Garmin Forerunner 205 vs 405

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Last post: Oct 16, 2009 5:44 PM by cpa0217

Ericd3043

187 posts since
Aug 2, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

Oct 15, 2009 8:36 PM

Garmin Forerunner 205 vs 405

I am looking at both of these items and wanted to get opinions from those using them. I know the main difference is that the 405 has a HRM, but I am not conviced that is something that I will use on a regular basis. Since I do not have one already, I have worked on doing my workouts without focusing on that aspect, so I am not sure if I will use it.

What do you like best / worst about the items?

Thanks for your help!

My race times (2010)

It is a new year, so the 2009 times no longer matter.

Personal Best : 5K : 25 min 27 seconds

5mile : 44 min 50 seconds

1/2 Marathon : 2hrs 20 min 23 seconds

3/13/2010 Chambersburg 1/2 Marathon: 2 hours 20 min 23 seconds (unofficial)

Runs planned:

5/1 - Winchester, VA Apple Blossom 10K (if the baby does not come)

June, - YMCA Hagerstown 5K

July- Undecided

August - Undecided

September - Washington DC Run, Geek, Run 8K (if we get a 4 person team)

September 25, 2010 - Akron,Ohio Marathon (my first marathon ever in my hometown!)

Thanksgiving Day run - Undecided where...

Check out my Blog : My journey to the Ultra Marathon.... http://community.active.com/people/Ericd3043/blog

Tags: equipment

RL Loving

137 posts since
Aug 23, 2008

Currently Being Moderated

1. Oct 16, 2009 5:45 AM

in response to: Ericd3043

Re: Garmin Forerunner 205 vs 405

The information. Pace. Distance. Average Pace. Lap Time.

As long as you get the info you want/need ... the rest is just personal preference.

I have the 405. I like it. Occasionally I use the HRM.

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cpa0217

79 posts since
Sep 26, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

2. Oct 16, 2009 5:44 PM

in response to: Ericd3043

Re: Garmin Forerunner 205 vs 405

I have been using the 205 for over two years. At the time I got it, the 405 was just a rumor. However, the 305 was available with the HRM. When deciding between the 205 & 305, I was just honest with myself. I knew that I absolutely would not use the HRM often enough that it would have been worth the extra money to get it. The 205 does everything I need it to do (pace, time, distance, splits, approximate calories burned, changes in elevation, etc).

I would say that unless you intend to use the HRM on a regular basis, the 205 will probably do the job for you.