Description

Package Includes: Forerunner 305, Heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, AC charger, PC/USB interface cable, Quick start guide, Garmin Training Center CD & owner's manual

The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System combines form and function. This combination running partner and personal trainer is designed for athletes of all levels. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust ANT wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. The super-sensitive GPS tracks your every move, even working on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. The heart device monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. These taskmasters will continually push you to do your personal best. Courses feature lets you download recorded courses and compete against previous workouts Auto Pause pauses and resumes training timer GPS features - GPS with high-Sensitivity SiRFstarIII architecture Wireless communication between system devices via ANT protocol Display Size(WxH) - 1.3 x 0.8 (33 x 20.3 mm) Lap Memory - 1,000 laps Rechargeable internal lithium ion battery - lasts 10 hours (typical use) Waterproof - Submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins. Alerts - Time, distance, pace and heart rate Physical Size(WxHxD) - 2.1 x. 7 x 2.7 (53.3 x 17.8 x 68.6 mm) Weight - 2.72 oz. (77 g)

Heart rate monitor features - Transmission Range - approximately 3m (9.8ft) 3V CR2032 battery - lasts 3 years (1 hour per day) Physical size(WxHxD) - 13.7 x 1.4 x 0.5 (348 x 35.6 x 12.7 mm) Weight -. 74 oz (21 grams)

Amazon.com Review

Amazon.com ReviewJust when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 305. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. The 305 model includes wireless heartrate monitoring and it can also be connected to Garmin's wireless bicycle speed and cadence sensor. If you don't need these features, consider the lower-priced Forerunner 205.

View Garmin's Forerunner demonstration video.

Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305's screen. View larger.

The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you're running or walking. View larger.

The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger.

Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger.

The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger.

Design
The 305's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn't much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.

Not so with the 305. Garmin's engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit's antenna to face the sky when you're running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it's smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.

Garmin has smartly given the 305 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.

The underside of the 305 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 305's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.

GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 305 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 305's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, the tester had the 305 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 305, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn't faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap.

While the Forerunner 305 isn't billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There's also a "go to location" feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you'll see below, the 305's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

Training Functions
The 305 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can't use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it's worthless. When it comes to these factors -- and here's the take home message on the 305 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.

The heart and soul of the 305 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. The 305 adds the ability to track heartrate, lap heartrate, average heartrate, and heartrate zones via the included coded heartrate chest strap. With the purchase of a separate wireless cadence and speed meter, you can also track bike performance data.

Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that's most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you'll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it. The ability to display heartrate is a big plus, too, as it's a fairly good indicator of excercise output, fatigue, and fitness level. The 305 has all the heartrate functions you'd expect from a full-function monitor, including the ability to set target zones and alerts to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 305. If you're the type that performs best when you've got a competitor egging you on, you'll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.

If you're looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 305 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.

Computer Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now -- a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 305 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the computer. Not only does Training Center--which is compatible with both PC and Mac--make it easy to track your performance, you can graph data such as heartrate alongside your speed and distance. Over time, this is a great way to view your fitness levels increase, and it also helps you see what types of workouts are necessary to strengthen your weaknesses. For instance, if you see your heartrate begin to spike after a certain distance, you know you need to increase your endurance workouts to train that area of fitness.

In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your computer that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you're on the road or path. Back on the computer, the software's ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.

The 305 is also fully compatible with Garmin's MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren't able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you're a serious endurance athlete, you'll be glad to know that the 305 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.

Pros

• Radically new design is better in every way
• Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
• So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it

• Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful

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.

Customer Reviews

 Awesome!!! - Sep 01, 2010

I am a triathlete and I will say this is by far the best purchase I've made yet. Never had a single problem with it. Love the quick release to mount to my bike or wrist. Also, the free software is wonderful to keep track of all your workout/race data. I would definitely recommend this device to anyone who both cycles and runs.

 Mixed Results - Sep 01, 2010

I've had the Forerunner for over a month now, and have mixed opinions. The features seem fine, and performance (when the GPS finally boots up) is great. Four main criticisms: (1) the GPS will sometimes take several minutes to locate satellites, and sometimes does not at all; (2) battery life not so hot - supposed to be ten hours, but hasn't worked that way for me, even w/ a new unit (and charging on USB does not seem to work); (3) controls are not very intuitive; (4) it's a bulky unit, but I knew that when I bought it.

On the other hand, the computer software was easy to install, easy to use, and informative. It's my first GPS trainer, but my high hopes have been let down a bit.

