Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: Garmin 305 in the winter??

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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Garmin 305 in the winter??

Tri ing

Oct 3, 08 18:48

Post #1 of 6 (249 views)

Garmin 305 in the winter??	Can't Post

Does anyone use garmin 305 in the winter.........(canadian winter...-20....-25?...)
Any problems.....
Thanks for any info....

Matt H

Oct 3, 08 19:06

Post #2 of 6 (238 views)

Re: Garmin 305 in the winter?? [Tri ing] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I used it all last winter in Montreal and it worked just fine, though I guess last winter wasn't quite as obscenely cold as usual.

Cannonball

Oct 3, 08 19:09

Post #3 of 6 (233 views)

Re: Garmin 305 in the winter?? [Tri ing] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use mine all winter, show shoeing, XC skiing, etc. No issues at all.

atasic

Oct 4, 08 7:45

Post #4 of 6 (160 views)

Re: Garmin 305 in the winter?? [Cannonball] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have used my 305 in Kansas City. One problem came up. Only on the bike, temps below 35F, still above 0C, it would shut down if carried on the bike mount. When I put it in my bike jacket pocket, works fine. Running in below 0C, no problems. I did check on the battery several times, had it fully charged before starting, it would take only 20-30min for it to shut down. Called Garmin, they were puzzled. They asked me to send it for overhaul, but I refused as they don't return your unit back. Instead you get a random refurb. Now knowing that a lot of guys here swim with it, I did not take a chance in possibly getting a unit that was submerged.
Winter is coming again and I will see what happens.

rubberband

Oct 4, 08 9:02

Post #5 of 6 (141 views)

Re: Garmin 305 in the winter?? [Tri ing] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Two general winter issues I observed training in Alaska:
1. The heart rate strap has more trouble getting your heart rate, probably because you sweat less. Moisten the contacts first if you have trouble with it. If just licking 'em doesn't work, a water-based lubricant can help (and don't buy that silly heart rate gel, use generic KY jelly, it's way cheaper.)
2. The battery doesn't last as long in colder temps. That's just a problem with batteries in general. Keep the unit warm and it'll last longer. Of course, that can interfere with good GPS signal..

Hope that helps.

BK14

Oct 6, 08 11:09

Post #6 of 6 (83 views)

Re: Garmin 305 in the winter?? [Tri ing] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mine also survived thus far several Gatineau winters (way way colder than across the river in Ottawa!!) without any problems.

I agree about the comment on battery life.