Garmin Forerunner 205 Review
December 1, 2009 by Running Watch Reviews
Filed under Garmin Forerunner, GPS Running Watch Reviews
Serious runners would always need to have a good training watch. While a normal stop watch and a coach may provide some of the data that you need, it would still not provide you with the whole host of data for improving your training.
| Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch |
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Overall Rating: |
| Retail Price: $267.99 |
| Amazon Price: $194.99 |
That is why having a good GPS enabled running watch is critical for training.
One of the more famous GPS running watches is the Garmin Forerunner 205. The Garmin Forerunner 205 is considered one of the entry level GPS running watches that come from the Garmin Forerunner line.
The watch is capable of measuring and timing your exercise routines such as walking, jogging, running or even biking if you have the accessories for it. The Garmin Forerunner 205 would give you time/distance alerts when you have hit a specified distance or time during your workout. It also has Speed Alerts for warning you if you are going above or below a certain speed.
Something that is quite admirable in the Garmin Forerunner 205 is that it has built in automatic features to ensure that you can keep your focus on your running instead of your watch. There is an auto pause function that stops your timer when you are stuck on a stoplight or in traffic. The Forerunner 205 even packs an auto lap function when you reach a certain distance or point in your route.
As seen in the features mentioned above, it seems that the Garmin Forerunner 205 really caters to making the training as easy as possible for beginners. In fact, even the display of the Forerunner is customizable to show only the data that you would need. If you are not into knowing your total distance, but want to know how fast you are going and the time, then you can set the screen to show only these data.
Of course, given that the Garmin Forerunner 205 is an entry level model. There are bound to be some areas where the higher ends Forerunners blow it away. One thing that is highly noticeable is that it can take an extra minute or so, for it to connect to a satellite. This is especially true if you train in high traffic areas. Another is that it is quite bulky, and the wrist strap does not allow too many adjustments for fitting your wrists.
However, since it is understood that the Garmin Forerunner 205 comes at a lower price than high end models, I think that people would be willing for these kinds of tradeoffs.
Again, here is a quick summary of what I think about the Garmin Forerunner 205:
Strengths:
- Accurate Data Reading
- Customizable data entry fields
- Downloadable Training plans
- Affordable price range
Weakness:
- Satellite uplink, while brief, is not as fast as higher end Garmin models
- Can be a bit bulky for people with smaller wrists
Given these strengths and weaknesses, The Garmin Forerunner 205 is a great fit for people who are just beginners or are entry level runners.
The combination of great features that are a step up from regular stop watches, an inexpensive price, and easy to use controls make the Forerunner 205 a great first step, for anyone who is just entering the world of running watches.
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I love garmin forerunner GPS watches. Thank you for a helpful review.
The new model – Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS – has many added features as well.
I have returned this watch twice now. I want so badly to love it but there are some real problems with the watch. The touch bezel is way to sensitive and if you have even a little bit of sweat on your arm, its very difficult to operate. The 2 I’ve had have also frozen frequently requiring resets. It is very difficult to navigate at first although quite easy once you get used to it. The GPS was very accurate so that was great. I found this watch being more of a distraction while running than it was helpful as I was always looking down, concerned that the timer had stopped (which it had many times due to the bezel sensitivity) or that the watch had frozen. Maybe I’ll try again in a few years.
Great information about the Garmin Forerunner. As an avid runner, I have been using the 305 for years and have just recently upgraded to the 405. What a great device. What makes the 405 stand out from the rest is that it uses the heart rate monitor to accurately calculate calorie burn. Great upgrade. Thanks for the review
Like Caren, I really want to love this watch. But it’s just so temperamental. I had the same experience(s) as her. It regularly freezes on me (among other problems) and consequently is too distracting to use in races. It’s almost a great watch. In a few years, when they iron out all the many, many issues, it will probably be a great watch. In the mean time, it’s not reliable, t would appear the technology is simply not there yet. Be warned, this watch will cause you a lot of frustration- and at a price, about 300 euro!!
I started with the 201. It was pretty good, but would loose signal in trees or around large buildings. When the 305 came out, I upgraded. What an awesome device!! I used the heart rate monitor on this one and loved everything about it. If only it had a MP3 player built in, it would be amazing. When the 405 came out, I thought, “it can only get better.” Boy, was I wrong. I think the 405 series was just designed around a different concept. If you are looking for a sports watch that can sometimes be used for just logging runs from A to B with no regards for elevation, this is definitely the watch for you. The signal does not come close to that of the 305 and the elevation data is so bad that it actually shows the lowest point on my run as the highest. That is a difference of almost 600 feet. I ran with both the 305 and 405 on and not only is the altitude off, but even the location is off somewhat. Not enough to really notice. I suppose that Garmin was just trying to squeeze everything into the smallest package possible and something had to give, like a good antenna. I also had huge issues with the bezel as well. The only way to do anything is to lock it out. Otherwise, it would constantly toggle through screens and even leave the running mode and go back to “watch” mode. I would actually have to stop running to fix it. Love the 305. Maybe I will try the 310.
These are great, except for the fact that they do not last even a year. I’m on my second replacement under warranty, and it’s dead yet again. My mohter had the same problem. Don’t waste your money on Garmin.
The watch works good until it stops working. Mine died. When I take it off of the charger it turns off. I bought a new one and the same thing happened. Garmin knows there is a problem and has done nothing to fix it unless you send them $85 for a refurbished one. I went to their site and there are posts and posts of people haveing the same problem. Garmin presnts foem fixes but I tried them and none work.