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Customer Review :
Works Very Well
I bought this in order to accurately determine the miles, altitude, pace, etc. I was going both on my bike and on my runs. I have used the HR monitor feature yet as it is winter and I am a too lazy to add one more thing to my ensemble. The watch works great and the website is easy to use and wonderfully descriptive of every aspect. The watch has a lot of options and I am very satisfied. On the bike, having to wear it on my wrist isn't the best and I actually have to push its buttons along with my bike computers buttons at the same time, but I bought this one instead of the one made for a bike so I could use it on runs, bike rides, hikes, etc. I already have cadence with my bike computer so I am taken care of in that regard. So far no problems and I am satisfied. The only think I haven't figured out yet is how to access info like altitude from the watch. I have only been able to access this type of stuff from the website.
Rating : 
Running is fun with this!
Running was not my favorite activity but with the Garmin I can challenge my speed in real time and set goals for each run. It also has settings for swimming and biking. I love that I can download to the program and monitor my progress. Great product! I wish the watch was a little smaller because I am petite.
Rating :
Out of the woods
I just purchased the Garmin Forerunner 305 and went into the woods to go for an afternoon hunt in familiar territory. It started to snow and get dark. I was in no danger of getting lost but i decided to use it as if I were. I activated the back ot start and 20 minutes later I was back home. I just followed the bread crumb trail out.
I aso use it when I ski. Its a hoot to see how gar you haved skied at the end of the day.
I was so satisfied that I bought one for my son.
Joe B
A very happy camper
Rating :
Solid performer
I bought this as a replacement for my Forerunner 205 which basically wore out after a couple year of being bounced around in my duffel bag. Like my previous 205, basic functions are easy to use. It locks on to satelites fairly quickly and does a good job at tracking time/pace/distance. I'm currently training for my 3rd marathon and have started to program workouts for my tempo runs and intervals-again very straightforward to program custom workouts on my computer and download to the GPS. My only critisism (which I have read in numerous other reviews) is Garmin's technical support dept is a little lacking. My first 205 froze up after a few weeks. They eventually replaced it, but it took several weeks of emails back & forth.
Rating :
A "MUST HAVE" for runners, walkers, bikers
I got the Forerunner 305 because someone stole my 201 (right out of my Baby Jogger Stroller!) that I have had since 2005. I felt lost running without a Forerunner so I had to get a new one. I absolutely love, love, love the 305 and recommend a Forerunner for all runners! Here are a few of the things that I want to comment on regarding the 305.
SIZE - yes it is huge but it is still smaller and sleeker looking than the 201. I am 5'3", 110 pounds and I wear it using the smallest hole and it fits perfectly. I used to take the 201 off as soon as I was done using it because I felt ridiculous wearing it. Hence that is why it was in my daughter's stroller and got stolen while we were at the playground. Anyway, the 305 is large, but it is the perfect size for reading quickly while running. It also doesn't bother me enough to have to take it off immediately. Check out my picture of the 305 on my arm for an idea of how big it is. There is also a longer strap if you have a bigger wrist.
SATELLITE CONNECTION - unbelievably fast! The 201 used to take up to 15 minutes to make a connection and it would lose its connection under relatively dense tree cover giving me inaccurate distance and pace readings. The 305 only takes about a minute and I have yet to lose the satellite connection during my runs in shady areas and on cloudy days. The pace seems pretty accurate. For me it seems range from 6:00/ mile to 9:45/ miles with the average pace always being right on when compared to my official race paces.
HEAR RATE MONITOR - The 305 monitors your HR during your entire run. The monitor is a little too big for me with the chest strap at its tightest setting. I have to tuck it into my sports bra in order for it to stay put. To give you an idea of its size, my bra strap is a 32 and 34. But once it is tucked in securely, I forget that I am wearing it.
ALERTS - You can set your Forerunner to beep if you go below or above a certain pace and HR, and when you reach certain points/laps, such as 1 mile marks. The 201 has the alerts feature too.
