Garmin replacement - what do I buy?

4 watchers

Roma Aug 2014 12:21pm, 29 Aug 2014 451 posts	0 Roma I have a Garmin FR305 which is on it's last legs (much like me!) I basically want a replacement which measures my time, distance and pace as I am running, and that I can download GPX files onto for navigating trail marathons. I tried downloading a route onto the 305 but all I got was an arrow which didn't always seem to point in the right direction. I don't need any fancy syncing or uploading of training, I'm an old fashioned girl who does it manually! Can anyone recommend a good replacement please?
BaronessBL Aug 2014 12:23pm, 29 Aug 2014 3,932 posts	0 BaronessBL I'm of no help whatsoever I'm afraid but I also have a FR305 on its last legs and was thinking last night... it's time to get a new one but I don't know what to get either so I will watch this thread with interest.
Velociraptor Aug 2014 12:37pm, 29 Aug 2014 30,653 posts	0 Velociraptor If it's definitely GPX rather than TCX files that you want to download, another 205/305 looks like the best option if you can still find one. I have a 310xt and I'd have another of those without hesitation.
FenlandRunner Aug 2014 1:00pm, 29 Aug 2014 2,457 posts	0 FenlandRunner I have four Garmin's, a total bust 205, two with broken straps (110 and 610). The only one functioning properly is a 210. And price/performance/features the 210 is possibly the best, particularly as I got it when on offer.
stuart little Aug 2014 1:05pm, 29 Aug 2014 871 posts	0 stuart little I'd get a 310xt - they're not much over a hundred pounds now and you can upload and follow cookie crumb maps (you'll need to convert formats but there are oplenty of online free options to do that). Battery life is good (mine, which is several years old died at a bit over 17 hours on my BG. If you want serious navigational ability on a wristmount, it'll probably be a Suunto Ambit you're after...
CumbriAndy Aug 2014 1:07pm, 29 Aug 2014 991 posts	0 CumbriAndy I'm in the process of replacing my 305 and it's dodgy old battery with a 310XT. The hugely extended battery life (allegedly up to 20 hours) was the primary reason for that choice over others but also the fact that its seems relatively simple by comparison with some of the newer (and more expensive) models. I'll report back at some point on the comparison. Best deal I found, price wise, was on Amazon.
Roma Aug 2014 2:33pm, 29 Aug 2014 452 posts	0 Roma The 310xt is beginning to sound like an attractive option.......... Thanks for the info
paul a Aug 2014 3:10pm, 29 Aug 2014 10,663 posts	0 paul a I have a 610 and if I was replacing it today I would buy another.
Roma Sep 2014 2:14pm, 1 Sep 2014 453 posts	0 Roma I've gone for the 310xt, a newly refurb'd one. Fingers crossed it's a good un!
longboat Sep 2014 2:27pm, 1 Sep 2014 2,909 posts	0 longboat Just picking up on your first comment, on my 305, I can download the trail and at least see the breadcromb trail on a map in addition the arrow - it works well for trail marathons and long runs I believe the 310 does the same, so worth looking for Good luck