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Garmin Forerunner 405 Water Resistant Running GPS With USB ANT Stick (Black)

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Water Resistant Running GPS With USB ANT Stick (Black)

(138 customer reviews)

SKU:

GRM1034700

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Wrist Watch 010-00658-10 Watches

List Price:	$318.95
Our Price:	$145.96 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
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Product Details

Product Length:	6.4 inches
Product Width:	6.4 inches
Product Height:	3.3 inches
Product Weight:	0.85 pounds
Package Length:	6.8 inches
Package Width:	6.6 inches
Package Height:	2.5 inches
Package Weight:	0.7 pounds
Average Customer Rating:	based on 138 reviews

Features

Water-resistant black GPS-enabled sports watch
Can be Used for Running and Cycling/Outdoors or Indoors w/Optional Sensor
Training and Motivational Features: Virtual Partner, Courses, Workouts, Goals
GPS Features Mark Waypoints / Back to Start
1.88" x 2.78" x 0.646", 2.11 oz

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: 3.5

( 138 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

182 of 187 found the following review helpful:

Impressive Hardware, Poor Software, Non-Existant Support May 05, 2008 By Matt the Coffeeman "matt875"
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). If a problem occurs in the software, there are no features to aid in resolving the problem.

Hardware:

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 much quicker.

Use - After you have turned on the GPS and gotten a lock, all you need to do is press start to begin your workout. It was very easy to use. I basically forgot about it while I was running other than to check my pace every mile or so. Kept a lock the entire time (keep in mind this was in Chicago's Lincoln Park - roughly 2/3rds of the sky is clear (except for trees) so achieving constant lock-on should not be a problem for any GPS. I have not tested this downtown).

For those worried about water resistance, my first usage of my 405 was in the pouring rain. It didn't seem to notice (or care) about the rain. It can handle a good amount of water without issue.

Syncing - you need to download the software from Garmin (it's actually a web plug in). However, the manual was clearly rushed out the door. Not only does it contain typos (at one point it refers to the wrong step) but it is not clear from the manual that you need to download the USB drivers. DO NOT put the ANT USB key into the computer until you have downloaded the specific ANT drivers from Garmin (so you have to download two different pieces of software - the plugin and the USB driver). If you plug the ANT key into the computer w/o the Garmin USB driver, Windows will find what it thinks is the correct driver (which is the wrong driver). The syncing will not work if you do this. Just a heads up.

I wish I owned a 305 to compare it to. In the Garmin store, the 405 did not see that much smaller than the 305, although the 405 was clearly more elegant. Functionally, I hear that they are extremely similar. You just need to personally evaluate whether the 405 is really worth the increased cost over the 205/305. Personally, I plan on keeping the 405.

Battery Life - After playing with it for 30 minutes, taking it on an hour's run and syncing it with my computer, it only used 12% of the battery life.

121 of 123 found the following review helpful:

50 Mile Review - just keeps getting better Jun 17, 2009 By Brian J. Thomas "GearGeek"
I was originally hesitant to purchase the Garmin Forerunner 405 because of several negative reviews related to the bezel, GPS accuracy and sync issues with a Mac. In the end, my Timex was just not cutting it and I needed an upgrade. After 50 miles, I can say the Forerunner 405 just keeps getting better.

My goals: I'm not a running junkie, but it is my primary method of exercising. I've run 1 marathon and want to run several more in the near future, but I'd like to do much better in my overall times. My specific goal for training is all about improving my average pace over longer distances (I would like to consistently run future marathons under 4 hrs).

My needs: Accurate tracking for distance, total time, current pace, average pace.

My wants: GPS functionality for improved accuracy, logging of actual run, ability to upload data for review and a visual display on the watch that allowed me to track multiple metrics at the same time (time / pace / distance etc).

