GPS: Garmin Forerunner vs. Garmin Foretrex

mgrant · 2006-01-23, 04:31 PM

For my birthday my wife bought me a Garmin Foretrex 201 GPS unit. From what I've read I think that the Garmin Forerunner might be more applicable to unicycling.

Garmin's website has done little to clear up my confusion as to the differences between the two models.

Does anyone here have some practical advice regarding the pros/cons of each?

Thanks,

-mg

unicus · 2006-01-23, 05:29 PM

I've had the Foretrex 201 for some time now and use it mainly for unicycling. I’ve been very happy with it but like yourself I’m not sure of the difference with the Forerunner 201 other than price and the Garmin website doesn't help. I decided on the Foretrex 'cause it was on offer and was cheaper than the Forerunner at the time I bought it.

If I were buying a GPS today I’d go for the Forerunner 205 or 305 as they have cycling modes (unlike the 201/301 I believe) and they look nice too.

Chrashing · 2006-01-23, 05:38 PM

I bought the fortrex model because it supports WAAS which provides a more accurate position fix. I don't think the forerunner supports WAAS.

I like the fortex model 201 with the rechargeable battery.

I don't now much about the forerunner.

Loosemoose · 2006-01-23, 07:52 PM

I have just purchased a Foretrex 201, and kington99's brother uses a forerunner 301 I think, as part of his running training. Most of the special features of the forerunner assume you are actually running, not cycling, so they are pretty much useless for distance unicycling. If (as unicus says) the newest model forerunners have a cycling mode and maintain the same features (virtual partner, etc) then they might be more suited to road-based distance riding. I got the foretrex because I'm going to use my GPS for Muni as well as distance, so I liked the mapping features.

Loose.

2006-01-23, 04:31 PM	#1
mgrant Ever hoping for the best! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Pleasant Grove, UT USA Posts: 376	GPS: Garmin Forerunner vs. Garmin Foretrex For my birthday my wife bought me a Garmin Foretrex 201 GPS unit. From what I've read I think that the Garmin Forerunner might be more applicable to unicycling. Garmin's website has done little to clear up my confusion as to the differences between the two models. Does anyone here have some practical advice regarding the pros/cons of each? Thanks, -mg __________________ The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older, shorter of breath, and one day closer to death. michael_j_grant (at) yahoo (dot) com Gallery: http://tinyurl.com/34my5c

2006-01-23, 05:38 PM	#3
Chrashing O>OO Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Age: 58 Posts: 1,706	I bought the fortrex model because it supports WAAS which provides a more accurate position fix. I don't think the forerunner supports WAAS. I like the fortex model 201 with the rechargeable battery. I don't now much about the forerunner. __________________ Regards, Ken Unicycles are flying machines! 24", 28", 32", and 36" KH frame based mutts. 26" inexpensive travel.

2006-01-23, 07:52 PM	#4
Loosemoose Coco... thanks guys. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Oxfordshire, England, UK Age: 27 Posts: 1,024	I have just purchased a Foretrex 201, and kington99's brother uses a forerunner 301 I think, as part of his running training. Most of the special features of the forerunner assume you are actually running, not cycling, so they are pretty much useless for distance unicycling. If (as unicus says) the newest model forerunners have a cycling mode and maintain the same features (virtual partner, etc) then they might be more suited to road-based distance riding. I got the foretrex because I'm going to use my GPS for Muni as well as distance, so I liked the mapping features. Loose. __________________ Vice President - Southampton University Circus Society "Come on you target for far away laughter, come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine..." - Pink Floyd

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2006-01-23, 05:29 PM	#2
unicus EMUnicyclist Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 908	I've had the Foretrex 201 for some time now and use it mainly for unicycling. I’ve been very happy with it but like yourself I’m not sure of the difference with the Forerunner 201 other than price and the Garmin website doesn't help. I decided on the Foretrex 'cause it was on offer and was cheaper than the Forerunner at the time I bought it. If I were buying a GPS today I’d go for the Forerunner 205 or 305 as they have cycling modes (unlike the 201/301 I believe) and they look nice too.

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