The Garmin Forerunner 745 is the latest addition to Garmin’s lineup of high-end running watches, and it’s clear that they’ve packed this device with a wealth of features and advanced technology. As a serious athlete looking for a watch that can keep up with your demanding training schedule, the Forerunner 745 is definitely worth considering.

Design and Display

The Forerunner 745 boasts a sleek and rugged design that’s perfect for both on-road and off-road activities. The watch features a 1.04-inch monochrome display at the top, which provides essential information such as time, distance, pace, and heart rate. Below this is a color touchscreen display measuring 1.2 inches, which offers a wealth of customizable data fields and widgets.

The Forerunner 745 is built to withstand the rigors of intense training sessions, with a sturdy frame that’s resistant to scratches and drops. The watch also features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 16 hours in GPS mode or up to 6 days in smartwatch mode.

Performance Tracking

One of the Forerunner 745’s standout features is its advanced performance tracking capabilities. Using a combination of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, the watch provides accurate distance, pace, and heart rate data during runs. The watch also features a built-in accelerometer that tracks cadence, stride length, and ground contact time.

But what really sets the Forerunner 745 apart is its ability to track advanced running metrics such as lactate threshold, aerobic and anaerobic training effects, and running power. These metrics provide valuable insights into your performance and help you tailor your training sessions to optimize your results.

Music and Storage

The Forerunner 745 comes with built-in music storage, allowing you to store up to 1,000 songs directly on the watch. You can also sync playlists from popular streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.

With a total storage capacity of 32GB, you’ll have plenty of room for maps, music, and other data files. The watch also features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless earbuds or headphones, making it easy to listen to your favorite tunes during long runs.

Smart Features

Beyond its running capabilities, the Forerunner 745 also functions as a smartwatch with a range of features that make it perfect for daily wear. These include:

• Smartphone notifications: Receive alerts and updates from your phone on the watch
• Music control: Start, pause, and skip tracks directly from the watch
• Voice assistant integration: Use Siri or Google Assistant to send messages, set reminders, or ask questions
• Mobile payment support: Make contactless payments using Garmin Pay

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Forerunner 745 features advanced heart rate monitoring capabilities that track your heart rate continuously throughout the day. The watch uses a combination of optical and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors to provide accurate readings, even during high-intensity activities.

GPS and Navigation

The Forerunner 745 boasts an impressive array of GPS and navigation features, including:

• GPS: Provides accurate distance, pace, and heart rate data
• GLONASS: Enhances satellite signal reception for improved accuracy
• Galileo: Offers additional satellite system support for even more precise tracking
• Turn-by-turn directions: Get guided routes with audio cues and turn-by-turn instructions

Water Resistance

The Forerunner 745 is rated for water resistance up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming or water-based activities.

Battery Life

As mentioned earlier, the Forerunner 745 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 16 hours in GPS mode or up to 6 days in smartwatch mode.

Technical Specifications:

• Display: 1.04-inch monochrome display at top, 1.2-inch color touchscreen display below
• Processor: Garmin’s proprietary processor
• Storage: Up to 32GB storage capacity
• Battery Life: Up to 16 hours GPS mode or up to 6 days smartwatch mode
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, ANT+, Wi-Fi
• Water Resistance: Rated for water resistance up to 50 meters

Comparison with Competitors

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a top-of-the-line running watch that competes directly with devices like the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Polar Vantage V2. While these watches offer similar features, the Forerunner 745 stands out for its advanced performance tracking capabilities and robust GPS navigation.

In terms of pricing, the Forerunner 745 starts at $599 (base model) and goes up to $699 (high-end configuration). This puts it in direct competition with high-end running watches from other manufacturers.

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is an exceptional running watch that offers a wealth of advanced features and technology. Whether you’re a serious athlete or simply looking for a reliable GPS watch, the Forerunner 745 is definitely worth considering. With its robust performance tracking capabilities, impressive battery life, and sleek design, this watch is perfect for anyone who wants to take their running or training sessions to the next level.

Pros:

• Advanced performance tracking capabilities
• Impressive GPS navigation features
• Robust battery life
• Sleek design
• Water resistance up to 50 meters

Cons:

• Expensive compared to budget-friendly options
• Some users may find the interface overwhelming or difficult to navigate