Garmin Forerunner 945: The Ultimate GPS Running Watch for Athletes

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the latest iteration of Garmin’s flagship GPS running watch, designed to cater to the needs of professional and serious amateur athletes. This high-end device boasts an impressive array of features, including advanced performance tracking, music storage, and smartwatch capabilities.

Design and Display

The Forerunner 945 retains its predecessor’s sleek design language, with a ruggedized polymer case that provides excellent durability. The watch is available in three sizes: S (140mm), M (145mm), and L (150mm) to fit different wrist sizes. The display is a high-resolution color touchscreen that offers crisp visuals and easy navigation.

Performance Tracking

The Forerunner 945 is equipped with an array of advanced performance tracking features, including:

  • GPS: Garmin’s proprietary GPS technology provides accurate distance, pace, and heart rate data.
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: The watch includes a built-in heart rate sensor that tracks your HR in real-time, providing valuable insights into your training intensity.
  • Running Dynamics: This feature uses the watch’s accelerometer to track running metrics such as cadence, ground contact time, and stride length.
  • Power Metrics: For runners who engage in high-intensity activities like interval training or hill repeats, Power Metrics provide detailed data on power output.

Music Storage and Smartwatch Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Forerunner 945 is its ability to store up to 1,000 songs directly on the watch. This means you can listen to your favorite tunes without needing a smartphone nearby. The device also supports Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless syncing with Garmin Connect.

Other Features

The Forerunner 945 includes an impressive array of additional features, including:

  • Smart Notifications: Receive alerts and notifications from your phone on the watch.
  • Mobile Payments: Make contactless payments using Garmin Pay.
  • Women’s Health Tracking: Track menstrual cycles and receive personalized insights into fertility windows and cycle length.
  • Garmin Connect IQ Store: Download apps, widgets, and data fields to customize your watch experience.

Battery Life

The Forerunner 945 boasts a respectable battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode or up to 36 hours with GPS tracking enabled. This makes it an excellent choice for athletes who need a device that can keep up with their demanding training schedules.

Technical Specifications:

  • GPS: Garmin’s proprietary GPS technology
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Built-in heart rate sensor
  • Display: High-resolution color touchscreen (240×240 pixels)
  • Storage: Up to 1,000 songs stored directly on the watch
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode or up to 36 hours with GPS tracking enabled
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters (164 feet)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+, and USB

Comparison to Competitors

The Forerunner 945 faces stiff competition from other high-end GPS running watches like the Apple Watch Series 7, the Polar Vantage V2, and the Suunto 9 Baro. While each device has its strengths and weaknesses, the Forerunner 945 stands out for its:

  • Advanced performance tracking features: The watch offers a more comprehensive set of metrics and analytics than many of its competitors.
  • Music storage capabilities: Storing up to 1,000 songs directly on the watch is a unique feature that sets the Forerunner 945 apart from other devices.
  • Smartwatch capabilities: Garmin’s ecosystem provides seamless integration with popular fitness apps and services.

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is an exceptional GPS running watch that offers athletes a wealth of advanced performance tracking features, music storage capabilities, and smartwatch functionality. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, its impressive array of features and long battery life make it well worth considering for serious runners and triathletes.

Price:

  • Garmin Forerunner 945: $649
  • Garmin Forerunner 945 with Music: $749