Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin had made a concerted effort to address the issues of the Forerunner 301, and the new 305 is a leap forward in functionality and reliability.

From a coaching perspective the 301 promised a revolutionary new tool akin to the power meter. To capture pace, elevation, heart rate, and distance all on one device allowed a higher level of performance analysis, pacing, and training accuracy. Unfortunately the 301 did not quite deliver. There were issues with heart rate strap picking up the athletel and the GPS signal was often spotty or non-existent.

Luckily the folks at Garmin addressed most of these issues. The 305 is smaller, more functional, and much more reliable. The heart rate strap is more comfortable than the hard plastic 301 model. Although the GPS still may loose a signal in heavy cover for prolonged periods, I was amazed at how well it worked on my trail run. In fact I did not expect to pick up a signal at all and it mapped my entire route. The software is highly functional and easy to use. I was able to program custom screens with the data I wanted to view on the bike and run. Docking, uploading, and charging the GPS unit utilizes a better system as well.

The multi-sport function works very well.  In auto mode you can switch to your custom swim, bike, and run screens with the push of the split buttin and later analyze each sport including transitions.  Gone is the annoying paging through multiple screens to switch sports.  It is water proof to 1 meter for 30 minutes but I would use caution, especially in corrosive salt water. The unit itself is smaller but not necessarily more comfortable. I like the velcro strap of the 301 better.  Supposedly Garmin has a new strap / mount system coming out that will allow the athlete to quickly disconnect from the wrist and mount the unit on the bike as a cycle computer.  This will be an excellent feature as it is hard to see the screen on your wrist in the aero position.

My biggest consideration with the 301 was the lack of a cadence sensor. This was the only feature that kept the 301 from being a true cycle computer. Blessedly this is an option for the 305. It still does not work with Macs, as promised, which is a dissapointment for several of our athletes. If you are looking for a serious training and analysis tool the 305 delivers for a modest investment. 

http://www.garmin.com/products/forerunner305/

-Coach Matt Russ

Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from USA Triathlon, USA Cycling (Elite), and is a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. Matt is head coach and owner of The Sport Factory, and works with athletes of all levels full time. He is a free lance author and his articles are regularly featured in a variety of magazines such as Inside Triathlon, and Triathlete. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at coachmatt@thesportfactory.com