Garmin 405 or gps pod for my Suunto?

I can comment on the Suunto GPS pod, I haven't had any issues with it other than it can take it a minute or two to find a satellite.  I don't use my Suunto anymore, I bought a 310xt instead so I could easily download my data to alternate programs.

Danny

OK, thanks.

You want to sell your Suunto GPS pod?

The 405 is better than a separate pod system- because it doesn't require a separate pod.  The whole thing is right there on your wrist.

No- the 405 is not fully waterproof.  you can get it wet, sweat on it, run in the rain- that's all OK.  I think DCRainmaker put it under his bathing cap for a swimming test.  It's good and water resistant, but Garmin doesn't recommend swimming with it.  the HR monitor is waterproof tho'.

Short review:  The good:  405 is small, fully featured, comfortable, great sattelite reception and quick to acquire.  It's intuitively easy to operate, and if your hands aren't dry, the bezel is great.  wireless downloads are a nice feature too.  I use mine as my cycling computer too.

The bad:  if you're a sweaty guy, run in the rain or otherwise wet- the bezel can become annoying to unusable.  you can lock it so the watch works fine, but some people (understandably) hate this about the 405.  I live in the desert and don't sweat much- so not a problem for me.  Also- the battery lasts 6-8 hrs.  Good enough for a marathon or a century, but not both.  If you're iron-man bound, get the 310xt.

Many thanks for that post.

That's exactly the level of detail I wanted to hear.

I was going to bring up my concern with the Suunto pod battery lasting up to 10 hrs and seems like this is the same.
I am doing IMWI 2011 so maybe I'll just have to save up for the 310xt.

I will be happy to sell my GPS pod, send me a PM if interested. However, I would upgrade to the 310xt. I think an ironman would be at the battery limit of the Suunto GPS pod, I do remember changing batteries in it pretty often.

Danny

Well, that makes your decision easy.  the 310xt is your only real choice then.
it's also compatable with the wireless powertap.

Triathlons- a great way to spend your hard earned dough.