of its weight, though it eventually grows on you. The screen, despite being bright and readable, could’ve been titled a little forward as it requires a twist of the wrist to be able to read the display.
Garmin Forerunner 305 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large and easy to customize screen
- Excellent signal recetion and accuracy
Cons:
- Redundant software for the computer.
- Bad screen angle.