Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch Review

First Impressions of Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch immediately presents itself as a serious training tool. Made by Garmin, this GPS running and triathlon smartwatch boasts a plethora of features aimed at optimizing performance and recovery. It’s designed for athletes who demand detailed data and actionable insights to push their limits.

As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve long relied on data to inform my training and decision-making. I was looking for a smartwatch that could provide comprehensive physiological data, accurate GPS tracking, and long battery life for multi-day expeditions. The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch promised to deliver on all fronts.

Unboxing the watch revealed a sleek, lightweight device. The fiber-reinforced polymer case feels durable yet doesn’t weigh down the wrist, while the silicone band is comfortable for extended wear. The combination of traditional buttons and a responsive touchscreen is a welcome addition, offering versatility in various conditions.

Compared to my older Garmin Fenix 5 and a Suunto 9 Baro, the Forerunner 955 felt significantly lighter and more streamlined. I chose the Forerunner 955 for its advanced training metrics, multi-band GPS, and the promise of extended battery life. Initial impressions were positive – I was excited to see how it performed in real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved a 15-mile trail run in the local mountains. The weather was overcast, with occasional rain showers, providing a challenging environment for testing GPS accuracy and readability. The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch immediately impressed me with its quick GPS acquisition.

The full-color, built-in maps were easy to read, even in the dim light of the forest. Navigating the trails became effortless. I found the data displayed on the screen, such as pace, heart rate, and elevation, to be clear and concise, even during intense exertion.

The touch screen was responsive, even with sweaty fingers, but I appreciated having the physical buttons as a backup in case of heavy rain or glove use. After the run, I reviewed the data on the Garmin Connect app and was impressed with the level of detail provided. There were no major issues or surprises; the watch performed exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of rigorous use, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch has proven to be a reliable and durable training companion. The Fiber-Reinforced Polymer case has held up well, with no noticeable scratches or damage. The silicone band remains comfortable and shows no signs of wear.

Maintenance has been minimal – I simply rinse the watch with water after each use and occasionally wipe it down with a soft cloth. Compared to my previous Garmin Fenix 5, the Forerunner 955 offers significantly improved battery life and GPS accuracy. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch

Specifications

• The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch boasts a Lithium Ion battery providing up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. It delivers up to 42 hours in GPS mode and up to 80 hours in UltraTrac mode. This extended battery life makes it ideal for long-distance races and multi-day adventures.
• The watch features a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer case with a diameter of 33mm. The Black bezel finish provides a sleek, modern look. The lightweight design (53g) ensures comfort during extended wear.
• The Silicone band offers a secure and comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes. The watch utilizes a Digital movement. The watch tracks numerous metrics from your activity.

Performance & Functionality

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch excels at providing accurate and comprehensive data to optimize training. Its multi-band GPS and Full-Color, Built-In Mapping ensure precise location tracking, even in challenging environments. The Training Readiness feature offers valuable insights into when you’re primed for a productive session.

The Daily Suggested Workouts adapt to your performance and recovery, providing personalized training guidance. The Race Widget offers training tips, course details, and completion time predictions. This combination of features makes the watch an invaluable tool for serious athletes.

One minor weakness is that the Running Power metric requires a separate purchase of a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor. Despite this, the watch generally meets or exceeds expectations in terms of performance and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch features a lightweight and comfortable design, making it suitable for all-day wear. The combination of physical buttons and a responsive touchscreen provides versatility in different conditions. The Always-On, Full-Color Display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

The watch is user-friendly, although some users may need time to familiarize themselves with the extensive range of features. The interface is intuitive and customizable, allowing users to tailor the data displayed to their specific needs.

Durability & Maintenance

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch is built to last, with a durable Fiber-Reinforced Polymer case and a comfortable Silicone band. With proper care, the watch should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple – rinsing the watch with water after use and occasionally wiping it down with a soft cloth is sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch is compatible with a wide range of accessories. These include heart rate monitors, running dynamics pods, and cycling sensors. Users can also download custom watch faces, data fields, and apps from the Connect IQ Store.

While the watch itself doesn’t offer extensive physical customization options, the ability to personalize the data displayed and add custom apps enhances its versatility.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch

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Who Should Buy Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch?

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch is perfect for serious runners, triathletes, and endurance athletes who demand detailed data and actionable insights. It’s also a great choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need accurate GPS tracking and long battery life. Anyone wanting to understand their bodies better will benefit from this watch.

This product might not be the best fit for casual users who only need basic fitness tracking features. If you’re not interested in analyzing detailed data or customizing your training plan, a simpler and less expensive fitness tracker might be more suitable.

A must-have accessory is a HRM-Pro or Running Dynamics Pod if you want to take advantage of the running power feature. Consider a screen protector to prevent scratches on the display.

Conclusion on Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch is a top-tier GPS running and triathlon smartwatch that delivers exceptional performance and functionality. It offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to optimize training and recovery. Its lightweight design, long battery life, and accurate GPS tracking make it an invaluable tool for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

The price of $486.99 is justified given the watch’s advanced features and durability. I would highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch to anyone looking for a reliable and comprehensive training companion. Take your training to the next level; invest in the Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch today!