Garmin Forerunner 955: Premium running and triathlon smartwatch

Samuel TanSmart Watches 0

The Garmin Forerunner 955 stands as a pinnacle of sports technology, specifically engineered for the serious athlete and triathlete. It marries comprehensive fitness tracking with the utility of a smartwatch, offering a slew of features designed to bolster training efficiency and athletic performance.

Ideal for triathletes, offering in-depth training insights and a multitude of sensors. Its high price tag could be a barrier, so introducing a more affordable version could make it accessible to more users. This device is not just about tracking; it’s about enhancing the training experience with detailed analytics and personalized insights. The watch is available in with or without Solar charging. Both models are available in Whitestone (white) or Black colour options.

Garmin Forerunner 955 Premium Smartwatch

Key to the Forerunner 955’s appeal is its vast array of training metrics. It offers advanced insights such as VO2 Max, training load focus, and recovery time, enabling athletes to fine-tune their training regimes for optimal performance. The watch supports a broad spectrum of sports profiles, including running, swimming, and cycling, making it a perfect companion for triathletes looking to track their multisport endeavors accurately.

What we like about the Garmin Forerunner 955

Battery life is a standout feature, with up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode, minimizing the need for constant recharging. The Forerunner 955 also excels in navigation and connectivity, boasting full-color mapping, comprehensive GPS support, and seamless integration with Garmin Connect for syncing training plans and activities.

Beyond its training capabilities, the Forerunner 955 doesn’t skimp on health monitoring, offering continuous tracking of vital health metrics such as heart rate, sleep, stress, and blood oxygen levels. This provides athletes with a holistic view of their health and its impact on their training and recovery. Below is a list of all the health and wellness monitoring stats:

Wrist based heart rate (constant, every second) – the sensor samples your heart rate and alert you if it stays too high or too low while you are at rest. It also lets you know how hard you work during activities including swimming.
Daily resting heart rate, Abnormal heart rate alerts, Respiration rate (24/7), Fitness Age
Body Battery Energy Monitor – from a battery level equivalent meter, see at a glance your energy level throughout the day so you know your body is charged up and ready for training. On the flip side, it also lets you know when your body is drained and needing to recharge with a restful sleep. Here is where it shows you how sleep, nap and daily activities and high stress can impact your energy.
All-day stress, Relaxation Reminders, Relaxation Breathing Timer
Sleep – the improved sleep monitoring and sleep score lets you understand how your body is recovering and ready for training. A sleep score is given after you wake up. It breaks down your sleep stages, Pulse Ox and respiration alongside detailed insights to help you improve your sleep quality.
Nap Detection – track or log your naps to see how they benefit your body and to check the recommended time and duration.
Hydration (in Garmin Connect and optional Connect IQ widget)
Pulse OX sensor – monitors blood oxygen saturation levels to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation
Women’s Health (in Garmin Connect and optional Connect IQ widget) – track menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Log symptoms, get exercise and nutrition education and more with option to use Woman’s Health Tracking app.
Health Snapshot – log a 2-minute session to record key stats, including heart rate, heart rate variability, Pulse Ox, respiration and stress for a report on Garmin Connect app.

Despite its many strengths, the Forerunner 955’s advanced features and high price point may not appeal to everyone. Its wealth of metrics and options, while invaluable to dedicated athletes, could overwhelm casual users or those new to advanced fitness tracking.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is an exceptional investment for athletes committed to meticulous training and performance analysis. Its robust design, extensive tracking capabilities, and detailed insights make it an indispensable tool for those seeking to push their limits. However, its complexity and cost position it as a choice best suited for those who will fully leverage its extensive capabilities for serious training and competition

Specifications:

Display: Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) touchscreen 1.3-inch (33mm) diameter 260 x 260 pixels
Len Material: Corning Gorilla Glass DX
Bexel Material: Fibre-reinforced polymer
Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks (15 days) in smartwatch mode, up to 42 hours in GPS mode (built-in mapping). Up to 8.5 hours with All Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band with music. Up to 20 hours with All Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-band without music. Up to 80 hours with Ultratrac mode.
Water Rating: 5 ATM
Navigation: Multi-bandGPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support
Sensors: Heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, Pulse OX Blood Oxygen Saturation.
Fitness Features: VO2 max, recovery advisor, daily workout suggestions, advanced running dynamics, multisport profiles. Training status, training readiness, daily suggested workouts.
Smart Features: Smart notifications, Garmin Pay, Connect IQ store access
Health Monitoring: Advanced sleep with Pulse Ox and respiration tracking, stress tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring
Music Storage and 32GB memory
Size and Weight: 46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4 (mm) Fits wrists with a circumference of 130-220 mm, 52 grams
Watch band: quick fit 22mm compatible watch band, silicone strap

Pros:

Comprehensive Fitness and Health Tracking: Offers detailed insights into performance, health, and wellness.
Advanced Navigation Features: Reliable GPS tracking with multi-network support for accurate outdoor navigation.
Long Battery Life: Extended battery performance suitable for long training sessions and races.
Customizable: Through the Connect IQ Store, allowing access to a wide range of watch faces, apps, and more.

Cons:

Price: High-end features come with a premium price tag.
Complexity: The extensive range of features and customization options might be overwhelming for new users.
Size and Design: May be bulky for some wrists, impacting comfort during long wear periods.