 Love it! - Sep 01, 2010

I love this watch. I am sure I will like it even more when I actually read the instructions and play with all the functions, but for now it does the job perfectly. It is easy to use while running or biking and the pace, distance, and mapping seem pretty accurate. The light doesn't stay on long, but that's okay. Also, I forget to turn it off and it dies pretty quickly, but as long as I keep it charging when I'm not using it, it's no problem. I agree with the other reviews that the elevation gain may not be very accurate, but not a big deal for me. It is pretty big, but you can guess that from the picture. Now, if only I could swim with it on...

 Poor quality, design flaw - Aug 31, 2010

I've had 2 each of which developed faults in the battery connection, rendering them useless, after exactly 1 yr of use

 Works as advertised - Aug 30, 2010

I've had it for 3 months now and it really helped me train and run my first 5k in over 10 years. I charge it once a week or less and have had no problems. I've heard people complain about the gps satalite aquire times and I don't know what they are talking about. I've used a number of gps units from hand held to aviation and this watch actually aquires the satalites quicker than my garmin aviation model (196). It does take a little time to learn all the features and that is probably because it has a lot of features. I call it as I see it on reviews. If it was crap I'd call it crap but this thing provides a lot of value for a buck fifty.

 Great product - Aug 30, 2010

I only can say that i love mi garmin, it is a great accesory to improve your workout, and it's mucho fun to ride against yourself when you ride alone.

 Great training gear - Aug 28, 2010

I had an older version that wouldn't get signal under trees. I run trails a lot so I needed the dependability of the high sensitivity receiver. It only takes a min to lock on the satellite and maintains it under some heavy cover. I love all the training functions that help you stay motivated when you start getting tired. I use the quick workout w/virtual partner a lot. I have not yet figured out how to race against previous routes. I have not experienced any difficulties and am extremely glad I purchased this. The price was also fantastic compared to other places I found it. I am already getting a better idea of my performance and what I still need to work on.

 Great Running GPS - Aug 28, 2010

I've greatly enjoyed using the Garmin Forerunner 305 for my marathon training. I previously used my iPhone for similar functionality, but was having problems with its consistency. I've had no such problems with this watch! I was afraid it would be too big, but I don't even notice I'm wearing it. Great info in one look, and good battery life.

 Great Unit! Good Software Options Available - Aug 25, 2010

Overall, its an amazing unit, I'm using it as my bike computer and I cannot go out without it anymore! The GPS sensitivity is VERY good and I've found the speed readings to be quite accurate, even at low speeds. A great option it has for working out, is that it automatically pauses the counter every time you stop, so is great for riding in traffic and stopping at traffic lights. It cannot hold detailed maps, so don't think about using is as a primary navigation tool, but if you record your tracks it could be ok. One drawback is that I've found the Garmin Software to be very limited, it cannot use google maps and the mac interface is not great, I'm using TrailRunner instead and its amazing.

 Satisfied Customer - Aug 25, 2010

Had the 305 for about 4 months...am very pleased with it. Menu system very easy to use...large display with a lot of selectable display configurations. Have not yet had any problems with GPS linking to satellites. Getting very consistent distance measurement results for routine courses...gives confidence when running the off-beat trails. The included charger/adapters (USB connection/AC connection/car adapter)...very convenient. Particularly pleased with the included software...good graphics...all detailed data available. The HR belt...easy to wear. The overall product is well designed...construction quality is very good. The receiver itself is perhaps a bit 'bulky' for the more serious runner...but not an issue for the 'typical' runner.

 LOVE IT!!!! - Aug 25, 2010

I absolutely love this thing.I don't know how I ever survived without it! I love the convenience of being able to run anywhere on road or off without worrying about tracking my distance. It really motivates me during my runs too.

 Hard to beat with the current options on the market - Aug 24, 2010

With some sellers offering the 305 with heart rate monitor for $150, it is really hard to beat this device. Using just the GPS and hrm (no foot pod or cadence/speed sensor) this device works well for both running and cycling outdoors.

I'm not a hardcore athlete, but I do enjoy hiking, trail running, and cycling, and the accuracy of this device more than meets my needs for tracking my pace and performance. The elevation data is pretty off, but garmin-connect does a reasonable job of correcting it after the fact.

Learning to use the features of the 305 takes a little practice. Not something I mind, but some might. The bike mount/wrist strap kit works well for juggling it between arm and bike.

I've looked at some of the newer devices in this nitch, and I don't see how any of them justify their very large price gap over the forerunner 305. In fact, you will pay significantly more for some of the newer devices that do less than the 305.

