Needing a new GPS watch for biking and running

[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.

[zoom-zoom]

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.

[OakLeaf]

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

Yep. One of the reasons I (and many women) skipped the 305 is the size. The 310XT is half an inch shorter and lacks the bump that wraps around the wrist on the 305. I don't know that it even looks bigger. The displays are the same size, and there's a lot more bulk to the 305 beyond the display, than there is on the 310.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare....areProduct=349

The strap on the 310XT still s*cks and people have complained about the pins popping out on some units , but it's easily replaced with a retaining strap like the 301 used to have.

Basically, for the extra money, you get power meter compatibility, a waterproof case, and HR-based calorie computation. None of which I really use... but it was the size that really was the breaking point for me on the 305. My wrists are just too small - I even have to wear a sweat band under the 301 and the 310XT so they don't bruise the "bump" on my wrist over a long run. That, and okay, I'm a sucker for "the latest" ...

They advertise a much longer battery life on the 310XT. I have no idea what real world battery life is on the 305, but it's closer to 13-15 hours than to 20 for most people on the 310. YMMV, there are a lot of variables that go into battery life.


Not sure about this - but I think I've heard it mentioned that the 310 has a different GPS algorithm than the 305, that makes it more accurate even though they both have the same receiver. Could be wrong though.

[zoom-zoom]

I wear a sweat band under my 305...mostly because I read too many accounts of sweat/sunscreen clogging the speaker holes and gunking up the contacts. Sure makes for one big, weird tanline, though.

I do like the orange. DH would if I went for the 310XT based upon color, though.

[SadieKate]

Something to consider is the alarm volume. I think I've heard that the alarm on the newer models is louder. I frequently miss the alarm on the FR305 if it is windy or I have a headband on. If I were trying to bike with it, I'd probably never hear it. The 310XT looks like it even has a vibrating alarm.

[OakLeaf]

Yep. I forgot to mention that. The vibrating alarm on the 310 is WONDERFUL for pacing myself during races without ticking off everyone around me!

But I never had any trouble hearing the 301, even running on the beach in high wind or heavy surf.

[SadieKate]

I googled the volume problem on the 305 and found a lot of references. It seems I'm not the only one. The little holes on the back are clean, nothing I can do.

You think $350 is a tad expensive just for the vibrating alarm?