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Hallofo
Springfield, Oregon
Apr 20, 2009
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A GOOD DEAL!
Pros: large screen, heart rate monitor, extension strap
Cons: slow sat pickup, out of date pc software
I like the Garmin 301 quite a bit. I have not experienced the heartrate monitor issue others have complained about, it works great for me. Perhaps there was an upgrade or something.
The screen is large and easy to read while running/biking and the backlight feture is helpful while working out in the evening. I also like the included extension strap so I can wear the 301 on my forearm or bicep.
GPS aquisition times are a little slow, about 10 min or so for the first time, and then up to 5 min for every other time (but not always that long). The included software is a nice touch, just make sure you update it or just use it with another program.
All in all a great product at a very resonable price.
Recommend? YES
126 viewers found this helpful.
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Christopher Clarens
Nov 17, 2008
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FORERUNNER 301 W/ HR REVIEW
THis is my second Forerunner 301. I just bought a new one because my first one didn't charged again. It seems that the pins of the connector got sulfated in 3 years of use.... I think the USB connector is not the better option and Garmin changed this connection in the 305. For the price the 301 is still the best option at this time. The unit works perfectly well and I like very much
Good luck
Recommend? YES
153 viewers found this helpful.
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Neil from ON
Jan 8, 2008
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GARMIN 301 HEART MONITOR - CELL PHONE INTERFERENCE
Had a number of running partners with the unit who had few problems with the heart monitor, but the refurbished unit I purchase has been erratic for heart monitoring from the start. Until I figured out that my cell phone is interfering or computers or cordless phones... turn off my cell phone (carry for emergencies) while running - problem solved.
Recommend? YES
162 viewers found this helpful.
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K
AB
Jun 9, 2007
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SO SO UNIT
Myself and a friend purchased 2 Forerunner 301's a week ago. The heart rate monitor works good, which I wasnt too sure of seems that function seems to get bad reviews. ** HUGE word of advice with the HRM, if 2 people are using 301's together make sure you are aways apart when powering up the units because if not both 301's will read only 1 heart rate from one person. Im also not sure of the accuracy either. On a short run my 301 read 1.52 miles and my friends read 1.86 and we were running together. Thats a big difference for a short run. A big plus I found that goes against reviews is mine never looses signal, I can even get signal inside my house. At this though point im thinking I should have spent the extra cash for the 305 just because of the questionable accuracy.
Recommend? YES
151 viewers found this helpful.
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Al George
BC
Feb 26, 2007
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First long run with my new 301 was great , but wished I could find a way to print or e mail the downloads? Al.
Recommend? YES
148 viewers found this helpful.
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jec
Prior to 2008
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Review: I just recently purchased the Forerunner 301 because of the added heart rate monitor feature. The heart rate monitor does not consistently work. I run by my heart rate so this is very annoying. Also, it does not keep up with calories burned unless you are running outside and even then, it's not accurate. The distance is always off by 2/10 of a mile. If you have to run indoors, the only thing that works is the heart rate monitor (off & on), and the chronograph. Overall, I am very disappointed in this product.
Recommend? YES
148 viewers found this helpful.
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WW
UT
Prior to 2008
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The Forerunner 301's GPS seems to be more sensitive, i.e. it picks up a stronger satelite signal in more places than my old 201 did. The 201 would tell me "weak satelite signal" at some point in my run almost every time I used it. The only time the 301 has had any difficulty is INSIDE my house -- and even then it often gets a signal. The enclosed software is also much better than the 201's. The USB connection is MUCH faster than the old serial port -- downloads are almost instantaneous. The plug is also smaller and less cumbersome than the old setup -- nicer for traveling.
All in all a great improvement over the 201 -- which I loved.
Recommend? YES
176 viewers found this helpful.
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Alex
UT
Prior to 2008
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The GPS unit works great. It is perfect for rowing. The Heart Rate Monitor, however is a complete waste. A new battery, lotions do not get it to work. It only works when the 2 units are placed on top of each other. But that is not practical.
Recommend? YES
170 viewers found this helpful.
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fb
ON
Prior to 2008
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This is a great product, worked fantastic the first time. Now I just need to learn the many features it has to offer.
Recommend? YES
166 viewers found this helpful.
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Ray
SK
Prior to 2008
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I've had very good luck with this unit. I purchased it in Sept 05, and have been using it 3-4 times a week. It seems to perform very well for me. I am completely happy with it. Besides all of the information that you can log, it find it is nice to log trips of runs in different cities when travelling. Unfortunately, based on some of the reviews on this page, not everyone apparently gets the same performance out of their 301 as I do.
Recommend? YES
184 viewers found this helpful.
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Paul
NL
Prior to 2008
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I've had my Forerunner 301 for two weeks now and absolutely love this thing. It has the usual Garmin quality built into it and works perfectly. I did have a problem with the heart rate monitor but was an easy fix, just tighten the strap so the sensor will stay tight on your chest and it will work perfectly. This thing never looses it's signal and I'm 200% happy with the unit. This is one of the most important fitness tools I have and expect to have it for many years.
Recommend? YES
175 viewers found this helpful.
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