The Garmin 405 has been on the market for a few weeks now, and runners have had enough time with the product to start sharing their impressions. Below is a selection of reviews that I’ve rounded up for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed a review I should have included. Do you have a 405? Let us know what you think!
Day One Review: Garmin Forerunner 405 watch, GPS fitness done right
Its ability to acquire GPS satellites is noticeably improved. In fact, it was able to get a fix while we were still indoors, showing us the correct time within minutes of charging. When we went outside, it was ready to start tracking our 1km test walking route. Along the way, it didn’t drop the GPS signal once, even though we were walking under numerous trees. And the heart-rate monitor literally didn’t miss a beat.
Tune in as Jake, avid runner and spokesperson for Garmin, gives you a simple overview of the hottest fitness watch on the streets and trails — the GPS-enabled Forerunner 405.
Review: Garmin Forerunner 405 HRM
I’ve been testing out the features of the Garmin watch for the past week and am very satisfied with the purchase. Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with the Forerunner 305 so I can’t make any direct comparisons with the 405’s predecessor. Below are a few aspects of the 405 that were most important to me as a runner.
I am still happy with my Forerunner 305 but the Forerunner 405 does look sexier. The difference is not as great as the style improvement between the Forerunner 301.
Garmin Forerunner 405 first impressions & review
Hey, it now looks like a watch instead of a PDA on my wrist! With that being said, I am not as impressed with the size of it that I thought I would be. It’s still a gigantic watch. In fact, if you hold the 305 and the 405 next to each other side-by-side, they are the same exact thickness!
Garmin associate puts Forerunner 405 to the test at Disney
The 405 was the easiest one for me to see and be able to watch my pace and heart rate zone. As much as I have loved the 305, I think the 405 in a very short time has taken the place in my heart where the 305 used to live.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:31 am
sold my 305 and considering the 405 but, thinking the nike+ setup looks pretty good as well (i know its not gps). Anyone have a link that compares the two?
D
May 14th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Hey Dave, thanks for dropping by!
I haven’t had much luck tracking down a Nike+ vs. Garmin Forerunner 405 comparison. There really isn’t much to compare. The two systems are so different that it’s almost like comparing apples to oranges.
If you’re looking to save a couple of dollars, listen to music while you run, and are looking for a little social competition (Nike+ challenges), grab the sport kit. If you’re more serious about your statistics and you’ve got the money to spend, go with a GPS product.
Good luck with your comparison shopping. When you decide on a system, let us know!
May 14th, 2008 at 9:06 am
thanks, agree on the apples to oranges…..saw that they have delayed the garmin/motian based software upgrade to august, vs. the nike+ website looks great, power song etc…….
June 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Nice review. Here is my write up.
http://www.runcolo.com/Product-Reviews/Garmin-405-Review.html
June 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I’m a ultra trail runner, I love running on trails and was so looking forward to the garmin following its reputation. Unfortunatley I have been extremely disappointed the only time it has been accurate for me is when I have a clear view of the sky and thats very rare in my case.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Hi Elizabeth,
I was wondering what type of accuracy issue you had with your Garmin? Was it distance, hr? I’m a columnist for the Santa Barbara News Press and recently tested the 405 for a small review. I did have an issue with a download and didn’t like the look of the green tester I had, but I thought it worked well in all weather. I’m bummed I had to send it back. I’d be interested to hear what your take was. Mike