If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you know I love my Garmin 405. Like LOVE it.
I’m on my second one now and have convinced my brother and multiple friends to buy the 405 too.
It’s just a great GPS watch and I’ve never had any (big) issues with it.
the first one, RIP my friend.
Garmin today came out with a new watch and asked me to try it out: the Forerunner 10 that retails for $129.99. Why do they play with my heart like this when all I have love for is one Garmin and one Garmin only?!
So for the past week I’ve been wearing both watches on walks and runs to compare them, and this is my opinion on the two:
The 10 is a simplified version of other Garmin watches; it’s more of an entry-level watch for those runners who want to push one button and go. It’s smaller than the 405, water resistant and it’s the lightest Garmin available. (Also, if you have small wrists, the 10 can be made really small.)
The screen shows time and distance (calories and pace are on another screen), but the 405 shows all three: time, pace and distance together which I prefer.
{The 10 looks nearly as big as the 405 in the picture but it’s really not.}
Even though it’s a edited-down version, there’s still some great features like autopause/autolap, Virtual Pacer, an alarm, you can turn the watch off to save the battery for up to 5 weeks (love this), and it works with Garmin Connect.
So what do I like about the 10?
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The look – it’s smaller, sleeker and looks less tech-geeky and bulky.
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The price point – $129 is a lot more affordable than $300-500 of other models and you’re still getting the GPS which is why you buy a Garmin in the first place.
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The turn off feature – saves the battery big time.
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Ease of use – it’s really easy to figure out, unlike the touch bezel on the 405. You literally touch one button and go.
So what do I not like about the 10?
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Only displays two of the three time, distance and pace – I wish the screen showed all three like the 405 does.
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“Overestimating” the distance – it’s not really overestimating but every run or walk I did, the 10’s distance was slightly more than the 405, not by much but it was always more. (about .05 mile on a 10-11 mile run, not a big deal at all)
So would I buy the 10 instead of the 405 or another watch?
Hands down, I’d always buy a Garmin – they just do GPS right.
If I was on a budget or not a serious data runner (which I’m not), I’d definitely look at the 10. The 405 has so many features that I’ve never used (I’ve never once connected my watch to the Garmin Connect online program) so I don’t use it to its’ full capacity, but since it’s all I’ve run with for 3 years, I still hardcore love it.
But if I were to buy one today, it’d be really hard to turn down the more attractive price of the 10.
You can check out all the features on the website and see fellow bloggers Another Mother Runner.
Are you a Garmin lover? Which model? Do you use something else, like MapMyRun or a different brand of watch?
With that, I’m going running… with both my Garmins.
And go vote for me! You could win a MacBook Pro and I could stop being in second place!
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{ 111 comments… read them below or add one }
I would love to need a Garmin.
But when you run 5 miles on a treadmill…..it’s just not the same.
hahahahaha!
I wish I could run like you. I get bored in 45 minutes flat.
I have the 405 and love it!
the only downside is that my computer has stoped recognizing it when I plug it in. I can’t seem to figure out what the problem is.
When this one gives out on me it’ll be a sad day, but maybe then I’ll get the 10 since it fits the budget.
Thanks for the revuew SR! I always trust your opinion when it comes to stuff like this!
Have you checked for updates from Garmin? Or have you recently installed other (not-Garmin-related) updates on your computer? You might want to try reinstalling or redownloading (after uninstalling) the software and see whether that helps.
You also might want to try a different USB port on your computer. One of my USB ports quit working (the one I used all the time) and my Garmin wasn’t getting recognized, but when I stuck the stick in another port it worked like a charm.
I LOVE my 405! But I agree that it is pretty dang bulky. Makes me wonder if I’d like the 10 for simple runs when I don’t need more data. Thanks for the review!
I use MapMyRun for distance and my watch for pace…but a Garmin would certainly be easier! Thanks for the reviews.
Umm, I ALWAYS run with my Garmin or an App on my iPhone (run keeper)
LOVE that thing. I don’t plug it into the computer either….
simpleton kind of girl right here.
i mean, the pink is mad cute tho.
