Forerunner 405CX Review
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Is the Forerunner 405CX any good?
Well, let’s see. It looks great, and is far less bulky than any other GPS unit I’ve ever tried. It acquired a satellite signal in about 5 seconds with impressive accuracy. But apart from the GPS measurement function, which is great for analyzing your run, I think that Virtual Partner is the really crucial tool.
Best of all, the ‘Virtual Partner’ function meant that I was able to set a sensible goal for my run, and meet it exactly, which would suggest that this thing really will help me to increase my currently appalling level of race fitness, by helping me to meet further, slightly more ambitious goals in the not too distant future.
The Forerunner 405CX also calculates calories burned based on heart rate, resulting in a more accurate reading than when you use a chart or estimate. This has been really eye opening for me as I see I am burning WAY fewer calories than I had thought.
The controls turned out to be spectacularly clever and easy to use. I found the display to be easily readable, and it was also easy to tap the bezel and switch to other views including a standard stopwatch. You control the 405CX’s functions by tapping the relevant words on the bezel, and scroll through the function menus by ‘stroking’ the written part of the bezel in the direction you wish to scroll.
Two software options are available: Garmin Connect (online) and Garmin Training Center (downloaded from Garmin, installed on your computer). Training Center offers more detailed information and data tools for analyzing your workouts; however, the website is better with street maps (uses Google Maps), so this may be better if you do a lot of street running in a heavily populated area and you want to keep track of your routes.
The difference
Probably one of the most striking improvements over the 305 is the appearance. Although the 405cx is as thick as the 305, it is noticeably smaller and lighter.
Continuing on with the “form factor”, there are two more major changes. One is the bezel. Rather than pushing buttons to navigate through menus, you run your finger along the bezel in a circular motion. You also switch between modes by touching and holding the bezel.
The connection between the watch and the heart rate strap seems vastly improved. I barely get the watch “woken up” or put the heart rate strap on when the watch tells me that the heart rate monitor has been detected. Wow. No loss of signal; no interference. Re-pairing with other accessories (foot pod and bike sensor) is just as lightening fast. I’m impressed.
I like the wireless ANT technology that automatically transfers data rather than having to place the unit in a USB cradle as with the 305, and also effortlessly pairs with my heart rate monitor and foot pod.
The 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. The 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 foot pod when running indoors (the 305 first has to search for a satellite signal before realizing you are indoors, and that can take several minutes).
I’d recommend reading through the instructions first if you want to explore all the features of this device.
My conclusion is that here, finally, is a GPS unit that gives runners everything they need, including simplicity of use. But more important than the clever design and ease of use, it really has made my training more effective.
