Garmin/GPS Watch Users - Recs?

[samurai21]

Anyone have any recs for running GPS watches? I've read a lot of reviews on different models, and think I have it narrowed down to the Garmin 305 or the 610. I haven't looked at many other brands but am open.

I like the relative straightforwardness of the 305, but also like the vibrate feature on the 610. I'm not 100% sure I would use it, or if that and the touch screen are worth the extra cost for the 610.

Any personal experiences with ANY GPS fitness watch you have? To date I've only used my phone to track, but I like the idea of not having to awkwardly angle my arm, shield the screen from light and search for what I'm looking for. I know I want a running watch - but can't commit just yet since I'm so unsure.

[doughseedough]

I bought my 610 a few months ago and I love it. I had it narrowed down to a couple, but chose the 610 because I don't swim, wanted a watch that vibrated, and figured that if I was going to make the investment, I might as well go big or go home. I also love that you can customize the screens with up to 4 fields and the touch screen is really easy to use. To be honest, the vibration in itself is worth the extra $$ to me!! At the time of purchase they also had a $50 rebate for it, so that helped as well.

Before the watch, I was using the RunKeeper app on my phone to track my runs. I like having the watch so I can quickly glance at everything.

[RoryGilmore]

I have the 210 and love it.

One thing I've learned from these boards is that I have yet to see a person complain about their Garmin. There are several different models that folks on this board have and everyone has nothing to say but positives.

I find my 210 incredibly easy to use and the price was right. (Probably would have gone with the 610 if there was no budget!)

[Deleted]

I have the 405 and love it. It took a while to get used to but once I figured it out, it's great. I hated the user manual and figured out most of the stuff online.

It has dropped satellite a couple of times but I've learned to just keep the battery charged and it's fine.

[SuziSaysDa]

I have a 610 and I really love it - it has a lot of features that I did not think I would use, but I really like now. I did a lot of research and in the end decided to get the newest technology.

[patches31709]

I have a 305 and I love it. I also have mine set to show 4 screens sometimes, although right now I only have it set to display 3. A lot of people feel it's too big but I don't find it too big at all.

[keweenawlove]

DH just got the 410 (on groupon now here www.groupon.com/goods?dl=d47388)
He really likes it so far. He had been borrowing my 305 and likes the size of the 410 better.

[kmartini1021]

I have the 305 and love it. The only complaint I have ever heard about it is that it is too big or clunky. I'm a somewhat smaller person and I think it's perfect. I like having the split screens to show me all my stats. Two thumbs up!

[rayofsunshine99]

May 14, 2012 19:34:30 GMT -5 RoryGilmore said:

I have the 210 and love it.

One thing I've learned from these boards is that I have yet to see a person complain about their Garmin. There are several different models that folks on this board have and everyone has nothing to say but positives.

I find my 210 incredibly easy to use and the price was right. (Probably would have gone with the 610 if there was no budget!)

I'm going to be the black sheep and complain. While I do think it's better than the app I had on my phone that didn't track my mileage accurately, there are some things I don't like about the Garmin.

1st, I don't like that it won't show me my MPH instead of my pace while I'm running.

2nd, when I use it for spin class to track my HR and then upload it to the computer, it doesn't calculate my calories burned based on my HR, the time spent exercising and the mileage that I input manually. It shows 0 calories burned. Lame.

3rd/lastly, the chest strap does not transmit my heart rate to the machines at the gym. (treadmill, elliptical & bike) which also is kind of annoying.

I feel like for $150 (I got the 405) it should do everything.