Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS - Black
Garmin
- 010-00658-10
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Reviews
(21)
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If you are like me..you have been researching this product obsessively. I am here to tell you to BUY the 405! I know there are many reviews about the 405 that aren't very good...but here's something that everybody has forgotten to mention: This unit has wireless technology, which means it can be updated. So, yes, there are some quirks Garmin is still working on, BUT they can and have been addressed with the available updates. I LOVE my 405! Like anything you purchase..sometimes things don't work correctly..return it and try again! I really like the Garmin Connect, a feature I didn't think I'd even use. The 405 is soo..much more comfortable to wear than the 305 and the good ole' 101! I am excited to see just how far Garmin will take the 405, Garmin Connect and it's upgrades! The Forerunner just keeps getting better!
4 price(s)
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After two weeks of side-by-side usage, I've concluded that these watches are targeted at very different markets. Furthermore, in many respects, it seems like neither watch is totally ready for prime-time. Both have nice feature sets, but they each seem to be lacking some very important features to make them truly useful across several sports. The Suunto X9i seems to be targeted and more useful to the climbing crowd, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 405 seems targeted at the fitness/jogging crowd. Neither has the complete feature set that the above-average hiker/trail runner/mountain biker needs. Thus, if you purchase either, you have to accept the compromises inherit in one or the other.
If I was pressed to recommend one over the other, I very hesitantly lean towards the Garmin Forerunner 405 due to smaller size, better battery life, faster GPS synch, slightly better navigation screen and of course, lower price. I'm hesitant because of several important cons which I elaborate on below.
STATS:
Battery
If I was pressed to recommend one over the other, I very hesitantly lean towards the Garmin Forerunner 405 due to smaller size, better battery life, faster GPS synch, slightly better navigation screen and of course, lower price. I'm hesitant because of several important cons which I elaborate on below.
STATS:
Battery
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I switch from my Polar 725x to the Garmin Forerunner 405 and so far I'm happy with the unit:
Pros:
- Data transfer works excellent. Huge improvement for me as Polar uses IR, which in my opinion is obsolete.
- You can create your screens of variables to be monitor and combine them as you wish (3 variables per screen up to 3 screens). Polar has fixed screens.
- I really enjoy the Virtual Partner function.
- GPS function: The unit picks up the satellite signal very fast. You can download courses in the web site and follow them by your own. The Google earth interface is great to watch your route at home with your family.
Cons:
- The battery last no more than 6 hours. If you are planning to get lost into the woods for days you better bring another GPS unit as you will run out battery.
- No temperature sensor.
- The software is really really really bad. Polar is much more advance regarding analyzing data.
Pros:
- Data transfer works excellent. Huge improvement for me as Polar uses IR, which in my opinion is obsolete.
- You can create your screens of variables to be monitor and combine them as you wish (3 variables per screen up to 3 screens). Polar has fixed screens.
- I really enjoy the Virtual Partner function.
- GPS function: The unit picks up the satellite signal very fast. You can download courses in the web site and follow them by your own. The Google earth interface is great to watch your route at home with your family.
Cons:
- The battery last no more than 6 hours. If you are planning to get lost into the woods for days you better bring another GPS unit as you will run out battery.
- No temperature sensor.
- The software is really really really bad. Polar is much more advance regarding analyzing data.
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I've run with my Garmin 405 twice so far and love it. Given the mixed reviews here, I was a apprehensive about getting it, but it really is a great training device.
As I've progressed as a runner - first marathon this year, 3:52 at 41 years old - I've tried a variety of watches. First, a Timex Ironman, which I loved, but no Heart Monitor. Then a Timex Heart Monitor which I used with the Ironman (for the 100 lap memory). The Timex watches were stolen so next, a Nike Heart Monitor with the Nike+ Sports Band and Foot Pod.
