13 responses so far ↓

• 1 Quanch

  I’m new to running and have read that heart rate, pace, steps per minute, time and distance are what we guage our own performance on. I own the Forerunner 50, Foot Pod and Heart Monitor. They work great. I plan on buying the Garmin 310TX or the 305 when I can run 10K daily. The 50 does everything the bigger models do except GPS and the automatic distance stuff. Run an established known distance and you can calibrate the 50 with the optional Foot POD. The online Garmin Software is an awesome freebie to track your results, goals and performance.

• 2 Urich

  Originally bought this from Amazon. When low battery displayed, I attempted to replace on my own without success. The manual should say MUST have watch specialist replace watch battery. I struggled getting the battery hold down on, and I stripped a screw. Garmin was nice enough to send me a refurb replacement. Soon after, this battery was low too. I replaced it today although not perfectly, and I’ll hope that the watch keeps working. I would recommend trying a different watch of this type.

• 3 Hidalgo

  The Forerunner 50 was a freeby with the purchase of the Forerunner 405CS, so I didn’t expect too much, but it is a piece of junk. It will not monitor my heart rate accurately or for any period of time. I returned it to Amazon for a new one and the replacement was no better. I gave it to my daughter and it would not work for her. I received my Forerunner 405CS and lo and behold it doesn’t work either (GPS function is great. Garmin should stick to what they know.) I have had a Polar heart rate monitor for ten years as I need to keep track of my heart rate having had a heart attack in 1999. Now I use my 405CS on one arm (for the GPS functions) and my “old” Polar on the other arm (for the heart rate functions). Too bad.

• 4 LaBrie

  I bought this item because I was impressed with the Garmin Connect program that it interfaces with. The device wirelessly syncs with your computer to upload your workout information.

  I was under the assumption that this device also uploads GPS position and tracking information. This model DOES NOT do so. It only allows you to track your workout time, heart rate and pace (with the optional foot pod). That may be useful to some, but was not for me. Ultimately, I returned to device and bought a Forerunner 301. This, I believe is the first model that allows you to upload GPS information. It is bulkier, but just fine for biking and boating.

• 5 Beall

  This HR monitor does exactly what it’s supposed to do. The computer upload is excellent – I litterally take off my watch and toss it on the next near the computer when I come in from a workout and when I come back, the software has popped open and the data is there. If you want more detailed analytics, you may need additional monitors (like shoe or bike), but this is more than capable. The signal from the heart strap should be picked up by machinery at most gyms, too. I wanted it specifically so I could do workouts away from machines (like classes or circuits) and be able to analyze whether or not I’m getting the heart rate levels I want. I’m very pleased with it.

• 6 Osheroff

  I just turned on my 405 (held the “training” button) and it was recognized before it located satellites… It takes a bit getting used to wearing the strap around your chest, but it provides very good info… It is encouraging to see I can do the same run at a faster pace, with a lower average heart rate!

• 7 Tannhauser

  I have used this with my Garmin Forerunner 305, Forerunner 50, and Forerunner 405cx. Just wet it with saliva or water before you start, and it accurately and easily tracks your heart rate. The strap that attaches it to your chest is easily adjustable and easily removable. Unlike other products, my heart rate does not “jump around” 10 or 20 beats. The battery lasts a good amount of time and is easily replaceable. This is the best heart rate monitor that I have used, and I prefer it to Polar.

• 8 Edmondson

  This HRM was a replacement for a Garmin Forerunner 305. It was easy to setup and works perfectly!

• 9 Bloks

  It works great. Once I figured out how to add the heart rate field to user screen in my GarminGPS. It was too simple!

• 10 Glyer

  My bicycle Garmin 305 came with a cadence monitor… I really like this GPS device for my road bike and only recently did I become interested in adding the HRM strap. It comes ready to use, just be sure to set up your Garmin to work with the Heart Rate Monitor… it’s a few menus into the device, but once I set the function and changed my displays to show – speed, elapsed time, altitude, heart rate on my main screen, it was all good to go.

  Reasonable price, replaceable battery included, works with my Bicycle Garmin 305.

• 11 Jackson

  I use the 305 for off-road running/hiking, cycling and for paddling. The ability to quickly move from bike to foot and have the 305 on the handlebar is great. However, I was standing near the water and threw something. I didn’t throw it very hard, but the 305 came off the mount and flew into the water. Since the 305 does not float, no more GPS. I have also had it come off from bumping into things, but for most people who probably just use it on the road, that may not be a big deal, so I am giving it 3 stars, even though for me I don’t think the product will work at all.

  I am going to contact the manufacturer and if their response warrants it, I will amend this review.

• 12 Geisler

  I have had this product for about a month now and use it for training as well as a triathlon and a couple of running events. It is real nice and the watch mounts to the wrist strap and the bike easily and securely.
  PROS:
  - It is more comfortable than the band that ships with the 305
  - The watch can be removed and added to the bike mount in seconds.
  CONS:
  - I can not slip the band around my hand with the strap in the buckle, so I have to feed it through which takes a few seconds. Triathletes may want to have it on prior to the race to avoid the few seconds it takes to put it on.

• 13 Ozuna

  Excellent product. My first HRM and I am more than satisfied. It has really helped my training as I was kind of a naysayer to these before I got one. Between checking my pulse manually and when on cardio equipment, I have found it to be spot on 90% of the time with a variance of +/- 1-3 BPM the rest of the time. Highly recommended especially for fist time users. Can also be used with GPS, purchased separately, if desired.

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