Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches Review

Let’s Dive into Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches is Garmin’s answer to the athlete who demands performance metrics and the peace of mind of connectivity without being tethered to a phone. This smartwatch boasts built-in LTE, advanced training features, and onboard maps, all designed to elevate the endurance athlete’s experience. It promises to be more than just a watch; it aims to be a safety net and a training partner, all in one sleek package.

I’ve always valued preparedness in the backcountry. My biggest challenge was finding a reliable way to stay connected for emergencies without carrying a bulky phone that drains quickly. The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches caught my attention with its promise of LTE connectivity in a lightweight design.

Upon unboxing, the watch felt surprisingly light and comfortable on my wrist. The silicone band felt smooth, and the Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens gave an impression of durability. Its build quality appeared solid, exuding a premium feel that I expect from Garmin.

I considered the Apple Watch Series 6 (with cellular) and the Suunto 9 Baro. However, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches’ focus on detailed athletic performance metrics and its longer battery life in GPS mode made it the clear winner. I hoped this watch would free me from phone dependency and provide reliable safety features during my solo adventures.

Initial excitement was high; the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches seemed to be exactly what I needed. I was eager to test its performance and connectivity in the real world.

Real-World Testing: Putting Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches on a 20-mile trail run in the Cascade Mountains. This involved varied terrain, including steep inclines, creek crossings, and forested sections. The watch was subjected to cool, damp conditions with light rain.

The watch performed admirably, providing accurate GPS tracking even under dense tree cover. The interface was intuitive, though it took a little time to familiarize myself with the button layout. The LTE connection worked perfectly, sending location updates to my wife via LiveTrack.

After the first run, I noticed a slight learning curve with navigating the various menus. I was impressed with the accuracy of the heart rate monitoring and the responsiveness of the GPS.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches has proven to be a reliable companion. The watch has been subjected to trail running, mountain biking, and open-water swimming. It still looks and performs like new.

The watch shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only a few minor scratches on the bezel. Cleaning is easy with just a damp cloth. Compared to my old running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches offers significantly more accurate data and superior connectivity.

Breaking Down the Features of Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches

Specifications

• The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches features a 30.4 mm case diameter, providing a comfortable yet visible display. This size strikes a good balance for athletes of all sizes.
• The black bezel color gives the watch a sleek and understated look, suitable for both athletic activities and everyday wear. The color scheme ensures versatility.
• The Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens offers excellent scratch resistance and clarity. It’s a crucial feature for a watch designed for outdoor activities.
• The black dial color provides high contrast and readability in various lighting conditions. This contributes to its usability during intense workouts.
• The silicone band is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. Silicone is an excellent material choice for sports watches.
• The strap wrist band type provides a secure and adjustable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. It makes for easy adjustments while on the go.
• The digital display type allows for clear and concise presentation of data. It’s a staple feature of modern sports watches.
• The 240 x 240 pixel display resolution is sharp enough for easy readability of metrics and maps. It contributes to a user-friendly experience.
• The unisex gender designation makes the watch suitable for all athletes.
• The application is primarily running, but the watch is also suitable for swimming, cycling, and other sports. This versatility is appreciated.
• The lithium battery type offers a good balance of power and longevity. Lithium batteries are standard for this type of device.
• The battery life ranges from 7 to 288 hours, depending on usage and features enabled. This variance highlights the importance of managing power consumption.
• The watch has a water resistance level of Yes and a water-resistant mark of 5 atm. It means the watch is suitable for swimming and showering.
• The circumference ranges from 128 – 218 mm, accommodating a wide range of wrist sizes.
• The Manufacturer is Garmin.

These specifications contribute to a high-performing and user-friendly experience. The choice of materials, display resolution, and battery life are all well-suited for the target audience.

Performance & Functionality

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches performs exceptionally well in tracking a wide range of activities. Its accuracy, reliability, and usability are all top-notch. It meets and often exceeds expectations.

The GPS is precise, the heart rate monitor is accurate, and the LTE connectivity is seamless. The watch excels in providing detailed performance metrics and safety features. However, the user interface could be more intuitive.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and a comfortable weight. The watch feels durable and well-made. There’s a slight learning curve, but the interface becomes intuitive with practice.

The watch is comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during intense activities. The button placement is well-thought-out.

Durability & Maintenance

The watch is built to last, with durable materials and excellent water resistance. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. With proper care, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The watch comes with a charging cable and documentation. Customization options include different watch faces and data fields. The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches is compatible with a wide range of Garmin accessories, such as heart rate straps and cycling sensors.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches

Who Should Buy Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches?

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches is perfect for endurance athletes, triathletes, and runners who prioritize performance metrics and safety. It’s also suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay connected without carrying a phone. Anyone who wants detailed performance data and peace of mind should buy it.

Those who primarily need a basic fitness tracker or dislike subscription services should skip this product. Consider this if you want a smartwatch for lifestyle rather than pure performance tracking. A must-have accessory is a chest heart rate strap for even more accurate data.

Conclusion on Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches is a high-performance smartwatch that delivers on its promises. Its LTE connectivity, advanced features, and durable design make it a valuable tool for serious athletes. The price is justified for those who need the advanced features and peace of mind it offers.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Watches to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich sports watch. If you value performance, safety, and connectivity, this is an excellent investment. Take your training to the next level and stay connected on your adventures!