Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Product Details

The Forerunner 305 features the powerful new SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy, even under tree cover and between tall buildings. A coded chest strap heart-rate monitor prevents unwanted interference from other devices. View larger.

The unit's GPS receiver is designed to face towards the sky when you're running.

A more watch-like design makes it far easier to use and wear.

The 305's digitally coded heart-rate monitor--which is worn as a chest strap--sends heart-rate data to the device so you can see whether you're training too hard or not hard enough. Alerts for pace, distance, time, and heart rate are also available. Additionally, the unit tracks speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. Meanwhile, a course feature lets you race against previous runs in order to improve your time or just compare heart rate and pace data at every point of the way.

The 305's easy-to-read, 1.3-inch display has been integrated into a sleek and stylish form factor that is definitely a step up from the larger and more cumbersome Forerunner 301 model. Indeed, the 305 looks and wears like a stylish sports watch, and it's more carefully designed to meet the needs of athletes. The design also positions the antenna with an optimal view of the sky. As an added feature, the case is water resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes).

Accuracy is the name of the game with the 305. The vastly more accurate GPS antenna and receiver, which uses an advanced SiRF chip, offer much faster satellite acquisition times. Plus, the unit can hold a fix in places never before possible. Gone are the days of losing a fix under tree cover or when running between tall buildings. All of these features add up to far more accuracy in recording and tracking your exercise data. And because the 305 uses GPS to track how far and how fast you're going, you never have to calibrate it. The unit also doubles as a basic navigator. Mark your starting point as a specific location, see your current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to your starting point.

The 305 features a USB data connection and docking cradle for downloading your speed, lap, exercise time, and heart-rate data into Garmin's Training Center PC software. The unit stores up to 1,000 lap histories, which you can download to your PC for a detailed post-workout analysis. Plus, you can create and schedule workouts using the included software and download them to the unit. A rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery offers up to ten hours of battery life.

For additional post-workout analysis, the 305 is compatible with MotionBased software. MotionBased adds a new dimension to training and outdoor fitness that makes the analytical aspects of a sport more compelling and a lot more fun. You can upload data to MotionBased, a Web-based application that has partnered with Garmin. MotionBased provides in-depth analysis of your workouts, as well as online mapping and route sharing that will take your training to the next level. MotionBased automatically calculates time, distance, speed, elevation, and heart rate, and it displays this information through meaningful charts, illustrations, reports, and maps. With MotionBased, you can also race multiple instances of the same route to see how you are improving or to race other members of MotionBased. You can "virtually race" someone you don't even know.

If you like the features of the Forerunner 305 but don't need heart-rate monitoring, be sure to check out the Forerunner 205.

What's in the Box
Forerunner 305 unit, digital coded heart rate monitor, Training Center CD-ROM, A/C charger, PC/USB interface cable, owner's manual, and quick-start guide.

Product Reviews

(4 stars) - GPS and HRM in One
I purchased this GPS watch as a replacement for my Garmin 205 (which replaced my 201). While the design is basically the same, it adds a heart rate monitor (and extra cost).

The 305 provides a wide range of features that are specified in the product description, so I will not recap them here. Rather, I will focus on the positive and negative features of the device.

On the positive side, the GPS is considerably improved from earlier models. It can even acquire a satellite lock inside my house, through the skylights or even through a glass door. While running, it has been able to keep the lock even under trees-with a few exceptions involving thicker forest. I run mainly on wooded trails and it works quite well under those conditions. The GPS is also quite accurate-I've tested it against certified courses and it has been dead on.

I was never one to use a heart rate monitor before, but I decided to go with the 305 because it was only slightly more than the 205 (at least when I was buying) and I had been informed that training with a HRM can be beneficial. The HRM works well-that is, it seems to report the HR correctly. Naturally, it still uses the chest strap (so, you'll look like you are wearing a bikini top or bra from the back if you run shirtless). The strap battery is a standard type and can easily be replaced by the user. The strap comes with the 305-at least the version I bought. Because it has a receiver for the HRM, it can also connect to other accessories, such as the Garmin footpod. I don't have that since I always train outside.

The device also connects to your PC via a USB cable and uploads (or downloads) data. The included software is adequate, but you can also use third party software such as Sports Tracks. While I am not a super data sort of person, I do find it interesting to have information about my running available, most especially races.

The device has a rechargeable battery that cannot be replaced by the user and recharges from a cradle. The cradle can plug into an outlet or a USB port. I've found that the battery life is as advertised and recharge rates are reasonably quick.

On the minus side, the device is not waterproof-you can get it wet, but swimming with it would be a bad idea. Garmin does have a newer model that is properly waterproof, so if you are doing triathlons or swimming, don't get the 305.

The device is also fairly bulky relative to sports watches, although this does allow for a large screen that can easily display four data fields. I have no problem running with it and do not really notice the weight difference-but I have been wearing a GPS watch while running for a few years now.

The controls are okay (that is, usable but not great), but be sure to only push the side (rubbery) buttons with your fingertips rather than using your nail. If you use your nail, you'll eventually wear down the buttons.

I did have some locking up problems with my 205, but none yet with my 305. Of course, I've only had it a while.

Overall, if you are looking for a GPS watch and HRM, this is a good product. I got mine for an excellent price here at Amazon, so look for a deal.

(4 stars) - data collection
I like the product, but I wish that the data could be transfered to an Excel spreadsheet and also be able to print it out.

(5 stars) - And I thought I already loved running!
I have really enjoyed using this GPS. I already ran a lot, but since I have started using the Forerunner I have been running a lot more. It is simple and yet so complex. If you love to run or bike as well as analyze your performance stats, this is for you.

Initial setup was easy, but I learn something new every day. There are plenty of options to change. You can set your own speed zones and heart rate zones, as well as change when the Forerunner beeps- when you switch zones, advance a mile, or run for a set amount of time.

The heart rate monitor works great and is easy to use. It stays on without any trouble, and after getting used to it you will forget it's even there.

The advanced workout and interval options are amazing. Instead of using a track you can run in a parking lot or anywhere. The Forerunner will tell you when to start your repeat and after going whatever time or distance you set, it will tell you to start your break.

Even thought the Forerunner seems big, it isn't that heavy and is very comfortable. The side buttons can be hard to press, but they are more durable this way.

The connectivity is amazing. I use the Garmin training software and then upload it to [...]. From there I can export maps, heart rate graphs, elevation charts, and statistics to my running blog.

(5 stars) - awesome
all i could have hoped for and then some. I can't believe I was running for years without this. great simple way to keep track of mileage and heart rate. the training options are simple and straight forward. with the help of the forerunner I'm hoping to run a marathon in the fall of '10. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is on the edge about getting one. the only issue i have is that I thought the satellites would sync a little faster than they do but I have nothing to compare it to... once its synced though it never loses the signal (unless i'm under a large bridge)

(4 stars) - The best of the Garmins
This Garmin is the best of the series. The 405 is sleeker, but too sensitive to the touch. The 305, even though larger, fits very comfortably to your arm and the buttons are easy to use. It is the only one to have. I give it four stars only because I wish it had a more prominent way to display the actual time.

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