Buying a Garmin

PDCAT

Hi Folks

Looking at buying a garmin watch. Basically functions that i'm interested in are Time, Heart Rate, Calculates my pace for current mile/km, Calculates my overall pace for the race, nothing too fancy.

Would a Garmin 305 be the best for this. Don't know, much about these and want to make sure that i get the right one.

Also, what would i be expected to pay for one of these?

Thanks
Paul.

huskerdu

Here is a simple comparison of 3 popular garmin watches.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=71924052&postcount=944

THe 305 is about £108 stg on amazon at the moment

m.j.w

99 pound brand new with free postage of ebay aswell

Mr Magnolia

I've been doing some reading on the forum myself so thanks for the info to all. I'm looking for my first gps & heart rate watch myself and the Garmin 405 has caught my eye. Is ebay about the best place to buy these? The poor battery life is a bit off-putting though... As the OP said any and all advice greatly appreciated.

nutts_77

Have been using the 305 for the last year and can't recommend it enough.. Always feel a little extra proud when running with a 405 user, and they are struggling with the fiddly bezel.... :-)

OneColdHand

I'm looking for my first GPS watch. I don't really have a clue which one to get. Don't want to spend too much, if possible. I don't need one with tonnes of features, just the basic ones will do me. I would like it to do the following:

-Tell me overall time and distance (I'm guessing they will all do this!!!)
-Beep for every kilometer I run
-Tell me the time it took to do the last kilometer.

That's really all I need, I think. From reading threads and looking online, it seems the Forerunner 110 is the man for me. Would anyone be able to confirm/deny this?

Thanks.

antomagoo

this chap does very in depth & comprehensive reviews of various GPS watches

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/p/product-reviews.html

RedPeppers

Just got my first Garmin watch a few weeks ago the Forerunner 305,spent ages looking into all the different ones but am very happy with it. Its very easy to use, gives current pace, average pace HR calories and so on. At the price i would recommend it highly

Krusty_Clown

OneColdHand wrote: »

I'm looking for my first GPS watch. I don't really have a clue which one to get. Don't want to spend too much, if possible. I don't need one with tonnes of features, just the basic ones will do me. I would like it to do the following:

-Tell me overall time and distance (I'm guessing they will all do this!!!)
-Beep for every kilometer I run
-Tell me the time it took to do the last kilometer.

That's really all I need, I think. From reading threads and looking online, it seems the Forerunner 110 is the man for me. Would anyone be able to confirm/deny this?

Thanks.

Yes, the 110 will do exactly what you need. But if you don't mind the size, the 305 will do all you need plus more (when you eventually need more from it) and is cheaper than the 110.

Krusty_Clown

Mr Magnolia wrote: »

I've been doing some reading on the forum myself so thanks for the info to all. I'm looking for my first gps & heart rate watch myself and the Garmin 405 has caught my eye. Is ebay about the best place to buy these? The poor battery life is a bit off-putting though... As the OP said any and all advice greatly appreciated.

I'd suggest looking at Amazon UK (US if you know someone who could post it back for you).

happygoose

m.j.w wrote: »

99 pound brand new with free postage of ebay aswell

Link? The one I can see at this price has P&P at £15 to RoI.

Thanks

conno16

210 is the biz

PDCAT

Just bought the 305 from Amazon. uk. Cost 137 euro (after converstion) including p&p.

Frantic Frank

Found these the other day and they are brilliant... No chest strap and ECG accurate

http://www.physioneeds.biz/BrowseProducts.aspx?type=/1/368/

menoscemo

Frantic Frank wrote: »

http://www.physioneeds.biz/BrowseProducts.aspx?type=/1/368/

:rolleyes: But sure a garmin 305 does all that watch does, plus it has GPS and tracks your speed, distance time etc.
If you buy it off amazon it's about the same price too...

mloc123

menoscemo wrote: »

:rolleyes: But sure a garmin 305 does all that watch does, plus it has GPS and tracks your speed, distance time etc.
If you buy it off amazon it's about the same price too...

And you avoid giving physioneeds(irishfit?) your money

Krusty_Clown

Frantic Frank wrote: »

Found these the other day and they are brilliant... No chest strap and ECG accurate

http://www.physioneeds.biz/BrowseProducts.aspx?type=/1/368/

I got something similar from LIDL for €22 a couple of years ago. Doesn't keep time very well, but the wrist-based HR monitor is a bit of fun (when it works).

