what do I buy? Garmin Edge 305 or Edge 705?

[leon_pro]

Hi there fellow hubbers.

 

I am in the process of buying one of these. I am getting them for my mountain bike and road bike.

 

Would like to know which one should i buy? I know what they cost but would like to know does anyone know the pro's and con's of these 2 units?

 

Help would be appricated.

[sampie]

Only real difference is the colour gps maps on 705. I have the 305 and it gives me all the info i need to know.

[leon_pro]

sampie...

can i load routes onto them?

what maps software have loaded onto it?

 

out of interest how much did you pay for yours?

[Iwan Kemp]

Ask ZorgusPrime. He has a 705 and uses it to it's fullest.

https://www.bikehub.co.za/member_profile.asp?PF=3703

[sampie]

You can plan a route on Google and then upload it, thing is you only gonna follow a line on your 305, where on the 705 you gonna see all the side roads - full map. If its only for training then 305 are fine, if you want to see it all , then the 705.

[Ricycle]

Leon, phone Avnic Trading (importers/distributors of Garmin) and speak to Fraser, he will help you answer all your questions - tell him I told you to phone (he'll know me as Lynne from Hi-Tech) and I will sort him out if he does not sort you out!!! Their number is 011 704 6147. Lemme know if you don't come right!

[sampie]

Leon' date=' phone Avnic Trading (importers/distributors of Garmin) and speak to Fraser, he will help you answer all your questions - tell him I told you to phone (he'll know me as Lynne from Hi-Tech) and I will sort him out if he does not sort you out!!! Their number is 011 704 6147. Lemme know if you don't come right![/quote']

 

Can he maybe give me a GOOD!!! price on a 705.

[Ricycle]

Hey Sampie, you can use my name too, doubt they'll moan at me for sending business their way, just not sure that they sell direct though... but a great bunch of guys nonetheless. Good luck!

[mountain_lion]

Much depends on your intended use of the GPS.

 

If only for training and recording your tracks, the 305 will do fine.

 

If however you want to use it for navigation as well, get the 705.

Much easier with the maps.

 

If you do get the 705, have a look at AfricaTopo

This hobby project of mine snowballed a bit...

When I bought my first GPS (2003??) there were no topographic GPS maps

available for SA. I needed contours maps for my mountaineering trips

(also very useful on the MTB), so I started doing my own maps. At

present AfricaTopo covers the whole of RSA.

 

 

[leon_pro]

thanx for the help. Would foolow up and then give some feedback.

 

Mountain Lion....... U selling this product? this will be a add on to the edge map software?

[turtlek]

either way you getting a good product just make sure you dont misuse the brackets and keep them tightened on properly or else you will have to pay for another garmin oh yes and both units are SABIE EXPERIENCE proof so wont break in a hurry

[leon_pro]

great....thats good news. I am also doing the Sabie Experience.....

[ZorgusPrime]

Leon_Pro,

 

The main differences between 305 and 705 are as follows:

1. Maps. 705 has autorouting street level maps of SA.
2. Color Screen
3. Battery life. They've bumped up the battery size for the color screen, and it's now 15 hours on the 705.
4. 705 has ANT+Sport connectivity. You can copy info to other 705's wirelessly, and connect to extrenal power-meters.

 

The street level maps are excellent while using the road-bike, and you'll find them even better in the car to navigate to the race.

For mountain biking and hiking, you can get Track's4Africa (or make your own maps)

 

Avnic won't sell to the public, so goto www.easygis.co.za and have a look there. They'll ship any unit (and any accessory) to you.

ZorgusPrime2008-06-08 08:48:24

[leon_pro]

so you would say .....if i want to use it for road ....the 705 is the ****?

 

If i only want to stay off road the 305 is better.

 

 

[ZorgusPrime]

Nope,

 

The 705 is going to have more features/options, expecially if you have the appropriate map.

If you have NO maps, then they are fairly similar.

If you want to plan routes beforehand, and/or intent following routes on the device, then the 705 has many advantages. Situations where you might do this are as follows:

1. Getting to a race. Enter the address, and follow the route to the race.

2. Plotting a training ride. Plot out your route beforehand, and establish distance/time you want to ride etc. Upload and follow on 705.

3. Once you have lost yourself in Jonkershoek at 11pm in the dark, you can select GOTO GATE, and it should plot you the way back.

[turtlek]

and the best feature of the 705 is that it has extended battery life compared to the 8 hours the 305 has the 705 has approximately 24hours of battery life