Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Garmin Forerunner 405CX (Part III & Final)

I am with Garmin Forerunner 405CX since May 2011, until now, been through 3 units of the watch already. 1st one got from Singapore (purchase in March by my brother, but only start using in May), dead after my first Marathon in September. Sent the unit for warranty claim, AECO MAL/Garmin Taiwan return a reclaimed unit from some way else in November only (about 6 weeks down time). After my complaint, they swap a new unit with the reclaimed unit in December.
GF405CX in action during PBIM 2011.
The last unit only worked until end Feb, and its dead now. As there is no service report provided from the last warranty claim, I can’t tell if there is any abuse in my way of using it (I suspected some water slip into the unit when I rinse the unit under the tap after each run). The only thing I can confirm now is Garmin doesn’t suit my uses. May be the GF910XT with full water proof can stand on this, but I had not plan to get another into Triathlon so I will waste money for the over designed GF910XT.

2 key points you need to consider if you are in the mid of considering Garmin Forerunner as your next GPS training device (in Malaysia),
1. Service, the distributor have good network coverage with few branches in Klang Valley, but most of the outlet and even the HQ don’t have the capability to do anything on Forerunner. In most of the complaint case, your unit will be return to Garmin Factory in Taiwan for further inspection and troubleshooting. Prepare for some down time. And if you are getting your unit outside of Malaysia (not AECO authorized), you will need to pay postage for the trip to Taiwan.
2. Battery, lots of complaint about the battery life, but there are some users reporting a very good battery life (>2 years). It is a factory installed battery means you will not able to change battery yourself. In the event of battery dead, you can send your unit for reconditions in Garmin with some charges. Do factor the cost of refurbishment and down time in if you plan to use it for long term.

I am now running with the Polar FT4 and all routine workouts done in a fixed 3.2km course (a straight road near by my home). Long run will depend on the Nokia SportsTracker. I am looking for suitable GPS/footpod unit as replacement. Eying on Polar RCX5 and Timex Run Trainer but my running budget running low lately. For time being, I just need to wait! 


GF405CX Part I
GF405CX Part II
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14 comments:

  1. Nick Phillips (15/03/1967 - 04/11/2022)March 6, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Yikes, that is bad. I'm hoping my Garmin doesn't give me this much grieve in the near future.

    Time to save up for a new unit :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NeohMarch 7, 2012 at 9:49 AM

      You didn't rinse the unit after each run like me. I think your unit should last longer :)

      Delete
    2. Nick Phillips (15/03/1967 - 04/11/2022)March 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM

      Actually I do rinse it but very carefully and I wipe it and leave it to air dry before even using it to upload info. I'll even dry every single hole or screw in the watch :P

      Delete
    3. NeohMarch 8, 2012 at 5:47 AM

      I rinse a lots and cincai wipe it dry with a cloth, then air dry :P

      You take good care with your unit :)

      Delete
  2. linaMarch 6, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    For something that expensive to last just a couple of years, that sucks!

    Hope you can get better unit soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NeohMarch 7, 2012 at 9:51 AM

      The actual time I ran with GF405CX is only about 8 months. Already 2 units dead on me (one more returned in exchange of the 3rd unit before it kaput).

      How is your Nike? Is that a reliable model?

      Delete
    2. linaMarch 7, 2012 at 12:13 PM

      Not really. Heard from the staff that there sre issues with it, that's why can easily get new replacement for faulty model. Anyway, it just show basic info. I think I need more an better model soon.

      Delete
    3. Nick Phillips (15/03/1967 - 04/11/2022)March 7, 2012 at 9:25 PM

      I agree with Lina, stay away from the Nike Sports band! The main problem with the Nike Sports band are the USB connectors on the watch itself. They tend to get screwed with all that sweating you do during your runs.

      Delete
    4. NeohMarch 8, 2012 at 5:48 AM

      Noted! I sweat a lots so this unit will not suitable for me.

      Delete
  3. francisMarch 7, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    I hv Garmin 110 and 610. Apart from the issue of battery running out fast and requiring recharging frequently, there is no other problem....Well, I think you are right, perhaps u shd try out other brands...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NeohMarch 8, 2012 at 5:51 AM

      Still look-see-look-see now ;)
      May just wait until the Polar RCX3 released.

      Delete
  4. NeohMarch 7, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    Visited Athlete's Circle during lunch time.
    They have RCX5 at RM1399/RM1499 (with footpod or GPS), I can get a 10% discount as PACM member. Also they told me I will have 15% discount if I choose to trade-in my FT4. Really tempting.

    Btw, they moved to new location (from a parking floor, to now at the side of the main road @ JayaOne facing Jalan Universiti). The new shop will have a re-launching on 31 Mar and some of the item will be on sale too. Let wait and see if RCX5 will be on bargain (as a tune down version - RCX3 is on schedule to release in April).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NeohMarch 8, 2012 at 9:15 PM

      Just found out that Marathon Shop is selling GF910XT at RM1341 for Brooks Half Marathon. which is way cheaper compare to the Polar RCX5 (GPS or footpod). And GF910XT is more compact unit with GPS built-in.

      May be my story with Garmin yet to finished... :P
      Think, think, think...

      Delete
    2. NeohMarch 10, 2012 at 8:50 PM

      My story with Garmin is yet to concluded! Brought GF910XT this morning, will do my first field test in tomorrow Brooks Half Marathon.

      Delete

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