Best Reviewed
Heart Rate Monitors
- Best heart-rate monitor Timex Ironman Race Trainer *Est. $120
- Heart-rate monitor for serious athletes Polar FT60 *Est. $200
- Budget heart-rate monitor Polar FT1 *Est. $60
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- Feature-rich
- Works with a PC to track statistics
- accurate
- Acquiring satellite signal can take several minutes
- Expensive
- Bulky
The Garmin Forerunner 305 goes a step beyond standard heart-rate monitors: It includes an integrated GPS antenna for tracking distance and pace. Reviewers caution that it won't take the place of a standard GPS, but it does get excellent feedback as a workout tool. This isn't a monitor for minimalists -- it's clearly designed for people who love gadgets. Advanced features include PC-based tracking software and a self-adjusting heart-rate target zone that optimizes workout intensity as your fitness level improves. If you just want to monitor your heart rate and don't need to track distance with a GPS, theTimex Ironman Race Trainer (*Est. $120)is a well-reviewed choice. It doesn't include a standard GPS module (a separate GPS pod is optional), but it gets very good reviews.
With nearly 2,000 user reviews, Amazon.com is our top source on the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS heart-rate monitor. Owners give their feedback on basics like accuracy and battery life along with assessments of this monitor's many advanced features. There are also several user reviews at CNET. We found the most detailed professional review at GPSinformation.net, where author Jess Grogan assesses the Garmin's functionality as a GPS and as a workout tool. MSNBC.com and About.com also cover the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS.
Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch, Grey/Lilac, Mid Size
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| Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor | |
(2,240 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
Nearly 2,000 users have posted their reviews of the Garmin Forerunner 305 on Amazon.com, and most give it excellent ratings. Contributors report good accuracy and reliability, and many say they love keeping stats with the PC-integrated tracking software.
Review: Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor, Contributors to Amazon.com
GPSinformation.net reviews the Garmin Forerunner 305 heart-rate monitor from a hardcore GPS-user's perspective. According to Jess Grogan, it's a versatile and accurate workout tool but doesn't make the cut for traditional GPS use.
Review: Garmin's Forerunner 305, Jess Grogan, Oct. 25, 2006
3. CNET
The Garmin Forerunner 305 heart-rate monitor gets decent but not spectacular ratings from users posting to CNET. While several say they like the GPS feature and accurate read-out, they're less enthusiastic about the battery life and the signal quality.
Review: Garmin Forerunner 305, Contributors to CNET
4. MSNBC
MSNBC.com games editor Kristin Kalning says the Garmin Forerunner 305 is a nice gadget to have for anyone who wants to train with real-time data tracking. She suggests that it might be overkill if all you really want is a basic heart-rate monitor.
Review: Wrist-Mounted GPS Offers Real-Time Training, Kristin Kalning, April 30, 2007
5. About.com
Fred Zahradnik includes a full-length review of the Garmin Forerunner 305 heart-rate monitor in About.com's guide to GPS receivers. His overall assessment is enthusiastic: He calls the Forerunner 305 "a complete solution" for monitoring and analyzing workout data. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Garmin Forerunner 305, Fred Zahradnik
Heart Rate Monitors Runners Up:
3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
2 picks including: Amazon.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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Suunto M5 Men's Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Training Watch (Black)
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Suunto t3c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch (Black Polished)
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