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Running Gear: Garmin Forerunner questions

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberfleen97
    • CommentTimeApr 29th 2009
     
    fleen97
    how accurate is the 310xt? would it work indoors? what are it's flaws, limitations? Do you recommend it? Is there another watch with the same capabilities, but better performance/price?
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdtreel22
    • CommentTimeApr 30th 2009
     
    dtreel22
    I have the Garmin 305.  If you want to use it indoors, you'll have to get the footpod that goes with it.  I love mine
  3.  
    running.beast
    I don't think the 310xt is out yet.  I've pre-ordered mine to replace my 305.  According to the Garmin website the 310xt looks like the 305 and has all of the same functions except it's supposed to be "swim-proof" and now the calorie count will be based on Heart rate, much like Polar".  dtreel22 is correct if you want to use it indoors you have to use the foot pod.  I haven't found them to be very accurate.  As for a cheaper watch with the same capabilities, the 305 is it for quick, accurate GPS.  My recommendation is the 310xt if it's anything like the 305.  I've been using the 305 for 3+ years and love it.  I've also used Polar, both foot pod and GPS, and although a decent watch the Garmin is it for me.  They're light years ahead with GPS technology.
  4.  
    hope2barunner
    what are these devices? what do they do? running.beast, you mentioned GPS, how do you get access to the data collected, only on the watch or does it connect or relay data to a computer via USB or bluetooth?  let me know when u have time, i am curious as to their use, as well as their price.  thanks in advance.
  5.  
    rpetreccajr
    No consumer grade GPS device will work indoors as they have to have direct, line of sight connections to at least 3 sattelites in order to establish a position. For that matter, I don't think any GPS device will work indoors. This is why the foot-pod is necessary. It will give you pace and distance just as would any foot pod assiciated with a non-GPS heart rate monitor or a pedometer.
  6.  
    running.beast

    rpetreccajr is correct about gps indoors but you can turn off the gps function and use the footpod indoors you just need to calibrate the footpod to the watch outside to get an accurate pace and distance while using it inside.  As for accuracy the GPS is pretty much dead on for most of my runs.  When I used the footpod there was always some discrepancy and I calibrated it all the time.  Plus I rotate shoes everyday I would need two. 

    As for price they are expensive. For the heart rate monitor version it's close to $380.00.

    Getting the data to and from the computer is easy.  It comes with software and a USB stick that transmits the data wirelessly to the computer as soon as it's in range.  It'll also upload it to Garmin Connect on line and you can see all of the data in google earth.

    I like downloading courses from mapmyrun and sending it to my watch when I travel.  I can use someone elses course they've uploaded and run it when I'm traveling.  The watch will tell me if I'm on course or not.

     The downside is the watch is big and the battery only last 20 hours (from the website) mine right now will last about 10 hours so when I'm done with my workout I attach it to the charger.

    I absolutey love the watch though and highly recommend it if you're a gadget geek like me.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberMonty_Jim
    • CommentTimeApr 30th 2009
     
    Monty_Jim

    Has anyone tried out the Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS unit? Is the wrist unit bulky? I am a little concerned about battery life but won't be doing any 10 hour runs!

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberbdparker
    • CommentTimeApr 30th 2009
     
    bdparker
    Just bought a 305 off amazon for $175. Best Buy was selling it for $150 + tax if you can find it in the store.  It's bulky and complex, but I love it.
  9.  
    Fred Mieske

    I got the garmin forerunner 305 over a year ago. I purchased it refurbished.

    Had a problem with it not keeping a charge, contacted Garmin and then sent me a replacement unit.   got to love it when a company stands behind there product.  If I get a new gps I will be looking hard at the 310.

