Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Wrist Watch | Review

This product does exactly what it says it does and makes my runs more enjoyable. No more planning out routes and trying to remember which landmark is closest to a given mileage. The lap pace feature helps with keeping my pace constant on my longer runs.

The software that comes with it will let you track every feature of your run/walk/bike ride from heart rate (if you use the monitor)to speed, altitude, incline, etc. and puts it on a map so that you can see what the hard/easy parts are. It will let you customize zones (aerobic, anaerobic, etc.) and track how long you spend in each zone during your run.

There are a lot of features that I don't use, but could be useful. It's flexible, and you can do quite a bit of customizing. It usually takes me about 30 seconds to acquire satellites when I turn it on, but I've been using it for several months now, and it hasn't dropped a signal yet--and I run under a lot of trees. No mountains or tall buildings.

The battery life seems pretty good. I run 3-4 times per week for 30 min to an hour each. I have to charge the battery about once a month, maybe.

I was concerned about size. And it is fairly large, but it hasn't been a problem for me--it doesn't seem heavy. The up side of the size is that you can get a lot of info on one screen and it's large enough to read while your runnning, etc.

The first time I used the watch I was in a hurry so I turned it on, and within a couple of minutes I had a basic setup and was ready to run! It was very easy to figure out and the manual filled in the gaps.

I use it for both running and biking and I love how you can customize the displays for each sport. I will be using it for hiking as well and like the fact you can see your route on the watch itself! The lap timer is great - I don't have to count laps anymore.

When I plug it into to my computer the software immediately senses the watch connection and automatically uploads my data. It has separate directories for running, biking, and other with the dates of each activity and tons of data.

I haven't even used half the features and I'm already thrilled with it! This is the first GPS watch I have purchased and I can't imagine wanting anything else! I think it was a great deal for the money and have recommended it to several friends.

The benefits of owning the Garmin forerunner 305 GPS Wrist Watch as I see it are, that Garmins engineers must have been burning the midnight oil when they were developing this product. Not only is it comfortable to wear, its not exactly a sports watch, but with its wide screen display and higher resolution it offers far greater viewing clarity than previous forerunners.

You cannot fail to be impressed by the new design, its accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time, and the fact that it is so easy to set up and use.

The data screens are a big plus in the fact that once set up you can get as much or as little data as you require, such as calories burned, heart rate, average heart rate and heart rate lap using the included heart rate chest strap.

Another great function if your the competitive type is the ability to set up a virtual running or biking companion, that you can compete against.

If your looking for a variety of workouts the 305 Garmin Forerunner GPS Wrist Watch has it, with 3 options, quick workouts, interval and advanced workout, and you can use the training centre software to set up the workouts and then upload the imformation to your device.

All in all this is the perfect device for all levels of athlete to enable them to maximise their workout activities, and a great gift idea this coming holiday season.