This Wednesday, June 1st is International Running Day. Garmin takes the opportunity to unveil two new watches, expected for almost 3 years, within its popular Forerunner range: the Forerunner 255 et Forerunner 955.
We used to say that the Forerunner 945 (or 935) was a Fenix 6 in a less rugged case. A high-end watch, at a (slightly) more “accessible” price. In this continuity, the Forerunner 955 logically benefits from the brand’s latest innovations, including those recently seen on the Fenix 7. For example, there is a solar version. The Forerunner 955, available in two versions (Solar or not…), therefore becomes the first smartwatch in the range dedicated to running and equipped with this charging function which induces an increase in autonomy between 10 and 15 percent. This autonomy is announced at 42 hours in activities for the non-Solar version (i.e. 6 hours more than the current Forerunner 945). Note that the watch benefits from mapping, which makes it an option of choice for trail runners.
The other big new feature is that the traditional 5-button design of the Forerunner range can now be used separately or in conjunction with the touchscreen, which made its way to Garmin with the release of the Fenix 7.
Forerunner 255: two sizes and four models
The Forerunner 255 series, which succeeds the 245 and embodies the mid-range watch that can be suitable for the majority of sports practices, advances as main evolution the support of the multisport mode, which now also makes it a watch cut for triathlon and its transitions. Available in two sizes (46 mm or 41 mm), it comes in 4 models (Music or not)
The Forerunner 955 is offered at €549 (€649 in the Solar version) and the Forerunner 255 at €349 (€399 in the Music version).
Among the features, we will note for these two watches:
- Morning report : A report including today’s weather, daily workout suggestion, as well as sleep information and HRV status. The report can be customized to see the most relevant information at a glance. It is likely that this function, by update, will be offered soon on the recent Fenix 7 and Epix 2.
- VFC Statute : To track his heart rate variability while he sleeps to better manage recovery and gain insight into his overall training status.
- Widget de course : Displays race preparation information, including a race day specific performance prediction, today’s weather and a countdown timer. All gathered in a single widget.
- Multi-band GPS: Increased accuracy to stay on track in the toughest environments with multi-band, multi-satellite system tracking.
The Forerunner 955 also hosts the widget Stamina (function that appeared with the latest Fenix and which allows you to calculate your endurance level in real time and determine the time during which you can hold the pace that is yours currently) as well as the function ClimbPro (to see in real time, on downloaded routes, information on current and upcoming climbs, including slope, distance and elevation).