The Nike+ Sports Band looks cool but is not very accurate, even calibrated. Changes in speed, hills, etc. will affect the accuracy of any foot pod system. Once calibrated, it tended to be about 3-5% off. Not the end of the world, but also leaves some doubt as to your real pace in, say, intervals or tempo training. The Nike+ website also is not great. It looks nice, but is hard to navigate.
Now, the Garmin 405. Likes:
1. Everything in one device - HR, pace, distance,
As I've progressed as a runner - first marathon this year, 3:52 at 41 years old - I've tried a variety of watches. First, a Timex Ironman, which I loved, but no Heart Monitor. Then a Timex Heart Monitor which I used with the Ironman (for the 100 lap memory). The Timex watches were stolen so next, a Nike Heart Monitor with the Nike+ Sports Band and Foot Pod.
The Nike+ Sports Band looks cool but is not very accurate, even calibrated. Changes in speed, hills, etc. will affect the accuracy of any foot pod system. Once calibrated, it tended to be about 3-5% off. Not the end of the world, but also leaves some doubt as to your real pace in, say, intervals or tempo training. The Nike+ website also is not great. It looks nice, but is hard to navigate.
Now, the Garmin 405. Likes:
1. Everything in one device - HR, pace, distance,
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I owned the 205 and 305 before for Marathon training. I would give those two products a 3 or 4 out of 5 stars.
While the 405 has has the better form factor, better looks, and the quickest satellite locking it is UNUSABLE and 1 out of 5 from me. I used it for maybe 50 miles of running so far.
If you are wet the bezel is unusable. I played around with sensitivity but couldn't get it to work: If sensitivity is high it will start acting on its own - if sensitivity is low you cant get it to respond at all.
Sometimes the watch gets so confused when wet that you can't even use the standard buttons either - no start/stop, no lap times.
Garmin, you should be ashamed. Did someone ever take this product out for a run? I will (try to) return it.
While the 405 has has the better form factor, better looks, and the quickest satellite locking it is UNUSABLE and 1 out of 5 from me. I used it for maybe 50 miles of running so far.
If you are wet the bezel is unusable. I played around with sensitivity but couldn't get it to work: If sensitivity is high it will start acting on its own - if sensitivity is low you cant get it to respond at all.
Sometimes the watch gets so confused when wet that you can't even use the standard buttons either - no start/stop, no lap times.
Garmin, you should be ashamed. Did someone ever take this product out for a run? I will (try to) return it.
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It seems great when you first get it. The wireless downloads and the touch bezel. Once you start actually using it while running, it is a different story. As a couple people have said already, the touch bezel while you are running is horrible. The thing has a mind of its own. Not to mention that is near impossible to get the lap/rest button to work while running. I loved it when I took it out of the box and got it set up. Now after using it for two weeks I am fed up with it. Garmin had a good idea when they made it, it just doesn't function like they say it will.
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I purchased the 405 watch recently. The GPS performs well and quick. The bezel wheel works well before the run but after I started running and begin sweating I could not use any functions because it was completely unresponsive. Also, the lap button just did not work. I received my first watch and returned for a replacement. The second watch was almost the same story. I do not recommend to buy this watch at all. I am returning my second watch for a refund. Very impressive return service from Amazon.
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I only had the 405 for a week and ended up returning it earlier today. Chose not to get a replacement. It's possible that I got a dud*, but I believe my comments are still valid for any Forerunner 405:
So it's a sports watch but the bezel doesn't work when my fingers are sweaty? Um, am I missing something here?
Maybe I was doing something wrong and it takes longer than a week to get used to the bezel, but I could hardly ever get the thing to recognize that I wanted to scroll an NOT select. Ironically, whenever I made the wrong choice I had to push the 'back' button on the side and thus be reminded that advanced technology is not always a good idea.
Garmin Connect (MotionBased not an option): as of 7/22/08 it's practically a joke. Mega sluggish, lacking the MotionBased features I'm used to (like 'Average Pace'), and sometimes returning server errors.
