Choosing a new GPS device

Love my 310

The 305 is probably the best bang for the buck right now - easily found for less than $150 new.

If you don't need ANT+ for a power meter or the capability to swim with it (the GPS feature with swimming isn't accurate anyway) the 305 is definitely the best choice.

I've had mine for about a year now, and I'd feel naked if I didn't have it with me on a run. However, I don't feel completely attached to it - I've gotten to know my paces better, and I can usually guess within about 10 seconds what my pace is. It's also helped me to not go out to hard and to pace myself on longer runs in races.

I think the 305 is like 20 bucks more than the 205. When my 305 died I actually downgraded to the 205 since I don't use the heart rate monitor.

x2 on the 305, or another 205 even if you don't want HR.

For me the 310 doesn't do enough more to warrant paying more than twice as much as you would for the 305. YMMV.

Run far...run fast...away from it.

Actually, the FR405 is a love or hate it device.  You either love the touch bezel or hate it.  In either case - I'd highly recommend trying it out first.

As for my recommendation, I'd go 310XT, or FR305 is money is tight.

If you're looking for more detail than you ever wanted, just check out the reviews on my sidebar.

I'm a love it for the 405, but I also love my itouch and ipad. Small size, many optioned display, hrm, gps all in one.
K

I am in the minority I think... I love my 405 and not sure what all the fuss is over the bezel... yeah your fingers need to be dry but c'mon... it is really not that big of an issue... 

http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/garmin-405black.html
 
$194.49 with free shipping...  

I agree with Bear. 205/305 is probably the best bang for the buck. 305 if you want heart rate, or 205 if you don't. BTW, I got my 305 used on Ebay for $50.....

Might want to check out the 210 Forerunner.  I think this is a new model.  It has all of the basic stuff (HR, distance, actual pace, etc...).  I think it might be a little cheaper than the others.

I love my 305, especially since I can also use it on the bike...same with 310xt but 305 is much cheaper.

my recently acquired 405 is great. Even if it is wet (e.g., heavy downpour), I just lock the bezel and continue on my way. Locking the bezel is quite easy too, and I haven't had a problem with it. I am also impressed with the battery life, although I am sure all the other devices out there have comparable battery life.

I had 305 and upgraded to 310XT.

I like the 310xt much more...battery life and vibrating for intervals are super nice especially when training and using it in an Ironman which I know you are doing next year.

For my long runs I set it for my run distance interval then it vibrates and I walk 30" hit lap button and repeat. At IM race if you use watch that beeps for run/walk intervals it's so noisy you often can't hear it and who wants to look at their watch over and over.

I don't have any of these...yet.

The cadence sensor does 2 things for you.  It provides cadence, indoors or out, and serves as a sensor for speed when indoors or otherwise out of GPS range. So yes, works on the trainer!  And tunnels and whatever.

I'm leaning towards the 310xt myself.  Especially since I have a buddy working at Garmin. His discount on the 305 is laughable but HUGE on the 310. They are allowed 10 units a year at their discount for themselves/friends/family.  Glad I asked him about it, and I think I'll pick one up soon.

FWIW, I also like the look of the Timex unit, but Garmins are tried and true. (And I don't have any connections at Timex....)

-eric

x2

At her request, I purchased the 405 for my wife for Christmas last year (her 205 had died).  I am sure I will be getting her a 310 for Christmas this year, as she hates the 405.  I am generally the one who helps with tech stuff, but that watch is a huge PITA.  Form over function in my book.

When the battery life for my 5 year old 305 started to wain, my wife got me the 310 for my birthday.  I really like the 310, but wouldn't have upgraded from the 305 if it were not for the battery.  The 310 is waterproof, has a longer battery life than the 305, and finds satellites almost immediately (much quicker than my old 305 or my wife's 405).

Edited by Hook'em 2010-10-16 10:41 AM

I have had both the 405 and now the Timex Global Trainer.

I was looking for a watch that I could wear all the time and have a GPS in it. The 405 was good, had everything except the waterproof capabilities. Because of that, I bought the Timex.

The timex also has 4 windows of display compared to the 405.

While the Timex is just a bit big for everyday use, its not that bad, I use it everyday all day.

Rated at ~20 hours.  It was designed with being able to track an entire IM in one shot.  I don't think any other Garmin has that much battery life.

I've had my 405 for almost a year now, and the bezel touch still annoys me. I use it because it was a gift and I know it was pricey, plus it does what I need it to do. Having said that, I would have never chosen it due to the bezel touch feature.