Aaron says:

I just got the Garmin 405 last week. Usually I wouldn't spend $350 on a running watch, but I had a $100 gift certificate from graduation for Dicks Sporting Goods Store. So, I paid the $250 difference and got the watch!
So far, it's been an unbelieveable investment! My only complaint is for new users not to take it running in the rain! For some reason the bezzel malfunctions once it is wet or either your hands get wet once you touch it.
I'm still having some trouble getting it to wirelessly connect to my computer as well.

 Clyde says:

Just bought my 405 Friday. Went on a 16 mile run yesterday and at mile 7 the screen went blank. I charged it for over 9 hours before using it. Last night I charged it overnight for 12 hours and today I notice it will not go into "sleep" mode so it keeps eating up the battery. Over the last 4 hours the battery is down to 50%. I can not figure out what to do.

I did read there was a update to fix this but can not find it. When I go to Garmin.com and try to update it says no updates available. Support is closed today (Sunday). I have read that several others have had the same problem.

Anyone have a solution or ideas???? Thanks!

 alew2 says:

I finally used my 405 and it was sweet. I'm still trying to get used to using the bezel but I'm moving right along. The 405 great!

 Renato says:

Clyde, did you charge from Computer-USB or AC-USB?

 RunnerGirl77 says:

I've looked at the 405, as it looks really cool. However, I rely on the maps I create on my Garmin Forerunner 305 on a regular basis, especially when I'm in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Does the 405 have a map page, even if it is blank (like the 305) to start with? Given that I've used the 305's maps and trackback function a couple of times when I got "turned around" on trail runs, it would be nice to know before I purchase.
Thanks, Deb

 Clyde says:

Renato, I charged it from AC-USB wall outlet. I took it to work and used my computer there to totally redo everything including downloads and some how it appears to have fixed the problem. Afte about 8 hours on line trying to fix the power down problem I found out that this is a problem that some 405's have. Garmin has a "firmware" update that fixes the problem which they admit to and maybe the first time I didn't do some thing correct to get the new download that fixes the problem.

 dbjorkma says:

Unlike most of the rest on this page I'm very unsatisfied with my 405. One drop of sweat on the bezel wheel and one or more of the following happens
1) You can't change screen
2) You can't use the start and stop buttons
3) Watch leavs training mode and gets stuck in a menu
4) Waych starts beeping and displays starts twinknling
All of them extremely annoying when running. I have had it replaced but the new one has the same problems.

In addition to that I have hade the following problems
- Garmin connect website is so slow it is hardly not usable
- Current pace (minutes/km) shows very strange values from time to time
- Syncronisation to pc is not very reliable

Not so very impressed, no.

 Renato says:

Clyde, So far I have used mine only once (I got a cold), so I just read the manual, change some additional values, and when I connect to the website, nothing like an update appears. It's supposed the system automatically tells you when your watch should be updated. My unit came via airmail two weeks ago. Maybe a new update has been put on the website?
BTW, did you fix your problem?
Renato.

 Clyde says:

Renato, my 405 is now working well. I received an email from Garmin that explained some have problems with the powering down, "sleep" mode but the update fixes it. If your unit is working fine then you should be fine. If not then there is a update from Garmin. Below is the email from Garmin in case anyone else needs this info.

Dear Clyde,

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

This is a problem that we have seen reports of, and our technicians have installed a fix for it in a software update. Please follow the instructions below and let me know if you continue to have this problem.

To Update the Forerunner 405:
1)     Go to the FR 405 webpage, located here: buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=11039

2)     Select Updates and Downloads, located under Quick Links (upper right
hand side)
3)     Scroll down and Agree to the terms
4)     Plug in the ANT stick to the USB port
5)     Ensure your device is recognized in the box below ?Choose Device?
6)     Select ?Update Software? ? this will send the update to the ANT agent
7)     On your desktop, right click the ANT Agent Icon and open it
8)     Bring your FR 405 within range
9)     Once recognized by the ANT agent, the FR 405 will go through the
update process

With Best Regards,

Gregory B
Product Support Specialist
Outdoor/Fitness Team
Garmin International

Hope this is helpful.

