Garmin Forerunner 405

Looks like a nice piece of kit.  At first I thought "what, no map" but then I tried to remember the last time I used the map on my 205 ... and I can't.

What's with the "Europe" and "Pacific" models though.  Are they style differences, or will they only work in those areas?  Or is it a marketing ploy to stop cheap imports?  I know Garmin bods watch these forums so an answer would be cool thanks.

Posted: 04/04/2008 11:22

Posted: 04/04/2008 11:59

Posted: 04/04/2008 12:02

What I want to know is;

Will it work with my current 305 heart rate monitor? And do I need to start a whole new running log, or will the existing 305 software still work so I can continue adding my mileage & notes.

Posted: 04/04/2008 14:14

Will it work with my current 305 heart rate monitor?

Yes it will 100%

Posted: 04/04/2008 14:45

I've just completed my first marathon and was going to treat myself to a toy as a present do you think the 405 would be the right choice as I currently just have an old stop watch but want to start improving and this looks like a good tool for the job and it looks nice!

Posted: 17/04/2008 21:16

Have managed to get hold of a 405 - it is smaller than my 205 (still sligthly bigger than a normal watch). I will write a review once I've had more time to play with it but here are more my first impressions:

1) Using the touch bezel, menu options and sending data wirelessly to PC takes a bit of getting use to.

2) Much quicker at locating GPS signal.

3) Garmin Connect is a much better option for looking at training data instead of Training Center software. Need to figure out how to use it with SportTracks s/w.

4) Display is smaller than the 205 and can only show up to 3 fields instead of 4 on the 205.

So far I'am quite pleased with it - definately found the 205 easier to use to start with though.

Posted: 22/04/2008 10:23

Will be interesting to hear what you think of this as I'm considering getting either this or the 305.

 What's the size of it like?

Can you only send data wirelessly to PC?  Not sure my PC is new enough for wireless.

Posted: 22/04/2008 13:31

Beanie 1 - I will take a photo of the watch later on my wrist so you can see for your self.

I believe it can only send data wirelessly - I have installed the ANT agent on both a windows XP and 2000 pc and it wrok fine. Slight pain of having to install the ANT agent and then authorise it on the Garmin Connect website if you want to download into Garmin Connect (caught me out). Also the Training Center if  will need to be upgraded if you're already using it.

Posted: 23/04/2008 10:41

Anybody buying a 405 and wants to sell on their 205? (or 305). Mail me - I know someone who may be interested.

Cheers

Posted: 23/04/2008 10:53

Posted: 23/04/2008 11:18

You can pick up cheap adaptors easily enough. It's what I did when I got my 405. I called them up about it and they didn't seem to know what I was on about so I did my own thing.

Posted: 23/04/2008 13:14

illegibly mine arrives tomorrow....! Has everyone who's got one already had the plug pin issue?

 Cheers, BFB

Posted: 23/04/2008 19:31

Mine has the 2 pin plug adaptor too - it is possible to use it in the UK 3 pin plugs you need to release the locking gate on the bottom two pins which you can do by inserting another 3 pin plog upside down into the plug and inserting the 2 pin adaptor at the same time. Probably won't win any safety awards for this!!

Or the other option is to remove the USB lead from the adaptor and use that.

What did Garmin say about supplying the 3 pin adatpors?

Posted: 24/04/2008 09:26

Posted: 24/04/2008 12:14

Posted: 24/04/2008 12:18

Posted: 24/04/2008 12:25

 Recovery runner

Sweatshop had the first delivery in the country I believe.

 Goldbeetle

You can lock the screen so you don't accidently change settings whilst running

Posted: 24/04/2008 13:09

Posted: 24/04/2008 14:05

I got mine today via Direct Web Retail, and it too came with the european plug... quick trip at lunchtime to Sainbury's for a 74p shaving adaptor, and it seems to have done the trick (it's on charge under my desk as we speak).  It's charged up fine and allowed me to have a play with it.  The bezel is very nifty.

 Can definitely recommend Direct Web Retail as well.  Ordered yesterday lunchtime, arrive this morning - free p&p using Parcelforce 24 hour service.  Also emailed them about the plug problem and they came back to me really quickly.

Posted: 24/04/2008 14:39

Posted: 26/04/2008 15:02

Posted: 26/04/2008 17:53

For those who have had a chance to use a 405, one thing I can't seem to find out is whether there is an audible beep after each lap (as set in auto lap).

 Ideally it should be possible to switch it off, which I think you can on the 305.

 Cheers. Phil.

