So I’ve been using the Garmin 305 for about a year now. However, it died a few weeks ago (a little after the 1 year warranty expired), so I had to pay $80 to get it refurnished only to have it start having “death errors” again. The Garmin customer support people said I can get another refurbished unit, but it will cost another $80! Needless to say, I’m becoming turned off to Garmin! Does anyone have experience with Timex or Polar GPS systems?
How long have you had the refurb? If under 1 year, call Garmin. When my refurb died within a year, I called, explained, and they sent me another unit. Sometimes the person on the other end of the line at Garmin can make a HUGE difference in their levels of customer service.
Don’t know if this will work for you… it’s missing a lot of features the 305 has.
Holux 245… http://www.holux.com/JCore/en/products/products_content.jsp?pno=349
For $75 shipped I’m not disappointed.
Polar RCX5 with GPS locks up faster and is great for pace. Doesn’t have the swim metrics though but does have HR in the pool.
So I’ve been using the Garmin 305 for about a year now. However, it died a few weeks ago (a little after the 1 year warranty expired), so I had to pay $80 to get it refurnished only to have it start having “death errors” again. The Garmin customer support people said I can get another refurbished unit, but it will cost another $80! Needless to say, I’m becoming turned off to Garmin! Does anyone have experience with Timex or Polar GPS systems?
If you have the FR305 and were otherwise happy with it, some cheaper non-Garmin options are:
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Timex Global Trainer - usually about $135. About 80% of folks are happy with it, about 20% not as much - mostly related to advanced data fields (lack thereof) and occasional accuracy issues.
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Motoactv - Usually around $200ish. Most folks that buy it first understand that’s it’s not as durable as other units, but beyond that it’s pretty solid. Again, waterproofing is definitely an issue.
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Nike+ GPS - I wouldn’t recommend it given the competition these days is simply better. And if you’re here on ST, you’re likely looking to actually use your data, which with the Nike+ is pretty locked away
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Polar RCX5 or RCX3 - Both are options, with the RCX3 having a subset of the RCX5. But the RCX5 is probably out of your price range by a fair bit.
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Magellen Switch - Available in the next few weeks, this is an option. I don’t however at this point think that it’s ready (software, hardware is fine) for prime time, based on my understanding of the final firmware that I have. But, it’s cheaper than the other dedicated tri-watches.
Just my two cents…
In our house:
I use the Timex Run Trainer
Wife and son use the Timex Global Trainer
We share two Cycletrainer 2.0 units.
It will depend on how you want to use the GPS system. I know my son likes to download the data and track everything he does. My wife uses it to consult with her coach. I use it but don’t download and track the data like I should.
We are happy with their performance and haven’t had problems with them. In addition to normal training, my wife has used her Global Trainer for IMFL, 70.3 Oceanside and IMTX in the last 8 months.
I like Timex for a variety of reasons - including the fact that they support triathlon on a ton of different levels, which is important to me.
I’ll also disclose to those who aren’t aware, or will feel it necessary to point out if I don’t: Timex and QR both sponsor the Timex Multisport Team.
I use my TIMEX Run Trainer for everything. It does not have power/cadence features since it is primarily a running watch, but I set up one of the 4 screens to read in mph, avg speed, etc. It’s waaay smaller than the Garmin you had. I wear the Run Trainer daily. A friend had a problem with theirs (likely he did not update the firmware), and he ended up getting a new one sent to him the same week. To each is own, but love mine.
I have been using the Timex Run Trainer (GPS) for 6 month now. Before that I used a Garmin 310xt and a Garmin 405. What can I say - I am not going back! The Timex picks up the GPS signal very quickly. It is very easy to set up and easy to use. You can create workouts and review data either on your computer or on the watch itself. It is also smaller than the 310xt which is quite a big unit.
The run trainer has HR, GPS, timer, all the functions you would expect and I certainly haven’t had any problems or needed to get anything repaired.
Timex have a few different models with GPS features so there should be something for everyone 
Hey There!
