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June 6, 2008

Garmin Forerunner 405 review

The top model in Garmin’s Forerunner range of fitness watches, the 405 features GPS and a wireless heart-rate monitor – an optional extra, included in the Amazon.co.uk price list. It offers an impressive range of workout types, wrapped up in a neat, robust wristwatch that could just about pass for a normal timepiece.

Before embarking on your technology-assisted workout, however, you need to locate a satellite. Here we hit the first snag. The Garmin Forerunner 405 took several minutes to hook on to a link. Less iron-willed joggers may dislike waiting around in the cold, and we can’t help wondering whether the benefits of GPS are worth this (minor) hassle.

From then on, things became easier, although the superb range of features makes the Garmin Forerunner 405 a bit of a challenge to use. The silver-coloured bezel is touch-sensitive and used for selecting most options – unfortunately, it’s difficult to use accurately even when standing still. As you run, the 405 displays real-time details on its clear screen.

All the usual programmes are available. You can choose to run for a certain distance or time, and set rest periods and multiple reps. The virtual partner is a particularly useful feature – set the speed of your imaginary opponent, and the Garmin Forerunner 405 keeps track of how far ahead or behind you are. It’s surprising how effective a motivation this can be.

When you’ve finished exercising, you can upload training data from the Garmin Forerunner 405 to your PC (and the Garmin website) with user-friendly wireless faciities.


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Independent customer reviews from

Garmin Forerunner 405 scored:
8.6 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 3 reviews:

28 May 2008 Anonymous verified purchaser

8

Good Points

ease of use

Bad Points

not very accurate of road and on hills. battery life could be better.

19 Aug 2008 Anonymous verified purchaser

9

Good Points

Great device, same size as a good watch with excellent features. Auto link with PC is excellent.

Bad Points

GPS takes a minute or so to lock onto the satellites, can get a tad frustrating if you're keen to get running.

See more Garmin Forerunner 405 reviews on Reevoo.com

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Total reviews: 4,313

See product specs

expert rating

Build quality

4/5

Features

4/5

Value for money

3/5

Overall

3.5/5

expert rating

Garmin Forerunner 405

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