Garmin Forerunner 305
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is perhaps the best heart rate monitor for avid runners and bikers. The device is a heart rate monitor watch unit with GPS tracking features. This Garmin Forerunner 305 review will cover the many functions that come with this heart rate monitor watch. However, because of all of its features (GPS included), the Garmin Forerunner 305 also comes with a heavy price tag compared to other heart rate monitor watches.
Garmin Forerunner 305 Specifications
- Instantaneous readout of distance, pace and heart rate
- Crisp and very readable display
- Customizable data screen
- 10 hour battery life
- 4 x 4 x 4 inches
- 2.72 ounces (77 grams)
- 1 year warranty
How to Use the Garmin Forerunner 305
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a very powerful and useful heart rate monitor watch. It is perfect for running and cycling for many reasons. For one, its core functions (heart rate monitor and distance tracking) are spot on. It can also measure and read out the pace that you are travelling at. The device lets you design and tailor your routine to meet your fitness goals – this is a great feature that will keep you motivated to meet your targets that you set for yourself.
The watch comes with a coded heart rate transmitter chest strap, which customers have said is very comfortable. When the watch is switched on, it will take about 1-2 minutes to lock on to satellites to gather GPS information. According to the reviews on Amazon, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is accurate to about 25 feet.
The watch also features a completely customizable display screen that lets you select from about 40 different data fields will be displayed on the screen while running or cycling. This will let you monitor your progress during exercises easily. The Garmin Forerunner 305 also has multi-sport capability, so with a push of a button, you can select modes such as running, cycling, cross-country, and more. It also comes with an auto-stop functionality which will detect when you are stationary and record your data appropriately. This eliminates the need to manually press the stop or split button when you are taking a rest or are waiting for the traffic light to change.
The Garmin Forerunner 305 comes with the Garmin Training Center software. However, if you wish to use a more advanced software, you are free to do so. After working out, the watch enables you to upload your data to your computer for an in-depth analysis of your training data. This includes an overlay of your route against a map. You can also compare your training data with previous workouts along the same route to see how much you have improved since the last workout.
Garmin Forerunner 305 Reviews
Out of the many reviews on Amazon by customers who have purchased and used the product, the majority of them gave 4 or 5 star ratings out of 5. Many customers were happy with the accuracy of readings that the Garmin Forerunner 305 is capable of. Most of the reviews were written by experienced runners and bikers who were also impressed with the product because they could analyze their data on the computer to measure the effectiveness of their traning.
Some customers remarked that they “cannot image running or biking without it”. While the majority of reviews and comments about the Garmin Forerunner 305 were largely positive, there were a couple of negative comments such as the instantaneous pace measurement not being too accurate. Another negative comment was that there is no auto-off feature on the watch which can result in the battery being drained if the user forgets to switch it off. However, the watch comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery so even if you do forget to turn the watch off, in can be recharged in under an hour.
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is regarded by many as the best heart rate monitor for runners and cyclists. Its plethora of functions and accuracy of its readings makes it well worth its price. If you only hit the gym a couple of times per week, you might want to look at another heart rate monitor watch because you won’t be needing all the features that the Garmin Forerunner 305 has to offer. However, if you run or bike on a frequent basis, we would definitely recommend this product.
