GPS Show-Down
Polar RS800 G3 vs.
Garmin Forerunner 305   We've tested two amazing GPS / Heart Monitor gadgets. We offer you the bare bones of it here and a detailed comparison on MetroTri,com.
The general advantage of a GPS unit is that you can wear it for the Bike as well as the Run. It doesn't care. See below for a run-down of how GPS works.
How Acccurate?
How far did you run? Want to know, exactly?
Both the Forerunner and the RS800G3 will easily get going and give you reasonably accurate pace and distance information.
Features - Both Have:
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Multiple customizable screens (Don't like what you see? Change it!)
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Basic heart rates & training zones (chest straps are included)
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Speed & distance functions
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Easy downloads
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Auto Lap option (set it and forget it, every mile is marked off for you)
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Backlight (handy for night workouts)
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Options for non-GPS use
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Software to track & plan workouts
Runners World put it best: "The RS800 is practically a mobile cardiology lab"
Besides the myriad HRM functions, it's a cool-looking watch, easy to use and the functions are intuitive. It has almost endless memory for workout files and you can easily view them in detail on the watch.
GPS mapping aside, Polar has the edge in the software by a mile. The ProTrainer software tracks your progress, lets you control how you seeyour data and lets you plan detailed workouts (that you can uploaded into the watch).
Multisport-friendly, you can wear it for all three legs of a triathlon, pausing only to slip the G3 GPS unit onto your arm in T1.
Testimonial:
This is, by far, the best Polar HRM I've ever owned, seemlessly incorporating the best features of every one of it's predecessors without the tech terror of a complicated device. This one is super user friendly.
Polar - The Downside:
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You can't map your route or use the GPS to navigate. (Yet?).
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The G3 GPS Sensor is separate from the watch, though it fits neatly on your arm.
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Actual pace readings you see on the software graph are not so smooth, compared to the stride sensor (footpod), though Polar added a function into the graph display to make this a non-issue.
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If you forget to set the screen keylock, you will probably be starting a workout session every couple of hours (use the keylock!).
 Garmin - The Upside:
Accurately map out your workouts. You can use it as a GPS to navigate a trip, and even estimate how long it will take to get there. Wow.
 Neat stuff:
Virtual Partner. Similar to the computer-generated cyclist you can race with Computrainer software, you can go head-to-head with a virtual runner on the 305.
Testimonial
"..with the Garmin I leave my front door dark (or not) and I have it set to automatically give me an alarm and start recording a new lap every mile."
(thanks for the input, Dominick)
Garmin - The Downside
The Forerunner is big, REAL big, but users don't seem to mind. "I thought that the size was going to be one of the turnoffs but it is very comfortable and light, and the size of the digital display makes it easy to glance at while running. Its very simple to set up and the buttons are easy to access."
More Observations:
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File memory is limited (I lost data).
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The internal rechargable battery has a relatively short (12 hours) battery life, and it comes with yet another battery charger to lose track of.
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It's "waterproof", but you can't swim with it (!)
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Software: BEWARE! I lost my NYC Marathon data while updating the software.
At the end of the day (or run, ride or triathlon) both are accurate for the general pace and distance, but can also give erratic pace info at times, due to trees and buildings that interfere with the satellite signals. This applies to All GPS units.
The Polar looks like a nice running watch and I've gotten complements on it. The Garmin's size makes it a bit of a beast to look at when you're not working out. It is NOT a fashion accessory.
Despite that, I want to own both. I currently have an RS800, but at some point, I'm going to pick up a Garmin, either the 305 I've been playing with or whatever the next generation of the Forerunner might bring. |