On the up side, the 405 acquires satellites much faster than the 305 and actually looks like a watch. I suppose the latter is somewhat
So it's a sports watch but the bezel doesn't work when my fingers are sweaty? Um, am I missing something here?
Maybe I was doing something wrong and it takes longer than a week to get used to the bezel, but I could hardly ever get the thing to recognize that I wanted to scroll an NOT select. Ironically, whenever I made the wrong choice I had to push the 'back' button on the side and thus be reminded that advanced technology is not always a good idea.
Garmin Connect (MotionBased not an option): as of 7/22/08 it's practically a joke. Mega sluggish, lacking the MotionBased features I'm used to (like 'Average Pace'), and sometimes returning server errors.
On the up side, the 405 acquires satellites much faster than the 305 and actually looks like a watch. I suppose the latter is somewhat
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I've been using the watch for about a month now, almost daily. The watch itself is great. Great functionality, great specs, very usefull. BUT - and there's always a but - the watch basically freezes up when it becomes wet. I sweat more than average and the iPod-like bezel does not respond when wet. I read a bit about this and made the purchase anyway. Big mistake. I am now returning because after about six miles, it is useless. A few other comments:
- Strap is comfortable but if you have a larger chest (I'm 44"), and you are forced to wear it tight, plan on buying lots of the $10 straps. Mine is already showing signs of streatching. I had a polar before with a nylon strap and this wasn't an issue
- There is some negative play on getting the watch to sync with PC. I'm a fairly technically savy guy and it took more than one try. The instructions online aren't the best.
Takeway, if you are a skinny runner who doesn't sweat, this watch is a five. Otherwise, you may want to av
- Strap is comfortable but if you have a larger chest (I'm 44"), and you are forced to wear it tight, plan on buying lots of the $10 straps. Mine is already showing signs of streatching. I had a polar before with a nylon strap and this wasn't an issue
- There is some negative play on getting the watch to sync with PC. I'm a fairly technically savy guy and it took more than one try. The instructions online aren't the best.
Takeway, if you are a skinny runner who doesn't sweat, this watch is a five. Otherwise, you may want to av
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I've found it to be an absolute delight. I do most of my running on the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle which is heavily covered with a tree canopy and have had zero problem with satellite connectivity. I have my watch do its sync up routine, with the satellites, when I'm stretching before hand and the watch is off, it goes much quicker when the watch is still and not on your wrist moving about. When I'm done stretching I pop it on and take off.
When I'm done with my workout I normally plug in the ANT stick and leave the watch next to my computer to download the data while I take a shower. The total transfer time is probably 2 minutes tops. I really do love the ability to plug the workout into google earth and let your friends see your work out, exactly how you ran it.
When I'm done with my workout I normally plug in the ANT stick and leave the watch next to my computer to download the data while I take a shower. The total transfer time is probably 2 minutes tops. I really do love the ability to plug the workout into google earth and let your friends see your work out, exactly how you ran it.
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I've had my 405 for about a week now. It was fairly easy to setup. When you get the unit, you need to charge it up - that takes about 3 hours. Once it has charged, it walks you through the initial configuration. At that point, I put on the HR monitor, it detected the unit, and I was ready for a run.
When I got back from the run, I booted my computer, downloaded the software from the link in the quickstart manual, plugged in the ANT unit. It found the 405 and uploaded my data so that I could look at my stats.
The watch has a virtual running companion that you can enable. I've set this for the pace I want to stay below, so at a glance I can tell how far off I am.
So far, I am very happy with the 405. I am the type of person who likes stats, so the info collected on each run is a good motivator.
When I got back from the run, I booted my computer, downloaded the software from the link in the quickstart manual, plugged in the ANT unit. It found the 405 and uploaded my data so that I could look at my stats.
The watch has a virtual running companion that you can enable. I've set this for the pace I want to stay below, so at a glance I can tell how far off I am.
So far, I am very happy with the 405. I am the type of person who likes stats, so the info collected on each run is a good motivator.
