Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS Sports Watch Review
Blog Post Written On:
14.10.2009
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Ever since running the Great North Run with my iPod Touch and Nike+ Running software, i’ve been on the look out for a new device which i could use to keep track of my running and cycling training. The main reason for this, was the accuracy of the Nike+ software. A half marathon is 13.1 miles, but my Nike+ system was telling me i had ran 16.5 miles. I know it might have felt like that on the day, but a 3.4 mile discrepancy just isn’t good enough. I’ve since found out, that other routes that i have run were well out with the Nike+ software aswell.
In the end the device i went with was the Garmin Forerunner 405. My main reason for going with this “Sports Watch” type of device, was its size and the fact that it was something i would wear anyway when out running… a digital watch.
Another thing that really interested me with the Forerunner 405 was its built in virtual trainer feature. This feature allows you to set a certain pace, such as 9 minutes per mile, so when you go out for a run you can keep track of how close you are to your target, and if you start to get behind your goals, you then know you have to pick your pace up or keep it steady if you are on track.
The Forerunner 405 also comes with an optional heart rate monitor, which i haven’t actually tried yet, but this is another great feature which allows you to keep track of your heart rate whilst out running.
The Forerunner 405 has a beautiful touch bazel which you only have to touch or swipe your finger round to control the device. There are only 2 other buttons on the side of the watch. Just by looking at the Forerunner 405 you wouldn’t know that this was such a high end gadget, it just looks like a normal watch and thats what i really like about it. Its not just any normal watch though, as it comes with a lithium battery which gives you about 8 hours of run time with the GPS on. Recharging is easy aswell, with a great little crocodile clip that you attach to the watch which does the charging.
The excellent online “Garmin Connect” web service is built into the Forerunner 405, so every time you sync your runs with your computer, all of your stats are automatically uploaded to the Garmin website. The Garmin Connect website allows you to view your route using Google Maps, and you can even watch a run through of your activity with stats such as, pace, speed, height and calories all listed for you to browse through.
I really couldn’t praise this product any higher, and i think the Garmin Connect online service is just excellent.