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Running Gear Review: Nike + vs Garmin Forerunner 205/305 GPS

As a gadget and technology junkie, was for my good fortune that my initiation into the world of distance running almost coincided with the appearance in the market of several new gadgets to run high-tech: Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305, and the Nike + system. I have used both the 205 and Garmin Forerunner Nike + for over 6 months each, and what follows is a review and comparison of my experiences with them.

The Nike + system

Back in 2007, I was starting my life as a runner, and I was looking for tools to help progress. The Garmin Forerunner and Nike + systems both had instant appeal to my techie side, however I was initially reluctant to invest several hundred dollars (At the time) needed to buy a Forerunner. I was also drawn by the excitement surrounding the introduction of Nike +, and my first pair of "real" Nike sneakers were +. Since I had an iPod nano, and had shoes that could accommodate the little Nike + Foot POD internal accelerometer, I decided to give Nike + try. In the interest of full disclosure, I will say at the outset that no longer use the Nike +. However, this does not necessarily mean that it would recommend to no one since has its benefits and uses. The Nike + definitely helped my career in the early days, and the reasons given by the line of Nike + challenges was great. Me I liked being able to measure speed, distance, track, and record my races online. But for a perfectionist like me, the Nike + has some major drawbacks.

The biggest problem I had with the Nike + was that it was really true that only run on the same steady pace in each race, and stuck to a more or less flat ground. All variation in the rate to calibrate on both messes stimulation data and remote recording of your career and at times I have found these measurements to be far away. Now, for many runners is not a big deal, but if you like mixing your training and include things such as intervals, tempo runs, and long, slow, The Nike + short way up. Also, for me, as a corridor, tenths of a mile and stimulation of precise data are very important, so that these deficiencies presented some major problems. That said, I'm glad you used, and it helped a lot when I first started out. Even after you upgrade to the Garmin Forerunner 205 I did still continue to use Nike + to run on treadmill (this probably goes without saying, but the GPS does not work on a treadmill). Nike + recordings in a tapestry stock are sufficiently precise, and in my case are more accurate than reading my own data treadmill console (which never worked quite right for some reason).

I think the Nike + can be a useful tool for a new corridor or recreational. It's cheap (less than $ 30.00), so do not nick your wallet too if you decide you do not like, and the website and online community related to Nike + are both exciting and interesting. If you are a new rider just getting started, or a broker tend to experience most of their careers at the same rate, then the Nike + would be a great addition to running his toolbox, and certainly give a little motivation for you to hit the road. However, as mentioned above, has some major drawbacks for a serious runner who is concerned about lack tenths a mile or rate information needs really accurate.

Garmin Forerunner 205/305 GPS Wristwatch

If you want to run a personal computer that allows you to take your career to the next level and allow you to mix your training runs with speed and long distance, you will need further Nike +. I, unfortunately, am a perfectionist, and the inaccuracy of the data on the distance and the stimulation provided by Nike + continually bothered me (and I was tired of my runs online mapping to find out who covered real distances). So, after about six months of constant use, I have decided to relegate the Nike + for treadmill only, and I asked Santa a Garmin Forerunner 205 for Christmas. In fact, the luxury watch new GPS was in my socks, and has not been absent of the wrist during a tour in more than one year. In short, this is one of the coolest gadgets and most useful of any I own, and has allowed my career to progress in a way that probably would not have occurred otherwise.

First, let me explain the difference between the current generation Garmin Forerunner models (a fancy new waterproof model is under way – the Garmin Forerunner 310 XT – but I'll explain a little why he's still going to a current for now if you are considering a purchase). The two current models are the Forerunner 205 and Forerunner 305. The only real difference between the two clocks (Besides the color – the 205 is blue, and red 305) are that the 305 can be synchronized with heart rate monitor included, an optional foot pod accelerometer (For the treadmill) and an optional sensor speed and cadence to your bike. Otherwise, from what I understand, are virtually identical. Taking into account the difference retail price between the two precursors (about $ 10.00-$ 15.00 more for the 305), seems to make sense to go with the 305 if you have decided to buy a Forerunner.

Therefore, I have been using the Forerunner 205 regularly for over a year, and I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about it. Stimulation data is right on (I've run too chip timed races with the 205 to verify this), as well as remote data. In addition to time, current pace, and distance I have three screens of data (which is the highest in the 205/305), created to display variables such as average pace, elevation, percent grade, calories burned, and time of day. Of these, the only one that seems rather dubious time to time is the elevation, even if a mild training programs that are synchronized with the Forerunner, the patterns of elevation look pretty good too. So far, I have almost exclusively the Precursor in more basic – to simply follow my data while I run. You can configure things such as training / partners pace and interval exercises on the clock, and use it as a (very) basic GPS time real device mapping for things like hiking, but I have not used much for this. Besides running, I used while walking, snowshoeing, and walking cycling (less extensive), and it works very well for all the above.

To me, the two features that most interest from one point of view of training and careers are accurate pace and distance measurements, and as I said earlier about where Precursor blows away from the Nike +. In fact, I trust the most that most online mapping programs Precursor when it comes to calculating the distance, and be able to import all my data into the computer is great. In this latter case, I have omitted the included Garmin Training Center software and instead use a free program called Sportracks surprising. Sportracks download all data from the Forerunner and allows you to see that in almost any way you can imagine. Among other things, gives Sportracks GPS route maps, tons of data graphics options (for example, the rhythm before distance, pace from high, mile splits, etc), and maintains a detailed record that includes running the execution times and dates, weather conditions taken Internet, distance run, and calories burned. As a scientist who loves data, Garmin Forerunner + makes me very happy Sportracks a runner.

A recent comment on any potential problems in the Forerunner worth mentioning. One of the concerns that I initially had about these watches was his size. Yes, they are great, but I've never noticed as a nuisance to run, and I really think that size is a positive rather than negative as it makes it easier to read data on the fly. This is one of the main reasons why it probably will not consider upgrading to the new, smaller Forerunner 405 – if you pack too current data on a small screen, things could get a bad read at kilometer 20 of a marathon. The other concern anyone in the market for a GPS clock can have is the next new Forerunner 310 Garmin XT, which is waterproof to 50 meters and offers a wireless data transfer. It would need a lot of new bells and whistles for me to spend an extra $ 100 – $ 200 to opt to buy the new 310 XT in the current 205 or 305. The new watch is sports, and the synchronization feature Wireless is nice, but I do not really care if I can dive to 50 meters with her. If for some reason I'm not running and I after 50 meters under water, probably rejuvenation is not to go home anyway (though in all seriousness, I can see how the 310 XT may be useful for a triathlete.) For me, I'll with the 205/305.

Hopefully I have given you an idea of what the Garmin Forerunner 205/305 can do. In fact, there are probably more than capable of what we have discussed here, but the best way to experience is to try. As a runner who has completed 1266.01 miles (did I mention I love the accuracy!) With the Garmin Forerunner 205 (and is still strong, no major problems), I can honestly say that with my running shoes, this is the most essential piece of running gear that I own. I recommend the Precursor – get one and will not be disappointed.

Author: Peter Larson, this view of life Blog
http://oblinkin.blogspot.com/

About the Author

Peter Larson is a college professor, scientist, and runner from New Hampshire. He writes a blog, This View of Life, that chronicles his life as a runner, father, and teacher.

His blog, This View of Life, can be found at:
http://oblinkin.blogspot.com/

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