Garmin but not Forerunner

I spied a Garmin GPS on someone's bike but I didn't get a chance to ask which model it was.

After getting lost in a rather LARGE state park in a t storm complete with hail and trails that were not all marked correctly, I need to get one. I had a Forerunner before and I didn't like it. I want one that is about the size of a Power bar (the size of my slider phone?) and mounts on handle bars. I could go to my LBS but I want to hear it from those that use them first before I go in.

I definately need the "MOB" (man overboard) function where you hit the button and it guides you home. That's probably the most important. I know there are some websites as I learned with the Forerunner where you can download trails that people upload. Does anyone do this? Curious...

I really don't want to spend the cash right now, but I'm just not comfortable riding and getting lost anymore. I'm always riding by myself, I'm fine with that. But not having a clue (with a map!) is bad. I didn't get lost out west because well...you just either head away from the mountain or towards the mountain and there weren't as many trees. Not bad or good...just different :D

The model you are asking about is the Edge either 205, more likely 305, and maybe the bangin' 705. A lot of us here at TE have the Edge. Just do a search for the "Garmin Edge" on the board and you'll find a wealth of information. HTH!

The Forerunners also have the "Back to Start" function.

If your main concern is getting lost, then you kinda need to shell out for the 705, because that's the only one with street maps. I'm loving mine! - but they're not cheap.

If you had a Forerunner 201/301, and the reception is what you disliked about it, the newer 205/305 has the same high-sensitivity receiver as the Edge models, and supposedly the antenna is positioned better as well.

The only thing the Edge 305 has that the Forerunner doesn't is the barometric altimeter and the larger display. (And I don't think you can buy the Forerunner bundled with a cadence sensor, you have to buy it separately.)

On the other side, the Forerunner has a wrist strap and multi-sport functionality, where if you want to run with an Edge, you have to carry or pocket it, and all your data will download into your cycling folder in Training Center (although you can move it manually or of course use other software). There's also an optional footpod for the Forerunner 305.

HTH

good description oak!
I'm coveting the 705. But since I own the edge 205, forerunner 305, as well as TWO forerunner 201's, and even the old timex arm pod gps thingy- I don't think I need ANOTHER gps! :p
But MAN is it cool!!!!

TahoeDirtGirl, were you out here in Wompy during the thunderstorms? I have found it easy to get turned around in the woods out here, especially if you can't see the sun.

I use the Edge 305 and have more than once used it to find my way out of the woods. It has a "back-to-start" function and you can follow a bread-crumb trail back. I don't know if the street maps on the newer, more expensive 705 would be useful for off-road riding.

Hope you had fun, anyway!