I like the idea of the 10, but it would bother me that the pace wasn’t on the same screen. I had a 405 for a couple of years, but either mine was a lemon or I hate them, because it never worked right for me. I recently got the 110 and I LOVE it. I never use any of the extras, so it’s perfect for me.
I love my 110 too! I never really see it get much love (the 405 tends to steal the show in blog world) but I personally love the 110 because it is a nice size and most of all extremely simple to use! I get what I need out of it and nothing more (:
Agreed, I love my 110. Everything I need, and the size is better for my little wrists.
I love my 110 too! Gives me all the info I need on one screen and I love that it’s not too bulky.
I am so stoked that you did this! I have been running for a few months now and have been wanting to get a garmin but couldn’t bring myself to let go of that metric-crap-ton of money for the 405. I think, since I am a beginner, I will definitely get the 10 now. Thanks for the pro/con’s. You did your due diligence and it’s much appreciated. Consider my socks rocked as usual.
i think the 10 is great and really simple to use. ive had a lot of people email me for videos or tips trying to figure out how to use the 405 (the touch bezel is a littl different) and for the money, it is a GREAT gps watch.
I have the 410 and love it!
Hi! I would love to have a device like that for tracking my distance and pace! I’ve never used a Garmin and I don’t know much about it, so your review was really helpful. Do you have to wear a chest strap (heart rate monitor) to be able to use Garmin for speed, distance, pace, and calorie count?
no you dont have to wear a hrm; it uses GPS satellites to read your distance so your time and pace will be figured out too. the hrm does come in handy to tell your heart rate obviously (how hard youre working) and to give you an accurate calorie count. i have one and wear it occasionally but like to wear it more during exercise classes.
Ok, my question is about the calorie count. I do a lot of running, but crossfit and workout videos too. I have used a polar harm for years now and love the calorie count. Does the garmin work well with the calories for exercise classes? Can you set goals for the calories you want to burn in a week, or only distance run? Most reviews of the watches only look at them for a running perspective, but I am definitely a multi sport athlete. I appreciate any feedback you can offer. I may have to just call the company and talk to them!
I had the motoactv for 3 months but the darn thing never got GPS signal so I’m back to a Garmin 310. Makes me so happy. I also use sports tracker and strava on occasion and like both of them far more than motoactv.
Thanks a bunch for this review! I use a 305 and I love it–I got it for a cheap price and it’s worked really well for me, although it does sometimes suck that it’s so bulky. I like that the Garmin 10 comes in those fun colors. Do you know if it will sync with a Garmin heart rate monitor?
the 10 doesnt sync with the hrm just bc they wanted to keep it light and paired down. the next watch up that does is the 210.
I currently have a 405 (green like yours!) and used to have a 305 (now discontinued). I LOVED the 305. It was a great multisport watch that was easy to use and allowed for quick transitions between sports. I never did the Garmin Connect/online thing with that watch, but I did download the data to my computer and look at it. Sadly, its buttons all broke this spring after 3 good years.
When I was looking at replacing it, I knew I was going with a Garmin, it was just a matter of which one. I couldn’t shell out $250 for the 310XT multisport watch, which is HUGE, and went with the 405 that I got for under $200 at Amazon. It was great for 2 months until its buttons broke…and I have been Garmin-less for a week!
It was under warranty and Garmin customer service has been great, so I am expecting a fully-functioning replacement this week, but man I love my Garmin and don’t know what I did without it!
Time, pace, and distance are all great, I only wish I could also see HR on the same screen; there is enough room for 4 fields, and once the bezel’s locked (essential) it’s a chore to switch to the HR screen. I have found that wearing the watch on my right hand has made the locking/unlocking sequence much more manageable, though, because I can use my index and middle finger to press the buttons; I don’t know how you do it when it’s on your left hand without pushing the watch all over the place.
I actually use the Nike GPS watch and have had a great experience with it thus far!
Hosting a giveaway, would love for you to enter!
http://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/#
My wife has the 610, and I have the 910xt…and we are both big fans. For me, I really like the fact that I can put as much or as little information on each of the four screens as I like. For my wife, she likes the simplicity of use, and how easily it connects to her computer for uploading.
For those on a budget though, the 10 does look like a good option.
