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Garmin 305
Yes, yes, I could have posted this on the RW gear thread but that's full of people who can't swim, don't own several bikes, wear 70's style vests, and don't say AAAAaargh 
Might finally splash out on a HRM, with GPS, something reliable and not too expensive for running/riding. Thinking it would be better to get something like a 305 now (yes, they are brick size), and get a bike specific GPS/route planner without inbuilt HRM some time later. Not too worried about the size of the 305, most people seem happy with them, just thinking newer ones might have better battery life (given my leisurely IM pace....)
So, is it a 305 for £160 http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/garmin_forerunner_305.html ? What else is there for about the same spec and money ?
Answers on a postcard please 
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Comments
I got one.... battery power is fine... Mine lasted all the way to the end of my leisurely IM including using the hrm.
Size wise, hmouah, once you get used to it you don't really notice it's there and the big screen helps.
So far I've had it 3 years and it's going strong...no complaints here.
Good price...ok not... btw... I bought it for quite a bit more.
Edited... no idea on prices aparently
Hi Kanga,
If you have a look on Amazon, they usually have the 305 for around the £100 mark. I have one and love it. I only have tiny wrists and have no problem with it's size....hardly notice I'm wearing it.
£104 pounds on Amazon - best bit of kit I have ever had. I know some people hate them, but I like all the info it gives me, even if a bit out on distance etc.
I think the 310 is out now as well - longer battery and waterproof too, they are £230 odd.
I was going to say - you can get a 305 for a lot less than £160.
But someone beat me to it.
I have tiny wrists and HATED the 305, as it slipped round when I sweated, and was very, very annoying.
HOwever, if you have manly, muscular wrists, you may well be OK.
But these bad boys look mighty purty too
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Forerunner-310XT-Heart-Monitor/dp/B0025VKUPM
More than double the cost of the 305 on Amazon though, decisions, decisions
I have had both (lost the 305 - don't ask)
The 305 does 95% of what the 310XT does and one thing the 310 doesn't. The 310XT doesn't seem to allow uploading of routes. The map (squiggly line) and the directions were pretty minimal but on rural routes where it is often left or right only were more than good enough for the job. And let you work back to the route if you went wrong. (It has no map of roads just a squiggly line for your route).
However the beeps and the vibrate function of the 310XT are very useful. The battery is 20 hours - most I had from the 305 was 12.5 hours. However it was easy to rig a USB battery charger and the cradle to allow endless power as it could be charged in use. The 310XT uses a clip which obscures the screen and only charges when off - as far as I can tell.
(My 305 was £95 from Halfords due to some voucher thing allowing double discount)
Meface
I've got the 305, and have recently got the quick release kit. This has the effect of turning a slightly chunky 305 in to something like a 1970s calculator watch, that could also control space stations. It is huge. The benefit is it comes with a velcro strap for thise with gurly wrists.
And the bike clip is guarenteed to hold the thing so tight it increases your T2 time by hours. Do it!
Every time I've looked these have been the cheapest.
I've got the 310 and I like it cus it vibrates
Handtec: http://goo.gl/Dc4qS £128 inc.
Amazon: http://goo.gl/HVh72 £105 inc.
Hoping Mrs K hasn't bought me (another) uber-expensive birthday present
you are nearly right inter, still £118 at handtec but cant beat amazon.
kanga, the 310 is great, i use it for everything, swim, bike, run. ive also got the speed and cadence sensor which is good, bout £30 i think and as i said, it vibrates. for me that and the fact its got 20hrs battery and its waterproof, clinched it but if you want it only for running the 305 at just over £100 looks a bargain!
My Forerunner 50 seems to have given up the go, it resets its self frequently, changing the battery didn't seem to help. Since I have the garmin footpod and heart rate monitor it makes sense to get another garmin. But should I get:
a) Forerunner 305
pros: cheaper (around £100), basic mapping function, cons: Mahoooosive
b) Forerunner 310xt
pros: multisport, smaller, cons: more expensive
c) Forunner 410
pros: nice and compact, great for running, cons: very expensive
The only reason I would move to a 310 is if I got a power meter for the bike. I consider the waterproffing useless, as the GPS and HRM don't work under water.
305 is not that big!
Went with the L'Oreal Theory of Tri Kit Purchasing, and lashed out on the 310XT with HRM from Handtec. £237 + delivery, and bought the bike bracket as well. Ordered yesterday, will be delivered Monday, ready for the kids to wrap up for my burpday. One Happy Kanga
Will do, but don't put the kettle on just yet, might take a while to muddle through it