Clyde

 Pieter says:

hi,
I like the 405 a lot. It's accurate, looks good and enough functions for me. The GPS reception is not always optimal when running in areas with covering trees, but somehow it re-calculates the numbers (distance, speed etc.) while running/biking. I think this is a general weakness of GPS. The standard watchband is a bit short. I can imagine that people with thick wrists could have a potential issue. I have it now for 3 months and use of it, especially the bezel is awesome.

 Renato says:

Clyde, I did what you said, and I got a "Firmware Update". I don't remember the original version, now in "about" screen its 2.10. I think that Garmin should release a readme file with the enhancements or fixes with every update.
cheers,Renato.

 topcat says:

hi any updates if we can upload garmin data to runner+? chirs? =) just got my 405 the other day and everything went well from connecting to the ANT stick to uploading data. Also was able to upgrade to firmware 2.20 w/ no problem. My only question is how do I delete a lap from activity in gamin connect? I was able to do it in garmin training center but can't find the function in garmin connect. Joined the TNF 100 yesterday did only the 10k route. After the race I inadvertently press the start button again now my run ended up 1 lap that just shows nothing.

 Nick68 says:

Topcat, you just have to select/open the activity you want to delete and press the delete button in the summary window.

 Nick68 says:

dbjorkma, I hade some problem when getting sweat on the bezel as well. But if you lock the bezel (by pressing both the start and lap button at the same time) when you run you wont have that problem.

 QuEST says:

Hello Guys..

I finally got myself the forerunner 405, that after reading a lot negative reviews .

But Ive got to say, Im pretty much happy with it.. I went for a short 3k and 7 k run with the watch and was more than impressed really.

The satellite lock was amazinginly fast compared to the earlier 305 and my N82. My first run was in the rains and I did not really get bothered by the bezel, like many have pointed out. The reason may have been that I had locked the bezel and was using the autoscroll feature with 2 screens (6 data members).

I dont know, maybe since I had already read a lot about 405 and was very much aware of all its negatives, that I am liking it more

Tommorrow I plan to go for a long run, about 21k... Will review the watch in a little more detail.

 QuEST says:

Hey all!

Just yesterday I went for a long run (almost 21K).. Fortunately I had no trouble with my 405..

Since I had read a lot about this, I had locked my bezel and used 2 data screens with medium autoscroll setting, That meant I did not have to touch the watch until I had finished my run.

Generally I dont pause during the runs, though that function is assigned to the start button.. So it meant that i only touched the watch after i completed my run.

Check the run
connect.garmin.com/activity/865051

Too slow actually, I was running after 2 weeks and that i did not pause in the middle, the total time probably went up by about 30 mins.. needless to say It was too hot and humid (94% avg) here in Mumbai

I think the method I used was more like a workaround and no solution.. but maybe until Garmin comes with something better next time

 jblackwell says:

does anyone know when the 405 will be mac compatible? the website says 4th quarter of 2008... wondering if anyone knew a more exact time?

 gulla says:

i hope as soon as possible!!!!

 James Lai says:

Any update review for Forerunner 405? I am considering to get this for my running and hiking. Pace reading accuracy is top priority, as well as heart rate monitoring. I really wonder how the GPS doing in the forest covered with trees and mountain.

 WileECoyote says:

James,
accuracy is for all GPS units limited in a covered forest, same as in downtown with high-rising buildings. Pace reading is good, but keep in mind that the unit needs to smooth variations so that to eliminate erratic measurements. Keep in mind, that for example you move your arm back and forth during running. That said, nothing is absolute accurate.
For me the accuracy is still astonishing. I can see where I crossed the street to avoid traffic for example. I think that this is impressive for a digital measurement relying on instruments (satellites) being some miles high in the air.

al the best and lots of fun with the gadgets.
WileECoyote