GARMIN 010-00375-00 Forerunner 301 GPS Receiver Personal Training Device

I owned mine for 8 months beofre it died. It would not keep a charge (it would say it had 13 hours of charge then die 10 minutes into a run).Then when I went to turn it back on it just beeps until the battery completely dies.

The Warranty is only good for 90 days and after that you have to pay $70 for a "repair" when ehat they really do is send you someone elses' broken garmin that has been refurbed.

Unit has a hard time acquiring, then is not accurate on distance or speed. Expensive heartrate monitor is what it is for me. Good for recording several workouts but nothing more.

I have had my Forerunner 301 for just over 1 year now. Let me say my 4th 301 that is. My 1st 301 worked fine for about 3 months then would not connect reliably to the PC. I worked with Garmin support for some time and was able to limp along for a couple months. I tried a couple different PCs and USB cables but eventually the unit would not connect at all.

Through Garmin's support we determined I had a bad GPS. I returned the unit and about 6 weeks later received a new GPS.

Well the new unit worked again for about 3 months before I ran into the same problem. Same process to determine I had another bad unit. Again antoher 6 weeks and the new unit just arrived.

This new unit will not connect to the PC at all. I am working with Garmin to replace again.

When the GPS works it is nice. I have marathon data from Houston, New Orleans and Boston. The data is close (seems I ran an extra 1/2 mile in Boston, but cheated and skipped a 1/2 mile in New Orleans :) ) to the actual distance.

For me the GPS data is fine, but if you are close to trees or buildings you will not receive the the GPS data. In New Orleans and Boston the downtown data did not register very reliably, so do expect perfection.

My goals for the device are just to keep a close idea of milage and have something to distract me on long runs. It is a very brief diversion to look at the HUGE watch and see how far and how long you have been running.

Hope this helps!

I have owned a 301 for about a month and a half now. Just three days ago I ran my first marathon with it. I'm proud to say that I am a beginner runner and GPS user.
With that in mind I would like to say that although the 301 has its flaws, it is a great device especially for those of us that are just starting. Don't expect it to have the accuracy of a top of the line $400 device simply because the 301 is not one of those. Maybe it was overpriced in the beginning but it is fine now.
The pace will never be measured at a constant manner neither will the heart rate. These are inherent flaws of the runner and of the technology. Your pace is never constant, I would think that the more accurate an instrument is, the more fluctuations you would see in the digits.
As far as the heart rate monitor goes, listen I never used one of those until I purchase my 301 and although it may not be the best, when used properly there should be no problem. There is plenty of info on the web on how to properly use a heart rate monitor.
I give it 4 stars but keep in mind that I think that if you are experienced with GPS devices, obsessed with pinpoint accuracy while running or loaded with money, there are plenty of other devices out there for you. If you are starting out then go for it, the only issues I've had with it were a lost signal while going under a massive bridge during my marathon when I got the signal back I realized it was about 0.20 miles off in the end, 26.2 or 26.4 is a lot of running for me anyway. The other problem I had occurred during my training when the heart rate monitor was going crazy during the start of the run, I realized that the electrodes were not moist enough. I'd love to blame the technology but it was really my fault.
Anyway, I hope this helps

I have owned the 301 GPS since October 2005. So you can say I have some experience with it, mostly for walking an running. The GPS is Ok, not great it can easily lose the GPS signal under threes or close to buildings. Most of the time works OK but sometimes (when you know the actual distance) you would notice 400-500 meters missing in your run (in a 5 Km run). The heart rate monitor is poor. It goes up to very high heart rate readings and you know you are not doing 220 bps and then goes quickly down to a more reasonable level such as 145, closer to what you feel is the actual rate. I would rate the GPS receiver with 3 stars and the heart rate monitor with 2 stars, overall 3.


The calorie counting doesn't work at all without the GPS, so indoor workouts like at a gym seem not to work. I called their technical support and they said its a measure off the distance that you travel via GPS and indoors the GPS doesn't work. So it will always register 0. Bummer. For someone running outdoors only...really cool and simple.


I like the item. Itshows the distance of runs well and the heart rate well.
Future suggested improvements are the following:
a. show a larger number for the heart rate. In the dark with "mature eyes" it is a little hard to read.
b. the minutes per mile appeared to record wildly when running a steady pace on a flat surface. I am not sure why.
c. the item wears a little large on the wrist.
d. this may be too much, yet some GPS systems show the altitude above sea level. That could be interesting to know the variations in a hill run.

An issue that is out of the company's control, I left the watch and heart rate band on top of my car, drove off, and lost them! What a bummer.

Using my 301 for road cycling. First time out, worked perfectly. HR function, was dead on, compared to my polar (that's being replaced).
Mileage appears to be off 0.5%, compared to my cycling computer, don't think thats a problem, as my cycling computer may be off a tad. Speed seem to match my cycling computer. As far as the Garmin Training Center goes, it won't let you print, sucks.

I was really suprized to see how well it works. I use it all the time and haven't had any problems with it at all. Everything is right there for you at the touch of a button (or a couple of touches).

I highly recommend this product for serious atheletes or folks that truly want to improve fitness.

The Garmin 301 is a great tool for running and biking...I don't go without it anymore! The best part for me is to be able to monitor my speed and distance over days or weeks, which enables me to be more realistic in my training. I have not tried the heart monitor part yet. The only problem I've had with it so far is that it is relatively easy to accidentally hit the stop button while running, but I've only done that once :) First time users beware, that's all.

Great product. I love to run and take stats and this is easy to understand and use. I have a Mac, so the disc could not be read by my computer, but to download the program was also simple.

I have several other Garmin GPS products and this one is on the same level with them. When it comes to GPS I think Garmin is the industry leader, especially for hand held units. I had some trouble with the heart rate monitor in the beginning, but once I tightened the strap it worked better. I have had other brand of Heart rate monitors and this one you need to have the band much tighter than the others. The only down side to this product is the size of the unit on your arm. It is very lightweight but is pretty large. I would recommend this product for anyone. The software is really user friendly. You can even Geocache with it. All in all it is a great addition to my running.

it is a great little tool to use as a trainer and a tracker. i use it while running and biking and so badly wish that it were also waterproof. although garmin claims that limited exposure to water won't affect the unit.

it is not as bulky as the pictures make it look. it is very light and wuite comfortable but it is a bad idea to wear it for a marathon since the straps gets uncomfortable after a couple of hours.

the preciseness of the data is acceptable (a margin of error or 1-2%).

the tracking software that comes with it is very handy for analysis though it was a pain setting up the first time. [...] is a popular alternative.

i used it once to track my path using points at mount shastha to see if it would help me find my way back. it did.

sometimes the reception isn't strong in woody trails but no issues within the city.

I bought the 301 in early March 2007 and have used in on a handful of runs and a couple of bike rides, and have found a couple of useful features that made it worth the purchase. The first feature I love is the auto-pause, the watch can pause when you stop e.g. at an intersection, and then automatically resumes when you start running again - no more stopping and restarting the watch to capture an accurate running time. The second feature is the auto-lap, the watch can automatically take laps for you when you go through each mile (or km) - again no more checking your gps and pressing the lap timer. With both of these turned on I can run and never need to touch the watch until the end of my workout. The 301 is larger than a regular watch, but this enables a bigger display which shows 3 data points, it has two preset and one custom format. The display format I use shows HR, total time and current lap (mile) pace. Highly recommended.

The watch is great. Very accurate. Can not beat the value.

A little more bulky than the 501 but you would not notice this on your arm. All the computer interfaces are the same and it sure tells you a lot about your run. In many of my cases, I was running much further than I had thought. Can't fib on your distance!

So, looking to save a few dollars and have top quality running results, great purchase.

Bought it as a gift to my husband he loves it.No complaints after using it several times other then sometimes it loses sattelites during his runs and it causes it to act a little whacky for a few minutes.

From the day one, heart rate monitor showed erratic number or won't show any number at all. Sent back twice, each time unit passed their test. I've tried everything from placement of chest strap to using gel on the sensor to no avail. Last 2 years heart rate monitor works only 1/3 of the time. I gave up. But it's a good concept if they can make it work right. Apparently this is a common problem by looking at the internet blogs/entries. I'd imagine newer Forerunners solved this problem? Be prepare to return the merchandise, but perhaps, it'll work for you?

This unit was a step up from another heart rate monitor I had been using, specifically purchased for the GPS capabilities. Overall the unit is very reliable and I've only had one very overcast day where I could not pick up the satellites. The GPS does seem to take some time to acquire but I have never had inaccurate mileage by starting before acquired. Included software is adequate and informative. Only issue I have had is with rubber USB connect door not closing easily or staying closed.

I bought this product as I had already used the 201 satisfactorily and wanted the same product with a heart rate monitor. I've only had the 301 for a month but so far I've not been disappointed. It takes a few minutes to find the satellites (I usually leave it outside while I get ready) but the signal after that has been good. I've even had an indoor signal! The unit is quite user friendly and easy to understand the different settings and features. The unit fits to your wrist. On my first run I found it a little bit bulky (I'm a female with quite skinny wrists) but now I'm really used to it and I'm not even aware it's there. The HRM is fine although on a couple of runs I've had to readjust the chest strap to regain the signal. I had heard mixed reviews about the software product the 301 comes with but I've tried this and it seems very straightforward to use. The cable is included and plugs straight into the USB port. It produces nice clear charts of your work outs. All in all, a good product and great value compared to the newer models!

IT WORKS BETTER THAN I HAD HOPED FOR. VERY ACCURATE. WOULD RECOMEND IT TO ANYONE.

The 301 has been a great addition to my running. So much useful information, accurate GPS and overall a lot of fun.

Highly recommended.

I received the Garmin 301 for Christmas and have used it 10 times. The heart rate monitor has functioned flawlessly, and I have had no trouble with the GPS function staying connected (although my routes are pretty much in the open.) The device and the software are both very easy to use. I'm definitely a satisfied customer so far.

