Reviews of the Garmin Foretrex 301

Real Reviews Submitted by Real Users!

This is a convenient and Hands-Free GPS Receive

Pros:  Lightweight, precise, compact, simple to use, displays two positions simultaneously including both longitude and latitude, UTM, GMRS, and if in the GPX format data can be saved.

Cons:  Low resolution, limited usability of the strap.

Notes:  This does not offer mapping and turn-by-turn functions however it is not meant to.  It does display tracks, straight-line distance and bearing which are all basic GPSr functions.

Although I do own both a Magellan Meridian Gold as well as a Garmin Etrex Legend HCx and I have put both to plenty of use, I have also used the Foretrex 301.

Mostly I use this one for my time on the track, the distance I covered and the speed I ran at.  But it is also ideal for hiking, cycling and any basic navigation needs.

When using it for basic navigation Mapsource Software is ideal.  It allows you to enter both waypoints and routes and extract tracks from the 301.  You can use it along with other software because it outputs data in the usual GPX format which has become the industry norm in data formatting for GPS.

Just as precise as a HCx it is nonetheless more compact and lightweight.  Although incapable of all the HCx functions it is important to remember that it is not meant to be the same.  Due to the compact design the screen is obviously small.  Better power usage combined with the design means that there is no need for a color display.  One criticism would be that there is a low resolution however bear in mind that it is meant to be a simple device and as such it functions well.

When this GPS was launched it retailed at $200 however that was somewhat more than it is worth, in my opinion.  However the price was lowered to $140 and this, I think, is more appropriate.  Although the 401 offers more features they really are not needed and so saving money and choosing this GPS makes sense.

The strap is the only real problem because it is a very basic strap and cannot be adjusted much.  For people with larger wrists it will probably be uncomfortable.  There is a strap extender but it results in going from one extreme to the next because it extends it a lot.  Having the ability to adjust it more precisely would be a useful advantage but it is a sturdy strap with a secure hook and loop.  You really can't go wrong if you're looking for a basic GPS.

Replacement for Garmin Foretrex 101.  The two models are very similar to each other.  I mostly use it for tracking my speed, distance, etc. whenever I go cycling.  Considering that it is one of the cheaper ones it is nonetheless a great product.  My biggest gripe is that it is shorter than the 101 and therefore does not properly fit my Foretrex 101 bike mount.  Your old bike mount is rendered useless because this unit is that bit shorter.  Although you can improvise it still isn't going to be possible to use it as it is meant to be used.  Garmin doesn't seem to have provided the right accessories even though there is a bike mount for the 301 in existence.  Whenever I've tried to get my hands on one I'm told that there is no available stock.

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