Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin’s second GPS device on test costs $489 which is $200 more than it costs overseas. Still, it’s the third cheapest on show, and still half the price of the more expensive devices in the group. But that certainly doesn’t mean it’s short on features.

The first thing to note is that, although worn on the wrist, this isn’t something you’d use as your everyday timepiece. Its bulky, wraparound design (to ensure good satellite reception no matter what position your wrist is in) isn’t particularly comfortable, nor is it stylish. The payoff is that the GPS receiver is integrated into the watch rather than wirelessly connected via a separate POD.

It’s also a little more versatile than its big brother, the 705, for runners and triathletes. The package includes a heart-rate monitor and allows you to set up different heart-rate and speed alerts for different activities. Profiles for biking, bushwalking and running are predefined, but you can add a number of custom activities.

It performs well, too: the 305 consistently achieved a satellite lock in less than a minute, its monochrome screen is clear and the interface is simple to get to grips with. We’re also big fans of the Garmin training partner mode, which lets you compete against previously recorded routes and times.

Elsewhere it has its faults. The docking system is a boon, allowing easy transfer of routes and heart-rate information to your PC, but the analysis tools aren’t the most advanced.

We still think it offers decent value, though. If you want a good training tool for under $500, for many it will be a better all-round choice than the impressive Timex.

• - Best Value -
  Magellan eXplorist 500
• - Labs Winner -
  Garmin Edge 705
• 
  Polar RS800 G3
• 
  Timex Ironman Bodylink Trail Runner
• 
  Suunto t6 + GPS POD
• 
  Suunto X9i