I recently got the Garmin Forerunner 110 and I love it! I was looking at the 210, but Dick’s Sporting Goods sells the 110 exclusively I think and it does everything that the 210 does! I absolutely love it and it’s my first Garmin.
It has the time, distance, and pace all on one screen and it has the option to turn it off as well to save the energy! It’s been pretty accurate for distance as far as I can tell because I ran a 5K this weekend and it was almost spot on to the course (I think it was off by .01 or something like that).
It was only $199 at Dick’s and I had been looking at the 405, but couldn’t afford it at the time. For my first Garmin I’m extremely happy with it and so glad that I finally got one!
I have the Garmin 110 also…I liked it for its simplicity and price too…I wear it on almost every run and think its very accurate…thumbs up for Garmins!
Every time I see a blog post about a Garmin I want to switch. However, I feel fully invested in RunKeeper because I have almost 1,500 miles logged in that app. What to do, what to do? I have a few-years-old Polar heart rate monitor watch that I never use, and never really learned to use. That scares me a bit. I wouldn’t want to buy a Garmin and never learn to use it. But it looks cool!
There is a genius app that allows you to sync your Garmin to RunKeeper if you opted to buy a Garmin. Check out the Fit2RK app made by Fit2Apps.
I have the 610 and love it to death!!! Sometimes when I have to drive to meet my friend to run and forgot the watch, I go into major depression!
I got mine at REI when it was on sale $100 off, and got another $50 student discount, so a very sweet deal!!!!
I love being able to see my runs on garmin connect. I also upload them back into Nike plus because when I started, I use Nike and most of my runs are there. I used the Nike foothold thing without bothering to calibrate it… Disaster. It over estimated my distance by half a mile on a 2.5 mile loop so I thought I was a natural superstar in running… Epic fail.
way before i had a garmin, i had the nike + thing too and that was my complaint: it always overestimated my runs by a half mile or more. so i bit the bullet, bought a garmin that was expensive at that time and its been a love affair ever since. never once did i regret giving up the plus thingamajing.
I am from Canada and just recently purchased the Garmin 405 from Costco, and I am absolutely in love with it. I am currently training for my first full marathon (did my first half marathon in February and second half marathon in may), and I find it to be extremely helpful on my longer runs.
I’m not a serious runner, but, the fact that the Garmin 405 shows your pace, as well as your time and distance is very helpful! (Especially for those of us who tend to take it out to fast by just getting caught up in the fact that it is morning, the sun is out and the music you are listening to is awesome!).
I think that while the 10 costs less, now that I am used to the 405 I don’t think I could give up having the 3 vital (for me) pieces of information on separate screens.
I use the 405 now, but I actually liked my 305 better. I’m a simple gal, especially when it comes to technology, and I just thought the 305 was easier to use. I’m not a huge fan of the bezel on the 405 and I hate having to take my gloves off in winter to use it. But when my 305 bit the dust the 405 was cheaper, it’s a great watch but I agree that it does WAY more than I need it to! I’m intrigued by the 10 but I do like being able to see all my data fields on one screen.
LOVE my 405…. it is the best thing to train with…. for me at least…. loved looking back at all my training runs after my first marathon!
I use a nike + band or the app on my phone. I am kind of in love with the pink forerunner 10 and already emailed my husband asking him to buy it for me for my birthday (still 4 months away). I think garmin should send you another one for a giveaway so I can try to win one sooner!
im not saying yes or no, but you might want to check back middle of september….
I have the Garmin 305 and full-on love it. My husband got it for my birthday 4 years ago and I have not went on a run without it since. I cannot recommend it enough to runners.
Ooh this looks great. I’ve been eyeing Garmin’s as a present for myself (or a Christmas present since I’m broke) after I do my 1st half-marathon in October. I use MapMyRun right now, but it’d be nice to just be able to glance down at my wrist and see my distance and stuff so easily. And I actually don’t mind pace not being on the main screen because I’m super slow and it bums me out when I see it. I think this model was designed specifically for me!
Also- PINK!!
You made my day! I’ve wanted a fancy schmancy watch, but couldn’t justify spending a few hundred bucks for one… definitely considering getting this one now!
