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According to Garmin the models above this one have a better GPS system. I've used it for several months and have given up on it's accuracy. This one is a waste of money it doesn't do anything you want it to. While I was looking forward to using this gps I was disappointed in the accuracy it showed both in pace per mile and distance run. It was very inaccurate and inconsistent.
What I didn't like is the pacing information. It's a bit heavy and feels cumbersome sometimes when running.
it does its job but at a mediocre level. I bought the lowest model and it shows.
This item is the lower of the Forerunner series and it shows.I wanted this item mainly for interval training and pacing. It does take a while for the GPS signal to synchronize when you turn it on.
If you want a more reliable training device, go with a higher model. It is good for interval training and it is pretty easy to figure out the menu system.
If I went under a tree or a tunnel or anything blocking my view of the sky, the pacing would go out of whack.
With the 305 I can even get a lock in my house most of the time.Finally, the 101/201 cannot lock IF YOU ARE MOVING. I wish there was an "auto off" feature which would shut it down if it detects no movement or heart rate within an hour or so. It is SOOOOO much better that I have to now rate the 201 as one star in comparison. Read the reviews.I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on GOOGLE EARTH is FANTASTIC. The 205 / 305 are about $50-$70 more than this but if you can afford to swing it, here is why you should buy those instead.The 101 is identical except that is uses 2 AAA's instead of having an internal rechargeable battery.I bought the 201 when it first came out (~7 years ago) It was head and shoulders above the Timex product with the remote arm pod and I would have rated it 5 stars back then because it was the best of it's kind.
(the included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. The 205/305 is a bulky watch but the looong 201 prevented you from wearing gloves - a real problem when skiing, cycling, etc.Second - and more importantly, the 205/305 have the SIRF Star III Chipset which means it can lock on and hold the lock better.Imagine if you will - you're all ready to run and pumped up - whoops, you now have to wait an extra few minutes to lock your position, otherwise it cannot tell you your speed, location, etc.My old 201 locked on far faster than my running partner's Timex (He had to hang it on a tree while he was getting ready since it often took 5 minutes or more to lock). It's better in my opinion than the Polar products (of which I've owned three)I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)My only complaint is that it's easy to leave it on and run the battery down - which is a bummer if you're just about to work out. Fortunately, with Li-Ion batteries, as little as a 10 minute charge gives you enough juice for a 90 minute run.If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know. The 305 can lock even if you're riding a bicycle. Don't bother with the 405.
I even used it to go geocaching. the 305 can lock in 5-10 seconds most days while the 201 would lock in ~2 minutes *most* of the time but occasionally would take up to 5 minutes. Interesting concept but not practical. The problem is, I have to strongly recommend against anyone buying it today - I was "lucky" to have lost this kayaking a couple of years ago at which point I upgraded to the 305. I think I've even gotten a lock while driving.Yes the 205 and 305 cost more but with the huge difference in functionality I find it astonishing that Garmin would continue to sell the 201 given how much better the 205 and 305 are.p.s. ARRRGGGGHH.Also the 201 would lose lock all the time when running in even moderate tree cover or heavy clouds.
The 205 is the same but without heart rate.First, the 101/201 have a very unusual shape. If you were ~100 miles away from your prior location, the 201 would take up to 10 minutes to get a new lock.
The day I got it, it was overcast. No matter the distance, when I turn around & stop where I started, it is almost right on, give or take 10 feet. There were some reviews that bashed it.
I got rechargeable batteries for it & they last for about 8-9 hours, then I change them if they are down to 1 bar. This is close enough for me when I am doing 6-10 miles each run. Very accurate too.
This thing is great. It worked fine. Love it.
I have had it for about 2 months & haven't had a single problem yet. Some reviews said it doesn't work with overcast.
leave this thing a lone. i tried to get in contact with garmin but they dont respond. this thing eats batteries every 4hours when it did work. now it only searches for signals and the only way to turn it off is to take out the batteries.
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