I bought two Garmin Forerunner 301s; one for myself and one for my adult son. It is easy to use and tracks my workouts for running, biking and rollerblading. I can easily switch between modes while I'm exercising to see my heart beat and pace. The software has helped me record and track my training progress. I would give the 301 model a "best buy" on Amazon. It is worth the money.

My wife loves to run and all of the bells and whistles with this Garmin 301 makes her enjoy it even more!

This is absolutely the best product I have bought to aide in my exercise regimen. I love it! I do alot of biking and running, and my 301 lets me swith back and forth really easy. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone getting started, or for those who wish to take their game to the next level!

This watch is great. I used to drive my running routes to get the mileage. This watch is great to get my mileage and route time as well as my heart rate.

I like being able to track my progress on the computer. The heart rate monitor is a great feature.

Very light and convenient. The Training Center software is very easy and provides lots of information. The only problem is that the reception can be weak even under light tree cover.

The Garmin 301 is really a great product the only problem I had with it was the watch pin that holds the wrist strap together came out.

I have had this device for a a little over a week, one of my favorite runs is around Lake Merrit in Oakland CA. Running clockwise, the device reports 3.1mi while running counterclockwise, the device reports 2.7mi. I spoke with someone from Garmin at the Consumer Electronics Show who agreed that the 301 products are not very accurate but told me that the 305 product, which uses the SiRFStarIII chip is much more accurate. I am returning my 301 and may buy a 305.

Great training watch price is very good for what you get. Very good online support, updates and interactive web pages.

I had no problems with the unit, I love it does everything I want great product.

I have not had any problems with the Garmin. I also got the bike adapter to use on by bike. I run or ride 5 to 6 days a week and this is a great training aid. You will not be disappointed with the product. It gives you all the infomation you will ever need. I really enjoy it and hope it helps me become a beter runner.

This is the best training tool I ever bought. I've been working off and on for a long time now trying to get myself to train for a triathalon. The Forerunner is awesome. I have a Garmin GPS for my car and the speed is more accurate than my car's spedometer, so I was looking forward to seeing how fast I run and bike.
It tells how I am doing and gives me a point to strive to do better next time I go out. My biggest complaint about it is that it has sooooooooo many features I tend to just use the most basic items. I hope to eventually play around with all of the features, but right now the most basic features are all I need to push myself.

The Garmin Forerunner 301 is cool and at this price also a great value. I've been using it for 2+ months. I had the 201 for about a year but upgraded to the 301 for the heart rate monitor. It's very accurate at calculating the miles and time. I like that I can download my results easily and track my progress. The only negative is that the heart rate monitor sometimes doesn't record and sometimes is not correct...shows a heart rate at 220. However most of the time it does work and matches well with a comparison of another heart rate monitor (like the one built into the bike or eliptical).
I'm happy with this device and would purchase again.

I love my Garmin, though a bit bulky for me (I am only 5' 2") I couldn't live without it. Great product for the money!!! Highly recommend it

I bought this Garmin Forerunner because I'm just starting out running and needed something to track my workout and performance. I love how easy it is to program personal workouts. My daughter had one that I have used and I realized I could not be without one of my own. It's so much fun after a run to review my run on the computer! It has helped me train more efficiently & improve quicker to reach my goals quicker. No runner should be without one!

I love this heart rate monitor. It is very easy to use and keeps me on track with my goals.


Great for serious trainers or novice athletes. Features provide great feedback in order to track progress, or lack of, lol. My husband and I use it for long runs, swimming, bike rides, and even attach it to our canoe. Great product for an active lifestyle.

Great product. Use it all the time for running. I like the fact that I can download all of my runs and history to my PC.

I do triathlons as a hobby and love this tool! This is my second one, after the first dies during an ocean swim (I had not closed the data port properly). I bought another one despite this, and do not like to work out without it. I use the heart rate monitor about half of the time, you don't need it to get great use out of the Garmin. Friends have had both the 301 and the 310 and prefer the 301, so save your money and buy this one.

The HRM function works great, but the GPS is not very accurate. Did a test run on track, and the distance measured was about 8% off.

Bought my Forerunner 301 a few weeks ago and log about 10 or so miles per week. Coming back from my run tonight display froze up and would not function. Unit was able to turn off but would not turn back on. Connected to the computer and it would not recognize it. Hooked it up to the power supply and still nothing. Sent an e-mail to Garmin support and will wait on their reply. If they say to send in the whole thing for repairs only three weeks after using it, I am going to return the product.

On another note the heart rate readings tend to be off, as high as 212 in the first 5 minutes of a run. Before you buy, read the one star reviews. It seems that the Garmin has had this problem in the past with the 301. It is a great GPS tracker, but seems to be a lousy heart rate monitor.


I have been using my Forerunner 301 for a year now and I absolutely love it. I purchased it mainly for running, but I love that it can be used for several different activities since I also like to bike and do regular cardio activity. I have never had any problems with the heart rate monitor as posted in other reviews. When I run on trails that have more trees, it might "zone out" for a few seconds, but I have never had any problems since it resumes to normal activity very quickly. I wanted a product that I wouldn't outgrow for some time, so I still haven't utilized all the features. I have played with the virtual trainer a little, but I figured I would use it more when I train for a run. I have had to rely on the GPS mapping features when I travel and find that it is reliable and really gives me peace of mind knowing that I won't get lost. I should also mention that I have never had any problems with the chest strap. In fact, I appreciated the Garmin strap more after purchasing an exercise bike a few months ago when I experienced several problems with the fit of the chest strap that came with that. For a woman, I found that I could appreciate the thin, smaller size of the Garmin chest strap. The main drawbacks are that it is not compatible with Macintosh computers. (If one is interested in downloading the information to a computer which is not really necessary.) I also had to learn to get past the fact that it sometimes takes several minutes for the GPS to connect when it is first turned on. I feel that these are minor drawbacks, and for me, they don't really affect the usability. This is a wonderful product and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a device like this.

I have been using the Garmin Forerunner 301 for about a week and love it. It exceeds my expectations in every way. I love the large, easy to read display and the heart rate monitor is good for heart rate training. I have had no problems to date with the heart rate monitor as has been noted in other reviews. I just follow the recommendations in the manual and it works fine. My only problem now is that I may have to get one for my jealous training partner (my wife).

I highly recommend the 301. I have not had any problems with it. It works great and accurately every-time that I have used it. In the last three months I have used it at least thirty times and it works flawlessly.

I have never had problems with the GPS tracking my position while running outdoors, and never had any problems with the heart-rate monitor either.

This device is very lightweight for all the features that it offers and the screen is easily readable.

This GPS has motivated me to run more often, trying new routes, and made it more fun.

I hope this helps to make your decision easier. I HAVE NO REGRETS and I think it was worth every penny.

Howard

I LOVE my Garmin. My running has vastly improved and helped me meet and beat my running goals.
In the last four months I have soaked and beaten this thing and it keeps ticking!

I gave it four stars though because while I LOVE it, it does need some improving to make it *perfect* LOL!
The heart rate monitor goes a little whacky every so often and some days it takes a long while to pick up that I am indeed alive! LOL!
The GPS is good but not great by any means- I must go outdoors to pick up signal and even then it takes 2-10 minutes to get it.

I am sure the newest model has made these improvments but it isn't worth the $$$ when I am happy with the 301. It was worth every penny and then some! When it dies I will most certainly get the newest Garmin! I joke with my husband that one day I will have to divorce him and marry Mr. Garmin ;) LMAO!

find the product very useful overall. the trail feature is a little difficult to follow as it does not use a map. i have trouble setting the heart rate limit beep. the gps is typical in terms of making contact with the signal (often several minutes) but it maintains a signal pretty well. i would buy the product again. check the software before you buy if that is a major reason for the purchase, as it is really limited in my view.

Does a fairly good job when you're out in the open, but if you're surrounded by buildings or in heavy trees it tends to lose the satellite signal which fouls up your distance and pace measurements. The heart rate monitor seems to work okay but also seems to sporadically lose its signal (maybe when surrounded by other heart rate monitors, like when in a race.) Has lots of nice bells and whistles and the software that comes with it is nice for uploading and viewing all your running/biking history. All in all it's good for training on your own out in the open, but not so hot for running in the city in large groups.

This product is wonderful for runners. It is a great training/weight loss tool and is very easy to use.

Garmin makes great products, and this is one of them. Not bulky, I've taken it on my bike, and canoe, as wellas running. It's pretty accurate, and does a decent job with altitude. The map that the software overlays your course on leaves much to be desired though. I'm hoping Garmin offers an upgrade.

What a real boost to my training for a marathon! I love knowing my heartrate and my running record. It's great!!!

I bought this for my husband to help him train for the Marine Corps Marathon. He loved it and it helped a lot with the training. The GPS did fail at times and was inconsistent. Overall it was a good device and helped him keep track of his progress.

I have had limited use of my gps due to my newness to running. However, from what I have been using on the forerunner 301 I have like the information I receive. I have recommanded it to people who are also interested in knowing their progress in their excercise program.

As most users have commented, this is agreat device for outdoor running and tracking workouts, although the instantaneous heart rate and pace readings can be erroneous.

I have one MAJOR complaint that I haven't seen here. How come it cannot calculate calories burned indoors, based on the heart rate reading (instead of GPS)? My primary use for this gadget is a tracking tool - for my outdoor miles and my indoor calories. I don't care what my heart rate was - I want to know how many bon-bons I can eat when I'm done working out. Even $100 heart rate monitors calculate calories - why doesn't Garmin?!?!?

I purchased the 301 in Febuary - It is now October and I am disgusted. From the very first day, heart rate monitor was very erratic (inspite of following all directions)heart rate will spike to beyond where I would be dead or sometimes totally dissapear during runs, for no apparrent reason. This unit is great for keeping general pace and distance of runs, however, it frequently says you are going too fast or too slow even when you are keeping a steady pace and this can be frustrating. The last problem, and gravest, is that as time has gone by it has gotten harder to connect and download the information - maybe moisture in the contacts? - I have talked to other Garmin owners and have heard similar complaints - this is a serious design flaw ! My unit is still under warranty - So I am HOPING that this company will honor its warranty. Anyway, If I was to do it all over again I would get a speed & distance monitor with foot pod technology (maybe from Polar) I have heard these are great. Forwarned is Forearmed and not Fore-Ripped off !