I looked at the FR 310XT, and it just doesn't do it for me, and especially not at $380 with hrm. I'm not a triathlete, and I don't care much about waterproof. I would much rather have something like a multisport/watch version of the Edge 500, which tracks temperature and altitude, and would be much more useful for my trail running, hiking, and cycling. If Garmin ever figures this out, I would likely upgrade.

 Day 1 - Aug 24, 2010

Seems to work as advertised. Had a chance to use it for the first time today. I didn't have the pace problem some were talking about. I slowed down, the mile pace got longer; I kicked it up a notch, the mile pace reduced. My only complaint so far is the map used in the software. Cool that it marks your map but the map is as bad as it could get. Very little detail with few roads--only major major roads. But, a few extra clicks and you can see where you ran on Google Earth. We'll see how it goes after a few months of use. Talk to you then.

 Good watch, useless heart rate monitor - Aug 23, 2010

I just received the Garmin FR 305 device 2 weeks ago and I was really anxious to using it.

I love the running related features, it helps me a lot keep the pace, verify the distance, keep the timing so I remember to finally go home. I enjoyed it in the mountains as well, elevation measurements providing relatively accurate information.

One major dislike - the Heart Rate Monitor is not working at all, out of the box. I tried with a different battery, I forced the scan a couple of times. Absolutely no luck.
One "good" news is that the wrist watch detects the HRM from a friend, so I isolated the issue.
I hope Amazon/Garmin support will help me solve the issue.

 Great gift for triathlete - Aug 23, 2010

I purchased the Forerunner 305 as a gift for my husband, a triathlete. I truly cannot overstate how much he LOVES training with it. Having only seen pictures online when I placed my order, I was a little worried that it would look really large on the wrist, but it doesn't at all. The amount of information the Forerunner provides an athlete is amazing. My husband says it has really enabled him to train more efficiently.

 Garmin Forerunner 305 - Aug 23, 2010

I use this mainly for biking and I am using it with the bike mount kit. I LOVE it ! I would recommend this product. I use it for running, too and it is great to have a GPS for running and biking. The workouts load great into the Garmin Training Center and provide a great and convenient record of workouts. This version does not give the elevation on the ride, but I pick it up in the download to the Training Center - having the elevation available on the ride is the ONE FEATURE I wish I had with this product.

 Replacement for first 305 - Aug 23, 2010

I loved my first 305 so much, I couldn't stand not having another. This model is reputed to be much better than its predecessor. Other than being a little smaller, I've not heard that the newer model is much of an improvement over the 305, so when mine died, I purchased another 305. I used the Forerunner for almost 5 years, frequently on a daily basis, with no problems whatsoever. Occasionally I would forget to check the status of the battery and get to a race, turn the 305 on and be greeted with a low battery warning. The Forerunner 305 would last at least through an entire 5K and I think one time I ran a 10K after receiving the warning. I don't use all the bells and whistles so I can't comment on those, but for a dependable, strap on and run GPS/heart rate monitor, you won't be disappointed by the Garmin Forerunner 305. I think my original 305 just needs a new battery for the wrist unit because I can still get it to work for a short period of time; rather than get stranded without it, I purchased the new one but intend to replace the battery the next time I'm near an authorized service dealer if the price is right. Garmin wanted $90 to send the unit in for repair and it wasn't much more than that to buy a new one.

 Excellent Product - Aug 21, 2010

I bought the 305 after having seen how useful it was for my brothers marathon training. You can track all your running metrics (heart rate, pace, distance, elevation, cadence, speed, time) and upload to the Garmin website to share with a trainer / self-train. I've been using mine for a month now for my triathlon training and has proven to be a priceless tool to me in tracking my progress. Much better than the Nike+ product which guesstimates distance/pace. I bought the optional quick release kit so can mount on my road bike and wrist for quick transitions and ease of use. IMO, at $135 (Amazon), this is a steal for the benefits it gives you if you.

 Best thing to ever happen to me. Literally. - Aug 21, 2010

The Garmin 305 is an amazing product, hands down, all the way. I purchased mine during the summer just as a geeky thing that I thought I might use every once in a while. That was 20 pounds ago. This thing will MAKE you want to run. It almost makes me feel accountable, and has become a part of my daily life. My blood pressure has dropped, triglycerides are down, this thing has done wonders for me. I even had to buy different sized pants and shorts because I lost so much weight! I've only had this thing about a month, and I have gone about 162 miles either walking or running (mostly running). It really makes running fun and exciting.

