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I mainly do 5K runs, so it's not like I'm wearing it for an extended period of time either. But all in all, for what I use it for, it exceeds my expectations. It appears slightly bulky, but when I wore it on my run, it didn't bother me. It is simple in design and in ease of use. I had wanted only a heart rate monitor, but this GPS device was a pleasant surprise. My wife bought me the Garmin Forerunner 301 for Christmas. It works wonderful. In fact the large screen was easy to read.
The Garmin has just a watch and a heart monitor strap. It is not the prettiest thing, but it beats having 4 thing attached when I run. I used to use a Timex GPS that had a separate watch, a GPS unit that strapped to my arm, a heart monitor strap, and a receiver to tie them together on my belt. It is much easier to use, and the software is fairly simple to figure out.
After purchasing this device i saw i was able to keep a more solid pace on my runs and withing 1 month of using it i saw my 1.5mile run time go from 13mins to about 11mins. When i first started running i had a horrible time pacing myself and would burn out way to easily. This is a must have for any kind of runner due to its versatility.
I had a forerunner 201 before which I loved. The satellite is CRAP.
Buyer beware. The satellite goes out - it doesn't matter if I am in the city, on a trail, or just main roads in the suburbs.
I can run the same route 4 different times and get 4 different distances. Understandably it has a lot of great features, but not worth the price if it can't do the simple things it advertises.
I was really excited to get this product as I was hoping to train for a triathlon and was pumped that it included a bike setting. However, I really dislike this model and I felt I needed to warn anyone looking to buy this model.
I have found when I have run races and brought my garmin the mileage is WAY OFF - I'm talking 3.7 according to Garmin for a 5.1.
This unfortunately makes the 301 frustrating and often useless. when you first start out (or after a long break), it will take anywhere from 5 to 15 (yes, 15). When I'm on a long weekend ride my buddies don't want to sit around waiting either. I use it for biking and when I'm on the road I absolutely love it. I am now shopping for another GPS system that doesn't have this problem. minutes to sync with the satellites.
This just makes the thing useless. This is a great product in just about every regard. I then come home and upload my ride into Sports Tracks and it's great.But. When I'm riding to work I don't want to wait for this stupid thing to sync.
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