Garmin Forerunner 405CX

This is a fantastic training watch. The software that Garmin provide is brilliant for tracking your running / biking and seeing how you're doing.

It's easy to set up with loads of features. The GPS takes a couple of minutes to acquire satellites and is best if it's outdoors, so switch to training before you want to run. It takes a little time to get used to and set up. It has auto pause when you're waiting to cross roads etc, which can be annoying, but easy to switch off.

The Garmin 405CX is very comfortable with a soft strap to change to if you prefer. I've run two half marathons with it. There's a virtual partner to train against and it'll navigate you back, if you are away from home and get lost on a run. I also have the bike cadence device (extra cost around £30) which is brilliant for cycling.

The battery lasts fairly well (about four runs) and is rechargable. There's a clip on charger that looks a little precarious, but actually works brilliantly.

The Garmin 405cx is the slightly updated version of the Garmin 405.

I've previously owned the Garmin 305 which I didnt find to be that good - it was too bulky and really struggled to find a GPS signal.

However, having read a few reviews on the 405 I thought I'd give it a go.

I must say Im pretty happy that I did.

The watch is a good size compared to the older watches. I personally wouldn't wear it as my standard watch, but it is almost at a size where you could. The screen is good (although with the advances of mobile phone screens you'd have thought someone would bring out a really high definition screen).

The functionality is excellent and I like the fact that you can easily scroll through 3 screens of stats as you're running by just tapping the bezel.

Overall the touch sensitive bezel is good but not fantastic. It doesnt cause me an issues really but sometimes it doesnt do what you want it to.

I've found the GPS signal to be excellent compared to the 305 and the addition of the Garmin uploading tool whereby you can view your run on a detailed map alongside elevation, heart rate, speed, distance etc, is a massive selling point.

It is expensive at around £250 (June 2010 price) but if you're serious about your running, love stats and want a watch that is reliable and not too bulky then its the watch for you.