Review of Garmin 305 GPS Forerunner And Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitors

When comparing the Garmin 305 GPS Forerunner and the Omron HR-100C, we hope to give enough information to those that want to make an informed decision between these two popular heart rate monitors, before purchasing a model they like or purchasing one because it fits their pocket or on their wrist. The Garmin 305 GPS Forerunner is a bit more expensive, but it also has many more features so it is perfectly suited for some athletes while those that are interested in an affordable model might select the Omron HR-100C instead, at about a third of the cost.

Pros and Cons of the Garmin 305 GPS Forerunner:

While this heart rate monitor will cost a little more than a hundred dollars, it has all of the features you need. It gets great signal reception and the GPS receiver is contained in a wrist-watch style. Athletes like the ability of the Garmin to be used for multiple sports and the training software makes it possible to download workout data, online mapping, route sharing, speed, distance and pace data in a precise manner. The heart rate monitor makes it an excellent workout tool. But those that need precise heart rate measures for cardio like runners or cyclists, the GPS system, has been appreciated the most.

About the only thing that consumers had to say negatively about Garmin, when there was a problem, but this monitor replaces defective units and it is a good manufacturer that has a reputation for excellence and offers a variety of these types of products.

Pros and Cons Of the Omron HR-100C:

This heart rate monitor is another wrist-watch style monitor that is easy to program and very affordable, for under fifty dollars. The chest transmitter belt that comes with the unit can send data up to 98 feet and you can maintain the proper heart rate during your workout because it features a high/low heart rate alarm. For those that want a basic heart rate monitor that is affordable and easy to program, the Omron HR-100C gets great reviews because it does exactly what you want for a very affordable price.

There are some that have reported problems with the heart rates that are given, when using an elliptical trainer, but some users report they have the same problems with other brands of heart rate monitors. There might be some heart rate monitors that need ideal conditions to operate, but this is one of the cheapest models and it is good for basic conditions that most athletes need it for.

Comparing the Two

When you are comparing the Garmin 305 GPS and the Omron HR-100C, they both get very good reviews and offer a great deal for the money. It is hard to go wrong with either of these heart rate monitors, but the Omron has the Garmin beat in price, while the advantage of additional features belongs to the Garmin unit.