PDCAT

Bought Garmin on Amazon, Friday evening, arrived in the post yesterday.
How's that for service.

OneColdHand

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Yes, the 110 will do exactly what you need. But if you don't mind the size, the 305 will do all you need plus more (when you eventually need more from it) and is cheaper than the 110.

Thanks. Don't think I'd like the size of the 305 at all to be honest, so sounds like the 110 is the one for me.

Having said that, I notice the 410 is cheaper on the US Amazon site than the 110 is on the UK Amazon. Hmmm!

mccabecc

I have GARMIN Forerunner 110 and it's great it has everythin what i need it costs about €170 but it is also water and dust resistant so it should serve you long time.

OneColdHand

OneColdHand wrote: »

Thanks. Don't think I'd like the size of the 305 at all to be honest, so sounds like the 110 is the one for me.

Having said that, I notice the 410 is cheaper on the US Amazon site than the 110 is on the UK Amazon. Hmmm!

the size difference is not that significant tbh. also, 305 has more functions than the 110, ones that may eventually like to use. you are only wearing this watch for exercise, you can't wear it for everyday use due to battery life.

Frantic Frank

I guess your decision should be based on what is it that you really need. For me, the advantage was to get an accurate heart rate reading without having to wear a chest strap.

menoscemo

Frantic Frank wrote: »

I guess your decision should be based on what is it that you really need. For me, the advantage was to get an accurate heart rate reading without having to wear a chest strap.

Well since you can get that Mio Drive watch you linked on Amazon for $47, I certainly wouldn't be spending €99 in Physio needs anyway

mloc123

menoscemo wrote: »

Well since you can get that Mio Drive watch you linked on Amazon for $47, I certainly wouldn't be spending €99 in Physio needs anyway

Ah but Frank seems to be a bit of a fan of Physio needs

http://www.boards.ie/search/?u=398242&sort=newest

PaulieC

mloc123 wrote: »

Ah but Frank seems to be a bit of a fan of Physio needs

http://www.boards.ie/search/?u=398242&sort=newest

Is Physio Needs not very good? Or IrishFit?

Krusty_Clown

cambo_gueno wrote: »

Is Physio Needs not very good? Or IrishFit?

I called into their new shop in Carrickmines recently. Definitely very good for nutritional products (a very wide range). But I wouldn't buy a watch (or any technology product for that matter) in any Irish bricks and mortar shop, unless it was at least as competitive as online alternatives.

mloc123

cambo_gueno wrote: »

Is Physio Needs not very good? Or IrishFit?

I'm not a fan of either, I'm sure some ppl are.

menoscemo

mloc123 wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/search/?u=398242&sort=newest

Yes, I had noticed

tHE vAGGABOND

Surprised no one has mentioned the new garmin about to launch - the 610

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=84374

Not read any real reviews yet...

But it could mean their other products drop in price?

opus

m.j.w wrote: »

99 pound brand new with free postage of ebay aswell

Just noticed in my weekly email from Pixmania that they have the 305 for €99 plus p&p of €13.99, you'll have to do the conversion to see how that compares to 99 pounds.

Krusty_Clown

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Surprised no one has mentioned the new garmin about to launch - the 610

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=84374

Not read any real reviews yet...

But it could mean their other products drop in price?

DC Rainmaker did a review, which is about as good as you're going to get, in terms of Garmin product reviews. $350 in the US, without a HRM ($399 with the HRM).

RayCun

Looks very nice. So are you tempted, as a replacement for your 405?

Krusty_Clown

RayCun wrote: »

Looks very nice. So are you tempted, as a replacement for your 405?

Very tempted. But I have a buddy heading to the US next week (I wouldn't pay euro prices). Sadly, it won't be available until the end of May, so I may be stuck with a new 405, for around €127. Still a good deal. The 610 would set me back €247, which is pretty steep.

Interestingly, I could pick up the Timex GPS watch for €106, but the reviews on Amazon are appalling.

PaulieC

opus wrote: »

Just noticed in my weekly email from Pixmania that they have the 305 for €99 plus p&p of €13.99, you'll have to do the conversion to see how that compares to 99 pounds.