    • CommentAuthorChampionship Membership10kkiddo
    • CommentTimeApr 30th 2009
     
    10kkiddo
    I have a Forerunner 405 and I have been getting a discrepancy in the mileage that I am running. The MMR.com mapping tool is usually .7 to .1 miles short for every 3 to 3.5 miles of the run. Has anyone else had this? I have been thinking it may be from the lack of accuracy of the watch while traveling down well shaded streets but seems like it would "catch up" once I get to a clear sky again. Not really a big deal but the difference adds up over time.
    • CommentAuthorChampionship MembershipJen799
    • CommentTimeApr 30th 2009
     
    Jen799
    10kkiddo - I have a similar issue but the other way round. When I import it to MMR from my 305 the distance is slightly longer on MMR than on the 305. I also find that the date it downloads to the Garmin Training Centre is different to the actual date on the device (I think it downloads in US time zone so it looks like I run at middnight and 1am and other silly times). Havent figured out why or how to fix it yet but overall I love it!
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberkgrewal
    • CommentTimeApr 30th 2009
     
    kgrewal
    The 405 is a great device, it is bulkier than a regular watch but very wearable. By giving accurate and instant feedback on pace, yuo will train yuorself to run faster.  The battery can go quick but still lasts multiple runs, easily an entire marathon. It can be discrepant from mapping tools like MMR, but I would actually trust it over MMR as it uses high-sensitivty GPS. The uploaded maps can be viewed on Garmin's website with all lap data, etc., and also imported into MMR.
    • CommentAuthorFree Membergroef
    • CommentTimeMay 8th 2009
     
    groef

    Firstly I want to thank all of you for the comments, I enjoy reading about others experiences.

    I am looking to upgrade my polar s710, which has served me well in the last, wait for it, 9 years.  It a great device and have been using it as my primary watch.  I have been using this watch mostly for cycling (combined with speed and cadence sensors), but also for running and swimming.  It actually worked really well in the pool, yes I wore the heart rate chest strap.    Every 2-3 years I would send the device away for servicing to UK and prices for this is published on their website with great customer care.  I am situated in Dublin Ireland, which means an cost for sending and insuring the device.  The new device should be well supported either in Ireland or UK.

    Running is making want to change the watch as I never know the distance while running

    My requirements would be:

    • Wearable as primary watch
    • GPS (prefer integrated as don't want to rember to take extra unit)
    • waterproof (I never take the watch off at the moment)
    • Usable for swimming
    • Integrated with mapmyrun (can upload all data)
    • I am also upgrading to MAC so software for device should be MAC complatible or even Linux compatible.  At the moment on have windows for using HRM.
    • Serviceable in Ireland or UK
    • Compatible with Cadance and Speed sensors
    • Compatible with footpad for use in GYM

    Being able to wear the device as a watch and being able to jump and dive into a pool and not having to remember to take it off when I go for a shower is extremely important.

    High End Contenders 

    I have looked at the Garmin 310xt and at the moment and seems to be the best device along side the 405cx, with the 310xt being at least waterproof and can be used for swimming.  But this means having an addtional watch and having to carry such expensive piece of equipment in a case in my bag.

    Next is polar, which I really like the RS800CX which comes in different packages for example; MULTI and RUN.  I just can not see me having to wear the G3 GPS sensor on my arm.  Has anybody gotten experience with this, how do you find this?  Also have to by additional components to complete package footpod, speed and cadance.  I have also found that the price for the watch is more than the previous mentioned Garmin models and each additional add on is even at times double that of the Garmin models.  I would love Polar again, but saying this I have no experience with Garmin.  The benefit would be I can keep using exsisting software if I get this watch, keeping all current and historical training records in one location (until I upgrade PC)

    Lastly the Suunto t6c, but don't know if this is well integrated with mapmyrun.  I does have a memomry belt for swimming, which means HR is rocorded on the strap and combined with data from wrist wat at time of upload on PC software.  Yes this watch can be worn a primary watch, but don't much more of this watch.

     So I would appreciate some feedback in helping me part with my money.

    Help Help Help, I have spend hours and hours and hours reading and comparing and so far no luck.

    Francois

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