Posted: 27/04/2008 23:16

David Slatter wrote (see)

i still dont trust gps for accuracy so i went for a polar rs800sd and love it.

I have both the polar rs800sd and the 305. 

 The GPS tends to be far more accurate. Problems do, however, arise when running between v. tall buildings.

 The main problem I have with my Polar is that it goes haywire in races.

 Even if it didn`t the 305 seems to me to represent much better value for money but each to his own.

Posted: 28/04/2008 08:25

Last time I wore my Garmin in a race was the Lordshill 10k and the 205 measured 10010meters.  Given that the measurers add a small %, I thought that was quite close

What gets my goat is that when the 205/305 came out, RW tests and Garmin blurb said "this has none of the satelite lock on problems of the 201/301 and will find a signal in under 45 secs.

 Now I read "the 405 will have none of the satelite lock on problems of the 205/305, and will lock on to a satelite signal in seconds"  or words to that effect.

I have to say that my first 305 used to take a couple of minutes to find a satelite signal, so I sent it back and I got a new one, which in the past 20 months has had no problems finding a signal in anything more than 30 seconds.

Posted: 28/04/2008 18:55

Blackers wrote (see)

Last time I wore my Garmin in a race was the Lordshill 10k and the 205 measured 10010meters.  Given that the measurers add a small %, I thought that was quite close

What gets my goat is that when the 205/305 came out, RW tests and Garmin blurb said "this has none of the satelite lock on problems of the 201/301 and will find a signal in under 45 secs.

 Now I read "the 405 will have none of the satelite lock on problems of the 205/305, and will lock on to a satelite signal in seconds"  or words to that effect.

I have to say that my first 305 used to take a couple of minutes to find a satelite signal, so I sent it back and I got a new one, which in the past 20 months has had no problems finding a signal in anything more than 30 seconds.

Know what you mean.

I wish these people would cut the marketing blurb & actually be up front. 

I suppose the same could be said for most politicians - so they`re in good company.

To be fair - once the 305 does get signal (for me - usually 45-60 secs) it holds it pretty well.

It would be nice if someone would perform some objective tests comparing, say, lock on time between 301/305/405 or whatever.

There`s  what purports to be a `review` of the 405 in RW. What a load of rubbish. No useful info - just marketing pap. RW ought to be ashamed of itself.

Posted: 30/04/2008 09:09

Had my 405 for a week now.

Quite a few problems and now watch has frozen completly (and yes the battery is almost full). Before this occured the bezel was freezing and the watch re-setting itself after 5 or 6 miles. Hopefully, this is a problem particular to my version and not a design fault but would be interested to hear if anyone has had similar experiences.

On another note; my watch came with-out a UK adapter, so had to use an adapater I already owned.

 Also, the manuals do not discuss the need to download certain software in order to download the runs to the training centre. Had to ring customer support for help with this (who were very good).

 Bit poor really for £260. Hoping that the shop will swap mine for one that works consistently.

 On plus side- watch does look great and I think will be good with a reliable bexel that works cosistently and in the rain.

Posted: 01/05/2008 14:34

For anyone who is interested see link below for photos of 405 worn on both a medium and small wrist:

http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/garmin_forerunner_405.html 

Posted: 01/05/2008 21:58

Posted: 02/05/2008 06:24

Posted: 02/05/2008 14:29

Posted: 02/05/2008 19:48

For anyone who has the two pin power charger provided with the the 405 see link below for the UK adapter head:

Posted: 16/05/2008 08:48

Sorry hyperlink didn't paste correctly:

RPK UK AC input Clip for PSM/PSAR Series Adapters

Posted: 16/05/2008 08:50

Loving my new 405 - only problem is that the chest strap is too long (even on smallest length setting!!!!!) so it falls down 

Does anyone know whether Garmin does an xs replacement strap (like Polar does)?  I can't seem to find one online!

Posted: 19/05/2008 15:05

Posted: 21/05/2008 03:04

Pegasus Fitness  - http://www.pegasusfitness.co.uk has the 405 at £208 with HRM or £184 without HRM and  free delivery - just ordered one.

Hope I'm as happy with as you guys! 

Can't wait to try it out!

Posted: 24/05/2008 14:53

Posted: 24/05/2008 20:09

Hi All

 I have been using mine for a week (it's fab!) but it won't show calories used - remains at zero all the time.  Any ideas what is going on?

Posted: 27/05/2008 13:05

Posted: 27/05/2008 13:07

Posted: 01/06/2008 15:12