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lgreenberg

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
In case you are not aware the new Garmin Forerunner 405 has been released. It's not available everywhere but more and more places are starting to get it. I was able to get mine from REI online. I've also seen that the Garmin store in Chicago has them and that they ship.<br><br>
I plan on writing a detailed review of it after I take it on a longer run on Saturday. I did manage to get it charged up and out for a short jog last night followed by an elliptical session as well.<br><br>
First impressions..........<br><br>
-The HRM strap from the 305 works with the 405. So if you already own a 305 no need to order the 405 with the strap.<br><br>
-The watch saw the HRM right away. No waiting the two to pair.<br><br>
-Same for the first generation foot pod. The larger Garmin foot pod also works with the 405.<br><br>
-It's small. It fits my wrist very well. Doesn't feel much bigger than a large digital watch, like a Sunnto. Granted I'm a largish man but it's a HUGE difference over the 305.<br><br>
-It found a GPS signal lightning fast, even the first time. We're talking seconds.<br><br>
-Easy to set up. When you first power it on there's a nice interactive tutorial which walks you through the features.<br><br>
-The display can only show three things at a time (where as the 205/305 can show 4.) Not a big deal for me since I only used 3 on my 305 (pace, distance time.)<br><br>
-You can still have multiple screens like the 305 and simply tapping on the bezel moves through the screens you have set up while working out. So I have three screens set up. 1 - Pace, distance, time, 2- Time of day, 3 - HR.<br><br>
-Scrolling through the bezel is easy. Taps seem to be a little more sensitive.<br><br>
-You can lock out the bezel easily but nothing on the screen tells you it's been locked after the message that you locked it appears. It would nice if there was a little lock or something to remind you.<br><br>
-Start, stop, lap, reset are all done via the buttons on the side not the bezel. This is good since I was worried that clothing might accidently activate the bezel while running. Not the case.<br><br>
-The wireless sync is neat. Set up with easy. Now whenever the 405 is near my PC it automatically uploads any new workouts to my computer. Same for downloading workouts to the watch.<br><br>
Pictures of the packing.<br><br>
In the box.....<br><br>
-USB ANT Stick<br>
-USB Cable<br>
-Charging Adapter<br>
-Watch<br>
-Instructional Manuals<br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0025.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0026.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
More to come later.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
You have the choice when uploading workouts wirelessly to either do so to the Training Center software (which resides on your PC) or the Garmin Connect software (which is web based.)
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
As promised here some photos comparing the size of the 405 to various other watches.<br><br>
As you can see it's really not any bigger than most of the running watches out there - it seems like it's actually smaller than the Polar rs800.<br><br>
Timex Ironman<br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0030.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
Nike<br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0034.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
Polar rs800<br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0032.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
Garmin Forerunner 305<br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0033.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
Full shot of Timex Ironman<br><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/DSC_0031.jpg" style="border:0px solid;">
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
That would depend on where you buy it I guess. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
First negative comment.<br><br>
The auto split alert is a little weak. On the 305 it's super loud and lasts more than a second. On the 405 it's only a little peep that doesn't last very long. I think it would be pretty easy to miss it if you were running in a loud environment. I did have headphones on and could hear it but only because I knew it was coming and I won't say I heard it well. More to come on this later - I only ran 3+ miles and had the auto lap set to every mile - so I only heard it three times.
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
Update - I'm convinced it's finding the GPS signal faster.<br><br>
I took it to two brand new locations this past week. As soon as I entered training mode the signal was there. On the 305 when I power I on I always get the "locating satellites" bar for what seems like a few minutes. Haven't seen that yet on the 405 (except when I turned on GPS inside.)
 
Discussion starter · #53 ·
I'm going to have to give Garmin a call on Monday.<br><br>
I'm not happy with the way the PACE feature is working on my 405. The last few runs it hasn't been anywhere close to being accurate. Tree cover probably has played a role in it but still my 305 never acted this way. I'm seeing PACE readings 30-40 seconds over what my actual pace is (based on 1 miles splits.) Even today I ran with a woman who had a new green 405 and her pace was reading thirty seconds lower than mine was. I could have a lemon.
 
Discussion starter · #55 ·
No I did mean instantaneous pace.<br><br>
I also know every says it sucks but it's mostly worked for me and never such a big variance between it and my lap times. I mean to see pace running from 9:50 - 12:00 when you're running a 8:30 split doesn't make sense.
 
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