Garmin Training Center Software and Garmin Connect website - absolutely awesome. I have a Mac and never uploaded my 201 data to my computer. With the 305 I can upload my data to the Training software and the Connect website with my Mac. I prefer the website because it maps your run on actual maps. It also plots your pace, elevation, and heart rate. When you click the "play" button, you watch a little circle move along your route alongside your exact pace, HR, and elevation. You can see exactly where your pace and HR changed! You can also see other users' routes, their paces, and their HRs as well. Very cool.
I love my Forerunner 305 and feel totally lost without it. There are many other features too, but these are the ones that feel are most important. It is great for training. I actually medaled in my age group in the last 3 of my races and it happened to coincide with me using my 305! I definitely recommend this to anyone who runs or bikes!
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Editorial Review :
Forerunner 305
** Remanufactured **
Form meets function with Garmin's high-performance line of personal trainers the Forerunner 305, 405 and 205. The Forerunner 305 includes a high sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature and robust wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance.
Lock On to Satellite Signals
Forerunner 305 sports a unique design that wraps the GPS antenna around part of the wrist for a better view of the sky, and its high sensitivity GPS receiver provides improved tracking under trees and near tall buildings. Forerunner 305 also sports a robust ANT wireless heart rate monitor with softer, more comfortable chest strap and superior battery life. It eliminates cross-talk with other devices to reliably measure and send heart rate data, and it helps you train in your optimal heart rate zone.
Take It to the Next Level
Forerunner 305's courses feature lets you compete against previous workouts: you can compare your pace and heart rate to your past performance over the same run. You can also use Forerunner 305 to train for your next duathlon or triathlon with multi-sport workouts, a feature that lets you seamlessly transition between sports without resetting the unit, so you can use it for running, biking and more.
Train indoors and still track your distance, pace and calories burned with the optional Foot Pod accessory. This wireless sensor attaches to your running shoe and transmits distance and pace data to your Forerunner 305 so you can still use it when GPS reception is unavailable.You can customize any of Forerunner 305's three main data screens up to twelve data fields give you instant feedback on your workout. And, as with every Forerunner, each workout is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data and see how you've improved over time.
Track Your Progress
As an added benefit, you can plan, analyze and store data from your workouts using free Garm
Customer Review :
Best bang for your buck!!!
After comparing different distance and speed monitors this one was the best for the money; features/price ratio. You can get basic information and you can grow with it to a more advance state.
Rating :
No Problems, all as expected
No problems with product or software.
garmin connect does not give same heart rate zones as garmin training center, both have pros and cons. I use both resources which some people might think is a pain.
Rating :
cant go without it
As an ironman level triathlete this is an essential training tool that I use everyday. Anyone wanting to have specific information about thier workouts need this device. As far as I can see this is the best unit out there. Once they make it waterproof it will be perfect and that is coming this summer. I prefer it greatly over the other model that looks more like a conventional wristwatch.
Rating :
Better than 405 & Polar...GOOGLE EARTH alone is worth the upgrade!!!
I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on GOOGLE EARTH is FANTASTIC!!!! (the included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.
Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. It's better in my opinion than the Polar products (of which I've owned three)
This is much better than the Forerunner 201 which I previously owned (locks on satellites 10 times faster) and I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)
My only complaint is that it's easy to leave it on and run the battery down - which is a bummer if you're just about to work out. I wish there was an "auto off" feature which would shut it down if it detects no movement or heart rate within an hour or so. Fortunately, with Li-Ion batteries, as little as a 10 minute charge gives you enough juice for a 90 minute run.
If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know!
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Editorial Review :
With the Forerunner 405, Garmin has finally put thepower of GPS location-based date into a sleek sport watch that can be worn all day. Runners no longer have to choose between function and fashion. Garmin's ANT + Sport wireless platform that wirelessly sends your data to your computer and a touch bezel that lets you change screens with a simple tap (no more fumbling for buttons) run make this not just a leap forward in GPS-enabled fitness devices, but in training devices period. Forerunner 405 comes in two color options — black or green.