Enough about the life changing stuff, you want to know why it's so amazing right? First off, it's easy to use. My sister actually got a Forerunner 110 because she was afraid this thing would be too complicated and she wouldn't be able to figure it out. Honestly, the features are there, but this thing won't make you use them if you don't want to. In the month I've had mine I can honestly say I haven't used mine to the fullest of its abilities. All I do is turn it on, it finds the satellites, and I run. There's a multitude of things you can do with the training program, but I like to just turn it on, press start, and run until I'm tired, or until my endorphine levels get me high as a kite.

The size of the watch may deter some people from buying it, and if you're one of those people don't worry about it. Yes, it is large, but the weight of it negates the whole aspect of it being huge. I really do forget it's there during my runs it's so light. Another reason you should not worry about the size is because I think you will get so much more enjoyment considering it has a larger screen, which means it's much easier to read. My sister's 110's screen is small. Really small. After having my 305, I would never go to a 110 for any reason due to the fact that reading the numbers is just a pain. I can comfortably look down as I'm running at mine and see the numbers great, whereas with the 110 I have to bring the watch within six inches of my face to get a steady picture of the data.

One of the things I like the best about the watch is the heart rate monitoring. This watch comes with the standard heart rate monitor Garmin makes, the plastic one. Don't be fooled, the cheap plastic one is actually a better deal in my opinion to their "premium" heart rate monitor. The standard heart rate monitor does exactly what it's supposed to do, measure heart rate. Accurately. The premium heart rate monitor has had issues with people who have what Garmin calls "abnormal physiology". This is their jargon for "you sweat too much". What happens with the premium heart rate monitor is the contacts are connected into the elastic band, and allow the two contacts to be bridged via sweat, causing inaccurate readings. Not the case with the regular (and cheaper) heart rate monitor. The contacts are in a one piece, flexible plastic band with an elastic backstrap. I have had no problems with comfort or control of the heart rate monitor, and wear it on every run.

This wouldn't be a review without discussing the watch's GPS capabilities. Simply put, they're amazing. Garmin says it has a "30 foot accuracy guarantee". I think it should be changed to "30 inch guarantee". The thing is absolutely bulletproof in this aspect. Tracking is spectacular, and I have never had a single hiccup. It does take some time to find satellites if it's been off the charger for a while, so I just put it on the charger about five minutes before I run and it will pick up satellites usually under thirty seconds. If I don't charge it a little it may take up to three or four minutes, still very acceptable. Granted, I do live in Southeastern Ohio, so we don't have too many tall trees, and skyscrapers are nonexistent, so that could be a factor for my great experience with the GPS.

Battery life has given me no issues. This past Monday I ran fourteen miles straight for 1:56:46, the longest I've done so far. If you're just a regular runner who might be out for anywhere from thirty minutes to four hours, this will do everything you want it to. It's rated at being able to function for eight hours, but I always go much shorter than that.

The watch comes with Garmin's software, but it's not even worth installing, at least for me it wasn't. I use their "Connect" web service to track and store all my data. It can be quirky at times, but overall it is a great thing. Easy to use, and it gives you so much data you won't know what to do with it! I'm still in awe every time I upload a run to see that it saw every time I went up a hill, stopped at a stoplight, anything you do, it shows you. Plus with the Connect service, you can see what other people in your area, or all over the world are running.

Just a couple of notes. The watch comes in great packaging, almost an ornate display (as ornate as colored-cardboard can get) in the box. Once you take it out of the box, there's a charging cradle, USB cable, heart rate monitor, manuals, and of course the watch. When you turn it on, you will be annoyed (or at least I was) to find that every single button press makes the watch emit a loud beep. You can change this within seconds, and it is so much less dorky without the beeps. You have to charge it right out of the box for around three hours. Then, it's off to the races!

One last note, this thing WILL get you addicted, it did for me at least, and I was a lazy college kid who was always in books. You have to be careful not to overtrain, or start out too fast. Just because the watch will tell you that you are on your 14th mile, doesn't mean you need to be running it. I started off going way too fast, way too far, and am now dealing with the repercussions. I have some shin splint issues, but that should be taken care of soon. This watch has changed me. I went from being a 6'2" 210 lb, 38 inch waist fatty, to a slim, 34 inch, 190 lb running machine.

Bottom line: this watch has more features than you know what to do with (in a good way), does exactly what it advertises, and is cheap compared to other models (which oddly have less features, and in my opinion are of lesser quality).