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I recently purchased this watch after reading many reviews and waiting three months for second version to arrive. They made some improvements, notably the ability to lock the Bezel wheel. The GPS is everything they said it would be. Despite the complexity of the system I was willing to give it a try and conform it to my needs. Things were working well until my first long run (13m.) The instructions say that when using the bezel wheel you should make sure your hands and the wheel are dry. Try that in the middle of a run! I could not make any adjustments to the functions because there was no dry spot on me. It was completely unresponsive. Don't buy this watch if you sweat when you run and you want to have flexibility with the interface. I went home. boxed it up and returned it. Buttons are better. Note: I was, however,very impressed with Amazon's return policy.
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As a triathlete, I am always looking to improve my skills and my tracking of my progress. This tool is ideal for that.
Before I bought the Forerunner 405, I was using a Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor and a Sport Brain pedometer to track various data. While I really like both products, I found they didn't track enough of what I needed and the pedometer, while I did calibrate it, wasn't super accurate in tracking my mileage or pace. Thus, I wanted something that would do everything my existing two gadgets did, only more accurately and with more functionality. The Forerunner 405 is that training tool!
I absolutely love the Forerunner 405 and feel it is the best value on the market for what it does (as some of the other similarly priced products don't have near the capabilities and functionality and some of the more expensive products don't offer enough added capabilities to justify the much higher price.) I also love that the GPS is in the watch unit...not a separate gadget you have
Before I bought the Forerunner 405, I was using a Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor and a Sport Brain pedometer to track various data. While I really like both products, I found they didn't track enough of what I needed and the pedometer, while I did calibrate it, wasn't super accurate in tracking my mileage or pace. Thus, I wanted something that would do everything my existing two gadgets did, only more accurately and with more functionality. The Forerunner 405 is that training tool!
I absolutely love the Forerunner 405 and feel it is the best value on the market for what it does (as some of the other similarly priced products don't have near the capabilities and functionality and some of the more expensive products don't offer enough added capabilities to justify the much higher price.) I also love that the GPS is in the watch unit...not a separate gadget you have
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The Garmin 405 is not my first HRM watch, but it is my first that has integrated GPS functionality. This watch is slightly complex as mentioned in an earlier review, but not too complex to get used to, and once you work out your process for using the watch it is not complex at all. What makes it initially seem complex is that it has so much functionality you can use it can be overwhelming. To turn on the light simply requires you to touch the bezel with 2 fingers rather than one, same motion for turning it off. They are attempting to match the user friendliness of the iTouch/iPhone with the touch bezel interface.
I have probably the most complex setup for this watch that is possible. I have the HRM, footpod (so I can use it on a treadmill indoors) and the GSC-10 for my bike (a carryover from when I had the Forerunner 50 which does not have GPS). So far pairing and using the various ANT devices including the USB connection to the PC for data downloading has worked very well with no
I have probably the most complex setup for this watch that is possible. I have the HRM, footpod (so I can use it on a treadmill indoors) and the GSC-10 for my bike (a carryover from when I had the Forerunner 50 which does not have GPS). So far pairing and using the various ANT devices including the USB connection to the PC for data downloading has worked very well with no
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At first, the wireless transfer seemed a little like bells
and whistles that I didn't really care about, but it's
turned out to be worse than that. I was hoping to replace
and Edge 305 with this device, so that I could use it more
easily for running. That device uses standand USB cables to
sync and charge the unit---I have them at work, at home, and
in my car. The 405, however, uses a custom charging clip
that I will wither have to carry with me or buy multiple copies
of it and dedicate USB ports to their use. If I lose it,
it is not widely available, and will likely mean I can't use
the device for a while.
Same problem with the ANT stick, which takes yet another USB
port to use. I have to carry this small, easily misplaced
$50 item along with the unit to use it elsewhere. And the
data transfer rate is dramatically lower than the Edge 305
version which uses USB.
Lastly, the MotionBased agent doesn't recognize the 405, so
I am stuck with the much slower and less functional Garmin
Connect.
