training computers bike and run - Garmin vs. Polar

[traciezamiska]

I've read through a couple previous threads and got some valuable info on one of the products I was looking at Garmin 305 (buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=331&locale=en_US). But I also have found the Polar RS800G3 (www.polarusa.com/consumer/multisport/RS800G3.asp).

I was wondering if anyone has the RS800G3 or the RS800sd and what you might think of it???

I really want to purchase something that works for both the runs and the bikes (swim info would be a plus). Both products seem to be similar in price but each have a few different features that might be more about flash than function. If you have an alternative to both of the above products let me know.

Is it worth it to have separate units designed specifically for bike and run?


Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

Thanks!

T

[jetlink]

Hey Tracie,

I use the Garmin products........the 305 for the run and the Edge for the cycling. The heartrate monitor is the same for both units so you don't have to worry about changing belts to get the heartrate info. I really like both units and have been totally happy with them.

I have no experience with Polar products but I have heard nice things about them.

I have found it nice to have seperate units for the bike and run specifically because most of my triathlons have been longer distance stuff and the batteries are more than adequate to support these race and training durations.......I'm not so sure if one unit would be able to remain on for the longer distance triathlons during training and racing.

[traciezamiska]

Dave thanks for the reply! I really want to have as much info as I can before I make the purchase.

One of the things I really like about Polar products is the all elastic HRM band. The only plastic is the small sensor.

I'm glad to know that both of the Garmin products are worth the $$$.

[mnowac]

I use the Garmin 305 and purchased a cadence monitor for my bike which is a little doodad that you attach to your pedal and spoke and it communicated to my watch. It all works out very very well. The longest I have ever kept my watch on was for about 6 hours, so Dave has a point that if you were doing a long course race, my watch will probably die, never thought about that

I love the device though so much and it has worked very well for me and seems very accurate with it's mileage. I just got the cadence monitor and have only used it indoor, but love being able to tell my rpms now.

[EBB]

I have had the 305 for about a year and a half and really like it. For me, it gave me some freedom on my long runs...meaning that instead of running a very 'defined' course or loop multiple times. I know just go out and run randomly all over the westside exploring all the neighborhoods I have never been in. I have mine set up to display the split for my last mile, heart rate, total time, and total distance....that way I can watch my splits over the course of a run.

It is also really cool to look at your runs on the computer when you get home. it has a cool graph of time, distance, pace, heart rate.

A couple of cons are...the real time pace the watch gives you is pretty worthless as it swing wildly...at a constant pace, I used to get readings from 5:30 pace to 9:30 pace....it all averages out over the course of a mile...but the 'instaneous' pace reading does not mean much. The other is that it takes a minute or 2 to lock in on the satellites. So you can't simply turn on the watch and start running. I just turn it on as I am getting dressed and it is always ready to go when I head out.....not a big deal.

Overall, I give it an A+.