Yield Extra High Return details
With some sellers offering the 305 with heart rate monitor for $150, it is really hard to beat this device. Using just the GPS and hrm (no foot pod or cadence/speed sensor) this device works well for both running and cycling outdoors.
I’m not a hardcore athlete, but I do enjoy hiking, trail running, and cycling, and the accuracy of this device more than meets my needs for tracking my pace and performance. The elevation data is pretty off, but garmin-connect does a reasonable job of correcting it after the fact.
Learning to use the features of the 305 takes a little practice. Not something I mind, but some might. The bike mount/wrist strap kit works well for juggling it between arm and bike.
I’ve looked at some of the newer devices in this nitch, and I don’t see how any of them justify their very large price gap over the forerunner 305. In fact, you will pay significantly more for some of the newer devices that do less than the 305.
I looked at the FR 310XT, and it just doesn’t do it for me, and especially not at $380 with hrm. I’m not a triathlete, and I don’t care much about waterproof. I would much rather have something like a multisport/watch version of the Edge 500, which tracks temperature and altitude, and would be much more useful for my trail running, hiking, and cycling. If Garmin ever figures this out, I would likely upgrade.