I have to admit I’m to the Garmin watch world. I have the 410 and LOVE it. –although I have to say I probably don’t use it to its full potential. I still have a lot to learn. The 10s looks cute and I like the colors…but for some reason I like the tech geeky look of the 400 series. It looks more serious and somewhat badass…ok, maybe just in my eyes ^_^
Right now I am using my iPod Nano with the Nike+ feature, they have a watch band you can put the nano inside which I really like. Right now I just use it to keep track of my runs, distance and overall pace. Eventually I might invest in something like a Garmin, but being so new to running I can’t justify it right now. When I eventually want to start working on my pace and actually doing more speed work/tempo runs I think a Garmin watch would be very useful! Plus I really like that they are coming out with a model that is a little more affordable. Couldn’t imagine spending 300+ on a running watch, I am not that cool.
I had a Garmin 405 but just couldn’t form a bond with it! The touch bezel was always switching screens when I didn’t ask it to, and when I would want to use it, it wouldn’t respond. Plus, the battery would crap out after like 6 miles sometimes (fully charged!). I have a hard-core love affair with my Nike+GPS watch. I like that I can use it outside with the GPS feature, but can still also use in on the treadmill with the Nike+ sensor. I’m a numbers dork, so I love being able to track everything on the Nike running website…I have thousands of miles stored there!
I have the big honkin 405 and love it!
Every time I try voting for you, I get this:
An error occurred with Smartusa. Please try again later.
nooooooooooooooooo! ill email them and ask. thanks for trying though!
Does this watch (either of them) use GPS signal? I have a Garmin, but it uses the footpod to measure distance and I’ve noticed in races that the distance is off. I’ve been thinking about a new one and think GPS might be the way to go. I like how small these watches are compared to the one Garmin I see all the time that looks like a small computer.
Thanks for all the info! I have been looking in to switching over to a Garmin from the Nike+ app, the iPhone is so bulky strapped to my arm, and it’s hard to read my pace/distance. Still trying to justify the cost, this less expensive option might convince me.
i have the old school 205 and love it!!! it’s super simple for me to use with the push of a button. i don’t have to actually stop and look at the watch to figure out how to stop it on my race.
i also love that it’s multi sport. we cycle too and it works fantastically on this sport as well.
I couldn’t live without my 405! I had a green one which I dropped on a tile floor and the screen shattered. Watch still works, but the screen is a mess. So I ordered a black 405… I could never give it up. Love it love it loooove!
I have the older, huge 205 and love it! It was way cheaper than other models when I was shopping, but it still does everything I need it to. I got it when I started training for my first half, and I can’t imagine doing any serious training without it.
I LOVE my Garmin 405!! However, I don’t even get close to using it to it’s full potential. Thanks for the review, if and when my current 405 dies, I will look into the smaller ones (but I really hope my 405 lasts forever <-wishful thinking).
I have the 405 too. I hate it. I wish I had bought the 305. That bezel never works right for me and just getting to the next lap screen is a chore, but it’s green and it’s cute. So there’s that. I think if I was in the market for another one, I’d probably go with the 10 just because I barely use all the 405 features. Although, I really do like seeing my pace on the screen. So if you can change the screen on the 10 to just pace and miles, I’d be good with that.
Thanks for this! I’m a running noob (I don’t fully know what a noob really is, but it’s fun to say and sounds kind of stupid, like me and running) who just started Couch to 5k for the seventh (yes, SEVENTH) time. I truly want to be a runner and have all the cool stuff runners have but a. don’t want to pay $9837 for it, and b. want to know how to use it. Therefore, this little guy seems kind of like perfection. And it’s pink. I like pink stuff.
For the longest time I just used a little $12 Timex but when I finally decided to invest in a Garmin I got the 210 which I love. I knew if I got something fancier (read: more expensive) that I would never use all of the features and end up wasting money. Although Garmin’s site shows that it retails for $250, you can get it from Amazon for around $150!
Plus I’m pretty dumb when it comes to electronics, so being able to push 1 button and go is a must for me. (Though figuring out how to upload to Garmin’s website took me a few months, LOTS of cussing, and eventually caving to my husband’s superior electronics skills.)
