Garmin Foretrex 401 || Review
Over the past 3 years or so I have been using different tools to log my outdoor activities to see how far and fast I have been running, biking, or hiking. I had a cycle computer that broke and a GPS (Garmin Foretrex 201) that I used during that time.
But the one thing I did not have was one tool that I could move from bike to bike or carry on me. In the search for the one tool to do all, I needed to define what my requirements were and research something that could meet those requirements.
Requirement List:
1. I need something that I can use on both my mountain and cross bikes. (two mounts)
2. Heart Rate.
3. Cadence.
4. Altimeter.
5. Wireless.
6. Waterproof.
7. Electronic Compass.
8. I can go running and hiking.
9. Can download the data (Workout or GPX file)
10. Navigate with it
11. Good price point
After looking at the specs of different cycle computers heart rate monitors and Garmin products, I think I found the one that meets my requirements. The Garmin Foretrex 401.
It's the big brother of the 201 that I already had. The Foretrex 201 is a discontinued model and lacks a lot of the features of the 401. If you remember reading this then you will know I was hard on the 201 that day but it proved to be able to take everything that I was dishing out to it!
As you can see from the picture both units look about the same, but the 401 can do so much more. Compared to most GPS units it does lack a lot of the features that most people are looking for in a GPS. The Foretrex 401 does not have a base map nor can you upload maps to it. Software and updates are also lacking.
The Foretrex comes with a wrist strap, a belt or equipment strap, a USB cord, and a user manual on CD. There are a couple of tools that you can download from the Garmin site. Garmin's BaseCamp and Garmin Connect. You can also use 3rd party sites like Mapmyride or GPS Visualizer. I am still working on how to use BaseCamp... Maybe that will be another post.
So is the Foretrex 401 for you? Maybe or maybe not! The Foretrex 401 is marketed for military use. It is hands-free and there is a tactical pouch made for it. Important when you need to use your hands but still know your location. Also, there is a jumpmaster feature.
I think the list could go on, para-gliders, UL backpackers, cyclists. However, having a strong background in navigation and route planning is a must for users of this unit.
I have only had the Foretrex 401 for about 30 days and I plan to give it some more testing and use and will give an updated post.
But the one thing I did not have was one tool that I could move from bike to bike or carry on me. In the search for the one tool to do all, I needed to define what my requirements were and research something that could meet those requirements.
Requirement List:
1. I need something that I can use on both my mountain and cross bikes. (two mounts)
2. Heart Rate.
3. Cadence.
4. Altimeter.
5. Wireless.
6. Waterproof.
7. Electronic Compass.
8. I can go running and hiking.
9. Can download the data (Workout or GPX file)
10. Navigate with it
11. Good price point
After looking at the specs of different cycle computers heart rate monitors and Garmin products, I think I found the one that meets my requirements. The Garmin Foretrex 401.
It's the big brother of the 201 that I already had. The Foretrex 201 is a discontinued model and lacks a lot of the features of the 401. If you remember reading this then you will know I was hard on the 201 that day but it proved to be able to take everything that I was dishing out to it!
 |
| From the outside, the 201 and 401 look to be the same |
As you can see from the picture both units look about the same, but the 401 can do so much more. Compared to most GPS units it does lack a lot of the features that most people are looking for in a GPS. The Foretrex 401 does not have a base map nor can you upload maps to it. Software and updates are also lacking.
The Foretrex comes with a wrist strap, a belt or equipment strap, a USB cord, and a user manual on CD. There are a couple of tools that you can download from the Garmin site. Garmin's BaseCamp and Garmin Connect. You can also use 3rd party sites like Mapmyride or GPS Visualizer. I am still working on how to use BaseCamp... Maybe that will be another post.
So is the Foretrex 401 for you? Maybe or maybe not! The Foretrex 401 is marketed for military use. It is hands-free and there is a tactical pouch made for it. Important when you need to use your hands but still know your location. Also, there is a jumpmaster feature.
I think the list could go on, para-gliders, UL backpackers, cyclists. However, having a strong background in navigation and route planning is a must for users of this unit.
I have only had the Foretrex 401 for about 30 days and I plan to give it some more testing and use and will give an updated post.
Comments
for your further write ups thank you once again.
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