Garmin Edge vs Forerunner

[zoom-zoom]

Between the Forerunner 305 and the 310XT, I'm not sure the feature differences are enough to justify the price difference, especially if you don't really need a swim watch. Pretty much the only reason I got the 310 is because I have small wrists and there's no way I could wear a 305. (Plus, I'm a gadget w**** .)

Yeah...part of me wants the 310XT when my 305 croaks...but mostly it's just because the orange would match my bike. Really, the 305 is perfect, since I don't swim. I thought I had heard that the 310XT was easier to use during multi-sport races...something about switching between sports and transitions being more automatic (though it's pretty easy with the 305, too).

[blumensh]

For a newbie I'm having a hard time justifying the price difference between a 305 and 310. I'd love the have the 310 for swimming but I'm okay using the lap clock at the pool.

[GLC1968]

In my experience, the FR305 beats the Edge305 hands down. But that's just me...my Edge 305 lasted *maybe* 8 months before it went totally wonky on me and I don't use it all that much. It was also bulky for running. My FR operates MUCH more smoothly and so far, I haven't had one ounce of trouble with it (I've had it 2 months).

It is quite big on my wrist, but it doesn't bother me. I only wear it when running/cycling...so it's not like I use it for a regular watch or anything. I find it is also plenty accurate in terms of altitude for my uses. At $125 (from an Amazon deal), it's totally worth every penny and I was highly skeptical when I ordered it due to my Edge issues.

Now, if anyone can make a device that accurately tracks HR in the water, then I'll worry about wearing it on the swim. Other than that, I really don't care all that much. When I practice, I wear a timex watch or my lap counter. When I'm racing, I don't care about my speed, only my exertion and no watch can give me that right now.

[Veronica]

I would have gone with the 310 if it could accurately track my swim. I know I don't swim in a straight line and I'd love to know how much extra distance I'm doing in a race. It's a got a software update now to estimate your swim distance, which is an improvement from when it first came out.

Veronica

[sarahkonamojo]

Just bumming because my FR 305 is getting old. the battery life has diminished to less than 4 hours of run time. Kind of a bummer on a long ride... replacement battery is $200. Technology can be so senseless.
Loved the FR when the battery could last all day.
Sarah

[zoom-zoom]

Just bumming because my FR 305 is getting old. the battery life has diminished to less than 4 hours of run time. Kind of a bummer on a long ride... replacement battery is $200. Technology can be so senseless.
Loved the FR when the battery could last all day.
Sarah

How old is your FR? Mine is going on 3 and the battery life still seems great...though I also leave it on the charger pretty much any time I'm not wearing it, so it's getting a full charge nearly every day. My hubby has found that his cell phone batteries last a lot longer than mine--he charges his every night and I charge mine maybe every 3-4 days and only once it gets down to 1 bar. Apparently a lot of rechargeable batteries lose their ability fully charge if they are run down too often.

[sarahkonamojo]

My FR is 4 years old.
I get different advice regarding battery management. Whatever my management style, it is NOT consistent. Battery has definitely lost its ability to hold a charge. But the battery rarely has run down to no charge until recently.

Sarah

[marni]

Just bumming because my FR 305 is getting old. the battery life has diminished to less than 4 hours of run time. Kind of a bummer on a long ride... replacement battery is $200. Technology can be so senseless.
Loved the FR when the battery could last all day.
Sarah

when I became concerned about the decreasing battery life before a couple of long rides which Iknew would take at least 10 hours with stopping time, rest breaks,etc. I bought a small rechargeable battery that I can plug into the garmin through the usb while riding by strapping it to my aerobar.

Not that I am trying to talk anybody out of upgrading through desire or necessity. Just a thought.