I bought the 301 from Amazon a few weeks ago, and it has worked flawlessly. Heart rate and distance both track quite well.

There are some great review comments already on the board, so I'll only add a few new thoughts:

1. Freedom! The biggest surprise that I've found is how the 301 provides me with a sense of freedom when running. I no longer have to stay on pre-measured routes, or wonder how far I've gone when running in unfamiliar territory. I can just turn on the 301 and then run as an explorer throughout the area that I'm in. The 301 keeps track of distance, so I know when I am reaching my target mileage and should be turning for home. It hadn't occurred to me how freeing this would feel!

2. Location Tracking. I too have found that the location tracking is a bit off at times. This is for two reasons that I've seen. First, due to the +/- 22 feet resolution that I get from the 301, it will sometimes measure my path as a slight zigzag even when I'm running in a straight line. Second, since the 301 only takes a measurement every few seconds, it doesn't always see exactly when I've turned a corner so it often cuts the corner when measuring distance. The best way that I've been able to see this is when mapping my route over a satellite image. It becomes quite obvious when I see the data showing me in a yard instead of on the sidewalk! Most of these errors tend to balance each other out, though, so the measurement of my total distance seems to be quite good. I tested this out by using SportsTracks (a freeware alternative to Garmin-owned MotionBased that's quite good.). SportsTracks allows me to edit my run data on a satellite view, changing my route so that I stay on sidewalks and don't cut corners. As I change the route, SportsTracks automatically recalculates the total distance. In the few runs of 5 miles so far, correcting the errors has changed the run by only 0.02 miles. Not bad!

3. Pace Tracking. I too have found that the pace reading varies a bit while running. This is because of the variation in location tracking that I've mentioned above. To keep the readings from bouncing all over the place, Garmin averages multiple pace readings before displaying them. The amount of averaging can be adjusted in the settings menu. I've used the out-of-box setting and it looks like the 301 averages readings for 5 to 10 seconds. The easiest way to see this occurring is to run at a steady pace and then start walking, and notice how long it takes the readings to finally settle down to show a walking pace. So, overall, the pace measurement is pretty accurate as long as I'm running at a consistent pace for more than 5 to 10 seconds (which is usually the case).

4. Virtual Partner. I also like the Virtual Partner feature, which allows me to have a pacesetter during my runs. The 301 then tells me how far ahead or behind I am relative to this pacesetter. I'll be using this during my next marathon, where my Virtual Partner will be set to run 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 22 minutes (a 10 minute pace - yes, I am slow!) That way I can regularly tell whether I'm ahead of or behind my target finishing time. Very cool!



I was worried after reading the other reviews but didn't want to buy the more expensive models. As a result, I kept all the packing materials and documents when unpacking it (so that I can return it if it was as bad as the reviews made it out to be).

Since it arrived, I have used it for running, biking, indoor aerobics, and weight training. I did not have the problem with either the GPS or the HRM. Once GPS is locked, it doesn't create any problem, but it does take 20 seconds or so to get the signal. The heart rate monitor did not stop working at any time except when I was doing weights which led to movement of the strap.
When biking on a wooded trail, I continued to get the GPS signal. If I start moving before locking the signal from the satellite the unit does not get the signal at all (so it is better to wait the few extra seconds before starting out). While using it indoors, my objective is to get the heart rate over the entire period I am working out. When I switch off the GPS, i am able to do this without any problem.

I am using two softwares with it right now - at some point in time I will figure out which one to make the main software. Other than the training center that came with the unit (actually I downloaded the latest version), I am using sportstrack which is a free software. Thanks to the earlier reviewer from whom I learnt about this free software which works great - it has several analysis options as well as mapping options.

At no point did I have a problem with the unit - either the HRM or the GPS. I think it is a great unit and worth every buck I paid for it at Amazon.

I have two issues wih the unit and neither of them is so critical as to reduce the rating of the product. First, I would like to see a better software - Sportstrack is significantly better. I am still using Garmin's because it allows me to see the heart rate zones over the run better. Second, I should be able to have two users of the device.

Overall, I am very happy with the product and am writing the review because my expereince was much better than what the earlier reviews made me expect from this product.





It really is this simple - the Garmin 301 works exactly as advertised! I got mine a little over 3 weeks ago, I run 3 or 4 times per week and I've used it every run since it arrived. Yeah, the heart rate monitor dips out occasionaly and the GPS takes 2 or 3 minutes to get a lock, but these are small complaints when set aside what it does. Typically I power the device on 10 minutes before I go out - it pairs with my HRM and gets a lock on the GPS - yes, when I'm indoors.

I bought it, I use it 3 or 4 times a week and I LOVE IT!

Easy to use, Readable display, lap splits, virtual training partner, accurate GPS data...It does everything you need in a wrist-top computer.

Its an excellent machine for all levels of runners/cyclists. I strongly recommend this unit.

Great unit. Sits a little large on the wrist but I understand they have designed a smaller device. I love the software which records the results. I used it to track a hike at the Grand Canyon. I got lost and it helped me get back on track. This is a great conditioning tool. I have reduced my long distance running times.

I don't know how I ever ran without one of these. It tells you everything you need to know about your run so you can plan future runs. The 301 comes with a USB connection to the computer (as opposed to a serial connection). Just this feature alone justifies buying it over the 201 model if you want to download the information to your computer. I have had this for 2 years and have loved it every time I run. The only issue I have with it is its satellite signal strength. Sometimes it has a hard time getting locks on satellites but I can't justify spending the extra $ to get the 305 just for the infrequent times that it has weak satellite signals.

Overall I am pleased with my purchase of this product. I like the features of stopwatch, heart rate monitoring, pace, and distance. The only complaint I have is that it doesn't clearly define my entire path (i.e. listing street names) which I had thought was an interesting feature. The picture from the product's website shows how it displays the exact location of the entire run. I downloaded the upgrade from the Garmin website, but it still does not show the street names. It just shows a diagram of the directions I ran on a white screen then it will display the nearest interstate or major highway. It's not a major concern to me, though, since I care more about tracking my progress which it does that well.

The price finally came down enough where I could justify buying the G301. And it has been worth every cent. It hasn't misbehaved or given me trouble yet and I'm very satisfied with it. The MotionBased website is the big plus as well...the Training Center PC software is good but the interactivity with MB is awesome.

My husband bought this for me for training. It's great. It tracks my miles and then I can plot it comparing my progress. The heartrate monitor is also a great feature. It's easy to use.

My wife and I have a Garmin 201 & 301. We are very happy with them both. They take the guess work out of time & distance allowing us to try new routes more easily.

I recommend paying the extra for the 301. The advertised difference, of course, is the heart rate monitor. But the biggest advantage to me is it connects to your pc with a USB connection. Just plug it in after a run and it uploads your workout stats into your record book. The 201 uses a serial port connection and frankly, I've never gone to the trouble of connecting it to my pc.

I'm just getting used to the various features of the monitor - as this is the first of it's type that I've used.

I really enjoy the heart monitor function. I haven't had the problems that others have. I wonder if they are placing the strap correctly. I have the sensor right under my heart with the two leads on either side, below the breast. The GPS seems to work pretty well also, just takes a bit to lock on to the signal. I look forward to getting the various features utilized in the future.

This is a cool toy that performs as advertised. It does a nice job of collecting and displaying distance, speed, heartrate etc. It works well while running, biking, hiking and driving.
My only concern is the protective cap for the USB port is pretty flimsy.
My wish list is that Garmin would upgrade the Training Center software to allow more Excel-like features such as plotting any combinations of data and increase the user control of how it plots.

I waited to write my review after having the product for a while. I really like it. It is great for running, biking as well as hiking. The interface is very user friendly though I have to admit I have not tried customizing it as of yet. The only small complaint I have is that the 301 it is quite large and awkward when running (thus the 4 stars & not 5). For the money it is a very good value.

I have been running with this product for almost a month and love it! It keeps track of a lot of information and when my run is complete I plug it into my computer and it automatically downloads my run information. It provides me with graphs that show my speed, distance and heart rate information. It is easy to view historical data of past runs. I am seeing improvement in my runs because I am able to watch my speed as I am running so I can make adjustments based on my heart rate and the goal I have in mind. I would highly recommend the Forerunner.

I bought it in dec 2005 for Xmas. I have been using it 3 to 4 times a week when paddling, ie 6 to 10 hours a week.
It takes forever to acquire sattelites, whatever the weather is... The heart rate displayed is sometimes fuzzy.
I never managed to use the trainig center software. It just doesn't detect the gps unit when it is plugged to the computer. I tried to install this software on 3 different PCs : one with Win98SE, the second with WinXPFamilySP2 and the other with WinXPProSP2. I installed the usb gps drivers updates, the new version of the Trainig Center and i even updated the unit sofware... When I mailed to Garmin to ask for help and/or info the only answer i got was "make sure the unit is connected to the computer when you run the software" !!! Do they really think their consumers are so stupid ?
Today, my forerunner301, just six month old, is not working at all. Impossible to switch it on, and when i plug it to its charger, i don't get any message on the screen.
I am very disapointed. Hope the 1 year warranty is not a lie...

I sent an email to garmin, they answered me very kindly. All I had to do was to send the device with 25$, then they sent me a new unit. This new gps acquire sattelites faster than the precedent and the heart rate values are more accurate.
Thank you Ms Sharon Tang (Garmin Taiwan)

I purchased this about 3 months ago to help me keep track of my fitness level and to help me push new goals. The GPS is extrememly accurate, when I run on a marked coarse the 301 is right on the money. The only issue I have had with the GPS is that sometimes it takes a while to acquire the signal, but I have worked around it and I just turn it on while I'm doing my stretches, by the time I'm done stretching it is ready to go. I have had no prolems with the heart rate monitor as several other reviews said they had, once it has the signal it doesn't lose it. I also use this on my Bike, and it has accuratly gauged my rides of 70 to 80 miles without incident and only minimal GPS loss through heavy trees.