The Power Of Location-Based Data
Anyone who has used Garmin's Forerunner 205 or 305 already understands the power that attaching location data to traditional measurements like distance, speed, time, calories burned, and heart rate can provide. Knowing exactly where you worked hardest, ran fastest (or most slowly), and lets you tailor your workouts to improve for specific distances, conditions, and types of terrain. It gives a complete picture of how you interact with every portion of your run.
Forerunner 405 comes in two color options — black or green | 
Train with a virtual partner |
Watch Results
Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405 continuously monitors your time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate (when paired with heart rate monitor). Each run is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver sustains satellite reception, whether you’re tackling a trail or jogging through the urban canyons of skyscrapers. The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) and can be used outdoors or indoors (with an optional foot pod), making it the ultimate year-round, all-weather training tool. Forerunner 405 is available with or without a heart rate monitor (see the versions tab) to help you make the most out of your training. Versions with a digital heart rate monitor continuously track heart beats per minute. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run. The revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner. The Forerunner 405 makes training with a Virtual Partner easy and efficient. Runners can adjust the Virtual Partner’s pace without stopping in the middle of a workout, and the Virtual Partner is always on and ready for a challenge. Run, Sync, Store and Share
One of Garmin's most ambitious decisions has been to approach fitness devices as a total platform with their "ANT + Sport" connectivity system. All of Garmin's new fitness devices, including the Forerunner 405, Edge 605 and 705 bike computers, and Forerunner 50 heart rate monitor watches, will interface wirelessly with any devices that are compatible wiht the "ANT + Sport" protocol, including devices from other manufacturers. Once you’ve logged the miles, the ANT+Sport wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when the Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data’s just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through Garmin's online community, Garmin Connect or optional Garmin Training Center software. You can wirelessly send workouts from your computer to Forerunner, too. Share Wirelessly
With Forerunner 405 you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Now you can send your favorite workout to your buddy to try, or compete against a friend's recorded course. Sharing data is easy. Just select "transfer" to send your information to nearby units. Cross-Train
Take your training inside with the versatile Forerunner 405. Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when a GPS signal is unavailable. This new design clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. You can also add a speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts. Be Part of A Community
In 2007, Garmin acquired Motion-based, the largest shared repository of customer-generated gps-based routes, courses and maps. This was a significant move for Garmin to support the gps user community and bring a wealth of route options to gps users. With a simple connection to your computer, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect our new, one-stop site for data analysis an sharing. You can also upload to optional Garmin Training Center software for further analysis. Garmin Training Center stores large quanities of workout and ride data. Some of the things you can do are - Review your workout data, including pace/speed, distance, time, calories burned; and if available, heart rate, cadence and detailed elevation.
- View a detailed graph of your workout data, plotted over time or distance.
- View a map of your workout that shows the exact path you traveled.
- Categorize your workout history according to type of activity.
- Review previous workouts, which are saved by day and week.
- Create customized workouts with specific goals and rest intervals. Then send them to your fitness device.*
- Schedule workouts for a specific day with calendar.
- Get custom workout templates designed by the experts at TrainingPeaks.com
What's In The Box
Forerunner 405, USB ANT stick, Heart Rate Monitor, AC adapter, Charging clip, Owner's manual, Quick reference guide
Customer Review :
Excellent Gift for the Hubby!!
My husband wanted this watch for his birthday but admitted not knowing much about how exactly it would work. Once he opened and played around with it a little bit, he absolutely loved (loves) it! Says it's super easy to use and really is just kind of neat because it tracks his workouts. Great Gift!
Rating :
I am glad I purchased the 405
I was really hesitant to purchase this product because of the negative comments on the bezel malfunctioning when it gets the slightest bit of moisture on it. I purchased my watch used on ebay for $150 and it did NOT come with a heart rate monitor. I don't use a heart rate monitor because the data is useless to me. I don't change my workout because of my heart rate, I know when I am working hard. The more I train the more efficient I tend to become.
