Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue) by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $177.83 You Save: $192.16 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $144.99 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)
Digital camera Review: Deceptive Trade Practice
Summary: 5 Stars
When I ordered this watch a second watch was included for free. Today the 405cx arrived but no second watch was delivered. I will return this watch next week unopened.Digital camera Review: Don't Worry - You'll Love It!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me a while to "push the button" on buying this watch. It wasn't the money. The price is a bit salty and other units out there are reported to perform well. But I wasn't keen on running with a cell-phone-sized monster strapped to my wrist so that I could save a few bucks.
No, my hesitation was because some of the online reviews I'd read were critical of the watches functioning - particularly the bezel interface.
I'm here to tell you - Don't Worry! I've had an opportunity to put this thing through its paces on both ends of the climate spectrum, and it performed flawlessly.
In one week, thanks to a trip to South America, I was able to use the watch in 90 degree weather and 20 degree weather. The watch performed well with sweat, with gloves, with cold fingers and hot - no issues.
You do have to know what you're doing, so as we in high-tech jobs say - "RTFM." (Read the freakin' manual!). I recommend establishing your nine key metrics (three each on three screens), set the watch to auto-scroll and lock the bezel after hitting the start button. You're never more than a second or two from what you want to know, and if there's something you're particularly interested in, set it as a data point on more than one screen.
This watch can't be beat, and if you're even remotely serious about running, it's worth every penny.
Digital camera Review: Don't sweat when you run!!!
Summary: 3 Stars
No one is kidding when they say that the device stops working or malfunctions when you get sweaty. It's really annoying, and I'm not a professional runner. I run 3-4 miles 5-6 days/week. I get so tired of the whole deal. I take it off and try to dry it out. This is phenomenal when you are in the middle of a 5K trying to figure out how much farther you need to run. This happens to me every day! I guess I shouldn't sweat when I run!!!
As for the preciseness, I have never had an issue until last weekend. I was in Western Kentucky visiting friends. When I was running, it was telling me that I was running a lot faster than I thought I was. In actuality, I was right. Somehow, it was reading a satellite in S. Illinois... When I plugged it into the software, I ran a 3 minute mile followed by two 0.1 minute miles. My, am I fast!
I really wish it was better than it is, but apparently it is the best you can get.
Digital camera Review: Dropoff from function & ease of use in 305...
Summary: 2 Stars
The 405CX is the 3rd generation Garmin that I've had over the last 5 years. Have had the 201, the 305 before. Really liked the 305 other than how bulky & heavy it is.
+'s of 405:
+ It is light weight, smaller & less bulky than 305
+ It does seem to load up & find satellites pretty fast for me (living in Austin, TX)
+ It looks kinda cool, more like a watch
-'s of 405
- The bezel controls almost everything of interest. This drives you nuts if you're used to buttons, and is almost impossible to manage while you're actually running.
- The bezel ranges from ultra sensitive, literally moving and selecting stuff by itself on the run - to almost non-responsive (with low or medium sensitivity set)
- There is no power button to turn the d@mned thing off!! seriously. they don't tell you this anywhere before you buy it or worse, even after you buy it. you just get to find out on your own. kind of shows the arrogance of the design & marketing, that Garmin knows what's best for you. No informative text required.
- The font is a bit smaller than I expected, but still manageable.
In short, I like some aspects of it and will get used to it, but am really disappointed in the "steps backward" compared to the 305, even if it is much more creative. Also really feel like Garmin intentionally misleads with the marketing & ads on the 405. It's almost like they don't want you to know how weird & different it is (bezel controls everything, no power switch, etc) so that you'll buy it and "learn to love it." Garmin - if you're listening, this is not the way to keep loyal customers... Treat us like we have a brain & can deserve the whole truth upfront.
Digital camera Review: EXTREMELY Pleased!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a person that ALWAYS have buyers remorse. This is only the third item that I have purchased in recent years that I do not have an ounce of regret or remorse. The first two were my Blackberry pearl and then later my iPhone. I must now add this to the list. I love it and got a GREAT price.