To achieve the best data you may need to purchase the optional heart rate monitor and bike sensor. These options work wirelessly for maximum convenience and ease of use that is, considering they are separate accessories. Some other manufacturers incorporate the heart rate monitor with the watch unit which we find to be a better option.

Satellite signal acquisition is reasonably quick thanks to the SiRFstarIII tm technology. All GPS watches or other receivers will occasionally lose signals depending on the area’s obstructions. That said tree cover and use within large cities with taller buildings continues to improve as time goes by and technology improves.

As you might expect, the unit measures speed, pace, distance, altitude, timer and rate data. The screen is set up to display 4 data fields in a quadrant layout which works well and is fairly easy to read and monitor.

The days of getting lost should be over thanks to the ability to store 100 waypoints and upo to 50 routes. These features can be most useful for those who do a lot of traveling and run or bike in unfamiliar cites or countries. If your work out takes you to the beach or pool the watch is good to a depth of 50 meters.

Once your work out is complete you can download the data to your PC and utilize the online tools to dissect your strengths and weaknesses. This is where GPS watches can really add some benefit to your training regimen. Also the lithium battery can be recharged while plugged into your computer so it will be ready the next time you need it.

All and all this is a solid performer with our only criticism being that Timex offers the heart rate monitor optionally and not built into the watch itself.

This GPS watch is chock full of features including it continuously monitors your pace, time, calories, distance and heart rate (if the optional heart rate monitor is purchased). One comment is we cannot understand why the heart rate monitor is not standard. It makes littler sense to purchase a full featured watch like the 405 and then not use the monitor.

You can also store your workouts which allow you to compare your progress over time and help you focus your training where it will do the most good. You can also compare your workout with previous workouts using the watch display as you train.

This Garmin GPS watch is fairly easy to use once you get accustomed to it. One feature that helps reduce frustration is you tap the screen to change display so you don’t need to try to operate tiny buttons in the middle of your workout. The Forerunner 405 is comfortable to where and is fairly good looking as well and comes in black or green. You won’t buy one for its style but you won’t be self conscious about it either.

The ANT+™ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when the Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. You can then replay your workout to focus in on areas of improvement. For the really dedicated enthusiasts you can share your data using Garmin Connect or by purchasing the Garmin Training Center software.

If you work out with a team or partner you can also share your data with them if they too, use the 405. The nice thing about this is the sharing can be done wirelessly watch to watch, you don’t need to use the computer for sharing though you can as well. This feature could be great for those wanting more accountability or for those especially competitive who want to use a partner to push the limits a little.

The 405 includes a cadence counter so it can be used indoors while on a stationary bike or treadmill. The counter clips onto your shoe laces so it can be ready to go in seconds. Start moving and it starts working, simple.
The Forerunner 405 does a pretty good job locking on to the GPS system signals and also maintaining them while you train. Heavy tree cover can degrade the signal but not any more than other products on the market.

For those on a tighter budget the Garmin Forerunner 205 deserves a look.

Notable Features: 

Unit Size (W x H x D) – 2.1 x 2.7 x .7 inches 

Screen Size (W x H) – 1.3 x .8 inches 

Weight – 2.7 oz. 

Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium- Ion 

Battery Life – approx. 10 hours 

Water resistant – Yes (IPX7)  

Heart rate monitor – No 

Lap memory – Yes, 1000 laps 

Waypoint memory – Yes, 100 

Routes feature – Yes, 50 max 

Warranty – One year 

Our experience with this GPS tracking watch has been quite good. For starters it usually takes about 1 minute to acquire the satellites and begin operation. We have even found that it does a reasonably good job with satellites when indoors provided the room had windows, not that most would do this often. Outdoors we have found the accuracy to be excellent; the unit detects small movements of just a couple of feet. When the elapsed distance was checked against a known measured mile the accuracy was within about 15 feet. 

Perhaps the biggest improvement from the previous 201 model is the size and ease of use. The 205 is a “watch” although it is certainly larger than a typical watch whereas the 201 was a more bulky unit strapped to your wrist, somewhat like an iPod. The wristband is also made of rubber so it should not acquire and retain the foul odor like the Velcro of the 201. In any case the rubber is certainly easier to clean. The navigation buttons are simple and seem intuitive, enough so, that use while running should quickly become almost automatic. 

The computer software that you can download your GPS data to is really nice as well. You can display in chart format how fast you were going, position, elevation, etc. and it also can be displayed on a road map. The Forerunner 205 itself doesn’t have any mapping features built in so mapping on the fly is not possible, but being able to “replay” your run or trip is great, not to mention fun. 

As with most GPS tracking watches instant readings may be a little slow in updating but this unit has good performance there as well. Obviously when satellites are obstructed by thick overhead trees, roofs, tall buildings etc, the performance will suffer and the signal can be dropped. Having said that, the sensitivity and signal strength of this unit is at least as good as any other GPS tracking watch we’ve used.

All in all most people should be quite satisfied with this unit provided that a heart rate monitor is not desired. With prices frequently discounted well below $200 the Forerunner 205 is a great choice for a GPS tracking watch.