[runrchk]

I had never heard of one until a few weeks ago. I ran with a group of people and at the end of the run the guy looked at his watch and said "We ran 5.2 miles". I asked how he knew and he told me about the GPS on his watch. How much do they go for and what kinds are good? I may look into getting one. I am so behind the times. I still drive my car around to find out how far I ran<img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif">

 

[RunAsics]

Google GARMIN... models 205 & 305 are very popular. Sold everywhere. 205 will run ~$150. 305 has a HRM so is more $. You may get a better deal online now that the newer, smaller 405 is on the shelves.<br><br>
My car doesn't fit down the bike path or along the trail ... tried it once <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
Note that <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/" target="_blank">www.MapMyRun.com</a> is the poor man's GPS watch.

 

[CoyoteMark]

If you don't mind the geek look, get the Garmin 305 over the 405. It will cost less, and functionally speaking the it does basically everything the 405 does, it just makes you look like you should be wearing a pocket protector and a duct taped HRM strap. <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif"><br><br>
Personally, I like the geek look! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[runrchk]

Thanks I will look into them.<br><br>
Yeah, I am pretty behind the times. Luckily, I don't do much trail running so I always know how far I run<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[canalrunner]

If you don't need the heart rate monitor then the 101 or the 201 would do and give you that oh so sexy geek look. I am still wearing the old 101 but must admit the style of the 205--305 is nicer.

 

[brianinptown]

I have the Garmin 305...I call it my "Nerd Watch". You definitely take it off directly after the run! That said, I LOVE IT, and it's one of the best purchases I've made. It doesn't just tell you how far you've run - it tells you a million things such as:<br><ul><li>how fast your last mile or lap was</li>
<li>current pace</li>
<li>your overall average pace</li>
<li>elevation</li>
<li>programmable workouts for things such as intervals, and temp runs</li>
<li>and a lot, lot more</li>
</ul>
I got the heartrate model, even though I don't use it much - but I like to have it just in case I do more heart rate training in the future...or use it once a month and run the same exact route, and the same pace, and see if your heart rate is going down...not a bad addition for $50.

 

[txdave13]

I've run with the Garmin Forerunner 201 for 3 years now and I love it. I don't make use of all its abilities (i.e. downloading runs), but I use it extensively. The 201 is still one of the big rectangular models; Garmin's 205 and 305 look like large watches, not small plastic bricks like the 201/301. However, it can be had for cheap.<br><br>
The GPS watch is nice vs. driving or mapmyrun.com as it is on the fly. You wanna change your route halfway through a run, no problem. You wanna run a new route but haven't mapped it out, no problem.

 

[Andi]

I just got my 305 in the mail today. I chose the 305 over the other models because it does multi-sport and you can get a cadence sensor which will tell you your mileage when riding the bike on the trainer. I will buy that in the fall since the bike will be coming off the trainer soon anyway.

 

[kfuller]

I own the Timex speed and distance watch. It has a gps sensor you can wear around your arm or there is a belt clip you can use. For the money I spent on it, it is a good option if you do not want to spend as much as a garmin. I really like it and it gives you all sorts of great data.

 

[jggillette]

I agree with coyote on everything but the geek look. Being a Corrections Officer, it looks more like a house arrest GPS to me.<br><br>
I would pick the 305 over all the other Garmin products right now. The 101 and 201 are very inexpensive but have the last generation GPS chip (not as sensitive) with the antennae located across the top. That's great when you're looking at it but when you're running it's pointing to the ground. Although I've never used one, I've read in many forums that the GPS lock isn't as strong as with the 205, 305 and, I'm assuming, the 405. I own the 205 and love it. It's like the 305 but doesn't have the heart rate monitor strap. But I'm now to the point where I want a HRM and am considering trying to sell my 205 so I can buy a 305. As for the 405, Amazon has them in stock now. The going price for the 405 with the HRM strap is $350 and they have the 305 for $217.49. If you <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=142&compare=compare&compareProduct=348&compareProduct=349" target="_blank">compare the 305 and the 405</a> the only real differences is the look and the 405s wireless capabilities. I'd save the $143 and get the 305.<br><br>
If you do decide to get a Garmin product, download <a href="http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/" target="_blank">SportTracks</a>. It's a running log that will download the information straight from your Garmin. It's better than the Garmin Training Center software and it's free (donations to help Zone Five Software further develop the software are accepted).

 

[Russel P Casse]

Another vote for the 305.<br><br>
Sure, it's dorky, but it has so much functionality and is available relatively cheaply. I had a Timex Bodylink for a while with a separate GPS receiver, HRM and data collector. The 305 is so much slicker, and less stuff to carry or strap on.

 

[RichardC]

I have the 305.. it has worked well for me also.

 

[Moment's Notice]

Helpful thread. After a week of comparing 305 vs 405 I ordered the 305. I have been using the Polar 625x for the past 4 years....no more calibrating!!

 

[nadra24]

I tried on both the 305 and the 405 at REI on Saturday. The 405 looks sleeker, but it was too big for my wrist. I ended up with the 205 because I decided I didn't care so much about the HRM. I can't wait to use it!<br><br>
BTW, they are on sale right now at REI for $124 for the 205 and $169 for the 305. I also saw them at Roadrunner Sports (in the store) for the same price.