Big issue about garmin forerunner comparison

By :  Stephen M. Charme (central New Jersey), Editing By : Jay

Garmin-Forerunner-405CX

Garmin Forerunner 405CX

After using the Forerunner 305 for over two years, I decided to replace it with Garmin Forerunner 405cx and am very happy with my decision. But first let me address the main criticism of Garmin Forerunner 405cx and its predecessor the 405–the bevel and touch system.

Garmin is not Apple, so the bevel and touch are not on par with the scroll wheel on an Ipod or the touch on an iPod Touch–but they still work fine. Granted, if the bevel gets sweaty or I touch it with sweaty fingers (not something unexpected for an exercise watch) it becomes nonresponsive until I wipe off the sweat. But this is not a big deal for me. When I run I simply use auto scroll, which is unaffected by moisture. And if I want to override auto scroll by using a manual touch, it takes only a second to wipe the sweat off the bezel or my fingers. So don’t be discouraged from buying this unit based on the bevel and touch.

While the garmin forerunner 305 is a great unit, here is why I like Garmin Forerunner 405cx better. Note: I use this on an Intel powered Macbook running the latest edition of Leopard without any problems.

  1. Although Garmin Forerunner 405cx is as thick as the forerunner 305  , it is noticeably smaller and lighter.
  2. I like the wireless ANT technology that automatically transfers data rather than having to place the unit in a USB cradle as with the forerunner 305   (though doing so is not a big deal), and also effortlessly pairs with my heart rate monitor and foot pod (which must be purchased separately).
  3. The forerunner 305   has no power save mode, and I inadvertently drained the battery a couple of times when I forgot to turn it off after running or put it in the charger. Garmin Forerunner 405cx not only has an automatic power save mode, but you can turn off the GPS when running indoors to further save power. With the GPS turned off, barely any power is used. Also, this ability to turn the GPS off makes it easier to use the footpod when running indoors (the 305 first has to search for a satellite signal before realizing you are indoors, and that can take several minutes).
  4. I find the bevel and touch system on Garmin Forerunner 405cx much easier to use than the buttons on the forerunner 305  in order to change various features. But I like electronic gadgets, and as I said above, the sweat issue is not a big deal for me.

Here are some tips:

  1. Rinse the unit, the heart rate monitor and the strap after each use with plain water.
  2. Keep the unit in the charging clip after each use to ensure you always have enough power. A simple touch of the bevel will tell you the percentage of power left. The charging clip can be powered via a USB port on your computer or via an electric outlet using an AC adaptor. The included AC adaptor with Garmin Forerunner 405cx is very clunky; I use the Apple travel charger for the iPod instead. Make sure the charging clip is properly attached to the unit or you will drain the unit instead of charging it (already happened to me).
  3. Although the unit lists three training fields, there are actually four if you have the heart rate monitor–by default only the heart rate shows up in the first field, but you can modify that to include two additional data items.
  4. Unlike the forerunner 305 , where you can move forward and backward between data fields, Garmin Forerunner 405cx lets you move only forward. Therefore, when I run indoors I turn off my “outdoor only” data fields–grade, elevation, etc.–so that I don’t waste time looking at them.
  5. For a first time purchaser to whom cost is important, I would say get the 305. My reasons for switching to the forerunner 305  may not be important to you.
  6. Buy the new version of the footpod rather than the old version (I have reviewed both on Amazon) for running indoors.
  7. I use a Mac software program called Ascent that I think is far superior to Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center, and unlike the former does not require an internet connection to upload data.

Bottom Line:

I have had this unit for three weeks and run over 100 miles both indoors on a treadmill and outdoors in all kinds of weather–light rain, cool nights, and hot humid days. I really like this unit. Due to the bevel and touch issues I would have rated it 4 ½ stars if I could, but since there are no ½ star ratings I gave it 5 stars despite those issues because for me they are negligible compared to the rich features on the forerunner 405cx. If you are a serious runner, you will love this unit.

Find here how to make garmin forerunner 405 work perfectly