Two of the sportwatches most likely to be seen on the wrists of runners and triathletes were unveiled today. As you guessed from reading the title I am referring to the new
Garmin Forerunner 255
e
Garmin Forerunner 955
.
They were long overdue and had already surfaced a few weeks ago in a leak anticipating them. But, you know, indiscretions and rumors are not always well-founded. In this case, however, the time since the release of the Forerunner 245 and 945 hinted that something was simmering in the U.S. brand’s pot.
Finally, here they are.
As you might imagine, we’ll be doing a more in-depth review of these in the coming weeks, but-in the meantime-here’s an overview of the key new features introduced by Garmin in its new sportwatches. And, in closing, a little analysis of who the new
Garmin Forerunner 255
e
Garmin Forerunner 955
.
Let’s start at the beginning with a couple of commonalities that deserve attention: you can now fully set up the sportwatches directly from the Garmin Connect app on mobile, even the activity screens. The sensors are new generation and therefore more accurate for better measurement of physiological metrics.
Both of these features carry a lot of weight, in my opinion. The first because it makes our lives easier, and the second because it increasingly turns our Garmin into a device that helps us know and understand ourselves better.
Let us now look at the detail of the two sportwatches.
Garmin Forerunner 255
Let’s get straight to the point by saying that the
Garmin Forerunner 255
is anenhanced evolution of the previous model.
In fact, barometric altimeter and gyroscope have now been added, the battery lasts up to 30 hours with active GPS, and it is also aimed at those who do not just run but also want to measure themselves on other disciplines such as triathlon, cycling or swimming (including open water). Most importantly, it improves the accuracy of satellite reception thanks to the Multi-band system (as in the Fēnix 7). It also introduces a number of features that, until now, only high-end models had such as, to give you a few examples:
- HRV status,
- recommended workouts,
- running power,
- acute load,
- Enhanced training status.
In addition we now find Garmin Pay, the morning report that monitors our condition, and, as I mentioned earlier, new sport profiles.
All in a total of 8 different variants that are divided into two sizes (Forerunner 255 and 255S) and two versions (normal or with music).
The list price ranges from €349.99 to €399.99.
You can find all the specifications on
Garmin.com
.
Garmin Forerunner 955
Lots of new features also for the
Garmin Forerunner 955
, the top model in the family of sportwatches dedicated to running and triathlon.
If you have a bit of a geek soul like me, you will know that the Forerunner 945 was the “street” transposition of the Fenix. And so it is also the case between Forerunner 955 and Fēnix 7 (we have already discussed it here and here).
Indeed, in the 955, the features that immediately jump out at you are the touchscreen and solar charging. And soon after – to my very personal delight – the introduction of the Stamina feature(I explain in depth how it works here).
Also in the Forerunner 955 we find HRV Status and all the latest physiological metrics offered by Garmin. However, we are in the presence of the flagship model, the “Ferrari” of sportwatches, so we also have acclimatization, longer battery life and, of course, pre-loaded maps. For both running and cycling, and this is no accident.
Looking at the
Garmin Forerunner 955
in its entirety, it indeed shines through its completeness on every activity profile, be it running, triathlon, cycling or whatever.
In this case we find one size, two colors (black and the beautiful whitestone) and Solar and normal variants.
The list price ranges between €549.99 and €649.99.
You can find all the specifications on
Garmin.com
.
Who do they address?
As I told you, we are starting testing these days but, from a first analysis, the feeling is that the separation is not only related to the discipline (I see it difficult to deal with an ironman with a 255) but, above all, to the type of user.
In fact, the Forerunner 255 seems to appeal to runners who consider other sports “secondary.” The Forerunner 955, on the other hand, is for all those who experience sport in all its expressions and distances, who want a sportwatch that accompanies them and is always up to the task.
But, of course, these are just feelings. What is certain, however, is that the new Garmin sportwatches have features that will allow us to know ourselves better and express ourselves more and more efficiently.