The only flaw with this model is the software. On days that I can't run outside and I have to run on an indoor track (GPS obviously doesn't work indoors), so I just time myself and use the heart rate monitor portion. The unfortunate thing is that it doesn't record your distance without GPS and the software will not let you enter the distance traveled if you want to keep a record of it.

Other than that one flaw, this is an excellent training aid and everyone I have let borrow my 301 has purchased one of their own. I don't know how I ran without it before!

I was concerned about this product because of the negative reviews and particularly about the heart monitor. But I received it the next day after ordering from Amazon - whose service continues to get better for me - and I immediately charged the battery and then set up my profile.

The next morning I used it for the first time and the heart rate monitor worked flawlessly for me. The GPS was exceptional as well. The heart rate monitor worked as well or better than my trusty Polar and they agreed with each other, too.

The only negatives I experienced were: 1) that the unit seemed a little bulky to me at first but I gradually became accustomed to it; 2) the lap button is near the start/stop button and I run in the dark so I had a bit of trouble with laps. I think I'll get the hang of the buttons soon.

Also the Training Center software did not work and I had to download the latest version from the web site. But I like the training center software just fine for my needs.

I would recommend it.

I waited a couple of weeks before reviewing to be sure I had a good sense of how well this device performs over time. So, here are my impressions.

The Garmin Forerunner 301 is great!

The GPS is very accurate. One time I used it while driving in my care and it measured my distance to work at 17.5 miles. I then went to an on-line mapping/routing program, and give it the same path. It returned a distance of 17.5 miles!

Battery life is amazing. It re-charges in less than 4 hours, and then it is good for 13-14 hours. I have never run out of battery, or even come close.

First, it is very comfortable to wear (I recommend, though, not wearing it on bare skin but over a shirt sleeve, as it won't get sweaty this way). The strap is strong and comfortable, and once on you don't even notice the device is there. It feels strong too, although I don't want to try it, it feels like it would survive drops very well. The screen is recessed, therefore making it quite protected.

Displayed info is very intuitive, LARGE, and customizable. When it first arrives it is set up for pace (minutes/mile), but I changed it to speed (miles/hour). It also allows using metrics (km/hour).

I use it mostly for bike rides, and to figure out best routes to drive to work. I therefore separate these two into two sports: Biking and I use Running for the car. Thus, I can keep these datasets separate. I record bike rides, which includes altitude, grade, speed, position, and heart rate. Later the included software can be used to analyze the session (note: the included software didn't work when first installed, but the lastest version found on the Garmin website worked the first time and flawlessly since, FYI, I have a Windows XP pro system).

I've read some complaints about the heart monitor. Well, I've had 4 bike riding sessons, and it workd great on the first two. Then, it worked very intermitently on the 3rd. But, I figured out why! One thing not mentioned in the manual is that the heat monitor chest attachment has two strap connectors on each side. The monitor works virtually perfectly, IF you have it so it is tight-but-not-too-tight, AND those two snap connectors on the side are SNAP-LOCKED into place! If NOT snap-locked, the monitor moves around a bit over time, and loses connection and gives bad readings (>200). But when snapped, it works great! So those who experienced this problem might not have done this. I did this on my fourth bike trip, and it worked all the time, apart from one 15 second glitch.

When the heart rate monitors is working, the included software can be used to plot lots of different things on comparative graphs, and calculates approximate calorie usage. I like to use it to review (re-live) old rides, and keep track of totals (like miles driven this year). Using on-line programs (such as Motion Based, owned by Garmin) one can convert the info to such formats as Google Earth (then you can replay your bike ride on a photo map of the Earth!).

I'm amazed that in this day and age there is a device that actually does what it says it does! And it's not at all expensive for what it can do. It's not perfect, but definitely in the top 20% (heck, I'd give it a numerical rating of 95%, which is 4.75 out of 5), so 5 stars is my vote! :)

Works almost perfect, no problem with satelite reception, HRM.
All bad review are results people don't understand how GPS working.
Have it for a month already and love it.

Two major problems with the Forerunner 301, which I notice have been mentioned several times in other reviews: 1) Poor GPS reception, and 2) Unreliable Heart Rate Monitor.

I bought the 301 primarily for distance running, with a secondary use as a hiking companion. As a hiking GPS it's of little value, which was expected. I had thought that at the very least it would display lat/long coordinates, but in fact it doesn't do that unless you enter a waypoint. Almost useless for navigation. However, the 301 was designed to be a training aid, but it fails at that, too...

1) One major asset of having a GPS for training is that you can measure your distance traveled over any course. If I decide in the middle of a long run to take a spontaneous detour, I don't have to go out later using the car's odometer to measure how many miles I added. This feature works OK, but the 301 frequently loses satellite lock. It regains the lock within a minute or so, which usually isn't a problem unless you're running some winding trails.

This biggest problem with the frequent loss of satellite lock is with the pace calculation. I was really looking forward to knowing my running pace at any point during a run (it even displays pace in minutes/mile) but this calculation uses a rolling average. Whenever the 301 loses a lock, your pace begins to slow down (since your distance traveled remains the same) until suddenly it regains lock and the pace shoots up. As a result, whenever I look at the pace I can never be certain that I am actually running that pace! A great feature rendered useless by the high frequency of losing satellite locks.

2) The heart rate monitor (HRM) never worked. I tried everything - replaced the battery, wet the electrodes, wore it on my chest, wore it on my back, both running hard and standing still, and NEVER ever got the 301 to communicate with the HRM. Is it too much to ask of Garmin to test their products before shipping them out? I was extremely disappointed.

Ultimately I returned my Forerunner 301 to Amazon for a full refund. If I can't make use of the pace calculation and can't depend on the HRM, then I may as well buy a cheap ol' GPS for measuring distance and hiking, and do the pacing math in my head. Hopefully their new Forerunner 205/305 can improve on these failings, but I'm not going to buy one anytime soon.

The Garmin 301 GPS has made my marathon training much more effective and accurate by taking the guess work out of endurance, speed, and elevation training. I not longer need to guess my distance, pace, elevation gain and/or grade which has allowed me to maintain a much more consistent training plan and recognize the effects of each run on my body in the days following the run.

I would recommend this device to anyone wanting to improving their running ability!

I use the Garmin Forerunner 301 on power walks. Very satisfied with reliability of GPS and heart rate monitor. The heart rate monitor on occasion blinks out, but comes right back - the stats sometimes show a max heart rate of 200+, which I just ignore. The average heart rate is reliable.

With the new model coming out on the market, the current price for the 301 model is a steal!

Primarily designed for training, I have used it as well for navigation and as a good toy :-). In all cases, it has performed wonderfully. The route tracking is good for navigation on the water, and the ability to easily download to MotionBased and Google Earth makes this a "must have".

I am only casually training for a road race, so the training software is a bit of overkill for my application, and I would say I am not impressed that there is no method to export the data from the training software once it is there. I would love to compare times/pace/heartrate with excel...

Enjoy - it has seen continuous use since we purchased it.

I have only had a few opportunities to run with the 301, but I am already seeing enhancements in my running. The instant feedback on my pace really helps me keep on top of my speed. I do see some erradict readings, glancing down one second seeing a 9:30/mile pace, then seconds later I am at a 6:30 mile pace. But for the most part it seems to be spot on. A little big, curious about the 305, but didn't want to wait or shell out the extra dollars. A good investment overall.

I love it, does everything the others do and more for half the price. Size of device is larger, but have to expect that for what it does. Screen size is big and easy to read when running. Software, is nice and can detail your workout but you need to download the most current addition. Thanks



I got the Forerunner 301 as a Christmas present from my wife,
charged it up and turned it on and everything looked good. I finally got a chance in January to go for a run, the Forerunner worked great except the heartrate monitor. Could not get it to work! Contacted their support people via e-mail and they were great sent me out a new heartrate monitor with strap. Still no good! The problem must be in the main unit! Anyway, I now have to return the entire unit back to Garmin for repair, since Amazon won't take it back being over 30 days since the sale.

I would suggest if anyone wants to buy one don't do it over Amazon, since you can't take it back to the store. I believe the Forerunner would be a great tool if the heartrate monitor worked.



I like having all the data (pace, distance, heart rate) on my wrist. The device is big, but not heavy. Easy to get used to.

Only time I used it for exercise, it registered my resting pulse at 202. I could not get it to function, although it did well when I was at rest. I returned it. Hopefully the next generation of these will function better.

I really love the concept and the features, but it is very inaccurate when running near trees or in the city. I also have the Timex oem with the big arm strap Garmin GPS receiver and it is by far a better receiver and interpolates between low GPS signal spots accuratley, but I have to wear 4 things on my body to get same functionality and no download of data. I find my self using the Timex anyway because it is more reliable. The 301 does not interpolate between points. The heart rate monitor frequently loses or has false high values, but not too bad. The description for the ForeRunner 305 says it has better reception, has anyone experienced it or seen a comparison? Is there a way to demo one to see if it works any better.

The Forerunner 301 seems like a great idea, but basically fails to deliver on every level. I have used it about 25 times in just over over a month and am quite disappointed.

The odometer and pace meter are inconsistent . I use the lap function so that the Forerunner automatically records a lap at each mile. Though I typically run about an 8-minute pace, approximately every other run the Forerunner records a mile in the 5-6 minute/mile range, which not only skews the average pace of my run but also the distance. Everytime I use the Forerunner, the instantaneous readings constantly jump from the low 5's to almost a 10 minute/mile pace. On a number of occassions, the Forerunner has lost the GPS signal and stopped recording distance altogether. To its credit, over the course of an entire run, the distance reading seems more or less consistent and accurate (I have checked with my car). However, I have run side-by-side with others using a Forerunner and we got distances that differed by about 80 meters. It's just to erratic to be worth the cost.