I should also note that the 210 displays distance, time, and pace all on the home screen, so you can have all of those features without spending the extra for the 410.
=)
I have the big & bulky 305 but it does the job! I really want to get the 405 but until my 305 doesn’t work anymore, I can not justify spending the money.
The forerunner 10 looks perfect for my husband though. He isn’t a hardcore runner, but still likes to log his time/distance/pace but is looking for a basic gps watch. I am going to point him towards the 10!
Thanks for the review! I’ve been considering getting a GPS watch for a while and was seriously thinking cheaper would be better for me over a Garmin because I don’t need all of the crazy functions. But, I’d prefer a Garmin because they’re a leader in GPS technology. So, it looks like the Forerunner 10 might be it!
Either that or I’ll wait until the Bia comes out next spring.
I have a Forerunner 410, which I bought when my Nike Plus died on my old iPod Touch (still not sure what happened there.) I mostly like the 410. The only thing I don’t like is that the pace appears to be cumulative, ie: it doesn’t show you current pace, but rather, the pace for the entire mile. For a bad pacer like me (let’s go fast! uh-oh, this is too fast. let’s slow down!), this isn’t helpful. I’m sure there’s some setting I could use to get current pace, but I don’t know what it is. The great thing about Nike Plus was you actually saw your pace and any fluctuations right away.
I just changed mine from current pace to average pace because I like it better that way. To do it, touch and hold Menu, select Settings, then select Data Fields. Select the training page you want it on, select the number of data fields, then use the bezel to select what you want in each data field. You want “Pace” (not “Pace-Avg” or “Pace-Lap”). Good luck!
What a great review! I have the Nike one that works with my shoe but I haven’t used it in awhile
I am always on a budget, so the 10 is the perfect option for me! I’m not a data runner and love the push one button and go feature!
I have the Garmin Forerunner 110, which looks similiar to the 10 you are trying. But my screen displays all info. at once which I like too. I would not want to switch screen to check pace, b/c I constantly am looking and adjusting my speed based on my pace time. I feel like I have become such a better runner by using the Garmin, in a race I know when I can kick it in and how far I have left. I have been running for 2 and 1/2 years and have been running w/ my Garmin for 4 months now. I can’t believe I went for so long w/o one! LOVE my Forerunner 110 and I use th Garmin connect all the time. I share my runs on FB and it helps keep my accountable so I don’t slack off!
If I cared more about my times I’d probably go with the cheaper option….but in reality, I just like to run, to RUN–not worrying about distance & stuff. But that being said, after completing my Half IronMan on Saturday, I am done with races for awhile
Perfect timing! I’ve been debating lately which fitness watch I wanted to get. I was pretty sure I wanted a Garmin, cause i have heard nothing but good things about them, but I didn’t know which one was the best. I’m still up in the air if I want to get the Nike+ shoes too, but this post for sure helped me out! Thanks
I LOVE Garmin! I had a 201 that I absolutely loved, and still do, and then graduated to the 405 recently. The thing I don’t like about the 405 is that I can’t shut it off, so if I don’t use it for a while, it’s DEAD! Those are days when I revert back to the ol’ 201. I am interested to read about the 10, and I like the fact that you can turn it off to save the battery! Thanks for the info!
I have the Garmin that’s the cheapest w/o the HRM. Don’t know which model. I love it. I don’t think the new watch would be good for me, unless you can set repeats. I use mine alot to do speedwork. I like that function. I also like to see mileage and pace.
Thanks for the reminder to vote, I NEED to win that computer!
I LOVE my Garmin, have the 405 and it’s my second Garmin watch. Honestly though I hate the bevel touch thing. I am sure it is mostly due to lack of knowledge on my part and not learning how to use it properly but it drives me crazy. I wish I had known about the simplified 10 coming out cause I would love to have that one for sure.
LOVE this review–super helpful. I’ve been running for about a year now (tracking mileage with my phone) and am finally read to pony up some cash for a Garmin. Definitely will be going with the 10 – the price point is spot on and like you, I don’t think I’d take advantage of all the features for the 405.