My concerns: Almost every negative review (1 or 2 star) highlights 3 basic issues:
1) Problems with the bezel
2) Accuracy of GPS
3) Computer Sync (PC or Mac)

Let me address my personal experiences with the above:

1) Bezel: The most common complaint that I noted was people having issues with the bezel during a run. Specifically after they began to perspire, the user was unable to manipulate the bezel. Has this ever happened to me - absolutely - so why is it not an issue... I don't run naked. I simply wipe my finger off on my shirt or shorts and voila, it works! In addition, I don't play with my watch much during my run - I have the training screen set up with 3 panels - current pace in the large panel and distance and time in the 2 smaller panels and that's enough for me. I will occasionally tap the bezel to view my current heart rate, or view the virtual partner, but for the most part, I don't see the need to play with the functions.

2) Accuracy of GPS: I've run under long bridges in Austin, TX, under thick tree canopies in the Florida, and in deep gorges in Colorado Mountains - based on my previous mapping and running with other people with GPS devices, my Garmin has very little variance from what I know to be the correct distance. In addition, I have run on my treadmill at home using the Garmin Foot pod and the treadmill distance and Garmin distance is virtually identical. I have NEVER had a personal experience where the distance was noticeably off.

3) Computer Sync: I have both a Mac and PC at home - the Garmin ANT Agent (sync software) is loaded on both. I have not experienced significant issues syncing to my Mac, but I have experienced annoying things where I am unable to upload a run TO my watch from the Mac. Overall - it's very simple... it works better with a PC - no doubt. It DOES work with a Mac and people that say otherwise should consider the possibility of user error.

The Garmin is not perfect - I am have experienced issues with having a low battery before a run, but now I know to charge my watch frequently (every 3 days) to prevent issues. It recently took several minutes to locate the satellites in clear weather, but that has not been a common occurrence - now I turn my GPS on as I'm getting ready and it will usually pick up satellites before I walk out the door.

The Garmin Connect site is great ([...]) - I upload my runs, review my metrics and monitor my progress. I also look for new runs in familiar locations or locate popular running trials when I'm on the road. You can even upload a course someone else has run to your watch and use the navigation to keep you on the trail.

This watch has helped me significantly increase my pace, track my progress and frankly - I like using it so much, I run more just so I can log another activity. I suspect that people that have serious issues with their Forerunner 405's may have some issues with user error.

160 of 165 found the following review helpful:

Improved satellite reception but lacking in other aspects. Sep 06, 2008 By Summer B. Frace
I previously owned a Forerunner 201 and my husband runs with a 205. What I really like about the 405 is how quickly it finds the satellites and is ready for a run. I also haven't had any issues with reception, which I often had with my 201.

Unfortunately, that's about the only thing that's improved with the 405 in my eyes. Here are my main issues with it:

- There's no way to turn it off. Sure, it goes into a "power save" mode. In this mode, the battery lasts about a week. You're completely draining the battery every week when you could only be using the battery for an hour or so several times a week. Each time a rechargable battery is discharged and recharged, it uses up a cycle of the battery and there are only so many cycles a battery can go through. At this rate, the battery is going to get used up really quickly. This is poor design. (Or perhaps they're hoping to capitalize on the revenue from people having to replace their batteries more often...)

- If you have small wrists, the watchband is too large and can be uncomfortable. I preferred the velcro strap on the 201. The 205/305 models also have the option to purchase a more comfortable strap that fits small wrists better. I contacted Garmin and there is no such option for the 405.

- The touch bezel is overly sensitive. Yes, you can adjust the sensitivity, but then once you do, it's nearly impossible to use it while running because it's not sensitive enough. There's no happy medium. Sorry Garmin, but old-fashioned buttons work better for pushing during activity. I'm constantly accidently getting into "virtual partner" mode while I'm trying to push the lap button.

- The low battery indicator obscures the entire screen. I did an entire run the other day with text that said "LOW BATTERY" across the entire display. I knew the battery was low, but I wanted to see how my run was going anyway! I can't find any way to dismiss this warning. It also obscures all menus (when not in training mode). It's very annoying because the device has at least 30-40 minutes of charge left after this indicator appears, but it renders the unit nearly inoperable for it's last 30-40 minutes before the battery dies.

