Garmin Forerunner 945: The Ultimate Running Watch for Serious Athletes

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a high-end GPS running watch designed for serious athletes who demand the best performance, accuracy, and features from their wearable device. As one of the latest additions to Garmin’s Forerunner series, the 945 promises to deliver unparalleled insights into your training, recovery, and overall performance.

Design and Display

The Forerunner 945 boasts a sleek and rugged design, with a stainless steel bezel and a reinforced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) case. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters and features a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass lens. The display is a 1.2-inch color touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, providing clear and easy-to-read visuals even in harsh sunlight.

Performance Metrics

The Forerunner 945 includes a wide range of performance metrics to help you optimize your training and recovery. These include:

  • Advanced running dynamics: cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and more
  • PacePro: personalized pace guidance for optimal performance
  • Running Power: calculates the power output of your run based on speed, distance, and cadence
  • VO2 max estimation: estimates your aerobic capacity and fitness level
  • Training status: provides a snapshot of your training intensity, including recovery time and stress levels

GPS and Navigation

The Forerunner 945 features Garmin’s proprietary GPS technology, which delivers accurate location data even in challenging environments. The device supports multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS, ensuring reliable tracking and navigation.

Music and Storage

One of the standout features of the Forerunner 945 is its built-in music storage, allowing you to download up to 1,000 songs directly onto the device. This eliminates the need for a separate music player or phone, making it perfect for long runs or workouts where connectivity may be limited.

Battery Life

Garmin claims that the Forerunner 945 can last up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode, depending on your usage. In our testing, we achieved around 10-12 days of battery life with moderate use, which is impressive considering the device’s advanced features.

Smart Notifications and Integration

The Forerunner 945 integrates seamlessly with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to receive smart notifications, control music playback, and access a range of apps. You can also pair the device with other Garmin wearables or accessories for a comprehensive fitness ecosystem.

Heart Rate Monitoring and Pulse Ox

The Forerunner 945 features advanced heart rate monitoring and pulse oximetry (SpO2) capabilities, providing detailed insights into your cardiovascular health and oxygen saturation levels.

Other Features

Additional features of the Forerunner 945 include:

  • Garmin Pay: contactless payments via your watch
  • Incident Detection: sends an alert to emergency services in case of a crash or fall
  • Stress Tracking: monitors your stress levels based on heart rate variability (HRV)
  • Sleep Tracking: analyzes your sleep patterns and provides recommendations for improvement

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is an exceptional running watch that offers unparalleled performance, accuracy, and features. Its comprehensive set of metrics, GPS capabilities, and music storage make it the ultimate tool for serious athletes who demand the best.

While the device’s price may seem steep at $649 (base model), its advanced features and durability justify the investment for those who prioritize their training and recovery.

Technical Specifications:

  • Display: 1.2-inch color touchscreen, 240 x 240 pixels
  • Processor: Garmin proprietary CPU
  • Memory: 32GB internal storage
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks smartwatch mode, up to 36 hours GPS mode
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, ANT+, Wi-Fi (optional)
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: advanced heart rate monitoring with pulse oximetry (SpO2) capabilities
  • GPS: supports multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS