Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Black)
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Black)
Customer Review: Fantastic training tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned this device for almost a year and use it four or five times a week. Mostly I use it on runs, but also when cycling. It is fantastic.
Other reviewers have already mentioned most of the great features, but one that I've been using lately and thought I'd highlight is the ability to use the software to program workouts. For example, you can program a customized interval run with a warm-up, a series of intervals followed by recovery periods, and a cool-down. The watch beeps to let you know when to start an interval, and beeps again when you've completed it. (The same goes for the warm-up, recovery period, etc.). You can also set a specific heart-rate or pace target for each stage, so you know if you're on target. (Again, the watch will beep if you exit the desired pace/heart rate zone for the stage.) When you finish the workout, the data transmits wirelessly to your computer, and you can see your stats for each stage of the run, such as lap time, average pace, average heart rate, max heart rate, etc. It also keeps track of the totals for the full workout (and your totals for the week and month).
As for the negative reviews, I would agree that the device has its quirks. The bezel can be sensitive (I have to keep it locked while I run with gloves or long sleeves on, or else it goes a little nuts), and you need to read the instruction manual to fully appreciate all the features. But if you're willing to read the manual, you will be very happy. The pros outweigh the cons, and it is definitely worth the price, especially if you are a bit compulsive about planning your workouts and tracking your stats - as I am!
Customer Review: Only good outside
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this product. Although impressive, it's only good outside. For instance, if you run on a treadmill, you must buy the speed sensor ($120) to get calories burned. You are out of luck if you take spin class. It will not record calories.
From Garmin Support:
>Thank you for contacting Garmin International. Unfortunately, our
>fitness units calculate calories burned using speed, distance, and time.
>If you're indoors the Forerunner 405 is not able to calculate speed and
>distance. Because the unit has no distance value, it's unable to
>display calories burned. Please let us know if you have any additional
>questions.
>With Best Regards,
>Joe C
This is a deviation for how most heart rate monitors work (Polar, Timex). Most monitors calculate calories based on weight, age, and heart rate. Being able to get calories expended even during the indoor winter months is useful.
Also, there is no way edit workouts results in the software. So, if I do a spin class or run on the treadmill (w/o the speed sensor), I can't alter the uploaded data and enter an estimated distance.
This is different from the Polar software which does allow complete editing of most parameters.
Over all, this is a "cool" monitor. However, if you do alot of indoor training, you'll probably want a different monitor.
UPDATE:
After 6 weeks of use, the touch bezel stopped working. I tried a master reset and the bezel is still not functional. I've contacted Garmin Support for help. I'll update this when I hear something.
Customer Review: Stick with the 305. Inferior and Flawed Update.
Summary: 1 Stars
While the 405's appearance, weight and satellite locators are far superior to the 305, I found two fatal flaws in this office that make it significantly inferior to the older version of the Forerunner:
1. Accuracy is spotty. I tried this out in two different locations, both of which are good controlled experiments. The first location was in an IAAF-certified race I ran last Sunday, where the watch was off by 1+% on a perfectly straight course (out-and-back in a low density city). Problematically in this case, much of the slippage occurred during the first mile (I thought I was running 30 seconds/mile behind despite coming out of the gate quickly). The second location was on a nearby park loop. The 305 measures this loop at exactly 1.30 miles per lap - the 405 measures it at anywhere between 1.20 to 1.30 miles per loop (and ultimately, ends up short). I know that Garmin would argue that both measurements are within the margin-of-error but the 405 is clearly inferior to the 305 on this count.
2. Unusable in light rain. As other reviewers have noted, the bezel becomes unworkable by human hands when it is wet. However, even light RAINDROPS work on a wet bezel (we are talking London style light rain by the way, not some kind of tropical storm). Raindrops changed the screen repeatedly during my run, flipping it from "training" to "settings" to "history" - and my wet hands could not reverse the changes. You can lock the screen but it is difficult to do so while in motion - and you need to basically resign yourself to not being able to freely change things just because of a light drizzle
Customer Review: I am glad I purchased the 405
Summary: 4 Stars
I was really hesitant to purchase this product because of the negative comments on the bezel malfunctioning when it gets the slightest bit of moisture on it. I purchased my watch used on ebay for $150 and it did NOT come with a heart rate monitor. I don't use a heart rate monitor because the data is useless to me. I don't change my workout because of my heart rate, I know when I am working hard. The more I train the more efficient I tend to become.
I set the watch up to display 3 data fields: pace, distance, and time. That is all I care about. I don't cycle through data fields. I don't need to know the grade of hill when I am on it. How does that even help? I know a tough hill when I see it. I can always analyze it later. I love having extra data, but I just don't need it when I run. I have not tried the virtual partner, but I might.
The watch bezel is VERY sensitive to moisture, yes, including sweat. If it starts going wonky because of moisture I just lock the bezel. Now, that means you can't get the backlight on, but once again not a deal breaker. Maybe I wouldn't be so forgiving of the watch if I paid full price... I would recommend it to a friend with the caveats I provided. Garmin connect is great. I love the mapping feature. I love you can send interval workouts to the watch (I haven't tried it yet). However, if you love touching your watch on your run to see numerous data fields, well.... I hope it isn't raining or your not sweaty!
P.S. My longest run with the watch has only been 11 miles (not currently training... so you understand)
Customer Review: WOW!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was concerned after reading some of these reviews but decided to purchase anyway. This product is exceptional and greatly exceeded my expectations. The mileage accuracy is within 1% of my routes measured on bicycle. I have not had any signal blockage issues related to trees and I live in Oregon. Moisture on the bezel has not interfered with navigation of the screen. I had a Timex Ironman before and with normal vision, all numbers are easy to read WHILE running, and easier than the Timex. I have programmed 3 data elements on each screen and let the watch "autoscroll" so I'm not having to play with the controls. It takes under a minute to find the satellites at the start when I go outside...no big deal, fix my shoes, strap it on and ready to go. Works well sub 32 degrees. Love the elevation and percent grade data on the hills! Best of all: the HR monitor/strap and the automatic data upload into Garmin connect. I had tried Polar before and never really had success with HR monitors...poor contact, dropped signal, irregular performance, but this has worked perfect every time from the start! Different technology? Unfortunately, strap signal not picked up by my Landice L8 treadmill. The workout data automatically gets pulled into computer, and the Google map of your route is wonderful. One caution would be to try on the rather stiff wrist band prior to purchase. Might be uncomfortable if you are a very big guy. I am average size and have no problem.
To sum, I never had any of the problems mentioned on the other reviews and give this item a very resounding double thumbs up!