Garmin replacement or refurb?

I swear I saw a thread about this recently - but I am gonna just post this anyway. The battery of my trusty 305 is faltering. It's fine on my runs - even my 20 milers, but it has to be on the cradle all the time or it will lose charge. (Like, even if it is fully charged and I take it off the cradle, in the morning it will be dead even though it has been off all night).

This concerns me for my upcoming marathon, NYC, because I have to take it off the cradle so many hours before the actual race. I know it would last through the race if I could take it off the cradle just before - but I can't. No plug ins in the village on Staten Island.

So I am looking for advice.

For those of you who have bought batteries from garmin - how long did that process take? How expensive? I think I read $70. Or has anyone been able to just get a new battery at a normal watch store? Or should I and my best friend VISA just suck it up and order a 610 that I really can't afford but of course want?

I'd love to hear of other experiences/suggestions on what my best move might be. It would be nice to have a running watch that I can wear at other times - but I have no problems running with the 305 and do like having actual buttons.

Thanks!

Sara -

I have two Garmin 305 one is dead other works fine. The dead one I was considering getting refurb for $70 but you can find them online for around $99 to 109 NEW! with HR strap etc. So if that is the case I'd get a new 305. Now if you have disposable income then I'd go for the newest one what is it 605 or something. As of now I am sticking with the one that works and when that dies Ill have to make a quick decision! or follow you!

Kenny B. wrote:Sara -

I have two Garmin 305 one is dead other works fine. The dead one I was considering getting refurb for $70 but you can find them online for around $99 to 109 NEW! with HR strap etc. So if that is the case I'd get a new 305. Now if you have disposable income then I'd go for the newest one what is it 605 or something. As of now I am sticking with the one that works and when that dies Ill have to make a quick decision! or follow you!

That cheap?! Huh. I never even thought of looking into the price of a new 305. Doh! Or maybe even a 205 since I am not into HR training right now. Thanks for the idea, Kenny!

What's the story with the 100 series? Like the 110? Those seem cheap - and small. Anyone?