Garmin Forerunner 220 Running GPS Black/Red - 010-N1147-00 (Certified Refurbished)

I have had my refurb 220 now for a little more than 2 weeks and 10 runs. I am upgrading from a still working 305. I am very pleased with my purchase. I was a little nervous going with the refurbished route but getting the watch in an official Garmin Certified Refurbished box was impressive. I can find no sign that the watch is other than brand new.Things I really like:GPS is super fast to connect. It takes just a few seconds. My 305 would take a minute or so but only if you were really still.Wireless syncing with the smartphone app. This is the main reason for my purchase. I am a Linux user (Mint) and it is problematic to get data off of my 305 without having a Windows machine (dual boot won't work because of USB drivers needed). I wanted something easier and this delivers flawlessly. So after a run with the watch still on I open the app on my phone and it connects instantly and begins to sync without any input from me. It takes a few seconds. From there in syncs to your Garmin Connect account. I shower up and head to work and by the time I get to my desk all the data from my run is waiting for me there.The watch is really lightweight and comfortable to wear.Garmin Connect seems to be making constant improvements. I have no issues whatsoever. I thought I would want another program to help with analysis but I don't really. SmashRun is the only other program I use and it's not really necessary.The cadence collection is more useful than I thought it would be. Just something to be mindful of during your run.I am using my old heartrate monitor from my 305 (purchased in 2009) and it works perfectly. It's seen a lot of sweat. Way to go Garmin!

I was extremely weary about buying a refurbished item, but I'm glad to report that I had nothing to be worried about. The product works great, is much lighter than I anticipated, and has helped me immensely in improving my running. The watch is incredibly comfortable. The only downside I have found is that it sometimes takes longer to capture the satellite, but I have since realized that it is because I have not updated it.Overall, very worth it if you're looking for a GPS watch for running, this one does everything. It doesn't have a HR monitor built in, but I'm not worried about that. It's also nice enough to wear as an everyday watch and doesn't look too out of place, especially since more and more people have smart watches. And while it's not a smart watch, it looks like one.

The screen stopped working within a day or two after my first run. I wish I'd bought the non-refurbished version. I'm going to try to return it but unfortunately I'm abroad right now and won't be back (and thus won't have a watch) for a few months.

My watch was in brand-new condition, period; never would have known it had been reconditioned. Things to know: it locks on to satellites within seconds, not minutes, it is ultra-easy to use, even if you are a technophobic person (example: a picture of a man running is on the button you use to start a walk or run), and the watch vibrates every mile and displays your time for that mile, and the display is large, so you can see it easily.Btw, something not emphasized, it is great for walking, too--tells you the distance you've walked and your speed per mile; you can pause the time and distance monitoring if you stop to pet your neighbor's dog and then hit "resume" when you return to your walk. For running, it's not hit-or-miss like my Polar heart rate watch (which I like anyway)-the Garmin doesn't miss a beat, period. Highly recommend.UPDATE: Oh, this is too much fun--don't miss it. Download Garmin Express and click on the Garmin Connect box. You will see boxes that give a short summary of your run. Click on the asterisk at the top right of a run and choose "Go to Full Page" and click on the run (date) you want to see in detail. There is a picture of your running route, cadence (steps/min), etc. etc. all plotted out. A real fun thing to do while you are resting from your run. Oops, don't forget to connect the watch up to the computer first to download the data (done automatically).

I ended up returning this watch due to an issue with the display. It could have been a fluke because I have other refurb Garmin products that work great.

Display is a little small and can be difficult to read when running. Connecting to phone via Bluetooth is a bit wonky at times. It won't always connect right away.

Had Forerunner 201 and 205 of which the former couldn't locate satellites any longer and the battery died on the other. Considering that I had had them for 10+ years and they gave me good service I really cannot complain. Anyway, time to get a new device as I do like to keep track of my activities without getting all too nitty-gritty about minute details. After debating my options I went with a refurbished Garmin FR 220 (looked at FR 15 and some Polar options). A refurbished FR15 would have been half the price of the refurbished FR220 but something about 220 appealed to me more and at about $120 or so the price wasn't bad.The device came quickly and looked unblemished. The buttons are pretty straightforward although I did notice that I had set distance twice on my screens (top and middle) & pace on bottom when I went for my first run. Have to take the blame for that. The second run was better. The screen is easy to read. The satellites are located within 5-10 sec or so.I got Garmin Connect on my cell phone and that seems to sync fine.FR220 is definitely less bulky on my female wrists than my previous devices & more light weight as well. I don't have to worry about losing it as it is kind of "sticky" to get it set (again that is me). There are these little nobs - if you have FR220 you know what I mean. Haven't had the device long enough to say much more but so far, so good. Hope t lasts a few years.