Wristwatch GPS Again

[RidesAHaflinger]

OK, still thinking about my self-Christmas present. :D I see there are two different Garmin wristwatch models. One is called the Foreunner, the other is the Foretrex. I can't really distinguish between the two models but I'm probably missing important details. Links to pics of each below.

I currently have a Garmin eTrex and the features it has that I like and would like to see in my new wristwatch model are:
1. Big, legible display with: Total distance, Current speed and Max speed.
2. Ability to switch easily between metric and statute (i.e. miles) measurements.
3. Low price :winkgrin:

What I DON'T like: Mine is handheld and I think a wristwatch model would be so much easier to use while driving.

What I don't really need: maps, ability to plot waypoints, etc. I'm not really likely to get lost while out driving :D- just want to keep track of distance driven and speed.

Garmin Forerunner:
http://tinyurl.com/yogzuk
Garmin Foretrex:
http://tinyurl.com/2bvah6

Any experience/comments on the two models? Or another brand that would do just as well? Thanks.

[mares tails]

It's not as "high tech" but if all you want is speed and distance, you might consider a bicycle computer. (Speedometer + odometer -- google it)

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[chicamuxen1]

I would suggest the Garmin Forerunner 205. It uses much better technology whi really improves it satelite connectivity and leaves off the heart monitor that is built into the 305. I have a Foretrex and use it for trail riding but the satellite reception is easily blocked by trees and hills.

chicamuxen

[Happy Feet]

I have the Forerunner (I think it is the 205 but I'll check) and it is very easy to use, One feature I like ( wich I didn't think was important when buying it) is that it has a 100 lap memory, I can quickly check the previous (upto)100 drives at a easy glance and decide how long/fast I need to go that drive. Very nice!
The satalite I have had no problem with, in the woods, seems quite water resistant ( I know many claim they are then you get it to the barn get it a little wet and poof no more thingamijig) I have hosed horses etc with it one and had no problem. Haven't had any expierence with the other brands or models so I may love this Garmin just because ignorance is bliss! There is a Timex GPS watch also that is sometimes a little cheaper, but I haven't seen one or worked with it!
Hope Santa is good to you!

[GO-dog-GO]

Isn't the 101 the same but without the computer interface? It's only $100.

[CDE Driver]

I have a Forerunner that I like quite well. I am "of the age" that I can't read without my reading specs. Once I learned which green button did what I didn't need to read the function, just know which button to push. I am able to read the display screen just fine.

I got it when the odometer/speedometer that came on my carriage broke. Now that that is fixed I have to say I really like it (the one that came on the carriage) better. I find that the Garmin is not "real time". The speedometer seems to always be catching up. The odometer seems to keep actual track. I attribute it to the information having to go back and forth via satellite, but it is entirely possible that I am totally wrong! Since the one that came on my carriage reads the turning of the wheel it is always right on.

Just my .02!

[Janet]

Slightly OT, but I would also like some information about basic handheld GPS units - with a focus on measuring distance (as an alternative to a wheel for measuring courses).

I am not sure how well a watch woudl work for that-does anyone have any experience using a watch to measure courses?

It seem to me that, with a watch, every time you move your hand you are adding to the measured distance. Is that a problem or not?

[chicamuxen1]

No, the Forerunner 101 has an older technology than the 205/305. the satellite reception is much much better in all GPS units with this new chip. This is really something to consider when shopping for wrist or han-held GPS units. In the handhelds you look for a capital "C" in the model number.

chicamuxen

[Janet]

One thing to consider with a GPS is the varying height of terrain. Going up a hill adds veritical feet, and unless your GPS is fairly sophistocated, it is only going to measure point to point in a straight line, not climb, so it will be inaccurate. I don't think you can beat a measuring wheel, or vehicle odometer, for accuracy in feet in the really hilly areas.
I was mostly thinking in terms of measuring Show Jumping courses, which are pretty flat.

[RidesAHaflinger]

Just to clarify- that's a Forerunner that you linked to, not a Foretrex. So which one do you have/prefer? And can you set it up to work in either metric or statute? Thanks.

The Forerunner (to me) has too many front end options that you don't need -- like calories burned, laps, etc. Yuck! Waste of good electronics.

I have the Foretrex 201 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=230) . The distance/speed/average speed/time display is all I need for endurance riding -- and when I'm walking, or carriage driving. The display is BIG and easily seen at a glance. I love it.

[GO-dog-GO]

No, the Forerunner 101 has an older technology than the 205/305. the satellite reception is much much better in all GPS units with this new chip. This is really something to consider when shopping for wrist or han-held GPS units. In the handhelds you look for a capital "C" in the model number.

chicamuxen

And now I know....

[Jess!]

I just purchased a Garmin Forerunner 201 on Ebay. I love it. Haven't ridden in it yet, but messing around with it the settings seem to be easy to learn.

Also, you can get some good deals on ebay. I paid $52 for my 201. Just make SURE that they are not "refurbished"!

I went through 10 auctions before I found one that was labeled "used" and working.

A lot of the time they will advertise them as "new" and then if you read carefully they will say "completely overhauled" which is a "pretty" term for "it was broken, it is refurbished"

Refurbished items from ebay...well, I wouldn't even risk it.

[Janet]

Ring courses are (as a rule) pretty small spaces. The GPS is designed to measure over great distances....like, miles. Not that you can't measure in feet but... you'd need to stand still (about 1 minute) at each measure point to give the satellite time to catch up and record the distance on your GPS. It's just not worth it.

Frankly, a person can measure 2x as fast with a wheel, and 3x as fast with a reel tape measure, as they can with a GPS unit. Ask me how I know. :winkgrin: I apprenticed with several TDs who used a handheld GPS for measuring courses. They didn't stop at all. Just walked the track holding the GPS. Came out within a few meters of the wheel.