Comments for Garmin Forerunner 205 & 305 GPS at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 10 out of 10 comments http://www.surfski.info Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:23:27 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1840 Been trying to find out if the forerunner 305 is Vista friendly? Cant seem to find anything on their website that states software requirements. Dont want to get one and find out that it doesnt operate on my laptop. - Dwight Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:10:26 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1717 I have owned several Garmin GPS units and have not found any of them to be waterproof. If you are going to use them in and around the water you need to buy at least two of them since one will always be in customer service being repaired. (or buy a waterproof bag) If you go to www.paddling.net and search there is a lot on the subject of GPS units and waterproofing. I recently tried a GlobalSat wrist GPS unit and it died on the third time on the water. It also claimed IPX-7 standards. Overall I think it is really pathetic how many GPS manufacturers claim their products are waterproof to IPX-7 standards and are not even close. I think the IPX-7 standard is far more than anyone would need for most surface water sports yet most can not handle light spray. Garmin has good customer service but I got really tired of constantly shipping units back to them. - Vincent Swendsen Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:12:21 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1715 Avnic trading who are the South African Garmin agents replaced my unit immediatly without any questions. Mine also got waterlogged after a 'swim'. (I left it on my wrist and swam in the waves after my paddle). Maybe the pressure generated by a swimming motion or by waves breaking exceed the static water pressure at 1m. - Alain Jaques Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:15:12 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1712 The Garmin website states that the 305 is IPX7 rated. "An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes." I spent one minute in (and under) the water last week, trying to sort out a rudder problem on my ski. I immediately noticed water under the glass. The water spread under tha glass, and now the 305 has ... DIED. That's a whole lot of $$$ for 9 months' use!! I'm really disappointed. My (several) emails to Garmin have not been answered ... yet. Will let you know what they say. - John Blacklaws Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:03:36 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1709 The HR monitor is much more waterproof than the gps unit. Never had a problem with it. - Rob Mousley Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:32:40 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1708 Hi guys, I have just ordered one of these units - any comments on how well the heart monitor copes with submersion? - Kimbel Rowles Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:08:06 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1707 Check out these bags...I have had all the same problems as everyone else with my units. I am actually on my 3rd one now. I started using these "See-Pouches" and have no more problems. I use the smallest one. I can still use the buttons and hear the chirps during intervals and alarms. I simply took off the bands put it in the bag and then run a small strap (from my old 201) through the belt loop on the back of the pouch. This way I can attach it to my footstrap no problem and it is in the perfect location to reach for starting/stopping/laps/etc... http://www.seallinegear.com/all_purpose.asp?Action=SeePouch&Category=AllPurpose - Rob Mirlenbrink Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:32:57 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1705 Hey John Both Dale Lippstreu & I have had this problem - both after dropping the unit :-( Both units died. Mine actually lasted some months with water in it; Dale opened his up by breaking it open - if you twist the case it just pops open. He tried sealing and glueing it back together again but didn't succeed... The newer ones are supposed to be stronger - but I'd have thought a 9 month old one would have been "newer". - Rob Mousley Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:12:31 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1704 I have enjoyed using my Garmin 305 since buying it 9 months ago. Sadly though, I have noticed water ingress (under the glass) in the last few days, getting worse fast. Anyone had the same problem? - John Blacklaws Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:35:10 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/126/153/#pc_1207 Any news on the waterproofing? - Hamish Wyatt Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:51:00 +0100