The elevation function is so unreliable that it's useless. I start from the exact same place every time I run and according to the Forerunner my starting elevation has varied from 180 to over 400 feet with just about everything in between. I run 5 miles and it typically gives me 4.5 miles of elevation readings. Where did the other half mile go? Did I lose at the start, middle, or end?

Many others have commented negatively on the heart rate monitor and my experiences echo theirs. It loses contact, jumps around though my effort level remains the same, and generally is too variable to be a useful training tool.

All of these problems are made worse by the fact that you cannot edit the data once you have it loaded into your computer. I'm preparing for a marathon and would like to keep track of my average pace per mile over the course of my training, but this is impossible as the Forerunner routinely throws a five-minute mile into my workout. If you could edit the data, at least you could balance your own judgment against the Forerunner's readings and adjust its mistakes.

I should note that I live in suburban Connecticut, not an area that you would expect to get poor GPS reception. There is tree coverage, which no doubt interferes with the GPS. Others have made complaints about problems in urban areas. So, if it does not work predictably in a city or where there are trees, other than a beach or desert just where should one use the Forerunner?

The short of it is, the Forerunner is so inaccurate that it simply is not worth the considerable cost.

I have had my Garmin Forerunner 301 for about nine months. During that time I have seen it has some good points but it fails significantly in several ways.

I'll start with the Garmin 301's best point(s): It is an excellent GPS device for a runner. I have done several organized races on certified courses which proved the Garmin GPS is an excellent distance gauge. Your stride length can vary greatly with no affect. I have not seen anyone run with a Polar foot pod and get nearly as precise measurements as I get from the Garmin. I just ran the California International Marathon with the Garmin. At the finish, it said 26.2 miles. Compare that to the Polar with foot pod my brother was wearing that said almost 28 miles. The only time I have found Garmin's GPS questionable has been on winding trail runs under trees.

Coupled with its ability to measure distance is the Garmin's setting for automatically tagging and storing mile splits. I love this function. Often times after a really long run, it's difficult to remember how you felt over certain areas of the course. This function means you don't have to remember anything. It's there.

I also like that it will tell me elevation, and even the steepness of the grade I am running up. This is especially nice if you are a trail runner. However, I don't like that it won't tally the total elevation change like a Polar will.

The speed and pace measurements displayed while in motion are a valuable gauge. I know of no device that does it better for a runner. But the accuracy can vary widely depending upon your overhead view. Clear sky generates an accurate reading. Throw a tree or a building in the mix and forget it. I have accepted this for what it is, a relative gauge that requires me to factor in my own judgment.

If you are a really serious athlete, you might want something that will run a little longer from a single charge. It isn't waterproof and it crashes periodically with no way to reset until the battery actually dies completely.

The heart rate feature, the one thing that supposedly makes this device worth $100 more than the Garmin 201, is actually its least reliable feature!! They owe me a hundred bucks! The unreliability of the heart rate monitor on this device should be so embarrassing to Garmin, it warrants a recall. Search the web. It's horrible. I routinely see readings over 220BPM. There is less than a 50/50 chance it will even READ my heart rate through an entire workout. Between the CONSTANT spikes and signal drops, there is no such thing as really knowing your average heart rate. I have given up on the heart rate function. It's a negative distraction from my training. As a result, I would not buy another Garmin 301. I would not recommend one to my friend. I would even go out of my way to dissuade a casual acquaintance from buying one if I found out they were considering it!

Customer service: I sent an eight-year old monitor back to Polar with a dead battery. For the cost of shipping they sent me a whole new monitor. I sent an email to Garmin telling them I thought their product had some strong points but could benefit from a few improvements. I offered specific suggestions about the software and offered to provide any additional necessary feedback. Garmin didn't even send an automated reply.

With all these factors in mind, I bought my wife a Polar heart rate monitor and a Garmin 101 for Christmas. Together, they cost less than I spent on my Garmin 301, and the combination will provide the same information far more reliably.

The only difficulty I have with this product is that the software is not Mac compatible.

I am training for my 1st marathon. Without my Garmin I would not be able to track my miles and speed. I love that it has a hart rate monitor because I also like to track the calories I burn, and to stay in my fat burning zone.

All around the best workout tool I have used to date. I am definately a "gadget buff" so I have tried MANY other toys. The best feature about this tool is the ability to download your workouts to you computer to track your progress. I even use it when on a stationary bike or treadmill so that I can track my heartrate & download it to my computer.
Gripes - I am not happy with the chest strap. I am 6'5" and workout on a regular basis so I have a fairly large chest. The strap is big enough, but I cannot find a happy medium when it comes to fit. No matter how tight I try to make it, the strap still tries to slide down to my waste as I breath in & out.
I would also like the strap for the reciever to be bigger so that I could wear it on my upper arm. (too small even with the extension strap)
The final gripe is that the GPS is useless in the woods.

The Garmin Forerunner GPS with heart rate monitor is excellent. It is easy to use and has a configurable display allowing me to put the Lap Pace in Large numbers and the Heart Rate, Lap Distance and Lap Time in smaller numbers, yet still readable. When I am more interested in my Heart Rate as the big number, it is easy to reconfigure the display with a push of a button. The product was delivered very fast, I am very happy with Amazon's service.

Well I bought my first 301 for me and it worked great. I bought a second one for my wife locally and when I tried to enter her name as a new user it would not read her device even though the computer said it was connected. The device worked great in reading her heart rate and position but just would connect to the software. I called Garmin and they sent me through some tests and determined that it was the unit and to send it back, taking weeks. I returned it to the store for an exchange and it too would not connect to the software. So I went to the Garmin site and downloaded the most recent version of the software and...that fixed the porblem. HOWEVER now this unit would not pick up her heart rate. We called and tried to get the first unit back but no luck. So we got a third unit locally and it has worked great...So now, we love the thing and we both use it 3 times per week and the software works great.

I purchased this device with great expectations. I wanted to be able to see what my heart rate would be at any given pace. The GPS worked well. If you are running in city streets, it will not be accurate. On wide open trails, it worked great. The problem is the heart rate monitor. It worked well for about two weeks. It then just spit out random numbers while I ran. I made sure it was fully charged, and it still gave inaccurate readings. I have tried tightening the strap and ensuring the contact was good. Still inaccurate. It works well when I am not running. I will return it and wait until Polar makes the heart rate monitor for this device. Garmin, are you listening? You will have the perfect tool for the serious athlete if you can make an accurate heart rate monitor.

The Garmin Forerunner is a terrific exercise computer. It covers all the bases in an easy to use, well designed package. In my case, I use it with the optional handlebar mount on my bicycle, allowing me to monitor my exercise and regulate my energy output and keep a log of all my rides and the various statistics that comprise each ride. You are given heartrate, distance, average speed, elevations, everything relative to your exercise session. Some of the features I haven't yet used include the virtual coach, a feature where the Forerunner literally reminds you that you're being a lazy sod, and prods you to pick up the pace as well as some of the running specific features. This is a terrific product, especially for the triathlete because it can be used while running. My only gripe is Garmin's stubborn allegiance to utilizing only Microsoft's Windows OS in the Forerunner's interactions with your home computer. It would be nice if they supported the Macintosh OSX operating system, but alas, they do not nor do they plan to in the future (hence only 4 stars in my review). Other than that glaring deficiency, this is an incredibly useful product.

The 301 is great if you want to monitor your heart rate and keep track of your distance and speed. I already had the 201 without the heart rate (which is also great) and moved up. With heart rate info, you can determine if you are really training at your most efficient pace. I use this when I travel, so I can know how far I ran without having to trace the course in a car. The only downside is that the GPS has problems in areas with lots of trees.

Garmin's are also good for checking the distance of your favorite race. I confirmed that one 5K is a short course, and that another was .25 miles too long.

The history feature of your times is great for filling out training logs once a week or month, or for downloading to your computer.

I had read several reviews both here and in other locations and really did not know what to expect with the Forerunner 301. I have been using it for over 2 weeks and it is incredible. Everything works as advertised or better. I have had NO GPS-sync errors. All times, heart rate data, and distances have been accurate. The menus are super easy to use and easy to customize. I especially like the target distances, heart rate, speeds, and trainer features. I used it in races already to keep me on pace and to save a little something for the end. I have yet to use the PC software but plan to soon. I have experienced no problems and highly recommend it. I lent it to my wife (who is generally anti-gadget) to use on a walk and she was happy with the experience and pleased with the results...no training required!

This is the greatest running/biking training tool ever. The charts, graphs, data, and maps give you all of the information you need to take your training to the next level. It is easy to use and easy to afford.

This is a Great product!! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get accurate distance on the run and bike. I bought it for running but it works great on the Bike. It has a heart rate monitor which has been good I have had it lose the heart rate for a short time than come back.

It is loaded with features and downloads/uploads to PC thru USB port.

I can now run a new route and know my speed and distance for sure.



Does exactly what it says. The chest strap HRM runs fine for me, no complaints. The GPS works as well as any GPS ever does, which is good if you have good visibility of the sky. There are a few good websites which will take uploads of your 301's data and clean it up & map it.

I have had the Forerunner 301 for about six weeks. I love it! It has worked great. Some reviews complain about the heartrate monitor, but I have had no problems. If you want a device to keep track of all elements of your running, this is it.

I'm a gadget freak. So when I read about the 301 last year I decided I had to have one. And I am glad that I got it -- I really am. The 301 released me from the need to clock running routes with my car, or to run on a treadmill if I wanted accurate pace times. All the stuff that the product description says: all true. It really will transform your workouts. I really like the advanced workouts -- when training for a race I set up a month of training runs at a time, and the 301 keeps me honest.

