Needing a new GPS watch for biking and running

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I have a 305 and LOVE it. It looks bulky, but I don't notice it on my wrist and the screen is large, so I can easily view 4 fields at once and toggle between 3 screens.

Not sure about the HRM issue...I have honestly never even used the strap that came with my 305. One of these days I will, but the underwires in my regular running bras is what has been a deterrent. I'm not sure how to fit the strap around/under those and if I put it lower-on my ribcage I don't see it staying put.

If my 305 died today I'd probably buy another one...or maybe the 310XT, but I could buy like 3 305s for the same price.

[OakLeaf]

All the current model Garmin HR straps are compatible. The ones that went with the 301 are different, but if it's one of the ANT+ straps, it will work.

You're probably actually better off with the old, hard strap. People report a lot of problems with the new "premium" soft strap.


ETA: BikeChick, are you sure the 405 doesn't have auto-multisport? So many people have complained about the 310XT not having that feature, that I thought that all the prior models had it. The 301 did, even.

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I know the 305 doesn't have auto multisport. I mean, it won't detect changes in race mode, or anything--is that what you mean? I have to go into the menu and set up what the 3 modes of my duathlon will be, then start at the start, press the lap button for transition, again as I leave transition, etc. It does automatically set the watch up for each mode on race day, but only when I have manually told it what to do beforehand.

[OakLeaf]

Right, rather than having to manually switch to bike mode while you're in transition, and then back to run mode in T2.

[WindingRoad]

I think the strap I have it the hard strap and my FR50 uses the ANT+ wireless stuff so I think that will work. Thanks OakLeaf for helping me too with getting my Mac to work with the software. Come to find out et wasn't my Mac it was the watch, duh, has it set wrong. Apparently while fiddling with it I accidentally changed the pairing settings.

Even though the 310 XT looks huge I like what it does. I'm haven't ruled that one out yet. It's more important this one be reliable and not a piece of poo like the FR50 I have. Plus I do swim occasionally and never though of swimming with a heart rate monitor on. The 405 definitely looks cooler but I've read several reviews saying its precarious to use??? BikeChick any truth to this you think?

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Right, rather than having to manually switch to bike mode while you're in transition, and then back to run mode in T2.

So the 310XT doesn't have the same multi-sport capabilities as the 305? If not, how do they justify the additional $$?

[WindingRoad]

So the 310XT doesn't have the same multi-sport capabilities as the 305? If not, how do they justify the additional $$?

ZZ it does do multisport and it does it quickly from what Garmin says about it. Its set up to be able to log transition times too. I'm really liking how that sounds . It looks even bigger than your 305 but I don't know if I care it's not like its going to be my new fashion statement or anything. Historically I have bought HRM based on how they look as watches, I think I'm past that now.

This is difficult because I like the 305 too? Does yours do cadence too or does it just switch between sports to measure distance, speed etc?

[limewave]

I believe you have to buy a cadence sensor to go with the Garmin 305.

I have the Garmin 305 and LOVE it as well. I am planning on getting the cadence sensor and possibly the foot pod at some point.

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ZZ it does do multisport and it does it quickly from what Garmin says about it. Its set up to be able to log transition times too. I'm really liking how that sounds . It looks even bigger than your 305 but I don't know if I care it's not like its going to be my new fashion statement or anything. Historically I have bought HRM based on how they look as watches, I think I'm past that now.

This is difficult because I like the 305 too? Does yours do cadence too or does it just switch between sports to measure distance, speed etc?

I have the bike cadence/speed sensor for my 305 (I believe it's the same unit that all Garmin units use for the bike) and it makes it the most awesome multi-sport device ever...I use it on my runs, as well as for a bike computer. It's perfect...and it works great on the indoor trainer, since the cadence sensor works with the back wheel--so I have been able to track my trainer miles all Winter.

I don't have the foot pod, but I'm not too worried about my cadence while running, since that's done outside about 100% of the time.

Someone I talked to said that they thought the 301XT felt LESS bulky than the 305, even though it looks a bit bigger.

[Bike Chick]

ETA: BikeChick, are you sure the 405 doesn't have auto-multisport? So many people have complained about the 310XT not having that feature, that I thought that all the prior models had it. The 301 did, even.

Oak, my 405 model is manual and doesn't have auto-multisport. I sure wish it did. I understand the new models now have it.