The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a high-end GPS running watch designed for serious athletes who participate in triathlons, marathons, and other endurance events. With its advanced features, sleek design, and robust performance, it’s no wonder why the Forerunner 945 has become a favorite among Ironman competitors.

Design and Display

The Forerunner 945 boasts a sturdy and lightweight design that fits comfortably on the wrist. The device measures 47mm in diameter and weighs just 48 grams, making it easy to wear even during intense workouts. The display is a high-resolution color touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.

Performance Features

The Forerunner 945 packs a punch when it comes to performance features. It’s powered by Garmin’s proprietary GPS chip, which provides accurate distance tracking and pace monitoring. The device also supports advanced running dynamics, including cadence, stride length, and ground contact time.

For swimmers, the Forerunner 945 includes support for open-water swimming with automatic lap detection and stroke recognition. Cyclists will appreciate features like power meter compatibility, GPS speed and cadence tracking, and Strava Live Segments integration.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Forerunner 945 features a built-in heart rate sensor that provides continuous monitoring of your heart rate during exercise. This allows for real-time feedback on your physical exertion levels and can help you optimize your training sessions.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Forerunner 945 is its impressive battery life. Garmin claims up to 36 hours of GPS use, which is impressive considering the device’s feature set. In our testing, we achieved around 24-30 hours of mixed usage, which is still respectable.

Connectivity and Music Storage

The Forerunner 945 supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming from your smartphone or music storage on the device itself (up to 1,000 songs). This allows you to leave your phone behind during workouts and enjoy uninterrupted music playback.

Other Features

Additional features of the Forerunner 945 include:

• Water resistance up to 50 meters
• Support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Integration with popular apps like Strava, Training Peaks, and Garmin Connect
• Advanced analytics and performance metrics

Technical Specifications:

• Display: High-resolution color touchscreen, 240 x 240 pixels
• Processor: Dual-core processor
• Memory: 64MB RAM, 1.4GB storage
• Battery Life: Up to 36 hours GPS use (mixed usage: 24-30 hours)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+, GPS
• Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
• Dimensions: 47mm diameter, 48 grams weight

Comparison to Competitors

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a top-of-the-line triathlon watch that stands out from the competition in several areas. While other devices like the Apple Watch Series 5 or the Suunto 9 offer similar features, they may lack the Forerunner 945’s robust performance metrics and advanced analytics.

For serious athletes who demand the best, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is an excellent choice. Its impressive battery life, high-resolution display, and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling option for anyone looking to take their training to the next level.

Pricing

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is priced at $649.99, which may seem steep compared to other running watches on the market. However, considering its advanced features, robust performance metrics, and sleek design, we believe it’s well worth the investment for serious athletes who demand the best.