Garmin Forerunner 305 Or Tom Tom Runner?

When I was looking at a running watch, I know this was the question that I asked myself - Garmin or Tom Tom?  And I honestly wound up with both a Garmin and a Tom Tom over the years.

Let me compare the two:

Garmin Forerunner 305

This was my first ever running watch, and I still use it today. After about a year or so the 'beep' stopped beeping. That is a little irritating since I had it set up for mile splits. From what I understand, it has to possibly do with a 'sweat' issue, and too much sweat getting into the watch? But here are the pros and cons.


Pros:

• To my knowledge, the information is accurate. I've never doubted the distance or the pace with this watch.
• No lag time with pace or average pace
• Shows Mile splits
• Shows Current Pace and Average Pace
• Can set up the screen for multiple screen displays
• Can look at splits in the middle of a run
• Can be used for multiple sports
• Numerous Training Options
• Can be used in various weather conditions (heat, rain, snow etc)
• Nice backlight 

Cons:

• Big and bulky
• Stopped beeping which is annoying
• Band isn't the easiest to adjust for smaller arms
• Can be a little slow about finding the satellite

Tom Tom Runner 

Pros:

• Stylish - can also be worn daily as a regular watch - comes in various colors
• Fast when finding satellite (so far with my experience using it)
• Easy to use - easy to navigate screens while running
• Several Training Options (although I haven't tested these yet) 
• Can be used in various weather conditions (heat, rain, snow etc) 
• When the data is uploaded, it can be synced with MapMyRun (can also be uploaded via iPhone app)
• Nice backlite 
• Touch screen is pretty cool 
• Vibrates when using training options (such as intervals etc) 

Cons:

• Lag time with current and average pace - My personal experience has shown that there is a lag time with current pace and average pace. In the end, the average pace is correct, but sometimes not until the run is over. 
• Doesn't show mile splits until information is uploaded. And then it's off a little since it's uploaded into the TomTomMysport program. 
• Doesn't work for biking or other sports. They do make a multisport watch, but mine is the Runner. 

So which one is 'the best'? Well, it's going to depend on exactly what you want it for and how you will use it. Honestly, I use both of my watches. If I'm going out for an easy run where current pace isn't a factor, I will wear my Tom Tom Runner. It finds the satellite faster. I like how I can easily navigate through the screens. And I enjoy that I can upload my data with a touch of a button. 

However, if I'm doing a pace run where current/average pace is important, I will wear my Garmin. I'm very much into 'mile splits', and if I need that information immediately, I will wear my Garmin. Also, because I have worn it for years, and I'm just very comfortable with it, I will probably wear my Garmin (or both). (yes, I've been known to wear both during runs - overkill I know!) during races. During a race, I like to know my current pace. 

So with most of my training runs, I'm wearing my Tom Tom. But during my upcoming races, I will wear my Garmin. 

I hope this helps you decide which watch to get. All in all, I would consider both of them good watches. 

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