The
and whistles that I didn't really care about, but it's
turned out to be worse than that. I was hoping to replace
and Edge 305 with this device, so that I could use it more
easily for running. That device uses standand USB cables to
sync and charge the unit---I have them at work, at home, and
in my car. The 405, however, uses a custom charging clip
that I will wither have to carry with me or buy multiple copies
of it and dedicate USB ports to their use. If I lose it,
it is not widely available, and will likely mean I can't use
the device for a while.
Same problem with the ANT stick, which takes yet another USB
port to use. I have to carry this small, easily misplaced
$50 item along with the unit to use it elsewhere. And the
data transfer rate is dramatically lower than the Edge 305
version which uses USB.
Lastly, the MotionBased agent doesn't recognize the 405, so
I am stuck with the much slower and less functional Garmin
Connect.
The
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Great hardware: I've owned this device for two days now, and I love it! The watch itself, while taking a bit of getting used to, works fantastic. The bezel and side buttons work great and the interface on the unit is easy to understand and work through. The unit is well constructed, finds satellites in under a minute, and once adjusted for contrast, the unit is easy to read while at a full run on a sunny day. I especially love the training partner, as long as I remember he runs at a constant pace making no adjustments for ascents and descents on hilly terrain.
Poor software: At the time of this product release, Garmin has chosen to phase in a "new online" community, moving [...] users to GarminConnect. First, there is NO MAC support for the unit, and according to Garmin, support will not be coming until late 2008. Knowing how development cycles get pushed, I would not expect it until at least Q1 2009. With that said, it is totally unacceptable to have this type of a high end
Poor software: At the time of this product release, Garmin has chosen to phase in a "new online" community, moving [...] users to GarminConnect. First, there is NO MAC support for the unit, and according to Garmin, support will not be coming until late 2008. Knowing how development cycles get pushed, I would not expect it until at least Q1 2009. With that said, it is totally unacceptable to have this type of a high end
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I picked up the 405 at REI, set it up and have taken 2 runs on the huntington beach path. (FYI, I've been using the 305 with HR monitor for the last year.) After the 405's initial charge it took about half an hour to set up all the functions. Based on my first 2 tests it has all the functionality of the 305 and some great new features. Yes, it's smaller and better looking (but not as small as it looks online, and not a fashion accessory). The "touch bezel" is a cool feature and comes with 3 levels of sensitively (I put it on "high"). After using it for a while it's now very easy. The wireless "ANT" technology is a nice feature, but the 305's wired USB connection has always worked fine for me. My first downloads showed an error, but the data transferred anyway.
The 405 satellite locator seems equal to the 305, and I've never had any issues finding satellites outdoors (no buildings around) - but it takes several minutes. The 405 displays a rating of its satellite accuracy, and mine showed14
The 405 satellite locator seems equal to the 305, and I've never had any issues finding satellites outdoors (no buildings around) - but it takes several minutes. The 405 displays a rating of its satellite accuracy, and mine showed14
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First impressions: the form factor is nice, but you need to be aware that the watch is somewhat "thick". If you are wearing a button down shirt, the 405 will not fit comfortably under a sleeve cuff. However, looking at it from above, it looks like a normal watch. Wearing it while running will probably not draw a second look from other runners. This is also a downside since you want people to notice your shiny new 405.
Setup - this took only a few minutes and was very easy. TThe 405 walks you through a brief tutorial. Overall, setup was very easy.
Navigation - this takes a few minutes to get the hang of. Once you have the buttons down, it is quite easy to navigate. The sensitivity of the touch bezel is adjustable for your taste. I've played with the 305 in the store and the 405 actually seems more intuitive to navigate.
Initial lock - finding the satellites takes a few minutes the first time. It will lock on much faster if you are not moving. Subsequent times to find the satellites was
Setup - this took only a few minutes and was very easy. TThe 405 walks you through a brief tutorial. Overall, setup was very easy.