Did they happen to let you know when it will be available on websites besides their own–e.g., websites like Amazon? I earn better points on Amazon and prefer to buy from there if possible!
I’m interested in the Garmin 10, but I’m leaning toward the Timex Run Trainer. How do you think the 10 compares to the 210?
i cant say because ive only tried the 405 and the 10.
I have a 405, and I do love it. But I’m on my second one, and it has died too. As in, the first time it completely ran out of battery it absolutely will not turn back on. Same thing happened with my first one, and since I live 15 minutes from the Garmin headquarters they just exchanged it. But I’m wondering what the heck I’m doing wrong with this thing. Any thoughts from you or your readers?
The 10 looks pretty nice, if I had to buy brand new I might consider it. But I think I would also want to have all three data elements on the screen.
I personally use the Nike GPS + Watch, which I like for a few reasons.
Easy to use, one long press of the key gets you into running mode
Works with GPS or the foot pod for treadmill running indoors
Works with the HR Monitor (sold separately)
Love the Nike + website and how the USB connector is built into the watch band, no need for a different connector/reader unit. It is nice to track your history, by simply plugging it into the computer.
What I wish they would improve on
Bigger – Big guy, needs big band. I am on the last set of holes and
The font is a bit small for us older guys who wear reading glasses. I can see the main screen, but the secondary piece can be a struggle
The battery life is decent and they added an ability to adjust the time zone without the need for a computer, plus added an alarm.
The need to download ephemeris data (geek talk), all GPS’ can get faster fixes with extended ephemeris data. What this watch has an issue with is when you travel and DON’T have updated data, it can take 15-20 minutes to get an initial fix.
I use MapMyRun, but sometimes the distance is way off. I think I need a Garmin!
Just voted and looks like you’re tied for first?!?!
I have the Garmin 410. I was debating between that one and the 210, and the determining factor was the fact that the 410 has auto pause, because I run in LA and there are lots of stop lights and stuff. Guess what? I hate the auto pause. HATE. It takes a couple seconds to realize you’ve stopped, and an extra 5 seconds a couple times throughout a shorter run can mean your pace is really not accurate. Now, I just start and stop the watch myself. Oh well, still love the watch even though I don’t use half of the fancy schmancy features.
Honestly? The 10 probably has everything I need, but (and this is dumb) I don’t love the look. It’s too kid-like or something.
i never liked the autopause feature either! i would try it and end up pushing start/stop on my own anyways.
405 lover here! The only negative thing I can say about it is the bezel. I still haven’t figured it out entirely. Other than that it’s awesome. I had one glitch in that the pace was way off but the Garmin people were great in getting it fixed. Would definitely get another 405 in a heartbeat.
I do have a Garmin, but never use it since I’m not a huge runner.
Do you use your Garmin just for running, or all your other activities as well? Just curious…maybe I should wear mine more? Hm..
I have a Garmin Forerunner 110 and absolutely love it! It was very within my young adult budget and has all the features I need to be a non-extreme competitive runner. I would like to have a 405, but I don’t have 300-500 to blow on it.
I have a multi-sport FR60 that I love. It isn’t fancy (no GPS), but tracks heart rate, pace, mileage, calories burned, Garmin Connect (which I love),… everything I need plus more.
Whoa! That’s pretty affordable for a GPS watch. Great review! I also use the Garmin 405 and am in love with it.
My Garmin 305 pretty much just makes my running lift easier.
I have to strongly disagree here. I have had a garmin for running, and my husband had one for cycling. Both crapped out within 6 months The running garmin I was able to restart after a 4 HOUR WAIT for their customer service. That’s a story in itself. But it crapped out again shortly afterward.
Bottom line, their products last about 6 months, their customer support sucks and at the end of the day, the iPhone does GPS WAY better than they do. Get a 2 dollar app if you want to track your shizzel. Better yet, download one of the many free ones and save yourself a huge waste o’ cash.
Just sayin!
I’ve never owned a Garmin, but I use my iphone with the Map My Run app. I carry it in a mini-fanny pack because I don’t want that huge phone on my upper arm. It works fine, it tells me my mileage through headphones as I go, and like Caren said, it’s Cheap (since you already have the expensive phone and data plan!). That being said, using any GPS app on your iPhone wears the battery down much faster than normal. For a 4 hour run, I’m not sure a phone battery could deal.