Buy the watch. Run. Be happy. End of story.

 garmin forerunn 305 - Aug 21, 2010

this is a super helpful training tool!! pretty easy to use-although some of the advanced features seem a bit tricky. I was going to get the new 110, but decided I did want more features. Very happy with my choice.

 Great Investment - Changed my training - Aug 20, 2010

I have had my forerunner 305 for over a year and it is my favorite piece of running equipment. I stay on track with it and I use sporttracks and sync my workouts to facebook which makes me more accountable. If you are thinking about getting one I would highly recommend it. I have heard some negative things about other models but mine is still going strong after hundreds of workouts. It holds up well in the rain and the heart rate strap has lasted 10x as long as the reebok monitor I had before.

 Worth every penny! - Aug 20, 2010

I have had my Garmin 305 for about 3 months now, and I can say it is the single best workout peripheral I have ever purchased. I NEVER used to run outside, and now that's all I do. I love the fact that I can see the distance I've traveled, monitor my HR and even check my pace all just by glancing at my wrist. I also love tracking my workouts in Garmin Connect and seeing the super cool graphs and maps of my runs.

A few points to anyone thinking about purchasing:

1. The software that comes with the product is marginal, at best. You must go their Garmin Connect website [...] if you want the cool graphs/maps. The cool thing about Garmin Connect is that you can then share your workouts with others via email, Facebook, etc. You have to connect the 305 via USB (included) to download data, whereas some of the newer models connect wirelessly.

2. I bought the quick release kit as well. You need this if you plan to use the device on your bike as well. . Basically, you remove the rubber straps that the device comes with, but leave the little bars that connect the strap to the watch. Those bars then snap into the bike mount & wrist strap. IMO, the wrist strap that comes with the quick release kit is MUCH more comfortable anyway, especially on long runs where your wrist can get sweaty. As far as the kit, I love it and have used it in 3 triathlons so far this year. Very easy to swap from bike to wrist.

3. The accuracy of the GPS is amazing to me. I will literally run around a big pothole, and then see a little "bump" on the map line when I get home. Also, if I run on one side of my neighborhood road on the way down, and then the other on the way back, I get 2 distinct lines. Awesome!

4. I really wanted the 310xt, and ended up settling on the 305 based on the MUCH lower price. I made the right choice. Friends with the 310xt say the swimming function hardly works (I've seen the choppy graphs) and the rest of the features hardly seem worth the extra money.

5. Finally, I am a female with a VERY small wrist (~5.5inches). I have never had an issue with the size of the watch. Granted, I¡¦m not planning on wearing it out on the town anytime soon, but it¡¦s definitely not too big for a run. Between the watch, my ipod, and my BodyBugg, I look like robo-runner anyway. Maybe that's why I'm so slow. :)

 Fantastic product - Aug 19, 2010

I got my Garmin 305 a month ago. I have not been a regular runner and I'm trying to work myself into shape. In the past I've dreaded exercising and have never been very consistent. Since receiving the Forerunner I literally look forward to my scheduled run days. Being a stats and numbers man this device really motivates me to get out and run and create new data!

I enjoy downloading my workout after I'm done and going over my speed and heart rate information. For the first time I have a basis to access and monitor my fitness levels and make adjustments to my routine. The software tracks your weekly distance and totals which is motivating. It's also really cool to Google Earth your run routes which this software has built in as a click and view option.

The heart rate monitor works flawlessly. I've used other equipment where my heart rate jumped up and down erratically. With the 305 the heart rate tracks smoothly and the watch does not lose the heart rate signal ever. The display is easy to read and there are more features then you could ever use with this device.

After one month using the 305 I feel like I am on my way to new levels of health and fitness. This is a very powerful tool that deserves the credit for getting me there. I could not recommend a product higher. This watch is a steal for the price!

 Impressive Unit - Aug 19, 2010

The Garmin Forerunner 305 fits nicely on my bike handlebars which makes viewing while riding very convenient and accommodates the use of the heart monitor nicely. After downloading all the data from each ride, the ability to track my workouts is awesome! Very, very pleased with this unit!

 Absolutely love this Garmin 305! - Aug 19, 2010

This is my first running training aide purchase and I absolutely love it. While it is a little bulky, it is worth every penny I spent on it. The 405 is smaller, but I couldn't justify the difference in cost to simply get watch functionality (which is buried in the 305) and a slightly smaller package. The heart rate monitor, GPS, and all the training features make this a MUST HAVE when starting to run.