Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor Review

Key Features
Key Specifications
What's In The Box
Positive Aspects
Negative Aspects
Customers Feedback
Should You Buy?

The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System is a running watch GPS receiver that comes with a heart rate monitor as well. This is perfect watch for every runner since it does not only serve as a running partner, but also an ideal personal trainer as well. It comes with a highly sensitive GPS receiver, a feature that provides new courses, plus it includes a functional and accurate heart rate monitor. The highly sensitive GPS receiver device keeps runners on track, even if you find yourself running under thick cover of tress or tall buildings most of the time.

Key Features Of The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Handsome Design
The Garmin Heart Rate Monitor has a handsome, modern design that allows users to wear it with confidence.

Accurate Monitoring
With its precise heart rate monitoring, the device is incomparable to other commercially available heart rate monitors. Aside from its accurate monitoring of heart rate, the Garmin Forerunner also has great performance tracking plus outstanding GPS reception.

Waterproof
Unlike the earlier models, the Forerunner 305 is waterproof, so you can wear it under the rain, or even if you are already sweating profusely.

GPS Performance
The Forerunner 305 has a built in high-sensitive SiRFstar III GPS receiver. Although it is not created as a navigation device, the Forerunner has basic mapping capabilities, as well as ability to do waypoint markings and routings.

Training Functions
Basically a training tool, the Forerunner 305 has the ability to systematize tons of information into a simple, user-friendly database.

Clear, Easy To Read Data Screen
Aside from the heart rate, the data screen provides additional numerous data including the number of burned calories, the distance paced, elevation, heading and grade, multiple lap modes. If you are biking, you can buy the separate speed and cadence meter, which is ideal for bikers in storing specific data.

Virtual Partner
The Virtual Partner function provides you a virtual workout companion that competes against you. This is ideal for those who love competition or who need some motivation.

Computer Connectivity
Because it has port connections, the Garmin Forerunner Heart Rate Monitor can transfer data from the internal memory to your computer. This makes it easier for you to track your performance, and you can even graph data for a more organized record. This way, you can keep track of your progress and watch as your fitness level increases.

Garmin's Motion-Based Service
This feature takes your fitness regime to another level. By using this service, you can connect with other users through the Internet, share workouts, maps, and courses and compare notes.

Key Specifications Of The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

• Display Size: 1.3 by 0.8 inches

• Lap Memory: 1,000 laps

• Uses rechargeable internal lithium ion battery, which lasts 10 hours

• Waterproof for up to one meter

• Time, distance, pace and heart rate alerts

• Physical Size(WxHxD) - 2.1 by 0.7 by 2.7 inches

• Weight - 2.72 oz.

What's In The Box

• Forerunner 305

• Docking cradle

• Heart rate monitor

• Expander strap

• Computer Connectivity cable

• AC charger

• Garmin Training Center CD

• Quick Start Guide

• Manual

Positive Aspects Of The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

• Sleek, modern design

• Very accurate

• Gets hold of satellite signals quickly

• Reads heart rate flawlessly

• Outstanding in measuring distance and calculating lap pace

• Seamless PC integration

• Training log updates automatically

• Display is customizable

Negative Aspects Of The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

• A bit larger than a regular sports watch

Customers Feedback

If you like running on new courses every now and then, you will love the features the Garmin Forerunner has to offer. The best thing about it is that it provides instant readouts and displays running pace, distance, and heart rate more quickly. The main functions, namely the heart rate and distance monitoring, works perfectly well. And you will never encounter a single drop in signal like other heart rate monitors usually have.

Another thing is the display. It gives you a crisp, easy to read information display that is fully customizable. The default layout is a bit dull and boring, but with a few tweaks, you can replace it with a more useful set of info that you likely want to see more than the first setting. You can actually choose for over 40 data to display.

One disappointing feature though is the instantaneous pace measurement. During a run, the display for this varies outrageously, you can even see 3 minutes per mile swings. The variations usually get worse under cover, say, you are under thick trees or huge buildings. However, the lap-average pace is more accurate. The data upload to PC is very simple to integrate. The software is great for presenting distance, time, pace and heart rate plus the calorie data. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is a useful tool for every athlete, especially for runners and bikers.

Should You Buy The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor?

The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor can be purchased from Amazon.com at a special price and it is eligible for free shipping. You will save quite substantially from its normal list price when you buy it from Amazon.com.

Read more Running GPS Watch Reviews.