I’m rocking the crazy old (retro?) Garmin 201. I seriously love that thing and will not replace it with a newer model until it dies, which I’m cheap so I hope it keeps on ticking forever!
And they have a PINK one!! It took me forever to learn to use the other Garmin.. and I still have battery problems. I want the new one, but I don’t see that happening since I already have one and use iPhone apps as well.
I’ve always used my Garmin 305…but I want to get a triathlon one next!! so prob the 910 I think?
405 all the way. I love it like it’s my 4th kid and I love garmin connect.
I have the Garmin 305 but I just read about the 10 today. I definitely wanted to read some reviews & possibly try it out – thanks for the review! You read my mind
I’ve had the 305, 405 and now use a 210. I didn’t love the touch bezel but the 405 was pretty good until it stopped working, then conveniently started again after I’d bought the 210! I love the 210 for its less bulky size and it’s much easier to use, but I have trouble connecting it to my PC almost every time I use it. I love garmin connect and can’t believe you’ve never used it!
Can anyone tell me the difference between the Forerunner 305 (now discontinued??) and the Forerunner 405? I have the 305 and like it a lot, despite its bulkiness, but have always been curious what the 405 offers that the 305 doesn’t. Maybe I’m dumb but I have trouble understanding the different watches bc their names don’t make much sense to me.
so the 305 was the precursor to the 405, i believe. its a lot bulkier and bigger and sorta looks like a calculator watch. generally ive heard that people like their 305s but it sometimes has a hard time finding a signal and the bulky factor.
Thank you, SR! P.S. I’m voting for your Smart wrap design every day! Good luck
thank you!!
The 305 is much better for multisport than the 405–you can transition easily and quickly from bike mode to run mode, and you can separate transition times as well (excellent for triathlons). The 405 is more for one sport at a time–the bezel doesn’t make it easy or quick to transition from one sport to the next, and the watch doesn’t keep track of multiple sports at a time (at least that I’ve found yet).
The 305 is a lot bulkier than the 405, but I don’t think the 405 offers anything more than the 305; in fact, it feels like it offers less to me because I’m from a multisport background and miss that aspect of the watch.
Thanks for the info! Helps the less experienced Garmin users a bunch.
I have the Garmin Forerunner 305 and I love it! I bought it for about $140 off Amazon a few years ago. It’s my pride and joy! Although I am tempted to get that Forerunner 10, I just saw Janae talked about it too, it’s so cute and pretty and lightweight. I have tiny wrists and sometimes my 305 can be a weight. The price seems pretty great too! But I do like having all the info on the screen, decisions decisions!
I was set on getting the 210. Then this one comes out. Now I can’t make up my mind! This watch is for me, but I would like to have three items on one screen (like you mentioned). But I read you can scroll to other screens. I need to play with the 10 in my local running store before I make my decision. Thank you for giving a review!
I actually work for Garmin and have been anticipating the release of the 10 for a while now. I didn’t get to test the product, but according to the website there is a way to customize the settings so that distance and pace can be seen on the same screen. That might solve the big problem a lot of people see in the 10. I currently have a 405 and don’t come close to using it for it’s maximum capabilities, but it is an amazing watch. I’m glad to hear so many people have had positive experiences with Garmin products & support! I highly recommend using Garmin’s website to give any positive or negative feedback you have. Your voice really does get heard!
thanks Abby to adding your perspective from Garmin’s side. interesting to hear
All the garments I have tried are to bulky. I am waiting on my bia sport
Garmin 610 – my second Garmin after the 405 and I love Garmins! Then again, Garmin was the one I started off with, so really I don’t know if Polar, Suunto, Timex etc will work for me.
