More question on Garmin 305, yes another potential convert... (Read 1574 times)

It's fairly comfortable. Comparable to Polar strap. Not sure about female comfort--when my wife uses she only wears the watch and not the HR monitor. It is very adjustable and she should not have any problems getting in to fit just right. You will love it. Just know that when it's cloudy and rainy it can do some weird stuff. Of course that may not be as much of a concern for you. Good luck.

It gives false readings occasionally. For instance, it may say my pace is 8:45 when it's more like 7:30. I must qualify this though because once stopped it adjusts to final coordinates and gives accurate info. It's a great tool. Don't get me wrong. I love it and it really adds another dimension to running, especially if you're training for a race. For many years I have run without anything but my watch and the sound of the great outdoors. I now run with a GPS watch and an ipod and must say they have greatly improved my ability to get out the door.

It gives false readings occasionally. For instance, it may say my pace is 8:45 when it's more like 7:30.

I've noticed this too, but, frankly, I find the "instantaneous" pace measurement is always a little inaccurate, even in good weather. However, I get all the information I need by checking my mile or half-mile splits (which you can easily set up to record automatically). I think mile splits are more informative anyways (considering hills, minor changes in pace, etc). And for the average user, I think the inacurracies on a cloudy day aren't really going to be a bother. Tall buildings, etc, can be a problem, but usually once I've made a satellite connection (which can be tricky), it doesn't lose it. I don't know the H2O answer, but I think you'd better do more research on the water-resistance issue.. I know it does fine if it's rained on, sweat on, run under the faucet. And I think I've heard of triathletes using these during swimming? But if not, that could be an expensive mistake!

Most of the triathletes I know that use it while swimming put it in a waterproof bag and tuck it under their swimcaps.

That's a great idea! Must look funny, but great!

I would say that, short of swimming with it, you should be fine to wear it in a boat.

Just don't rock the boat!

Yup, its a done deal. ..ordered it from Amazon...260 w/ shipping, plus got a 60 dollar cashback from an old discover card and the 50 rebate, so total $150.00 . Not a bad deal. Can't wait for it to get here. The main problem with the old version as far as ocean paddling goes is corrosion in the USB port..that's been sort of fixed in the 305 but corrosion may still be a problem. Might have to put it in a zip lock bag or something for the canoe.

But, I love the data it provides, so to me, it's worth it.

Are the data extractable, so that you can put it in a spreadsheet and do your own analyses?