Archives for 2006

UPDATE: Read my Garmin Approach G5 review and my GolfLogix 2008 review

It seems like GPS is everywhere these days, and the golf course is no exception. There are two main types of golf GPS systems. One is owned by the course and integrated into your cart. The other is a handheld unit that golfers can carry along, no matter what course you play. Here are the four popular forms of the latter type (product descriptions are adapted from the manufacturer and / or Amazon):

• SureShot GPS (pictured at right) – The SureShot GPS is a compact, hand-held, easy to use GPS device specific to golf. With the option of attaching to your belt or golf cart, the SureShotGPS means never having to look for a distance again. Wherever in the world you play golf, the SureShot GPS will allow you to obtain distances from tee to green. Experience the difference with better club selection, speedier play and statistical information per round. There are thousands of courses available, and if by chance your’s is not, it can be mapped for you within a few days. Official SureShot GPS web page.

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When selecting a GPS for hiking, two key criteria come to mind. It’s likely that a hiker will want a unit that’s good for navigation, and will not want to have to hold it out at arm’s length for the entire hike, which means that…

Reception is important for hikers

I recommend a unit that will get great satellite reception, so I’m going to limit my recommendations to models with a high sensitivity chipset, such as the SiRFstar III or MediaTek chipset. With these receivers, you can stick them in your pocket, or a mesh pocket on a day pack, and you are still likely to have adequate reception. Some of this is dependent upon how the satellite constellation is configured for your location on any given day, but overall, I think you’ll be happy with the performance of these units.

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Last updated October 29, 2009

Whether you are a road biker or a mountain biker, there’€™s a GPS that will work well for you, and it can mount right on your handlebars. Either type of cyclist will have special needs, so let’€™s take a look at your options:

GPS for road bikers

GPS Cyclometers

The Garmin Edge series is comprised of cyclometer-type GPS receivers. All of them have high-sensitivity chipsets for superior satellite reception in urban canyons and under canopy. While they are excellent cyclometers, they aren’€™t all that great as navigation devices (more on navigation options below). If you are primarily wanting to track your performance though, the Edge series is an excellent choice.

The newest models are the Garmin Edge 605 and Edge 705, which add color screens and mapping capability (maps purchased separately) to the features found on previous models. The 705 adds a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter
and the ability to share data wirelessly with another Edge 705. The 705 is also compatible with an optional cadence sensor and power meter. For a detailed look at the new Edge models, be sure to check out my hands-on review of the Edge 605.

The first-generation Garmin Edge 205 and Garmin Edge 305 (pictured at left) have a monochrome display and lack the mapping capabilities of the 605 and 705. The 305 will give you more accurate data on elevation gain than the 205, thanks to its barometric altimeter.

The Edge 305 actually comes in three models;€” the 305CAD includes a cadence/speed sensor, the 305HR includes a heart rate monitor, and the Edge 305HR+ comes with both.

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Last updated November 11, 2009

A GPS receiver lets runners track their athletic performance — not only how far you run, but heart rate, elevation gain, and more. And it gives you an easy way to maintain a record of your data; just download it to your computer. The units below are less than ideal for navigation, but they are great for capturing your running stats. Here’s a run down (pardon the pun) on a few key models:

Garmin Forerunner 405Cx

The newest model, the Forerunner 405Cx (shown at right), increases accuracy in heart rate-based calorie computation and comes with two additional form-fitting bands to accommodate large or small wrists.

Another new entry, the Garmin Forerunner 310XT is targeted to tri-athletes. It is waterproof to 50 meters and can go for up to 20 hours on one charge.

Garmin Forerunner 405

The Forerunner 405 builds on the feature set found in previous models. Available in either sage green or black, the unit has a sleeker and more watch-like appearance. A wireless connection sends data to your computer, eliminating the need for cables. The perimeter of the unit features a touch-sensitive bezel, minimizing the need for buttons on the unit.

Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305

The  Forerunner 205  and Forerunner 305 have greatly improved reception (compared to the first generation models below), and are ideal for trail runners or anyone with a restricted view of the sky. The 305 (pictured at left) ups the ante, adding a heart-rate monitor.

Garmin Forerunner 101, 201 and 301

These last generation products don’t have the killer reception and updated styling of the later models, but they will do just fine for someone running in the open. The Forerunner 101 doesn’t allow transfer of your running data to the computer, and uses two AAA batteries. The Forerunner 201 does allow data transfer, and drops the weight to 2.75 ounces thanks to the li-ion battery. The Forerunner 301 adds a heart rate monitor to this feature set.

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