I set the watch up to display 3 data fields: pace, distance, and time. That is all I care about. I don't cycle through data fields. I don't need to know the grade of hill when I am on it. How does that even help? I know a tough hill when I see it. I can always analyze it later. I love having extra data, but I just don't need it when I run. I have not tried the virtual partner, but I might.
The watch bezel is VERY sensitive to moisture, yes, including sweat. If it starts going wonky because of moisture I just lock the bezel. Now, that means you can't get the backlight on, but once again not a deal breaker. Maybe I wouldn't be so forgiving of the watch if I paid full price... I would recommend it to a friend with the caveats I provided. Garmin connect is great. I love the mapping feature. I love you can send interval workouts to the watch (I haven't tried it yet). However, if you love touching your watch on your run to see numerous data fields, well.... I hope it isn't raining or your not sweaty!
P.S. My longest run with the watch has only been 11 miles (not currently training... so you understand)
Rating :
This Really is a great device
For almost a year, I ran with the iPOD+Nike device as a means of monitoring my progress as I got back into shape time and time again. I thought the iPOD device was outstanding, but when I found out that there would be a normal looking, wrist mounted GPS device made by GARMIN I eagerly awaited its June 2008 release date.
THE GOOD: I purchased it the week it was released, and have used it once or twice a week ever since then. I delayed posting this review until I felt that I had a true appreciation of its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, this is the best personal training device that I have ever owned. As a former collegiate sprinter/middle runner turned US Army infantry officer, I have always tried to maintain myself at about 5:00 - 5:30 mile speed and 11:30 - 12:30 two mile speed. I typically run once or twice a week at any distance between 3 and 6 miles. Occasionally I'll do a 400 meter or 800 meter interval workout with timed rest periods.
If you are similar to me in the above goals, and training methods, I have a hard time believing that you will be disappointed with this watch. It allows me to set pacing goals, sounds a beep for each lap that I run (which I have set at 1 mile), and kept over one years worth of workouts. I have never transferred any of my data to a computer, so I cannot comment on how buggy that feature is.
The UGLY: I can definitely attest to sensitivity issues and outright refusal to function when the bezel is wet. I have remedied a lot of that by simply putting all data into the watch before I start the workout so that the only time that I touch the bezel is at the beginning.
I also had a major software meltdown at the 15 month mark. The device spontaneously started shutting itself off on a full charge if it was unplugged, and would not cooperate with my attempts to make adjustments. All of this resolved when I followed the instructions on how to reboot. Unfortunately, I lost all of the workouts that were stored on it, but this would be a non-issue if I was in the habit of transferring them to my computer.
So Overall: This watch is GREAT at what it does: It tells you how fast and how far you have run over just about any distance anywhere. I'll admit that my demands are relatively few, and that I may be a bit easier to please than your average fitness junky who bikes or runs dozens of miles weekly. But if you are the same, I think you'll really like it.
Rating :
Overcame my expectations!
I had another Garmin which I liked already.. I've also used the Polar which has the same features.. However, this Garmin is exceptionally functional and easy to use.. You have to use nothing but the watch and the heart rate monitor (no need to use anything specific for GPS, like the Polar with the same feature) and the battery is charged through USD or a normal plug (which is different from the other Garmin I had).
I definitely recommend!
Rating :
Garmin 405, an extremely disappointing product
My Garmin 405 experience has been nothing short of disappointing. It has always operated with glitches but the last several weeks have been nothing short of a useless device. Two weeks ago, I did a 100 mile bike ride and the file was completely lost. After that, none of the rides that I have done were recorded or downloadable. Instead, I would get these completely fragmented files that shows points in the middle of Russia or Iran saying I have done some 125,000 miles. I have done a system reset. I have also deleted out all the files on the Garmin. Lastly, I updated the software with the software update. And I also made sure that I was updating the 405 and not another device. After that, the device still could not function. I am sure that there are others that are happy with their 405 but I can only speak from my experience. And based on that, it is a very unreliable method of recording your workouts. And if it's an important event like a race, it is not worth the extra stress of having the device that may or may not work on race day.
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