Garmin vs Polar: Can anyone tell me why I would pay WAY more for a Polar than I would for a Garmin Forerunner 305?
66679
I have a Timex Ironman (Trashman would be a better moniker for this $90 disappointment!) that has NEVER given me reliable performance and has basically just quit after 17 months of unreliable service. I'm reading enough negative reviews on the Polar F11, which had otherwise sounded promising, to dismiss risking money on that product as well! While I have little or no use for GPS, the Garmin 305 is starting to sound to me like the accurate, reliable heart rate monitor I'm looking for based on further reading!
306834
FYI - I just called Amazon, and I spoke with someone that was hard to understand. Anyway, he said he could not confirm the Garmin 350 would ship with v9. I also asked him what is Amazon's return/refund policy, and he was very vague. When I askded him for more info, he said to check online for their return/refund policy. I told him to make a note that I WAS going to buy the Garmin 350 from Amazon, but since he can't guarantee they have v9, I won't be buying it from them! I just sent Amazon an e-mail in response to their so called "Help" call. I'll let you know if I get a reply from them.
1748146
I had the same question myself. I received both the heart monitor and speed/cadence sensor as a gift, so I kept both. The only thing I noticed is that the speed sensor captures speed right away and accurately while gps speed sensor lags on occasions
57413
I know it is compatible with the Garmin 110 Forerunner I have. I use it all the time and it is flawless.
360926
You might want to check out Ascent from Montbello Software. Mac native and runs circles around Garmin Training Center for the 205/305. I'm using it for my 405, but only after exporting a file in windows from GTC and importing it into Ascent.
346418
Because it works perfectly with Polar products and Windows 7. I bought one, and it functions seamlessly. The Polar product is more expensive, and is reported to have problems with Windows 7 compatibility. I highly recommend this product for use with Polar products, and I'm really happy with how well it works with my Polar S610i watch.
1732907
Garmin sells a different watch for swimming (an extra 150$). I tried it for swimming, and it doesn't work at all. And since Garmin is not reliable (read the reviews, most of them stop working after a year or 2 just like mine did), I would go for something else. I just bough a Suunto Ambit2 S, and for 400$, you can run, cycle, swim, and much much more than a Garmin crap. Easier to use, more confortable, better software.
143715
Depends what you want it for.The name should answer your question. The Forerunner is for running. The Fenix is primarily for hiking and other outdoor navigation. It will do the running stuff too. but the Forerunner may have more "fitness" features -- the ads say it's "like having a coach." The Fenix probably has more "outdoor" features (e.g., altimeter-barometer-compass).
2000008
I would imagine so but I am using mine with Nike GPS sports watch. I have owned a cheaper band along with this one and have noticed a big difference. I can't answer your question about polar watches...sorry
214022
Don't know, mine was defective so I returned and bought a Garmin, which is much better!
1684785
No, it is sold seperately for about $50. The monitor and sensor are proprietary and a Polar sensor will not work. That is a negative for this watch and heart rate monitor.
1722184
I have a 255, 255w's smaller brother with identical features, and have been using it for over a year. I love it, but once you get your free map update online, you have to buy future updates fron Garmin at hefty prices. It is cheaper to buy a new unit than pay for lifetime updates($119). A onetime update is @ $60. Though I love my 255, it's a pretty stiff toll. I'm thinking of trying something different, because there has been some new road construction near me, and my current maps don't always suit.
355080
Thanks for the update, dsrussell. I'll take your advice and check out the review of the 765 that you mentioned at gpsmagazine.com. It's too bad that the folks at Garmin didn't include this info about the 765 in their owners manual. Must have been an oversight on their end. Again,thanks a bunch!
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Hi...it is probably best for you to call the polar phone number for the comparison. I was very disappointed in how many features the watches now have. I just wanted one that would measure heart rate and calories burned and a few additional features. But one of the two I trialled was over the top. Anyway, in my experience, the heart rate monitoring feature only works w a chest strap. I know there are products on the market that monitor in other ways but all the polar watches I have had require the chest strap. Hopefully any of that is helpful. The wait time on the phone is very long but the person who finally answered seemed knowledgeable so perhaps worth the wait. Hi...it is probably best for you to call the polar phone number for the comparison. I was very disappointed in how many features the watches now have. I just wanted one that would measure heart rate and calories burned and a few additional features. But one of the two I trialled was over the top. Anyway, in my experience, the heart rate monitoring feature only works w a chest strap. I know there are products on the market that monitor in other ways but all the polar watches I have had require the chest strap. Hopefully any of that is helpful. The wait time on the phone is very long but the... » Read More Hi...it is probably best for you to call the polar phone number for the comparison. I was very disappointed in how many features the watches now have. I just wanted one that would measure heart rate and calories burned and a few additional features. But one of the two I trialled was over the top. Anyway, in my experience, the heart rate monitoring feature only works w a chest strap. I know there are products on the market that monitor in other ways but all the polar watches I have had require the chest strap. Hopefully any of that is helpful. The wait time on the phone is very long but the person who finally answered seemed knowledgeable so perhaps worth the wait. « Show Less
928974
I don't think so. I tried one of the other Polar HR monitors that didn't have the Nike+ symbol on it and the GPS watch would never pick up the signal. I only found the monitor online. The GPS watch is sold at many sporting good stores and BestBuy but apparently the heart rate monitor is difficult to find other than online. It works GREAT by the way- highly recommend it. It's nice to see your workout with pace/elevation/and heart rate all mapped in google maps.
1731637
Interesting question. I would guess, probably, but contact Garmin directly on their website. I'm betting that is another market they might want to look into, even if it doesn't work.
349773
HM, did you ever get any good feeback to your dilemma? I am in the same boat now, debating between the 305 Edge and Forerunner. As a Mtn Biker (primarily) I'm leaning toward the Edge but they both have the functionality I need.