Garmin Edge 705 Bicycle Computer - Anyone Use It For Paddling?

I was wondering if anyone out there uses a Garmin Edge 705 Bicycle Computer while paddling oc1. It appears to be water resistant - as much as the Garmine Forerunner 305 is.

Any comments on how it performs as a paddling companion would be greatly appreciated.

Submitted by effectivepull on Tue, 07/07/2009 - 7:36pm



Scott,

The mapping feature of the 705 would be of limited use out on the water. The simpler display of the 305 with both speed and heart rate probably give more usable information. And with Garmin's included Traning Center software, you can download the information to a PC for review and comparison to other runs.

Speaking of software, many of us actually prefer ZoneFive's SportTracks software. It's free and is a bit more user friendly.

As for water-resistance, it looks like Garmin finally got a clue and created the Forerunner® 310XT. It's not just water-resistant, but can be immersed up to 50 meters. One of the biggest complaints about the Garmin products is that they weren't exactly waterproof and with continued exposure to saltwater, it caused them to fail.

Hope this helps,
Ken


#1 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 7:58am


Hey All,

Old lurker; new handle...

Scott,

If yer thinking about using your 705 from the bike and don't wanna add another piece of kit then yes, the 705 will be fine. However, the water-resistance of IPX7 standard is marginal; it'll likely give you no problems but if it does, $500.00 not be cheap to spend for replacement (unless you got it at REI, LL.Bean, etc... and have no shame executing liberal return policies...). With new release of 310XT I'm sure there are great deals around on the 205 or 305 so you could get one for salt-water use and not be hosed if/when it fails or sinks...

Cheers, GP


#2 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 3:04pm


Thanks so much for your comments!

Ken, I use SportTracks, but I'm so lazy, I have problems motivating booting up XP on my Macbook Pro to use it. I know, I know, it's only a few clicks.... Prior to dumping my windows maching at home, I used SportTrack quite a bit - good stuff. I wish they'd make something for the mac!

GP, I'm the opposite of what you suspect. I already have a 305 and I'm trying to justify buying a 705 for my bikes (mtb, road, tri). The 305 works great - just wish the display was a bit bigger. I buy all my stuff at REI - great dividends and awesome return policy. I am motivated by guilt so I'll only return stuff if it's a legit return.


#3 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 6:26pm


LOL, I hear ya...I also have the 305 and just a few months ago I was contemplating the 705 for my bikes too. And, I'm a sucker for REI-type return policies and use them to justify all kinds of stuff I don't really need...then I have same guilt and rarely return things...now is that brilliant marketing for a warranty or what?


#4 Thu, 07/09/2009 - 2:49am


HA! I just got back from REI - I returned a Suunto watch that was just HORRIBLE.

Ended up browsing and picked up some stuff. Then I heard the sweetest words ever uttered by an REI cashier, "Scott, would you like to use your dividend to pay for this purchase?"

EXCELLENT.


#5 Fri, 07/10/2009 - 1:39pm


I just noticed the Garmin Edge 705 comes with a cadence sensor - can you modify that to take stroke rate for your paddling? Not sure how good that sensor is.


#6 Fri, 07/10/2009 - 4:55pm


i use the 705 for my oc1. i like the bigger screen. the problem with it is that it really is a bike computer and only calculates calories burnt as if you were riding a bike. that translates to going full out for 12 miles and the 705 saying you only burnt like 500 calories. in that sense it is pretty useless.

i wouldn't do it. go with the watch style that supports biking, running, and other, and multi-sport.

i did send garmin a suggestion that since they had a cadence sensor they could also support a "speed through water" function. that would take into account strong currents. the guy thought it was a good idea but i doubt it got any further than him....


#7 Wed, 08/05/2009 - 9:25am


I use a 305 and it works great. I get speed, distance and time on dash, and then I download all data to compare with previous runs.
In the beggining I was using with a plastic cover but now just plain and it is working good, just wash it after practice


#8 Mon, 08/10/2009 - 3:13am


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