Best Running GPS Watches 2011 : Best Garmin Forerunner

If you're looking for the best running gps watches, the leading name in the field is garmin.

The advantage of the Garmin Forerunner GPS devices have over other brands is that they all come in one unit. Other brands have footpods you need to wear or the gps receiver in an armband.

Compare the best runnning gps watches by Garmin below. 

The Garmin Forerunner 305 set the bar with for the best running gps watches when it was released and despite the release of a newer model (the Forerunner 405, listed below), its still considered the best running gps watch by many. Its definitely in contention for the best value gps running watch.

Garmin Forerunner 305 includes heart rate monitor, distance measuring, speed calculation including average run and lap pace as well as calories burned.

It includes Training Center Software, Which Allows Users To Download Workout Data For A Detailed Analysis. Connect it to your PC or Mac via USB.

The GPS receiver provides excellent signal reception and an exceptional ability to track and lock on to your position, whether running through trees or whizzing along on a bike.

The design is excellent with a large easy to read screen and simple button layout.

A definite contender for one of the best running gps watches but if you want more check out the Garmin Forerunner 405 below.

The Garmin Forerunner 405CX is the follow up to the Garmin 305. It includes all of the features of the 305 plus some extra capabilities.

Its smaller and lighter than the 305. It looks like a watch and can be worn as one too. However, some people prefer the larger screen of the 305 to see their data. 

A very advantageous feature is that it has wireless ANT technology that automatically transfers data to your computer when in range rather than having to place the unit in a USB cradle as with the 305.

Another cool feature is the forerunner's virtual partner. This allows you to work on improving your times by racing against the virtual partner. You can use this technology to compete against previous workouts. Or, tell your watch the distance you want to run and the time you want to complete it in and the 405CX will pace you along to help you reach your goals. 

If you don't want wireless heart monitoring, consider getting the garmin 205. It is the most basic of the garmin forerunners and is slightly cheaper. However, the garmin 305 is now only about $10 more expensive on amazon.com so unless you can find it really cheap at a store or online it makes better sense to get the garmin 305.  

If you're a swimmer or a tri-athlete you may appreciate a waterproof gps runner watch. The Garmin forerunner 310XT is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, so you can wear it in the pool or the lake to time your swim.

However, this is one with a hefty price tag