Or it tries to. Because there are a couple of problems with this wee beastie. First off, cloud cover and trees cause it to lose the signal. A lot. When I ran the Vancouver half-marathon, I didn't get a signal once after entering the wooded areas of Stanley Park (2 miles). At home in Sammamish, WA, I regularly lose the signal if it is raining or if I am running in a suburban area with treed streets. And if you know this area you know that there are A LOT Of trees here. In the summer (no clouds) it works great.

The 2nd complaint I have is with the heart rate monitor. The strap is hard plastic -- not nearly as comfortable as my Polar HRM. And the pickup is spotty. You have to keep the contacts wet or it won't pick up at all. And even when I am sweating profusely there will be times that the 301 just starts yelling "Heart Rate Too High". I'll look down and it's reporting a h.r. of 200+. Trust me, when I am running my heart rate NEVER gets to 200. This happens often enough that you start to doubt if you can rely on the data it provides.

THE "PERFECT" 301 (I would pay $100 more for this!)
Here's how Garmin could fix this:
1. Use a soft Polar HRM strap rather than their plastic one.
2. Include an inertial shoe tracker similar to the Nike or Timex models, and have the watch use the shoe tracker when the GPS signal is spotty.

SUMMARY
It isn't perfect. But I haven't sold it, and I still use it 5 times a week. I know that sometimes it won't read correctly and I am bummed by that. But I don't have anything better.

I thought I'd wait a few months before writing a review to really give myself some time and miles with this device. I'm training for a December marathon and so it's been getting plenty of use and the short of it is that, as you would expect from garmin, the GPS is great. The heart rate monitor on the other hand has been for the most part, useless. It has worked and a few times, flawlessly, but for the most part, it is erratic and will sometimes show a heartrate of 240 bpm. Combine that with the alerts you can set for upper and lower ranges and you end up with a device that doesn't stop bothering you during a run. Yesterday I ran 10 miles and carried the heart rate monitor in my hand for about 8 of the 10. I have read many other reviews and some people have no trouble at all with the monitor and others seem to have the same frustrations that I am having.

As for the GPS, I can't say enough about it. Combine that with being able to view your runs on Google Earth and it is truly a gadget freaks dream.

If they can fix the heart rate monitor, this would be a runner's dream come true. Until then, the 201 seems a better bet. Then at least the device will work as it's supposed to.

I have been a serious cyclist for years and have used all types of cyclcomputers and heart rate monitors. The Garmin Forerunner 301 is the most accurate, most flexible and easiest to program and operate of any. The download capability and data analysis capability are the best, much better than my previous unit a Ciclosport Hac4, and $200 less than the Hac4.
I would recommend it to anyone.

I have had nothing but great experiences with this Garmin. I'm currently preparing for the Honolulu Marathon and it has helped me tremendously. It does not lie and gives great feedback. There is no cheating.

I love this thing..My only complaints are that the heart rate number is too small, and once in a while I lose the signal. Other than that, it's wonderful!

I am very pleased with the forerunner and all its features. I sometimes question the heartrate meter but overall am happy with it.

I got the forerunner for my birthday about 6 weeks ago. I've been training for triathlons for about a year and a half now and I really had no way of knowing until race day what my speed/pace was during training, or if the work was paying off. This unit really does the work of a training log and there will be no embellishments! The accuracy of the GPS is solid, even when riding through trees on my mountain bike or running on heavily wooded trails. When I'm done with my workouts I can quickly and easily download them to my PC and analyze how I did. I can identify trouble spots in my workout that allow me to make adjustments. I've tried some of the canned workout routines but so far I'm creating my own. You can customize your workout however you want on the PC, then send it to your forerunner, or vice-versa. The only complaint I have so far is that the heart rate monitor sometimes loses my heart rate and goes flat... I'm pretty sure I wasn't dead at the time, so my guess is, it's a little flaky at times. If I make sure I wet the belt and my skin, it seems to help but it doesn't cure it. I will be contacting Garmin about this if it gets any worse. The flat lines are usually early in my workouts. After I'm sweating hard, the monitor doesn't usually quit. I've also noticed that hard, jolting terrain can also mess up the monitor. I know I've never reached a HR of 220 BPM, but somehow the monitor picked up such rates consistently on a fast downhill decent on a fire road. It had to be the jolting of my body that caused it because most of the rest of the ride was accurate. The unit also tracks elevation quite well. It's nice to know what kind of hill you were climbing when your heart rate got so high. So far, I can't think of any features it doesn't have that I would add. The PC software could use a few more features but it was free with the unit. If you want better software, there are software packages offered for a price. Overall, I'm have a great time with this training tool. I think it's well worth the price when you consider what other HRM's cost with NO GPS! Garmin got it right with easy to navigate menus and a good design. The lap button is located probably a little too close to the start/stop button, but once the user (that's me) got used to it, he only hits the lap button when he wants to now.

Update: Still loving this unit after 8+months of use. I've found the solution for the heart rate strap. I was wearing it too high on my chest! If I just slidt it down to about the bottom of my sternum, it never loses the signal. It only took me about 7 months to figure that out... Duh. I find that I pretty much use the data to track my weekly and monthly mileage and my fitness progress during specific workouts. It can be easy to get caught up in looking at the data for hours but is that really helping me? I do wish the software that comes with the unit was more robust. You can't do anything with the data. You can't rename the default names, you can't sort any of the data, it's pretty much just a viewer. I would like something that would allow me to do more.

I have found the Garmin 301 to be all that it was presented and more. The heart rate monitor appears very accurate; unlike others I have owned. The speed distance features are right on and the download capability of the unit is outstanding. However, beware this is a very complexed unit and will require serious study to fully utilize it's maximum capability. Overall, I am very impressed.

If you've used your subjective sense of how hard you're working, and you're like me, you've probably been working your heart too hard and seeing no to negative results. While the GPS features of the Garmin are nice, I find the heart rate monitor and data logging to be the key ingredient to getting better.

Using the Garmin, and going for longer, slower rides on the bike (Mixed with some runs) I can really see the gradual transformation. One hard workout doesn't cure years of sloth. (It could kill you though...) Many easier workouts will.

Chris Carmichael and Lance Armstrong promote a plan where you use tools like this to put in a zillion hours at (ONLY) 60 to 80% of your Max. It's science and it works.

The Forerunner itself is pretty trouble free. Some features (a bug identified is a feature) worth noting: The heart rate will go bad if don't have any moisture under the chest band (Start of the workout on a cold day) but this is fixable. The GPS seems to think the elevation of my house changes by up to 30ft from day to day - funny that I don't feel us moving up or down.

Even so: Buy it. Get the Bike mount if you're a biker. (Same as for the 201 model) Great little tool for personal transformation!



I have been using the product for about 4 weeks. Running in the downtown areas--Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, etc. the product did not work well. Further, running in parks with trees also causes considerable interference. I was also disappointed in the accuracy of the pace; it is slow to react to changes in pace. It is nice for general information.

I love it. I upgraded from the model that does not have a HR monitor. I loved it also. I use it running and cycling. Obviously, the GPS unit has some troubles in areas with high buildings but I have learned how to work around that. The HR monitor is a great addition. I frequently use the interval feature and the pacing feature. The product keeps getting better.

As a new runner I have found the Forerunner very helpful. Keeping track of not only my heartrate but my mileage as well takes all the guess work out of my training. I know what I need do and how fast I need to do it.
The HR monitor works flawlessly as does the GPS (even in shadey areas).
I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a little help keeping track of their training.

This is an impressive product, with both a HR monitor and GPS capability. I debated giving it a 5 but marked it down only because of the limited mapping function and the limitations in using the data interactively. For example, it isn't possible to change the variables on the x-axis to permit plotting HR against elevation changes. But overall, it is a solid and relatively easy to use device.

No doubt about it...buy one! Other than it's bulky size, it is the best pieces of equipment on the market.

I love this. Works great, and adds fun to the ride. Get the Motion Based software, it's better for tracking true ride info. I set a custom screen to show heartrate, altitude and %incline/decline. The Altitude info on the GPS isn't perfect, but it's fun to watch when you climb, desend. A new Garmin specifically for bikes 305 Edge is coming out soon. That model looks better than this one for biking, but this one is great. Had a heartrate glitch only once in 11 rides. Make sure you wear the monitor for a minute or 2 BEFORE turning the GPS on.

The heart rate monitor straps across your chest. I am a guy, so really no problem, but may be a problem for the female crowd. Is very accurrate and battery lasts for several hours.

I have noticed that the distance it calculates is not consistent. I run the same distance every day and it is off by as much as 100yds. I thought the accuracy would be better but I understand there are issues with the satellite signals and I do loose the signal occasionally because I run under trees. Other than hat this product is great. I'm able to see my distance I run and track it with the software provided. I would recommend this product.

This device works very well. The GPS is nice to have a distance (give or take the fudge factor) for paths and routes that are not easily measured. I have had no problem with the heart monitor. The training partner is a great tool to run against. Although mine seems to win more that it should;) if you are looking for within inches distance accuracy then this is not your device. If you are looking for accuracy within the GPS deviation then I endorse this device.

I liked the idea of the Forerunner because I am training for a marathon and wanted the combination of accurate distance, pace, and heart rate in order to plot my progress. Unfortunately I never once, in a two week span, got an accurate measurement of distance. Any time I went under trees or on trails I lost the signal. Additionally the heart rate monitor did not register accurately, with frequent spikes above or below my typical heart rate. I returned this and got the Polar S625X instead.

Great little piece of tech. I've been using it for running, biking, ,hiking and rowing, and the amount of info it can give you is amazing. This can really push your training along, especially if you don't have a training partner. The built-in workouts are OK, but too many have unrealistic heart rate zone settings - if you're a biker, just try to pedal at 4 mph on the flats! But no worries, as all workouts are modifiable and customizable, as are the heart rate zones. My only complaint so far after a month of use is that the satellite access time can be relatively long - 2-3 minutes each time. This could be a function of the area around my house, but it's not that big a problem. Overall a great item - definitely worth the $200.

