Best Garmin monitor/watch for the run only?
I am using a pretty old Polar 625x with the footpod for running and I am considering moving over to Garmin. (I use the Powertap Pro+ for the bike). I know one advantage will be getting rid of the 2.5 oz. Polar footpod.
What Garmin would folks recommend? I want heart rate, pace, and reliability. I download my files to WKO+.
Thanks in advance! Scott
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For run only, it's still hard to beat the bang/buck of the FR305 if you want GPS. $130 from Amazon. Bulky watch that has to be recharged frequently and is not waterproof. But neglecting that, it's great.
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I use and love the Garmin 310xt. I use the satellite for outdoor running and the foot pod for the tradmill (or indoor track if you do that). I had the Polar foot pod and the Garmin is far superior in size, weight & accuracy (assuming you calibrate it right). I don't know if they have various foot pods for their different makes. I also use my 310xt to communicate with my power tap hub. Same deal, outside the sattelites and indoors I have speed and cadence sensors. I got mine directly from Amazon and didn't have to pay for shipping (I have an account w/them).
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I believe the 410 is the replacement of the 405 and that they are identical with the exeption that the 410 has an improved touch bezel.
Yes, it has its limitations (slower to acquire satellites than 310, not waterproof, kinda bulky), but they're easily overcome if you're using it frequently, and just like every other gadget, you get used to using it.
I've been running with a FR 305 for so long now, I feel like a retro-grouch. 6th year of files building on my computer. "I don't leave home without it." Like their competitor used to say, "takes a licking and keeps on ticking."
I have the Garmin 310XT. Total waste of $ in my book (Sorry Geoff) as I found I use it like I did my old 305 that worked just fine. Unless you are using to replace your PowerTap LYC, then 310XT may have value. But I have the Joule so no need.
For run only I would get the 301. If you want HR strap get the 305. As noted, great bang for the buck.
John
Have you used your 310xt in an IM yet for the whole event? The water-proof feature, extended battery, power reading capability, better/quicker signal acquisition and probably a few others (dare I say style). I agree, functionality wise they are very similar but the incremental improvements make it a better multi-sport watch than the 305 which I also had. I too have a bike computer, but even then I wear one device on my wrist through entire events and I'm able to capture data and not having to monkey around with a watch (305) that shouldn't/can't get wet. Not having to monkey with a watch in transition and having one device to capture/download all my data saves me time. There is value in that too.
But the original OP said best Garmin for the run so in that aspect, I will agree that the from a feature/price point for running only, the 305 is the watch to get. But if the OP ever has an inclination to race long course and have GPS/pacing data, then get the 310xt.
The 305 hasn't gone by the wayside, my wife now uses it.
Ken
@Ken:
I was a little harsh in my comment last night. Note to self: no posting when I am exhausted.
I get a little cranky. And my comments below are just my experience, not a rebuttal to your comments. Just my opinion. And believe me, I have banged on every feature of the 310XT testing it out. 
I like the 310XT, but like I said I ended up using it like I used my 305. For example:
Swim - To get your distance data, you can't wear the 310 on your wrist (or the 305). Need to stick it under your swim cap on the back of your head so it is pointing up. I already did that with my 305. And you can get the 305 wet. IPX7 rated and I have done 45+ minute swims with it on my wrist. You just shouldn't keep it completely submerged deeper than one meter for longer than 30 minutes. My arm isn't one meter long.
Battery life - For me, I have no desire to wear my GPS watch during a whole IM. It would be just one more thing to think about during an event (clicking splits, etc.) and I am all about being streamlined/minimized. I use my Timex watch if I wanna see splits. And again for me, nothing really matters except the official timing results.
I put my Garmin on 310XT (and old 305) in T1 (takes like 5 seconds) and then turn it on the last 15 minutes of the bike as I am mentally preparing for T2. So I have my signal when I start the run.
Signal acquisition - Yep, it is faster, but only like 20 seconds at most for me. I did a comparison several times.
Power reading - For me, this is the only place I see the big bang for the buck. But again, I have the Joule so no need for the 310XT. here.
The difference in price ~$349 vs. ~$129 is huge. Again, for me, if I would have known what i know now I would have never purchased the 310XT based on how *I* use it.
Happy Saturday!
John
If I was shopping for a GPS/footpod watch to be used solely for running, I'd strongly consider getting the newer FR210 for its:
1) smaller watch-like profile
2) lack of "hey look what i've got on my wrist!!!" orange appearance
just my $.02
I do however think the 310XT is a great device and is a great option for many people. I peresonally have a 301, 305 and 310XT and I love the 310XT. I used it from start to finish for all of my races last year including an IM. It did record actuate swim length and was on my wrist. Because it is on my wrist from the start to end, all I had to do is hit lap why I cross a timing mat in tranistion so 4 button presses during a race total (plus the start/finish). I also use it with my quarq and it now has 5 and 30sec power avaeraging. The only thing it doesn't have is TSS/IF/NP and no all in one device in it's price range does.
Cary had a great point as there are many Garmin forerunner products out there and if you are going to run with it out, any of them will work just fine. I would just pick one with GPS and avoid the footpod only version.