0ur opinion:

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Foot Pod, provides speed, distance, pace (indoor use only)

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The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a vital training tool for runners and other outdoor athletes. But its speed and distance calculations rely on a a GPS signal from the skies above, leaving those who want to run or train indoors, well, out in the cold.

The Foot Pod uses a tiny ANT Sport transmitter to communicate with the Forerunner 305.

Garmin has solved this problem with the innovative Forerunner 305 Foot Pod. This shoe-mounted accessory will provide accurate pace and distance to the Forerunner 305 when GPS reception is unavailable, such as when you're training on treadmills or indoor tracks. Speed and distance information is calculated in the Foot Pod and transferred to the Forerunner, where information from the Foot Pod is automatically displayed and stored.

Dynastream Technology
The Foot Pod is built on Dynastream technology, which solves the challenge of accurately measuring a user's speed and distance in real time. The system was designed to measure each stride via a patented accelerometer, which measures all parameters of each foot stride, computes that data, then wirelessly transmits speed and distance information to the Forerunner 305 wrist unit via a 2.4 GHz signal. To date, Dynastream technology is the first and only commercially viable, accurate stride analysis technology that can be used outside the laboratory environment.


Simple to Use

Dynastream technology accurately measures your stride--whether you're walking, running, or sprinting--using a patented accelerometer.

0nce the Foot Pod is turned on, the Forerunner 305 recognizes its wireless signal and asks if you wish to train using the Foot Pod instead of with the Forerunner's built-in GPS. 0nce confirmed, the Forerunner 305 deactivates the GPS and the Foot Pod begins measuring the workout. The Foot Pod communicates to the wrist unit using Dynastream's ANT Sport wireless technology, a commonly available platform for connectivity and interoperability between sports accessories and equipment. The unit features a simple and secure lace-mounted attachment, and runs on a single AAA battery that offers 70 hours of typical use. The Foot Pod is 97 percent accurate out of the box and 99 accurate percent when calibrated. lt can also be worn in tandem with the Forerunner 305's wireless heart rate monitor.

Note: The Forerunner 305 needs to be updated to software version 2.5 before it will be compatible with the Foot Pod. You can download the software update at garmin.com/support.









Piece Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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Buyer's feedback: - * Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory ...
The foot pod helps me keep accurate results for my weekly running log. I feel it is more accurate than the equipment at the gym. However I wish it was easier to take on and off I like to switch out my running shoes.

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Buyer's feedback: - A nice accessory for the Forerunner
I bought this to accompany my Forerunner 305. I was training for a marathon in Phoenix in January so I did a lot of training indoors since I live in Utah. It was easy to get synced with my Forerunner, and I haven't had to replace the battery in the Foot Pod yet. My only issue is with calibrating it. I tried to calibrate it using the distance reading on the treadmill, but it seemed to vary from treadmill to treadmill. This could be due to inaccuracies in the treadmills sensors. It would be nice if it had a feature to auto calibrate it using the GPS in tandem with the accelerometers in the Foot Pod, instead of having to enter a calibration constant in manually. Still a great piece of equipment.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Garmin Indoor Foot Pod ...
The device works, plain and simple, which is enough to warrant the 3 stars. It allows me to keep using my Garmin Forerunner 305 while inside on the treadmill. It's also on the cheaper side.

The things I don't like:
1. The device is way too big.
2. I would be ok with #1 if there was a fast way to put it on and take off, but it gets laced on to your shoe. So on the days I'm not running, I have an ungainly large black thing on my shoe. I guess I can get a "running" shoe and a "weights" shoe or just suck it up.
3. The Garmin MotionBased site won't allow you to upload runs completed using the FootPod. This completely defeats the purpose of keeping track of my runs using statistics. Yes, I can upload to my personal desktop version of the software, but as noted in my Forerunner 305 review, the desktop version is sorely limited and doesn't contain ability to really drill down on the stats. I guess it's more encouragement to run outside, but in that case, I wouldn't need the Foot Pod. The Garmin site says indoor running functionality will come soon, but that could mean years away.

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Buyer's feedback: - Now I can run indoors with my Garmin
A very nice add-on to the Garmin Forerunner 305. Out of the box it is about .06/mile off (short) but I haven't done the calibration yet. It should be spot-on after that adjustment. I also like the cadence feature when outdoors so I can maintain my pace.

It's a tad big for my taste but doesn't interfere with my running or gait and it doesn't weigh much at all. The size is probably mostly due tho the AAA battery it uses. If they'd use a watch battery instead, they could make it smaller...just a suggestion Garmin.

It's worth the money.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Great. Really. ...
This thing works.

I had to download the right software from the Garmin website - which wasn't really explained very well - but once I did it was fine.

Garmin does a terrible job at writing their manuals. They're worthless.

This unit is good. And accurate. It doesn't weigh much either.

I originally tried to buy one of these from Garmin's web-store. First, they wanted $99. Next, I selected 2-day shipping - so the thing was going to cost something like $120. Days go by. Then weeks. I almost forgot that I ordered it. Then I remembered. I gave Garmin a call. Where's my FootPod? Garmin, the company the MAKES the thing, didn't have any in stock - didn't know when they would be in stock - and couldn't tell me when I could expect mine. Oh, and thanks for forgetting to tell me all of this when I placed my order weeks ago. So I cancelled my order. Did a quick search on Amazon (which I should have done in the beginning). Found one for $30 with free shipping. Got in a couple of days. Thank you Amazon. Garmin, you suck.