Garmin ForeRunner 301 HRM
151
Member
1222 days
jsoder posted 2 years ago.
Yeah, they are cool, but swimming with one is difficult. You have to seal the unit in a zip log bag and put it under your swim cap. The manual says that it is water-resistant for x amount of time...but that doesn't make any sense. I mean, either it is waterproof or not, right? Anyhow, because it is such an expensive unit I put it in a baggy (this is what everyone else does too...or so I've read on different forums). So if you are looking for a practical unit to swim with, this is not it...get a polar.
Where it shines is during runs and cycling.
It is very cool to see my route in Google Earth and I like seeing all of the stats and graphs. The included Garmin software is weak (in my opinion), but this feature makes up for it. It has some other advanced features, like interval training...but I've never used it for that...not sure how easy or hard it would be to use and program it.
Overall, I like it. It is a little bulky; however, it is fairly light and the features definetely outway the cons.
Oh, and one more downside is that it won't interface with my gyms machines or the spin cycle computers. In that respect, I may buy a simple and inexpensive Polar just for gym workouts.
So bottom line...great for outdoor workouts...sucks for off-season gym training.
Jeremy
214
Member
971 days
Iron Man posted 2 years ago.
A training partner of mine used to have one, but it was forever loosing the signal when ever the sky had any type of cloud.......... unless it was a perfect sunny day you might as well leave it at home.
I use the polar RS-200 HRM and works in all weather, i think you can swim with it but i have never tried it also has a footpod which measures distance and pace . i would reccomend that over the garmin.
Speed Kills. Strength Punishes
3349
Member
1362 days
RV posted 2 years ago.
I have the 301 - Think it is great. Never used it for swimming tho.
The new 305 is less bulky and has several other upgrades - might want to check it out.
I am very happy with mine - recently had a problem with my unit (problem with data upload back to PC) and Garmin was great to deal with - They replaced the whole unit at no charge.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
325
Member
1643 days
jeslol posted 2 years ago.
I've been pretty happy with my Garmin. Unlike the above, I've haven't had a problem with the signal outdoors, cloudy or not. I even run with it in canyons and other places where signal may be tough.
I haven't swam with it yet, it's not really meant for that. However you can get strap on water proof pouches for it. I've been tempted. Especially for open water swimming. It would be nice to know how far I go.
Here's how I see the breakdown between Garmin and Polar. If you just want a heart rate monitor, Polar is probably a better deal. If you want the GPS feature, you can't beat a Garmin.
4338
Member
1594 days
kylie posted 2 years ago.
I have and LOVE a 301 as well. I use it for biking and swimming and very rarely have connection issues (did once when trail running an area with very dense tree cover and in a narrow valley).
I agree with the above: for HRM, polar is best. If you want speed/distance as well, you can't beat the Garmin. But I have an issue with foot pods like polar uses for speed/distance watches.
Kylie Donia's Miles of Life --- Powered by MarkyV
Does anyone have any opinions about the Garmin ForeRunner 301 HRM, good or bad? I'm considering getting one but they look a little bulky to me and being a women I don't want it to take up my whole arm? Also can they be used in the water for swimming?
Have a great season.