Costco has one for $259.99 which includes shipping. Other places are still $300+. Not sure if rebate is still valid.
Link here$239.99 here --->
http://www.gpscity.ca/frun305 though i have no idea how much shipping is... might be cheaper, might not.
so far i really love this unit. i find with running i utilize more of its features as opposed to paddling, but its still an excellent unit for paddling. If you plan on only using it for paddling, you'll *Probably* have no need for the HRM, so just get the cheaper 205 (just my opinion, i don't use the HRM for paddling)
A quick comparison of this unit versus my old 201 unit
Pros
- fully programmable workouts on your computer, trasnferred to your GPS via USB connection (saves TONS of time and is 100% more functional)
- you can carry a list of "generic workouts", and you can also program them according to a calendar
- USB connection (vs old serial connection on x01 series, which was useless on modern computers)
- ability to download data and results from gps, tracking progress (same as before, but made easier due to above mentioned item)
- smaller "footprint"
- wireless HRM (the runner in me loves this)
Cons
- while smaller "footprint", the GPS Antenna is wrapped around your wrist, with the bulk of it proximal to your body. not a big deal, but it does tend to angle the LCD slightly such that you have to rotate your wrist towards your face in order to read it. a minor annoyance really.
- startup satellite acquisition time seems slower than on the x01 series. once acquired its smooth sailing, but it takes much longer than i'd expect sometimes (3-4 minutes vs. 1-2 minutes on the x01 series). Again this is at startup only so its a minor detail as often you'd use this time to warm-up and/or stretch, but it does mean you can't simply "startup-and-go". I'm not certain if that is a byproduct of the antenna design or perhaps the firmware of the unit.
Both of those cons are really minor, but the pros are HUGE improvements over my previous unit. Was definitely worth the purchase.
On a side note, the customizable target zones are awesome... but ruthless! you go too fast or slow and this thing just screams at you! My pacing has gotten much more consistent since i got this thing.
