@@DesFit btw I was thinking it would be awesome to see some videos from you on the tag smart watch, and maybe even simpler products like whoop. Would love to hear your opinion on them.
Thanks for the detailed review, It helped me choose. I've Never really been a runner before and I had another smartwatch but it wasn't reliable for sport and had an annoying short battery life. I descided to try a Garmin brand and landed on this forerunner 55(was on special). Love it! It got me started gradually, slowly pacing myself to do 5km and now 10km. The simple coach and daily suggestions are really helpful as well as setting up you own workouts. I initially setup a bunch of intervals workouts which really helped me build my pace and endurance. I like that the screen and functions are simple. The 3 best thing i like; reliable, long battery life, workout functions. I whish the watch would have open swimming and trail running but at this price point its minor really.
This is a great review for this watch. I was looking for a smart watch for quite a while that will fit on my running style and then I found this FR55. At first i was hesitant because of the prize, maybe i cannot afford. But I decided to really invest on it. I got this FR55 for about 2 weeks ago now and it blow my mind. This entry level Garmin Smart watch is the cheapest on the line but full of features that satisfies my need as a runner and not only in running but on daily use. What amaze me is that its features are so good and accurate. I also did a research for other smart watches but FR 55 won my heart. It is very simple, very light and all in all excellent quality. Thanks for your review. I've unlocked other features. Great job. 👍👍💪
Excellent video as usual. Even for low-end Garmins the features are just overwhelming sometimes, so your reviews always help cut through the clutter. Will check out your 935 LTE review, if anything to see how on-board LTE will work when they bring that feature (hopefully!) to lower-end devices like the 245.
Maybe I’m not as invested, but it feels like I never know Garmin has a Mew watch out until I watch one of your reviews. Lol. Great video btw, this looks like a great next choice
This is a conspiracy! LOL My Garmin Venu 2 finally arrives on Saturday. I was going to stop at #24...now I'm pondering my situation. As always, great stuff!
I've been torn on this one. I just ordered the 55, but then came across a lot of videos for the Pace 2. I'm wondering if I made the right choice or if I should cancel my order and by the Coros.
Thank you, Des! I have FR45 and serves the basic needs for me. The FR 55 seems to have just a little bit more. I could have got the 55 if I had waited a bit. But overall, satisfied with the 45. :)
Great review. Surprised it's just 7 mins long. But am I the only one annoyed at how the content on the screen is cut off (like at 1:22 )? Seems like such a quality control oversight.
@@DesFit If you look a the top of the watch screen, it's as if there wasn't enough room to fit the text -- the top and bottoms lines. This is a Garmin issue -- not you! (I should have been clearer).
Hi Des, watched a few of your reviews and they are all top-notch with full details on each product. I am new to the market looking for the most accurate wristwatch HR monitor for my dad, but the choices are overly overwhelming and confusing. My priorities are HR accuracy (24/7 sleep tracking option would be nice), long battery life (solar even better), troublefree/reliability, and definitely zero need for chest/armbands I have a few in mind like FR 55, FR 745, Instinct Solar (love the solar idea), Polar Versa, Polar Grit X, GBD-H1000 etc and I haven't even start looking at other brands, what are your thoughts for my needs?
The best HR sensor on the market at this point is the Apple Watch Series 6/5/4 but the Garmin Venu 2 and FR945LTE come in a close second. Based on your needs of long battery life the 945LTE would be your best bet followed by the Venu 2. You mentioned "zero need for chest/armbands" but even the best wrist based HR sensor won't be 100% accurate. There are certain activities like weight training and HIIT that can produce inaccurate results just based on the varying arm movement and wrist flexion Hope that helps. Thanks!
Thanks Des. Here's hoping the HIIT profile will be ported into the FR 245/245m . Judging Garmin track record in upgrading their "old" tech, I don't believe we'll get to see it (just like the sleep widget introduced in the Fenix line)
Garmin tends to be one of the better companies to upgrade older tech, not the best, but pretty good. Like the sleep widget is being added to the 945 and 745 (currently in beta but coming to everyone soon). I know the HIIT profile will be coming to the 945 and 745 as well but no word yet on the 245. Thanks.
I didn't get into the comparison too much so pls do your research but to me it looks like the 55 got almost all the stuff from the 245 and more. I have to miss something for sure otherwise the 55 is a clear winner It seems like Des will make a comparison Video so in a few days we will have an answer :D
I got me the 55 I dont need extras the 55 has everything my current 235 has and even more features. Let's not say is new too and it cost $50 to $100 less. I should get mines on Monday and I am excited.
@@elia.8993 ohh! Thanks for the feedback! I need to understand all the models better. I’m a new runner and want something inspiring for the next few years
Lots of places are offering great discounts on the 245 at the moment because of the new models. I picked up a 245 for the same price as a 55. The 245 has more features but if they're both at full retail price I'd go for the 55.
Great review as always! You really helped me finally pull the trigger on getting this sportswatch as my first ever and I want to thank you for that. I have a question, though, if you could help me. I just got my FR55 in the mail today and I ordered a chest HRM as well which should be here tomorrow. How do you compare the heart rates between multiple devices? Like 5:15 , I always see you compare multiple devices on a graph like this but I just can't figure out how I would be able to do that once I get my second HRM. Do you download/upload data somewhere and it's as simple as that? I am just interested in doing my own personal comparisons and if I ever decide to upgrade, I can compare old/new devices, etc. And thanks again for the stellar reviews! I'll be sticking around to watch more even if I don't plan on buying the items. I love the in-depth analysis you do.