I just wanted to chime in real quick here as I have converted to Timex products 3 years ago when I joined the Timex team. I have tested and used a variety of products but the Timex suite of products has been great for all of my training needs- Swim/Bike/Run. Personally, I use the Run Trainer daily but used to always use the Global Trainer. I love having it strapped to my bike and then popping it off for a quick run. Unlike others, I have not had any issues with GPS signals as I keep my firmware updated regularly. As I said, I am probably biased but even if I did not race for the team, I would still use the products. BTW- I want to reiterate two points made above- 1) Timex supports and gives back so much to the Tri community(which is great) 2) Customer Service is paramount at Timex and you would not be in the situation you are in now.
the one thing that turns me off to Timex is having to use training peaks to look at your data. i love all the info you get from garmin connect(which is free); to get that same data w/ Timex you have to upgrade to a premium training peaks account($120 dollars a year)!!! Instead of getting another 305 or paying an $80 refurb fee I think I’ll just get the 910xt! I can get it for $340. While the Timex global trainer(on amazon.com) is $140, $120 a year for training peaks adds up
the one thing that turns me off to Timex is having to use training peaks to look at your data. i love all the info you get from garmin connect(which is free); to get that same data w/ Timex you have to upgrade to a premium training peaks account($120 dollars a year)!!! Instead of getting another 305 or paying an $80 refurb fee I think I’ll just get the 910xt! I can get it for $340. While the Timex global trainer(on amazon.com) is $140, $120 a year for training peaks adds up
Hi Clyde M.,
I think that you are incorrect with some of your statements. Please take a look at this. The account is free:
http://home.trainingpeaks.com/...getting-started.aspx
http://home.trainingpeaks.com/...gpeaks-features.aspx Features of the free TIMEX TRAINER ACCOUNT powered by TrainingPeaks, which has more features. You don’t have to spend $120 per year.
I obviously came across the wrong info. Thank you for providing me with the correct info. If outdoors, say open water swimming, will it still track data?
I obviously came across the wrong info. Thank you for providing me with the correct info. If outdoors, say open water swimming, will it still track data?
As far as I know, no current watches by any manufacturer will track GPS data while swimming open water, unless you are going to swim keeping your arm out of the water.
Garmin 910xt has a swim mode that works indoors and outdoors. 310xt does not have a swim mode but will track data outside while swimming
Garmin 910xt has a swim mode that works indoors and outdoors. 310xt does not have a swim mode but will track data outside while swimming
The “swim mode” on the 910 counts your strokes but does not provide GPS data. You can be the judge if this will be accurate/useful for open water swimming. Both the 310xt and 910xt will only track your swimming distance for open water if you stop and hold your hand out of the water long enough for the unit to find a GPS signal. You will lose the signal once you put your hand under the water. See review: http://tribomb.com/review.php?ID=19
Both the TIMEX Run Trainer GPS and the TIMEX Ironman Global Trainer GPS will do the same thing as the Garmin units in terms of GPS tracking capabilities while swimming outdoors. All are waterproof.
If you have a phone, why would you not just download an app like Endomondo and use that. Its as accurate as any Garmin (and MUCH faster at finding the signal). its free (go spend the money on something carbon). It allows you to store your data, analyze your data, share with friends and participate in monthly challenges. You can get live peptalks while you are out riding. You can also use it for running and all other sports.
I really do not see why you would spend the money on an expensive Garmin / polat / Times device…
If you have a phone, why would you not just download an app like Endomondo and use that. Its as accurate as any Garmin (and MUCH faster at finding the signal). its free (go spend the money on something carbon). It allows you to store your data, analyze your data, share with friends and participate in monthly challenges. You can get live peptalks while you are out riding. You can also use it for running and all other sports.
I really do not see why you would spend the money on an expensive Garmin / polat / Times device…
that would be great for training, but not so practical for racing. A)smartphones aren’t allowed in most triathlons B) even if they were, don’t to run with a phone in my hand to look at my data(i did this with nike+ before I upgraded and prefer the watch)
If you have a phone, why would you not just download an app …
that’s the ‘free’ solution for sure. some reasons to having a dedicated device:
- don’t always want to bring my phone with me.
- limited battery life of a phone using its GPS. OK for most runs, but not good for longer bike rides.
- weather proofing (ok, yes, you can get a case)
- a little cumbersome
- something about just having those numbers on your wrist.
- easy interfacing. can quickly upload to garmin connect or other service, spit out TCX files, etc
- ANT+ nice to have your watch pick up your HR monitor. speed/cadence sensor. power tap.
- ruggedness of a watch vs a phone
- dedicated, well designed features, screens, virtual partner, custom workouts, alerts to take you through workouts, etc.
I last question for you(i think).
I’ve been reading a lot of reviews and 1 criticism I’ve seen repeatedly is that the stated 15 hour battery life i actually a lot less. These reviews were all based on the original launch back in 2010, so I am curious if this has been addressed with software updates that have come out since the initial release?
The 310 and 910 both use GPS to track open water swims. I recommend checking out dcrainmaker’s review for additional details: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/10/garmin-forerunner-910xt-in-depth-review.html