Advice On GPS Watches

macgrub

I was thinking of investing in a GPS running watch, but there are a few questions that I hope can be cleared up for me.
What is the "best value" out there at the moment? I'm seeing a lot about the Garmin 405, or 305.
With these watches, can I upload them to a program on my PC to show how far I have ran, inclines, speed etc?
Does anyone ever have trouble with the GPS signal strength. I go running sometimes in a forest near me, and I wonder would it lose the signal easily in somewhere like that? Equally, in built up areas, will it lose the signal easily or how reliable are they?

Krusty_Clown

Best value is probably the 305, but if you want value you cannot buy it from a bricks and mortar shop. If the 305 is too 'big' for you, then look out for the 405 for around 180-190 euro, again, bargains on the internet. Forerunner 110 is coming soon, and may ultimately be cheaper than the other models. It's too early to tell yet.

Yes, you can upload training runs from any Garmin to a PC/web. I have lost satellite reception twice, in the two years I've owned my 405. Running in a forest or built up area will mean less accuracy, which can get frustrating at times (as it can play with your numbers and your tracklog), but generally I find that if you get a good signal before you start out (35-40ft accuracy) you will not have any problems during your run.

macgrub

Thanks Krusty. Looked up that 305. That's a pretty bulky piece of equipment alright. That 405 looks sleek. Those prices are not though, I'm looking at about 300euro being the cheapest. :eek:

Krusty_Clown

200 euro including postage to Ireland. Chance that you may get stung for vat, which would bring it to: €242 euro. An extra 10 euro if you want it in black.

robinph

About €245 from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Forerunner-Heart-Monitor-stick/dp/B0012XO4R4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1272297007&sr=8-1

...and they do ship to Ireland.

I'm sure there have been slightly cheaper places listed before as well.

macgrub

Just saw that one for 212pounds on amazon there now. I was looking at the 405CX model. Big differences ?

robinph

The cx is basically exactly the same as the standard 405, but counts calories a bit better and has a different strap.

macgrub

robinph wrote: »

The cx is basically exactly the same as the standard 405, but counts calories a bit better and has a different strap.

Worth the extra 55euro (or so) ?

robinph

I don't think so, and I'd usually splash out on the highest spec'ed model I can find of various gadgets but I don't think I'd bother with he CX.

macgrub

cheers for the advice

Peterx

The battery time on the 405 bugs me intensely, once again last Saturday it struggled with 5 hours go time.
A friend of mine has a watch (possibly a Suunto sorry not sure) with an external GPS pod, the battery on the wristwatch is normal , ie: years, and the GPS pod has a chunky battery time of over 20 hours. disadvantage is obviously carrying the external GPS.
apart from that the 405 is class in fairness.

The Davestator

Has anyone got any thoughts on the 310xt. People seem to be advising on 305 or 405.

Link to it

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=27335

RayCun

macgrub wrote: »

Looked up that 305. That's a pretty bulky piece of equipment alright.

It does, but I find I don't really notice it once its on. And its about 50 quid cheaper.

beeduybe

Anybody bought the Forerunner 110?

How are you finding it?

InTheTrees

RayCun wrote: »

It does, but I find I don't really notice it once its on. And its about 50 quid cheaper.

I think it looks worse in the pictures. Its actually light and you dont notice it after a time.

JosDel

Elara.ie delivered my Garmin 205 yesterday, had 2 runs so far and I love it...