Used Garmin FR 201 for $65 a good deal? (Read 669 times)

Hey, guys! Just wondering--given that after trying it out that this Garmin is still fully-functioning, would $65 be 'too good of a price' to pass this up? I can afford a 205 or even a 305 without breaking the bank, but would always opt for saving money here and there. I mean, I know I shouldn't be going for the aesthetics of a HRM, but it's kinda fugly looking--no offense. Anyway, any feedback is welcomed and appreciated! Thanks! -Kenny

If you don't regularly run in areas where the better reception is needed (tall buildings, wooded trails) and the PC connection isn't an issue, I would go for it. I have never used the 201 (I have a 305), but assuming it has similar functionality you will love it.

I'd skip it and go with a 205/305 for the reasons listed above: weaker antenna, and even more importantly, serial connection. Many modern computers don't even have serial connections anymore, and they're slow and janky as hell. 205's can be found online for as low as $121. If you would also like a heart rate monitor, a 305 can be obtained for under $200. Obviously, $65 is a great deal, so if money's the issue, do what you need to do. But your money is probably better spent on a more reliable, connected device.

I would go for the 201. I'm still using mine, and have no problems with it. Battery life is still as good as it was when it was new, or at least close enough I don't notice. I still only have to charge it once a week maximum, less if some of my runs are on a track and I don't use it. (granted, I only got mine in Dec 04) I guess, though, I havn't bothered with the sync in a couple years, because I just have to copy the summary over to my training log. I might go for the upgrade, though, if the whole kit'n'kaboodle could go in my log and the summary numbers would just pop out when eric finishes the Forerunner import.