Looking for new Garmin Running GPS-Any Recommendations?

Dave Campbell

My old reliable Forerunner 301 bought about 7 years ago seems to be loosing its mind.  I'll be running along and it will say pace is say 8:45.  I get home download it and over 70% of the spped datapoints ay "0"  Did a 14 mile run Thursday and in WKO it shows about 4 miles.  Don't trust that to pace Lake Placid.  Any recommendations on the new models and best pricing?  I usually keep these type things for many years and don't mind getting something good, but with a 305 being around $100, any need to spend over 3x that for a 310xt?

Thanks

William Jenks

The FR 305 is the obvious bargain. (Mine finally croaked recently.)

IF you are clear you are only going to use it for running, there's no reason to spend the extra money on the 310st.

The major advantages of the 310 over the 305 are:
-much better battery life in the 310
-wireless sync if you care
-somewhat better GPS (quicker pickup)
-ANT+ compatible (can pick up your power meter on the bike, e.g.,)
-waterproof enough to swim without worry

If you are really looking for a run-only watch, there is a new more watch-like one that DC Rainmaker reviews, if that appeals to you. Look through his stuff for a complete review of their new stuff.

chareverie

I'd recommend the Forerunner 305 which is what I use for my runs and cycling (I'm an HR athlete). A friend of mine has a newer version (a 4xx of some sort), but I still like my 305 better just out of a matter of preference, in particular having rubber buttons over the newer touch screens/bezel.

kurshing

Garmin also released a 101 recently that is as small and light as a Timex. I haven't used it, but, for a run only watch, it sounds perfect.

I have a 301 and do like it...don't plan on changing even though I don't need it as a cycling computer.

gschlossnagle

I have a 405. If I was buying now, I'd get a 610 - it has all the features I use, loses the (uber-shitty) touch bezel, and is sleeker.

Of course, only the 310XT is waterproof (don't get me started on how hard it apparently is to build a waterproof watch!)

Jenn Edwards

Rainmaker has done your homwork for you!  All you wanted to know and much (much) more is here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/ 

jaybearden

After using Polar products for many years I shifted over to Garmin, which I find to be a much better product. Since coming over to the Garmin Forerunner I've owned the 301 and currently own, and still use, the 305, the 310XT and the 610. I have yet to regret buying any of them. All are reliable, quality products. With that said, I consider the 305 my proven standby. I had to send the 310xt back to the factory to have the bezel replaced after I dropped it in the gym locker room (tile floor) and it broke (poor design, which they've since addressed).

Jay

 

ouwelsh

If just using for running the Forerunner 610 in my opinion is the way to go. With reapect to triathlon then I like my xt310. My guess is in the next year or two is Garmin will have a touch screen version of the Xt 310 . they have to work out the kinks of touch technology with being in the water .

John Withrow

I like my 310xt. I use it 95% run only, but it is a backup on my bike in case my bike computer goes down. I really like having 4 cells visible on the face while I'm running...

Scott Alexander

I still think that the Garmin FR305 is still the best bang for the buck.

jaybearden

Scott, I totally agree with you about the 305 being the best bang for the buck.

Cary Blanco

I've got a 310xt that replaced a FR305. If I were getting a Garmin for ONLY running I'd get a FR205. It's got all of the features you want with the smallest footprint (looks like a watch instead of a giant device on your wrist).

Swanie

The features that I like about the 310xt is it has a much brighter back light than the 305. (I do most of my runs in the dark early in the morning) And I love the vibration alert with the audible alert, 305 only has audible alert. Not to mention the multisport function and water proof-ness.

irahelp

I would buy the Garmin FR 60: Keeps pace, heart rate, virtual trainer, intervals, and you can add bike if needed. Easy to use, etc, etc

gilliatt

Garmin 305, probably best bang for the buck. 120 bucks is hard to beat for as much use as I've got out of mine.

Dave Campbell

Thanks for all the input. After some debate, I picked up the 310XT. The smaller ones are nice, but I like the larger font sizes on the larger screen. My eyes ain't what they used to be. Will be interesting getting to know this thing before IMLP.