- The computer sync only works with PC. With Mac market share growing by leaps and bounds, it's very surprising when companies don't come out with simultaneous platform support. Shame on you, Garmin. The website does indicate that support is coming "Fall 2008." I guess we'll see. (EDIT: I've been informed that this model now syncs with Mac, which is great! I ended up returning this product so I cannot speak to how that works.)

I really wish I'd just stuck with my 201. I feel like this upgrade was a waste of money.

49 of 51 found the following review helpful:

great for runners May 05, 2008 By ils
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)

Note: Since I got the Garmin 405 and wrote this review, I've done about 15 shorter runs (3-7 miles each) and 5 longer runs (10-13 miles each). My original review still stands.

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 connect and upload any new runs/workouts to both the Garmin software and to the Garmin connect website. Very nice feature, and much nicer than the old 205 USB cradle.

Other things: the 405 only has 3 configurable data fields (you can have them show pace, heart rate, distance, time of day, sunrise, sunset, etc) per screen as opposed to four data fields per screen on the 205. However, with 3 available screens you still have 9 data fields you can use, which is more than enough for me. It is not waterproof (it's water resistant), so you cant use it for swimming. The charger is this little funky clip with spring loaded contacts- I will have to report back on how long they last. The touch-sensitive bezel makes navigation easy and it's fairly intuitive to use, but it's a little flaky sometimes, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

Garmin connect is much nicer than the old Motionbased website, mainly because everything is free.

47 of 50 found the following review helpful:

Stick with the 305 - the 405 is TERRIBLE Aug 04, 2008 By Charles B "A Happy Father"
I used the 305 since it came out and was excited to get the 405. Now, several months later, I am back to the 305. A huge disppointment. I can only imagine it was designed by a bunch of engineers who have never actually gone for a run.

The 405 looked great out of the box and playing around with the touch sensitive bezel was cool while I sat at my desk. The three field only display was a bit disappointing and while I could not get the USB wireless connector to work, I figured it was a PC issue (apparently it is a Garmin issue I have since learned).

Here are the key comparisons between the 305 and 405 and why I'd stick with the 305.

(1) GPS Accuracy - For running or walking the accuracy obviously matters a lot. I have seen the 405 off by as much as 15% for a measured mile where the 305 was spot on. My assumption is that to fit the GPS antennas into a smaller form factor they ended up giving away some accuracy. It is incredibly frustrating to be running a 7:30 mile and check your watch to see it shows you at a 10:40 pace.

(2) Information viewing - You are limited to three fields per page and they are harder to see. In order to see your HR you have to tab through a page (by touching the bezel- more on that later). It is not easy to manage while running and if you have to do something like reset your HR monitor you will pretty much need to stop to do it (same goes for any settings adjustment).

(3) Form v function - smaller than the 305, but in reality not by much and a nicer looking watch. Sitting at my desk (or standing in a store) and looking at the watch it will be impressive, and you will enjoy running your finger along the bezeland seeing it change settings, and will also enjoy playing with the touch sensitive bezel. They tried to get fancy as everything is driven by touching the bezel. This works great standing still but is totally unrealistic when you are actually running. Worse yet, the instructions actually warn you that the touch sensitive stuff does not work when it is wet (yes, that includes sweat). I ran with it today (decided to give it one more chance), and could not get the watch to switch to the second screen after a mile. It is insane that this does not work andthat they released the product with this flaw.

My sense is that Garmin rushed this product out the door due to market expectations and a need to get some revenue in the quarter (Garmin stock dropped 18% recently when they delayed their smart phone and I have to imagine they were rushing to get this out the door as well - maybe pulling people off the 405 to try to get the smart phone on track?).

All that said, the Garmin 305 is a great product and if you can get over the fact it is ugly you will find it is not cumbersome to run with. My guess is they will figure out the 405 issues at some point but based on what I have seen, these are HARDWARE issues, so software updates will not fix the problem.

I probably should have been clued into problems with the 405 when I saw some ads for the 305 in magazines this month - they are coming out with new features for the 305 (quick release strap so you can pull it off your wrist and stick it on your bike - funny thing, this is the order that the ad showed - obviously not any triathletes in the Garmin marketing dept....).

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