User Review: Garmin Forerunner 205

Garmin Forerunner 205
Above: The current Forerunner 205, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 15, 2006 by Dom Ankers

Rating:
Price Paid: $249

I bought this device as a tool for training mainly on trails. On power up, the 205 picks up a signal and location within a few seconds. In clear conditions the device performed well giving accurate pace and distance data.

However under full or marginal cover from trees the pace information was way off (e.g. often reading 10mins/mile following a previous clear reading of 7mins/mile). This occured regularly during the trail run compromising the device's effectiveness as a training tool for trail runs with tree cover.

I reluctantly returned it to REI today.