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Garmin Forerunner 305

*Est. $160

Reviewed June 2008
Garmin Forerunner 305

pros
  • Feature-rich
  • Works with a PC to track statistics
  • Highly accurate
cons
  • Acquiring satellite signal can take several minutes
  • Expensive
  • Bulky
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Mwave.com

    for $212.30

  • Amazon

    for $155.85

  • eBay

    for $144.90

 
 
 

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 GPS, the Timex Personal Trainer Heart Rate Monitor T5G971 (*Est. $60) is a well-reviewed choice. It's nothing fancy, but it gets very high marks for accuracy in independent tests.

With nearly 900 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 both as a GPS and as a workout tool. MSNBC.com and About.com also cover the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS. Both reviews are primarily positive.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
Mwave.comMwave.com rated 4.50 (1176 reviews)1176 store reviewsIn Stock. $212.30
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1653 reviews)1653 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$155.85
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1176 reviews)1176 store reviewsIn Stock. $144.90
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Amazon.com

Nearly 900 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

2. GPSInformation.net

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. He also likes the customizable display and the accompanying personal-computer training software. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Garmin Forerunner 305 , Fred Zahradnik

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