It's actually the 205 that is €99. The 305 is €139 + P&P

DaveR1

Had a Garmin 310XT but it has been stolen and I have given up hope of ever getting it back.

Basically I can't afford a new one, but could possibly stretch to the 305. Can this watch show me 4 different data types at the same time like the 310xt? Ideally, time, hr, current pace, lap pace? Will the hr moniter work with it? Does the 305 have a cycling mode too? If so I think the 310XT was a bit of a waste as I don't really use anything else on it!!

Thanks

DaveR1

DaveR1 wrote: »

Had a Garmin 310XT but it has been stolen and I have given up hope of ever getting it back.

Basically I can't afford a new one, but could possibly stretch to the 305. Can this watch show me 4 different data types at the same time like the 310xt? Ideally, time, hr, current pace, lap pace? Will the hr moniter work with it? Does the 305 have a cycling mode too? If so I think the 310XT was a bit of a waste as I don't really use anything else on it!!

Thanks

305 has basically all what the 310xt has in terms of display and functions but 310xt has better battery life (16 vs 8 hrs), vibrate alert and better calorie functions and slighter faster satellite pickup. for the price the 305 is a great deal and it comes with HR monitor anyway (don't think the 310xt monitor works with it but I could be wrong there).

sconhome

310 is essentially a waterproof version of the 305 which doesn't have wireless capability via ANT+. Some other minor differences but nothing major.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=142&compareProduct=27335&compareProduct=349

amphkingwest

amphkingwest wrote: »

310 is essentially a waterproof version of the 305 which doesn't have wireless capability via ANT+. Some other minor differences but nothing major.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=142&compareProduct=27335&compareProduct=349

oh yeah forgot about being waterproof!

Heisenberg1

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Very tempted. But I have a buddy heading to the US next week (I wouldn't pay euro prices). Sadly, it won't be available until the end of May, so I may be stuck with a new 405, for around €127. Still a good deal. The 610 would set me back €247, which is pretty steep.

Interestingly, I could pick up the Timex GPS watch for €106, but the reviews on Amazon are appalling.

Krusty were can you get the 610 for 247euro??

Krusty_Clown

luzon wrote: »

Krusty were can you get the 610 for 247euro??

Amazon.com, shipped to a US address, and brought back by someone you know. My Forerunner 405 arrived yesterday (€130).

pconn062

The 405 is an excellent piece of gear, once you get used to using the bezel (which doesn't take long). Its nice and small as well and looks like a regular watch which is nice. It was one of the problems with the 305, it was a little bulky.

Heisenberg1

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Amazon.com, shipped to a US address, and brought back by someone you know. My Forerunner 405 arrived yesterday (€130).

I've nobody to bring it back for me:mad:

Krusty_Clown

luzon wrote: »

I've nobody to bring it back for me:mad:

Garmin 305 is around €110 delivered from amazon.co.uk, if you don't mind the size.

Heisenberg1

Too big i was originally looking at the 410 but too pricey the prices on

amazon.com are fantastic i'll keep looking.

Heisenberg1

If i buy from these direct do you think i'll be stung for duty??

http://www.clevertraining.com/gafo410.html

Krusty_Clown

luzon wrote: »

If i buy from these direct do you think i'll be stung for duty??

http://www.clevertraining.com/gafo410.html

I'd say you have a 50/50 chance of getting stung for duty.

Frantic Frank

yes, Luzon is correct, it is quite common now for packages to be intercepted by customs. Vat & duty can add another 50% to the advertised price.

col.in.Cr

So,could I get a friend in the U.S to buy from there remove the packaging
and post to me,or would I still get hit by customs?

Krusty_Clown

col.in.Cr wrote: »

So,could I get a friend in the U.S to buy from there remove the packaging
and post to me,or would I still get hit by customs?

I presume there's no duty payable for returning a watch you left behind when you were visiting with friends in the US, but you really want a different forum to go asking those kinds of questions, like Consumer Issues.

col.in.Cr

Has anyone seen a forerunner 110(red black version) for less than 160Euro?
thanks

Krusty_Clown

col.in.Cr wrote: »

Has anyone seen a forerunner 110(red black version) for less than 160Euro?
thanks

Grey version is £105 (€121) delivered, from Amazon.co.uk (without HRM).