Garmin makes some of the best smartwatches for
runners and today the company announced its updated Forerunner range is growing
with five new models. Ranging from the entry-level Forerunner 45/45S through
the mid-range 245/245 Music and top of the line Forerunner 945, Garmin believes
it has a smartwatch for every type of runner.
The Forerunner 45 and 45S are targeted for novice
runners who don’t necessarily need the most advanced tracking tech. The only
difference between the two models is the watch size with the regular Forerunner
45 coming in a 42mm casing while the 45S is only available in the 39mm variant.
Both versions feature the same core features - GPS, heart rate tracking,
accelerometer - and come with Garmin Coach workouts for running and cycling.
You’ll be able to track much more than running and
cycling with support for yoga, elliptical, strength training and even sleep
cycles. Both watches come with always-on displays and Garmin promises 13 hours
of battery in GPS mode or one week in smartwatch mode.
The middle entrants in the Forerunner family - the
245 and 245 Music come with more running specified features like dynamic
running tracking and a pulse oximeter. The only difference is the onboard
storage for music and playback capabilities on the accordingly named Forerunner
245 Music.
Both Forerunner 245 watches offer the same core
tracking functions as the entry-level Forerunner 45 and 45S but also come with
swimming profiles thanks to their waterproof designs. The 245 series is only
available in the 42mm casing and Garmin promises the same seven-day battery
life in smartwatch mode with 24 hours in GPS mode and six hours with music and
GPS use.
Garmin’s last entry is the high-end Forerunner 945,
which doubles the music storage from the 245 Music, adds NFC for Garmin Pay
support and offers longer battery life. According to Garmin’s figures, you can
expect two weeks in smartwatch mode with 36 hours in GPS mode and 10 hours of
music and GPS use.
The Forerunner 945 is aimed at professional runners
and adds a training load focus feature, which sorts workout data in categories
based on intensity. There is added onboard maps support and an optional
triathlon bundle with extra watch bands and a quick release kit. Pricing for the new Forerunner
family starts at US$ 199 for the 45 and 45S. The standard Forerunner 245 will come
in at US$ 299 while the Music version will cost US$ 349.
The top of the line Forerunner 945 Tri-bundle will
retail for US$ 749 while the regular version will set buyers back US$ 599. The
Forerunner 45 series will be released in May while the other variants are
available for purchase on Garmin's site today.
