Help me decide between the 205 and the 305 (Read 751 times)

Only an elite runner can train by effort? Criminy. mta: I guess I vote 205, since I own one. I use it sparingly but it's nice for doing workouts on the roads or for ad-libbing routes and still knowing how far you went.

I got the 305 because it was only $7 more than the 205 after rebate (as w/zoomie) I use the HRM now and again, but not overly often. I'm considering getting a 205 for my wife, though, so then we'll have one of each.

I have a 305. I use the HRM daily, mainly as a means to keep myself from going too fast on easy runs. This is one of the better uses for heart rate. As an engineer, I almost hate to ignore any potential source of data. Two other things to consider that might steer you towards the 305. If you... 1) ...run indoors a lot (especially an indoor track) 2) ...plan on using the 305 as a biking computer ..you should get the 305. Why? Accessories. Garmin makes an accelerometer-based footpod that you can use with the 305 when it can't see satellites. I often run on a nearby indoor track , and at 12-laps to the mile, counting laps can get tedious in a hurry. With the footpod, no worries -- distance is tracked (as well as turnover, Scout) just like outdoors. There's also a biking accessory that can be used for cadence monitoring while biking (when cadence is actually a bit more meaningful). Neither of the above accessories is available for the 205 because it lacks wireless communication (like the kind used with the HRM). Food for thought.