Can you write the price in one corner of the screen especially when comparing to other watcha also coaching futures are very important for me at least thanks your reviews are pro level and very good I don't like videos but when I see your videos I I am starting to like it then watching it 😂😂.your chanel us underrated.
Great video. I'm considering buying either a forerunner 245 or 55. I want to use it to train for marathon and I am price conscious. What do you recommend?
Hello! Thank you so much for the review. I am looking forward to buy this watch for my father, so he can do his cyclings controlling his heart rate. Can you tell me if it is possible to configure the watch to trig an alarm when the heart rate gets to some predefined limit?
Torn between buying this or the Amazfit T-Rex Pro. Any advice guys? The plastic materials from the T-Rex makes me think twice. But it has more features compared to the Forerunner 55. Thank you in advance for your help guys.
Hi DesFit, I have this watch and love it. I want to get a Garmin for Runner 955 in a few months. I picked up a Garmin Forerunner 55 on Amazon sale today. I know with Garmin it takes time to build your profile and then all the benefits of Garmin eco system. Do you think the Garmin For runner 55 replace my Samsung watch. I know I will lose the Samsung eco-system features, but can the health and workout features beat the Samsung Galaxy S4 watch. I walk and swim mainly. Is the fitness features better on the Garmin than the Samsung watch?
I'm considering the choice between FR55 and Venu Sq. I loved the Pacer Pro in FR55, but venu sq has many sports, including gym... The price is the same now. I don't know which is better.
Great review thank you. Also i really appreciate that you spend time to answer questions in the comments. That's really something. I have a question :) - I need a watch, mainly to be able give me a good measure for my Vo2 max. I will buy the chest POLAR H10, so i will have even better hearth rate data and HRV information. I just want an overall good watch with accurate Vo2 Max. So now i am currently looking for Garmin forerunner 55( now on sale in my country), forerunner 245( even tho i think is not an good option), and maybe something else in this budget range.( I am considering venu 2, but it is a lot of money). I woul really appreciate if you answer me and give me some help. :)
My forerunner 35 works just fine. I'm not so sure about the battery life I think it will go out to about 8 hours. I would like it to go more like 20, but a $200 price tag is difficult to justify. Got any ideas
I have a FR45 on which the proprietary strap mounting point snapped off. Totally unsalvageable. There's a new-in-box deal near me on the 55. I was ready to swear off Garmin for the strap fiasco but putting a standard system on... hmmm.
Actually the 235 looks very similar, except the 55 has a couple extra features and updated hardware. Those extra running and other sport features on the 55 look pretty compelling though. You can connect it to a running pod or a recent HRM strap to get advanced running dynamics, and the GPS looks much more accurate. I don't think I'd notice the (huge) improvement in the HRM though as I use a HRM strap and I don't wear my 235 all day..
No Not sure if the bread crumb navigation of the 245 works well, never seen any example of it. When I tried a similar third-party tool on the VA4s, it was pretty much garbage.
Garmin should locate their factory in china, vietnam, or other southeast asia.. in order to lowering their price. With same price of their entry low-end item, you can get best amzfit gt3 pro.
Manufacturing locations aren't the only factor with price, there's also factors like software development where there's a bit more under the covers in regards to the training features on this watch vs the Amazfit.
Can you make a video on which watch irrespective of the brand has best sleep tracker, I am trying to figure out consistent sleep pattern or if you can recommend a watch that would be great as well, that would be great help. Thank You
Des! How has the watched performed on the mountain bike. I'm an avid mountain biker so would love to hear from another before pulling the trigger on this on.
Great video! FR 55 and FR 245, which one would you suggest? FR 245 is already two years old, but it still provides more advanced running features comparing to the new FR 55?
I just ordered the 55, but was wondering the same thing. The 245 does offer more. But I use a Stryd Foot Pod, which would provide some of the metrics (ground contact time, vertical oscillation, leg spring stiffness, etc.) as the 245. So maybe it's at least a little closer.
Is it me or 55 have more accurate GPS than 245? Several tests on the youtube says that 55 is more accurate in cutting edges, and overall tracking and distance. Is that really true, maybe newer software on 55 is better? And is there someone who maybe tested both devices... thanx.
Mate the fenix 6 is already about 2 years old. One activity profile is all that is enough to gripe you? The fenix 6 series can have maps, can follow courses, can connect to power meters, can connect to smart trainers, can connect to varia radar, has training status, training effect, training load, climbpro, MTB dymanics, MTB, and you're complaining about HIIT which you can just use the cardio profile for? Coming from a fenix 6 pro series owner
@@flighted2513 I think when it’s a 199$ watch vs a starting point 600$ “premium” watch you’d expect the “premium” watch to have all of the profiles even considering it’s the same thing everyone complains about with every fenix..... isn’t it just software? So yes I’ll Complain about it as I have a 900$ that should have everything a bean can has and more. Sure it’s got other options for Sensors but it should have EVERYTHING and more
I’ve changed it to metric and it’s KM on my app on my phone but on the watch face when running it’s in miles. Do you know how I can change the watch face when running to KM from miles?!
please be honest is the sleep tracking any good ? I have seen 40$ Bands having a great accuracy for sleep tracking is this good for sleep tracking or just for running ?
Of I swimming 10 lengths of a 25m pool continuously my lengths get logged but I can seem to see times for each individual length just over all time... Is this right?
