I purchased my 305 in May of 2007 and I love it! And, I use the HRM all the time too. So, I'm a big fan. I have training partners who use the 405 and when I see how they use it, it just confirms that the 305 is still the tool for me.<br><br>
Benefits:<br>
I like the large display. It can display 3 or 4 data fields at one time and you can set up 3 different screens that you can scroll through while running. Yes, that means you can access 12 different data points on the fly.<br><br>
Prior to my 305, I'd never used a HRM now I'm hooked. After two years of looking at the data, I can tell you what my HR will be based on how I feel and based on my current HR I can tell you what my pace is with about :10 seconds. I find the HR data is great in races to tell you if you're about to go into the red zone and need to slow down and settle down.<br><br>
Now, here's somethings that you might want to know. If you use your 305 a lot like I do. 6 runs per week, things will wear out. Garmin has a great customer service number. I'm actually on my 3rd 305, my 3rd HRM strap, and my second craddle and USB cord. All three of my 305s have been replaced by Garmin free of charge. They also replaced my HRM strap when it stopped working. I did however purchase the new soft strap and I purchased the new craddle and cord when my previous one wore out.<br><br>
Like I said, Garmin technical support on the 800 number is great to work with. I don't really see this as a product fault, it's just that these things wear out and have to be refurbed. My brother went through the same routine with POLAR HRM before he switched to Garmin. If you need to have your 305 refurbed by Garmin after the one year warranty, it's a flat rate of $69.<br><br>
I can't imagine trying to train and race without mine now.
