Reviews for Garmin 305 please

M_lifts
M_lifts Posts: 2,218 Member
My friend is selling me her Garmin 305, its barely been used but she needs something with a longer batter life for all her ultras. Now it looks like a bit of a monster, but ive been assured its great. Would like some more feedback please.

Replies

  • MelisRunning
    MelisRunning Posts: 819 Member
    I have used my Forerunner 305 religiously for almost 2 years. It is wonderful!!!

    Someday I would like to upgrade to a more sleek model but as far as function and reliability, you can't beat it!
  • librarianjenne
    librarianjenne Posts: 66 Member
    I've had mine for about a year and a half. I love it and use it daily. I have it set to alert me to custom heart rate zones and it does exactly what I want it to. I do wish there was a display that showed the heart rate prominently, but that's the only thing about it I would change.

    I wear a sweatband under mine to protect it from sweat. I have a small wrist, so it fits fine with the wristband under it. It is huge, but I don't even notice its size when running. I use a foot pod with it-- distance-wise, it's slightly inaccurate on the treadmill, but I only use the footpod for cadence.
  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    My friend is selling me her Garmin 305, its barely been used but she needs something with a longer batter life for all her ultras. Now it looks like a bit of a monster, but ive been assured its great. Would like some more feedback please.

    I bought a 305 when I started running (2 years ago) and it worked fine for me. One thing to keep in mind is that it does not give HR-based calorie estimates (the Garmins that end in -10 use HR) but it uses a formula so the calorie estimates it provides will be somewhere in the 20% over or under reported.
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    My friend is selling me her Garmin 305, its barely been used but she needs something with a longer batter life for all her ultras. Now it looks like a bit of a monster, but ive been assured its great. Would like some more feedback please.
    If you don't want it I'll buy it; they discontinued that model and mine is going to die eventually.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member

    You beat me to it!

    I had a 305 for several years and was very happy with it. Nice big display, intuitive controls and built in multi-sport capabilities. As ATT949 pointed out the calorie estimates are a bit on the high side (I noticed a considerable drop when I switched to a 610).

    Overall, they're a very serviceable product.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    I had a 305 for several years. I was very happy with it and the service from Garmin. When it crapped out on me I wanted something I could swim with so I went with the Timex Global Trainer. Also a serviceable product. Really wish I went with the 910 though.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I'm another happy customer. Mine got lost before it broke/wore out. The only reason I didn't buy another one was the fact of spending the money again. It was my second Garmin (first lost to puppy teeth, second lost at a race). I finally broke down and bight a second hand 405. I'm used to it now but didn't like it as much as the 305. I found the 305 much more user friendly.
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    I was very happy with the 305 for a couple years. Now I have the 910xt which is even better but the 305 totally got the job done. I don't do HR training so I can't really speak to that, though. As an older guy I did have a little trouble seeing the display on the 305, which was one of the big reasons I upgraded.
  • Eat2Live2Run
    Eat2Live2Run Posts: 137 Member
    Love my 305! Been using that model since 2009 and I'll be so sad when it has to be replaced. I borrowed one of the newer sleeker models from a friend of mine once and really did not like the small screens and touch bezels. 305 is the way to go :)
  • TheBrolympus
    TheBrolympus Posts: 586 Member
    The only issue I have had with any of my Garmin devices has been battery life as they get older. But Garmin support is fantastic and they have replaced/fixed any issues even after the devices are out of warranty.
  • M_lifts
    M_lifts Posts: 2,218 Member
    Wow! Thanks for all the info everyone! I've got it and just need to play with and get comfy with it. Have a half on Sunday so will give it a go then :)
  • geerunz
    geerunz Posts: 163 Member
    Had a 305 for years until it finally died. Upgraded to a 310xt, totally loving it. :happy:
  • librarianjenne
    librarianjenne Posts: 66 Member
    How do you like your 305, mariababe81?