The GPS on the Forerunner is a very good system. It's easy to use and accurate. I've used it for running, hiking, biking and kayaking and it's worked great every time.

The heart rate monitor (chest strap) that comes with the Forerunner is one of the older, cheaper systems. It's large, bulky, and not very comfortable. There are much better heart rate monitors out there that would have been a better addition to this system.

Until Garmin upgrades the heart rate monitor I'd recommend sticking with the Forerunner 201 (the same system without the heart rate monitor). The Forerunner 301 is just not worth the extra money.


Simply put, this little gizmo rocks! It does everything it claims to do, and it does it amazingly well. I purchased this for bike riding, and since my bike already had a cyclometer I am able to compare the results of the two (speed, distance, time) for acuracy. Over a short 8-mile ride they were within 3% on speed and distance, dead on in time. Pretty good, I say. But while the cyclometer is done when I finish my ride, the Garmin is only getting started. Now comes the fun part - plug it into my computer, download the ride, and wow, there it all is - very accurate map of where I've been, and the ability to graph heart rate, speed, and elevation against time or distance. Spiffy! I haven't experienced any of the HRM problems some are referring to, tho I have only had it for a week. I'll post back here if issues start cropping up. Only cons so far:
- The GPS is a little slow to acquire - can take a minute which is annoying when you're reading to start your ride.
- Map in the Training Center program is very rudimentary - only shows major roads, and locations are somewhat off. However, you can buy other, more detailed, mapping programs and import the history into those to see your workout on an accurate map. After reading many reviews I intend to buy the Maptech Colorado Topo - seems like it's the best, with them most features.
Finally, note that you can also plug this into a laptop for realtime tracking - I tried it walking around my back yard and it works great.

I use this exclusively for road cycling. First the good:

It does amazing things. It tracks everything faster and more completely than you can with a spreadsheet. There are features I would like to see but I'm hoping the improvements can come with future softare and firmware downloads.

The output is better than you can imagine. The graphs are really informative. I found myself over analyzing my rides.

The free (for now) link with motion based software allows you to see your ride superimposed onto Google Earth images. Wow!

Now the bad:

The unit froze up on me third time I used it. None of the resets worked so the help line (only open during business hours) suggested I let the battery drain. 14 hours later the unit did function correctly.

3 days later the unit lost the ability to find satelites. This time the help desk was no help at all and suggested I either return it or send it for repair. The estimate turn around time to be 10 days. They should handle repairs like Verizon and send a new unit fedex and have you return the broken one.

Amazon.com did not have the same price so I sent it to Garmin for repair. In the meantime I purchased a new one locally and I'll return it when I receive the repaired unit.

Guess what. 1st day out the HR monitor works only intermitently.



Have not had a chance to use the software yet, but the unit its self give you alot of information after compleating your workout.. more than satisfided


Using the Forerunner 301 for about a month straight now, I am completely happy with the purchase. It's given me very accurate data on nearly every training run (with the exception of one), and the Training Center software is quite adequate for analyzing my data.

It loses a star because of its bulk, but I get around that problem by not wearing it on my wrist. Garmin cleverly includes an extension strap that allows you to strap it around your upper arm instead of your wrist, not unlike an MP3 player strap.

I have gotten great signals from the GPS device every time I've used it, running in low or high altitude, and in 3 different states. The map function is great for doing training runs in unfamiliar surroundings. It leaves a trail behind you that amounts to "digital bread crumbs." If you get lost, simply turn your map on and follow your path to get back. (It works. It tried it on a 7 miler while I was on a trip this summer.) Plus, the heart rate monitor has worked flawlessly as well...once I actually read the directions on how to use it properly. There are also plenty of things this little device can do that I haven't even learned yet.

If you're after the "whole package" of GPS accuracy and ease of use all in one package (as opposed to wearing a bulky GPS device on your belt), this is the only way to go.

On paper this looked like the perfect product for me and during the first two weeks it worked as advertised. However, after about 8 runs I started having problems with the Heart Rate Monitor (HRM). The problem being that the heart rate did not register on the watch. Occasionally I would receive a signal but it would be completely wrong (e.g. a reading of 190 bpm during a warmup - my max is 185).

I have scoured the various newsgroups on Yahoo and Motionbased.com and this seems to be a very common problem with the product (please check this for yourself by doing a search on "HRM" on either newsgroup). I've been training with Heart rate monitors since Polars were about the size of the Forerunner 301, so I don't think it is due to lack of knowledge on how to use HRMs. I've also tried the various "fixes" posted on the groups and in the manual. In fact, for the past couple of days, I've been brushing the electrodes on the receiver with my toothbrush every time I brush my teeth...

As far as the GPS, I can not complain. It is a nice to run all my regular runs and find out what the actual distance is and what my actual pace is. A lot of my runs are on wooded trails and on these I often loose the GPS signal, but I knew that this would happen beforehand and can't complain about this. It works great for me when I run in the open. I also love being able to download my workouts to my PC.

In summary, this would be a great product if they could only get the HRM problem fixed.

I have owned and/or used nearly every pedometer, HRM and speed monitor made, including those by Suunto, Polar, Fitsense, Sports Instruments, Reebok, Timex, Nike and others. I have spent thousands over the years. Hear me when I tell you that the Garmin Forerunner 301 bests ALL of them by a longshot! It is one of the cheapest, yet most reliable devices I have owned. It is well designed, scientifically sound, easy to use and more accurate than all the others combined.

I bought the Garmin Forerunner 301 shortly after smashing (yes, literally) my Fitsense FS1 into pieces at the local track. I finally had enough of the problems and unreliability. Most of all, I was SICK of having my sports instrument, the very thing that is supposed to motivate me, get in the way of training. The others are no better and some are much worse.

Here is what I want to share with you about the Forerunner 301:

Having had a Garmin GPS12 for 5 years now, I can see that Garmin has used every ounce of experience from their GPS products on this very fine product. The software for the unit is well written and convenient to use though some who are technically challenged may find it tedious. I personally like the software and find that the unit consistently does exactly what I want it to do.

The large rectangular screen is very easy to read and is highly configurable. That means you can display all the information you want on a single page. Virtually every parameter of the device can be customized or adjusted to your preference. I love that the backlight illuminates automatically when I reach transitions in my workouts- no more fumbling with buttons just to see what is happening! The green backlight is easy on the eyes as well.

Battery life is stellar! And, as if a computer controlled Lithium Ion battery isn't great enough, the geniuses at Garmin let us charge the unit from an AC adapter (included) or the USB cable (included). That means you can charge from ANY COMPUTER WITH A USB PORT. There is no need to drag another adapter along with your laptop- just plug the 301 in and you are charging. Plus, a full charge lasts me at least 8 hours. And, it charges quickly (1 hour).

I really do not see what the fuss is about the heart rate monitor. Although it does seem to be sensitive to EMI/RFI (interference) from various sources, including my computer CRT, I have had no trouble whatsoever when I am running. I suspect that some users are not using the strap properly. I keep the unit clean, install fresh batteries regularly, wet the electrodes thoroughly and fit the unit snugly in the center of my chest just above my sternum. I have yet to experience a single problem. I do recall suspecting a malfunction with the HRM when I first tried the 301, but it was my own fault. There are a lot of numbers that can appear on the display and I was misreading the values. My 301 is set to display how many BPM or %Max I am away from my next goal, so instead of seeing a 141bpm, I see 13bpm and an arrow indicating if I am beneath or above the target. I was confused by this functionality until I read the manual and got acquainted with the unit.

If you are experiencing something more than what can be corrected with reading the instructions, knowing how to use the features and proper use of the chest strap then just send it in for warranty repair `cause something is wrong. Not to worry, there is a full one year warranty on it also!

The GPS portion of the device is solid as a rock. Yes, GPS signals come from satellites and require that much of the sky be visible in order to work, but temporary interruptions don't mean squat. If there is a period in your activity where the GPS signal is weak or absent, the software in the device simply compensates for it by measuring between the last known points. If you are running through tunnels, deep urban streets or coal mines then expect a problem, but otherwise, the thing does its job as well or better than anything else I have used.

The PC software installed and worked without any problems. My data transferred seamlessly and I was able to view graphs and manipulate data without any difficulties whatsoever. It is true that the graphics on the software aren't going to compete with a video game, but who cares? I want reliable data, flawless operation and speedy transfers, not fluffy graphics.

Serious athletes should consider the Garmin Forerunner 301. It is easily the best solution that there is! Good luck and enjoy your fitness!

I have been using my 301 for 2 months now. At first the heart rate monitor worked fine, but lately it has not been giving a consistent reading. The monitor will work for a few mintues and then stop working completely. I've stopped my workout to tighten the strap, but it hasn't helped. The GPS unit works great, but the HRM is worthless.

Great features, performance, useability, software support, webpage uploads for free, ergonomics [...]
Polar just got leap frogged big time! If you want GPS & HRM, this is the only unit to get. Many training options and custom coaching routines. Uploading software highly stable. Exercise diary format awesome. I can't be happier with this unit.


I know that some folks have had issues with reception of the GPS. I have tried this tool in both Las Vegas and St. George, UT. I found that if you stand in one place and let it initialize (can take up to 3-5 minutes), it will eventually catch a satellite. Unfortunately, I do not live in heavily wooded areas, so I cannot comment on the coverage there.

I bought this tool when it was on sale here at Amazon and I still think it was a terrific bargain. I can't believe how fantastic the software is and all the different types of graphs and information you can plot (heartrate, pace, distance, time, etc.) - it's awesome. It's very helpful in my marathon training.

I have never run a marathon before and this tool will certainly help me to complete my first one. In all of my research, it's simply the best tool I have found for training.

The Garmin Forerunner 301 is an incredible tool, but make no mistake--you will need to learn how to use it.

Basic functionality of gathering distance, pace, and time is easy--turn the Garmin on and press the start button. But if you want more, like a virtual partner, auto-lap markers or directions home, you need to spend some time playing with it and reading the manual.

