Is Forerunner 205 - Garmin GPS a good watch???

Question

Hey!

I'm thinking to get this watch for my dad's birthday. The description sounds like the watch he wants. But is their anything that you don't like about it. Where's a good place to get it at, the cheapest place. Is it going to be around 100.00 or more.

Thanks

Answer 1

I have used the Forerunner 205 and 305 and the only difference is that the 305 is compatible with (and sometimes depending on where you purchase it, it comes with) a hear rate monitor. So if that sounds like something your dad might be interested in than I would definitely go for the 305.  

It is basically the god-watch of any passionate runner/athlete (you can use it for running and biking). The only "annoyance" I have with it is that it is kind of big on the wrist, it is light but bulky. It is slightly smaller than the circumference of a water bottle.

I recently discovered that I can customize the screens (three available screens to customize) to display up to four panels of information (this is on my 305: Cadence, Cadence-Average, Cadence-Per Lap, Calories, Date, Distance, Distance-Current Lap, Distance-Last Lap, Distance-Paused, Elevation, GPS Accuracy, Grade, Heading, Heart Rate, Heart Rate-Average, Heart Rate-Lap, Heart Rate Zone, Laps, Pace, Pace-Average, Pace-Best, Pace-Lap, Pace-Last Lap, Pace Zone, Time of Sunrise, Time of Sunset, Time, Time-Average Lap, Time-Lap, Time-Last Lap, Time-Paused Time of Day) which is a really nice feature I like.

So pretty much, except the size, I absolutely love this watch!

I got my 305 (I have only tried the 205, not actually owned it) at Costco for $180 ($200 retail + $20 coupon), and since at the time the MSRP was $399, I thought that was a great deal. Since now the MSRP for the 205 is $199, you can probably get it for under $100 if you wait patiently. I would definitely look at Costco, try eBay or Amazon. When I was shopping for my 305 on eBay I saw many around the $200 range. Right now on eBay there are 205's ranging from $50 to $150, and that's about as high as they go.

So good luck with this purchase, I hope you get a great deal on your 205 like I did on my 305, I am absolutely positive your dad will LOVE this watch!