Navigation - this takes a few minutes to get the hang of. Once you have the buttons down, it is quite easy to navigate. The sensitivity of the touch bezel is adjustable for your taste. I've played with the 305 in the store and the 405 actually seems more intuitive to navigate.
Initial lock - finding the satellites takes a few minutes the first time. It will lock on much faster if you are not moving. Subsequent times to find the satellites was
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I own a Forerunner 205 which I used extensively for running. I recently got the 405 and so far have used it for several short runs (3-5 miles) and one longer run (10 miles)
The fit and comfort of the 405 is much nicer than the 205. The band is nice and flexible, and the whole thing conforms to your wrist a lot better than the boxy 205. The 405 is also much smaller and looks a lot more like a normal watch; however, it still has a very high profile and I probably wouldn't try to wear it as a normal watch.
The GPS functionality is much nicer, and this is the biggest plus for me. The first time I turned it on, it took about 2 minutes to lock on. However, any subsequent uses after that have only taken around 5 seconds to aquire satellites and be ready for use. The accuracy is about the same as the 205.
The 405 uses wireless technology (sort of akin to bluetooth) to communicate to your computer. After you set it up, you just need to have the watch within range and it will automatically
The fit and comfort of the 405 is much nicer than the 205. The band is nice and flexible, and the whole thing conforms to your wrist a lot better than the boxy 205. The 405 is also much smaller and looks a lot more like a normal watch; however, it still has a very high profile and I probably wouldn't try to wear it as a normal watch.
The GPS functionality is much nicer, and this is the biggest plus for me. The first time I turned it on, it took about 2 minutes to lock on. However, any subsequent uses after that have only taken around 5 seconds to aquire satellites and be ready for use. The accuracy is about the same as the 205.
The 405 uses wireless technology (sort of akin to bluetooth) to communicate to your computer. After you set it up, you just need to have the watch within range and it will automatically
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Update: after two months of using the 405, I have some additional observations. Based on my experiences, I would lower the star rating to 3 stars. The decrease in rating is due to incredibly poor software and support from Garmin. The hardware is still extremely impressive, despite the software failings.
Software and Support:
The Garmin Connect (which allows you to track your training progress) is nothing more than a beta with limited functionality and slow response times. Moreover, it is still very buggy. The software which automatically uploads the computer data to Garmin Connect just suddenly stopped working a month ago.
Hold times to get in touch with Garmin telephone support is 45 minutes. Email support is terrible - it has taken a full MONTH to have two email exchanges with support. All this and the problem has not been fixed.
Moreover, the software is poorly designed. You have to constantly monitor Garmin's website for software updates (there is no "Check for Update" feature).
Software and Support:
The Garmin Connect (which allows you to track your training progress) is nothing more than a beta with limited functionality and slow response times. Moreover, it is still very buggy. The software which automatically uploads the computer data to Garmin Connect just suddenly stopped working a month ago.
Hold times to get in touch with Garmin telephone support is 45 minutes. Email support is terrible - it has taken a full MONTH to have two email exchanges with support. All this and the problem has not been fixed.
Moreover, the software is poorly designed. You have to constantly monitor Garmin's website for software updates (there is no "Check for Update" feature).
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How you would rate the Garmin 405 depends largely on what you will use it for. I bought it mostly to keep track of my pace while on training runs because I find myself losing concentration and slowing down frequently. I have only used the watch a couple of times, but the GPS was very accurate in Central Park and found a satellite signal in the time it takes to stretch (3-4 minutes). I am very impressed by the GPS accuracy as I have seen so many complaints about GPS in NYC. The touch bezel is sensitive to the touch and does not require any real depression (just touch) but it will take some getting used to. The Garmin website does need a lot of work, but I do like the Garmin software that is installed locally which can also sync with Google Earth. The size is very nice for myself, but may still be a little big for a woman or a small wristed man because it does not conform to your wrist the way a normal watch would. It is very stiff around the watch face because of the GPS antenna instead
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