Would you guys recommend the Garmin 305 or 405 (nevermind cost difference)? I tend to do a lot of high-mileage running on trails (sometimes heavily wooded) and need a reasonably ACCURATE and reliable GPS watch.
Another nice feature would be to know the way back should I, well become LOST... - I understand that the 305 has this feature but the 405 does not?
Mainly though, a reasonably ACCURATE watch under hostile conditions (clouds, sky, trees, water) is key here...
Any love? I was hoping to buy one or the other today...
405 has a much more sensitive GPS receiver, so it will get much better reception under tree cover. Never heard of the "lost" feature you mention, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist in one or both.
If you want something weatherproof, with great reception and better battery life than either unit you mention, you might consider the 310XT. Fully waterproof, you could even swim with it. Also has the awesome screen of the 305, with the sophisticated electronics for better reception from the 405. Since you are talking about the 305, I assume you want the HRM (305 only comes with it, it is the 205 without the HRM... but you do lose a few other features too), the HRM version of the 310XT has the soft HR strap, which is significantly more comfortable to wear as well.
I called Garmin and they told me that there is no difference in the sensitivity of any of there GPS models. I spoke to 3 different people and they each said their newest models GPS capabilities is no different than any other watch from Garmin with the GPS feature. Honestly, that's what they said.
That is good to know. Thanks.
I have had either a 205 or 305 since they were
introduced in April 2006, I think. They don't seem
to lose reception wherever I've run which has often
been in a city with tall buildings and occasionally
on trails.
I don't want a 405 because of the problems many of had
with the bezel ring.
It is true that the 205's are not very accurate at
instantaneous pace, but they seem very accurate for
generic 10-20 mile runs. They also seem accurate
in races from 5-K to the marathon.
Good piece of gear.
Thanks for the information! After reading the other thread going around about the 405 (and some other sites), I'm leaning on the 405, but will wait a few more days so if anyone else would like to pile in any more information or their experiences with 305 & 405...
About the bezel ring, I understand it can be locked and the screens set to cycle automatically...
About the mapping-when-lost feature, I found this on Garmin's site:
Question: Does the Forerunner 405 have a map page?
Answer: No, unlike the previous Forerunner devices, the Forerunner 405 does not have a map function. It does have a Navigational Compass. If you select Go To a Waypoint, it will display both the direction and distance to that waypoint.
305 + sport tracks = yes
305 + sport tracks = yes
The 305 is on sale here:
I have used it for several months and love it.
The 405 is about $200 more and not worth the price difference:
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