I think I may be the only person to love my 405 more than you SR! I am on my second one as well, had issues with the first one (which was the green color too btw!) and when I was waiting for the replacement I was CRAZY. everyone that ran with me was like WTF? aha. So addicted to that thing. I dont use half the features, there are soooo many! I also hate the auto pause as i saw someone else mention, it takes to long to work. I ALWAYS upload to Garmin Connect, I think that is my #1 fave thing about it! instant data plus maps plugged into a training log! Gotta love it! I also need to have all three things shown on my screen, gotta have that pace displayed handily. I do have super tiny wrists so the 405 swims around on me but I got used to it and have so much love for it I dont even care anymore. Will def buy another!
I have the pink/grey Garmin Forerunner 110 and love it! I do wish there was a way to turn it off though as the battery only lasts 2-3 days. I’ve also had some trouble with the GPS..the “locating satellites” screen is maddening! other than that it’s a great size especially if you have small wrists and I like that it shows pace, time and distance all on one screen.
I have the Garmin 210 and I love it, it’s enough for me; it shows time; distance, pace.. Switch to another screen and there’s the heartrate info plus distance or pace again. Only problem; in the summer sometimes a little moisture appears inside the screen.
I love the looks and simplicity of this model. I have always steared clear of the garmins for several reasons but mostly because I prefer technology to enhance my run rather than irritate me with a bunch of data that I do not want/need.
This looks perfect! If the pace/distance were on the same screen then it would be perfect!
I also love the price and the colors. Do I need another run/gps watch? No! But I think I will add this to my collection which includes the Nike GPS & the Polar/Foot Pod…..and I will use the excuse that I’m buying it for my daughter.
Good luck, I voted!
I have the 405cx. I got it cheap on Amazon when garmin released the 110. I love love love it. I’ve been training a group of people and then interval feature has been a huge help!
I have been wanting a Garmin 110 for months! Scared to pony up the cash… pick me!!
I am very new to running and this is great!!! I’ve been wanting a Garmin but couldn’t make myself shell out the cash since I’m not a “serious” runner. I will only feel slightly selfish for spending $129.99 on my running obsession. Now on to the harder decisions black or pink??? Do I hold out for a possible give away??? Hmmm…
I’m sooooo glad you did this review! I’ve been back and fourth between a Garmin and a Nike+ I just couldn’t make up my mind. I like the Garmin 210 better than the 405 just because it was smaller but now that the 10 is out I will DEF be getting this one for now. 1. being I’m on a budget 2. its smaller which I love 3. I just started running and I hate using my phone to track my distance. Thanks again!
Well they had to come out with an entry level cheaper watch since there are some other companies like Solius (spelling?) are doing it.
Sounds like a good watch, and I know there are TONS of things I don’t even know about that I can do on my 410….simpler might be better!
Too many races later, I finally invested in the Garmin 10 (in pink!) after reading your review. Surely even I can handle one button….thanks a ton for the rec!
I just bought the green one (well, it is back-ordered from REI)…thanks for the review! I have never had a GPS watch before and spend tons of time mapping 20 milers out on mapmyrun.com… this seems like a better alternative
I read, too, that you can adjust the settings to have pace and distance on the same screen. Anyway, I just hope it gets here before I head to Victoria, BC for the marathon on October 7th!
Thanks for the review! I’m 98% sure I’m going to be purchasing the 10 soon, but it’s my first GPS watch so I’ve been kind of wishy washy. $129 is a good price, but any chance of a SR reader discount in the future? My grubby little hands want that watch, and they want it as cheap as can be! It’s them. Not me. We’re separate entities.
I know alot of your readers use the Garmin for running so I thought this might be a good place to come to see if anyone might have an extra USB ANT Stick laying around???? We just recently moved and I lost mine.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. By the way I love reading your blog. I am a daily reader which has encouraged me to sign up for my first marathon.
Great review! I’m in the market for a new Garmin now that my 110 is on its last legs and the price of the 10 is very alluring…
Two questions:
The “overestimating” factor– would you say that this balances things out if you suck at running the tangents, i.e. giving you a more accurate pace?
Does it get a signal as easily as the one you compared it to?
Thanks!
the overestimating factor is really so so minimal that i dont think it makes a difference at all. its like running a marathon, i never run exactly 26.2 miles according to my garmin but its not a big deal.
a few times it has taken a little longer to find a signal but most of the time its about the same as the 405 which finds the signal really fast.
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