I can guarantee that every minute you spend learning will be worth it, though. My favorite feature is the ability to set pace alerts. When running, the unit will signal me with one beep if I'm running 2:00/mile too fast and another beep if I'm running 2:00/mile too slow. It also auto-pauses when I stop and begins to record this as "rest time". Oh yeah, and it will help you find your car in a parking lot.

There are many more features that can be used with this item, so I suggest you download the manual for more detailed info.

As for the accuracy of the GPS unit, it is excellent within standard GPS parameters. What the heck does that mean? No GPS can track you in a tunnel, and no GPS can track a moving target in a forest. (I'm sure the military has something for these applications, but we're talking about a wristwatch priced in the low hundreds here) So when you run in an open field on a clear day, the Garmin will be nearly flawless. But when you run in the city or in a park, be prepared for some inaccuracy. If you hit open sky every once in a while, you should be fine, but just be aware that it will not be perfect.

Some tips:
1. Each time you're out for a run, wait for the Garmin to acquire its signal before starting. A little bit of patience pays off when your start location is accurate.
2. All data produced by the GPS is a "best estimate". Don't get worried if your pace alert says that you're running at 2:15 minutes per mile. Wait a second and it will clear up (unless you really are that fast!)
3. The Garmin probably uses the same Mini-USB connector as your digital camera, so try it out before swapping cables!

In short, if you are willing to take the time to understand the Forerunner 301, you will LOVE it. If reading the manual and minor tinkering is not for you, then you might want to think twice. Have fun!

The concept of the Garmin 301 is a slam-dunk. This is the setup everyone should want. To have the accuracy of a GPS with a host of computing power, and a good hart rate monitor. This configuration could provide everything folks could want with just two components. Unfortunately that's all the good news that their is. The fact is that the Garmin 301 does not work. I think Garmin has tried too hard to cost reduce the product and as a result nothing works very well and some things do not work at all. The hart rate monitor sometimes works and other times not at all or read rates that are way off. I found out from a tech. at Garmin that Garmin does not even make the hart rate monitor. They get an inexpensive one made for them by an over seas company. The GPS is so poor that I did not know anyone even makes one that is so inaccurate. I have a 5 year old hand held Garmin GPS that works much better then the new one in the 301! The software that comes with the unit is so lame that you can not even print your workout graph. The fact is that if you purchase this package you will get something that will not provide useful data. After getting my unit and seeing how bad the data was I started looking around in the forms on the web and sure enough I found lots and lots of people finding the same thing. Do not take my word for it, check around on the web yourself.
Good idea but very poor implementation.
Oh well.

I dont like that you cant print your results from the workout from the software. The device isnt completely accurate on distance. Close, but not precise.

If you accept this then the Garmin 301 Forerunner is a great tool for excersize. The workout partner feature I use alot. You set your pace and the display shows you a partner keeping that exact pace. It then lets you know how far ahead or behind you are. It has high and low alarms for your pace as well as heart rates. You can easily customize your workout by workout time, pace or distance.

It will lose signal if you go under large trees or underpasses. I recently did a half marathon and lost signal when I went under the bridges. This caused a discrepancy in the overall distance.

The software lets you trend your data (distance, pace and heart rate) on overlapped or seperate displays.

I do like the Forerunner. Its just a training aide and does a good job at that.

If you are particular about your information being very accurate then you should get a different product.

Because of these slight inaccuracies it loses one star with me. Its still worth a solid 4 stars.

I bought the 201 and sold after it consistently reported a 8 mile run as a 6 mile run -- it couldn't extrapolate the distance when the signal is lost in a tree-lined neighborhood.
I have been using the 301 for the last 2 months. I like the integration with the heart monitor and the training software.
The heart monitor will spike randomly at 240bpm -- the software
doesn't seem to be able to throw those outliers out.
The GPS tends to overestimate distance -- I'm not sure how that is possible unless it is fooled by the arm swings.
Another reviewer said it could be .01 to .02 miles off per mile -- that adds up to 1/2 mile in a 26 mile marathon.
The pace readout is inaccurate even with the extra smoothing set. When shifting from walking to running, it will read a 7:44 pace even when our faster runner is running a 10 minute pace.
How is that possible to average faster than the real pace?
I got no answer from online technical support; I haven't tried the phone yet.
I'll keep the 301; it is better than a pedometer and still useful as training tool as it keeps training of mileage and calories, more or less. I'm not sure it's worth the 200 plus dollars.
(Sep 22, 2005) The unit recently have me clocked at 851mph -- that's speedwork! But I recently found the time-based interval and custom workouts very useful.

I have had this Forerunner 301 for a week now and it works flawlessly. I take walks on a trail that's approximately 1 mile every day and have done so prior to the purchase of the Forerunner for almost 2 years. I know the exact distance of the trail because they have signs that indicate the distance traveled along the trail. The past week I've been walking and running on the trail and almost every time the distance traveled was the same. You get instances where it's off by 0.01or 0.02 miles but that's as bad as it gets. Some will complain about this but, let's be honest, this is a tool and tools are never perfect. If you find it annoying that it's of by 0.01 or 0.02 miles then compensate for it.

I have used the heart monitor twice and it works as expected. One thing I don't like about it is the fact that you have to strap it to your chest. Perhaps that's the best way to get accurate reading but I would have preferred an arm band, wrist, or even finger type of device.

The navigation feature is not complicated nor is it complex. It's pretty much a waypoint based mapping. Basically, you set points along your trail rout and it will mark those points on your map. You can use the way points to navigate the map. The navigation map allows you to zoom in up to 20ft on your rout.

Customization is one area I would like to see improvements. You can only have one screen that's customizable. Personally, I'd like to see as many stats as possible. I can't complain though because you can always change the sports type and get a different customized screen for each sport.

You might have noticed that all the images of the device don't show someone wearing it. This is because the sucker is a bit blocky. Don't fret though, it's not enormous and the features its packing can't be had with a smaller sized device.

The good:
* Features, features, features.
* Accuracy.
* Heart rate monitor.
* Usability.
* Calories burned information.
* Elevation information.
* Workout history.
* Battery Life.

The bad:
* Bit oversized.
* Needs more customizable screens.
* Signal acquisition takes a few minutes sometimes (I live in Seattle and its cloudy sometimes).
* Doesn't work indoors (for me at least and that's not what I bought it for).

This unit is great at capturing all of the data I want to look at, but the training software leaves much to be desired. The data by themselves don't mean anything without the ability to do quality analysis. The included software was basic at best. Even the free MotionBased.com platform that is suggested seems a weak bridge. So far, the best software I have found to analyze actions sports is by a Finnish company called FRWD http://www.frwd.fi/static.php. If Garmin could put together something like this, this product would be amazing!

The idea is amazing; combine a compact GPS unit with a multi-functional heartrate/exercise monitor. I have owned one for one month. Overall, the unit is light, easy to operate, and easy to download to my pc. Using the unit on trail runs, I find the GPS functions give consistently reproducible data. The pc download gives accurate distance, elevation, and pace. The heartrate monitor, on the other hand is very unreliable, often blanking out or giving unrealistic heartrate. My recommendation is to get the Forerunner 301 if you want a compact GPS. If you are looking for a heartrate monitor to structure your workouts, look at something far superior like the Polar S610i. Also, the Garmin pc training program, for all its bells and whistles, does not compare to Polar's software.

I have just acquired this to help me train. It works at treat is simple to use for what I use it for (exercising in certain heart rate zones). There is much more you can do with it but I havent tried yet.

The ability to store your workouts in the machine and upload them to a PC to reviw them is good and again simple to use.

The only minor quibbles are:
- because of the slight variation in fixes the pace reading tends to shoot up and down but this can be smoothed and I havent tried that yet
- the bundled map in the training center software is not very detailed fOR the UK.

I have recently purchased a Forerunner 301 after having used a Sports Instruments heart rate monitor for about a year. The heart rate monitor was excellent, and certainly usefull in the gym - rather than wait a certain length of time between sets, wait until your HR is below 120bpm. It allows you to pace yourself much more.
When it comes to running, it is difficult to measure your performance (time, heart rate, and distance) over the days and weeks. A heart rate monitor is good, but when training you need to push yourself and will always have a high heart rate.

The forerunner is a completely different animal. So different, that there really isn't any fair comparison at all.
With this puppy on your arm you can build a workout (they are quite simple but effective) on your pc, slap it on the forerunner, and off you go. Great running feedback, and excellent info when transferred to the pc. Everything is easy to do - not quite WinXP wizard easy, but simple none the less.

If you live in a large city, forrested areas, or anywhere with sky obstructions, then it may give your trouble with reception. I have had a gps for years, and with my wifi experience I knew that reliable reception was going to be an issue. However, for me I found the reception excellent. Great in fact! In my lounge I can still get a lock with 4 good strength sattelites! If I stop it reacts within 1 second, and another second it knows I have stopped (due to the 1 second display update speed). Much better gps calculations than my garmin gps12.

If you are gagety inclined, and ARE taking (not just wanting or planning to) your running or biking seriously then without a doubt, this is the machine for you.

It isn't too big, but big enough to read. Locks on in less than 1 minute in my small back yard, and has stellar reaction time. Perhaps even just keeping track of your exercise history is worth it for you? Or the in running feedback? Or the calorie (much more realistic than anythng else I have seen) info?

I am very happy with my buy. I paid $230 for it. Worth every last buck. From my experience I have no trouble recommending the Forerunner 301 to any one who is taking their running seriously!!


Since about 5 years ago I have worked with heart rate monitors, and finally in 2005 there is a toy that gives you all the info in a small package.
With the Forerunner 301 you have: Very accurate Heart rate monitor and a GPS device that tells you: Altitud, distance, speed and help you navigate between points, find locations etc.
And if you are not impressed yet, the info you have worked can be downloaded to your computer for analysis !!
Honestely, this is a great choice if you want to be informed of your routines and your progress.