Is the Garmin 305 Waterproof?
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mgetting posted 26 weeks ago.
I've used my Garmin 305 in 2 of my races, Olympic and Half-Iron, plus rode with it on multiple times in the rain w/ no damage - so, yes, it's waterproof.
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1508 days
kylie posted 26 weeks ago.
The Garmin website reads that they are waterproof, but classifies that by saying up to the IPX7 standard.
With a bit of googling, I have found that to mean "Most newer Garmin® GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 60529 IPX7. IEC 60529 is a European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. An IPX8 designation is for continuous underwater use."
That is very different from what we picture as waterproof.
NO, it is not covered if you swim with it.
NO, it will not always work -- I have a friend who did a half wearing it on his wrist and it did kill his device. I'd say you are lucky mgetting!
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azstinger11 posted 26 weeks ago.
I have done several triathlons with my garmin though I always just leave it on my bike during the swim. It has also been through several arizona rain storms with are really bad just fine. Can't say I'd recommend keeping it underwater for anytime though.
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wirebook posted 26 weeks ago.
Yup - absolutely waterproof (in the laymen's sense, not in the 'technical sense'). Here's I post I wrote on how to get the best reception while using your 305 on an OW swim:
http://dcrainmaker.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-swim-with-your-garmin-for...
One quick additional note - as Kylie mentioned - DO NOT wear it on your wrist. Instead, put it in your swimcap (as I outlined). Otherwise you're asking for trouble.
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Iron Dan posted 26 weeks ago.
I found a waterproof box that the watch will fit in that is waterproof to 100 feet. The box is RF transparent so it will not interfere with GPS signal. I was going to create a strap so that I could attach the case to my lower back while I swam. However, my question is that the box is designed so that it will float, would I technically be allowed to use this during a race or would this be considered a floatation device. The case is not going to act like a life raft but it is designed to float with a cell phone or PDA in it so if you accidentally dropped it, it would not sink. I would more be interested in using it during training, but I might consider using it in a race if it was legal and non-constrictive.
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kylie posted 26 weeks ago.
I'd say that could be done in either interpretation of the rules on flotation stuff. Your best bet would be to email and ask for each race. A pain, but I'd figure better safe than sorry.
However, knowing how crazy a mass start can be, I'm not sure I'd think it was a good idea to swim with anything attached to me! Not only could it get torn off and you'd lose the watch, but it could potentially also hurt someone else (choke or strangle or something).
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Sully800 posted 26 weeks ago.
I don't see why you would need to take the Forerunner with you during a race. You won't be able to check your HR while racing so you'll still have to stick with RPE. And you know the exact time and distance you swam anyway so you can figure out your pacing later. Basically I don't think its worth the hassle to try and make sure it would be legal in each race and then to remove it from the case and attach it to the bike.
It could be useful during training though, and then you don't need to worry about how much the case floats.
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tsilcyc posted 26 weeks ago.
This has already been discussed but here's the question and answer from the Garmin FAQ:
Question: How waterproof is my GPS?
Answer: Units that are waterproof meet the IPX7 standards, which means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The depth of one meter refers to the pressure at this depth. If you fall into water with your GPS unit with force, your unit may hit the water at a pressure equivalent to a pressure found at depths lower than one meter. This could cause water damage.
I've heard of people placing the unit in a ziplock under their swim cap. I would think that between the ziplock, the swim cap and it's mild resistance to water, it would be ok. That said, I'm chicken to try.
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I have been looking into getting these and have read multiple places that they are not waterproof, but when I was looking at the Garmin website, it says they are, so what's the deal?
Can anyone let me know whether or no it is ok to take this thing out for an open water swim without destroying it. Also, since the Garmin site claims they are waterproof, is there any warranty if the thing leaks, or are you out the money? Thanks in advance.