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Welcome to Reviews Inside TV! Today, we’ve got something that might just change how you approach your fitness journey—whether you’re a dedicated runner or a triathlete who needs a watch that does it all. We’re taking a close look at the Garmin Forerunner® 955, a GPS running smartwatch tailored specifically for triathletes and athletes who need reliable performance, tracking, and a long-lasting battery.
The Forerunner® 955 is Garmin’s newest iteration of their popular GPS smartwatch series. It features an always-on, full-color display that’s not only easy to read in direct sunlight, but it’s also light on the wrist—perfect for those long runs, rides, or even swims. But that’s just the start. We’re talking up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and up to 42 hours in GPS mode. Plus, you’ve got a massive 80 hours in UltraTrac mode, which will keep you tracking your adventures for days on end without needing a charge.
But why does this matter? For athletes, whether you’re training or racing, accurate tracking and long battery life are key. If you’re used to dealing with dead batteries halfway through a workout, you know how much that can interrupt your training routine. The Forerunner® 955 claims to solve that with its impressive battery life, ensuring your watch stays powered for longer during your most intense activities.
Garmin also made sure you can always stay on track with the Forerunner® 955. It offers built-in full-color mapping, making it easy to find your way on trails or in unfamiliar locations. And, with its support for multiple global navigation satellite systems and frequencies, this watch is built to perform in environments where other devices might struggle, such as dense city streets or remote, rugged trails. Whether you’re navigating city blocks or running through a densely wooded area, the Forerunner® 955 ensures superior accuracy, letting you focus on your performance instead of worrying about getting lost.
Now, let’s get to real-world testing. I’ve worn this watch through various runs, bike rides, and even a swim, and here’s what I found. Setting up the Garmin Forerunner® 955 was intuitive—no need to dive deep into the manual. It connects to the Garmin app and syncs seamlessly, giving you access to all your health data and training plans. I took it out for a few runs, and the watch was comfortable to wear, light enough not to feel like a burden, but sturdy enough to handle the impacts. The GPS was fast and accurate, even in areas with weak satellite signals, and the touchscreen was responsive and easy to use—although I did appreciate the traditional button controls, which worked well in the rain or when my hands were sweaty.
Speaking of battery life, the Forerunner® 955 didn’t disappoint. I easily hit the 15-day mark in smartwatch mode with regular use, and I even pushed it for long sessions in GPS mode. I did notice that in ultra-long tracking modes, the battery life can still dip faster, especially if you’re running with a lot of sensors or using high-performance features like heart rate tracking and the performance monitoring tools. However, considering that most users are unlikely to need to use UltraTrac mode regularly, the battery life is more than adequate for the average athlete.
When it comes to the heart of the Forerunner® 955, the training readiness and recovery metrics are definitely worth mentioning. I used the watch’s training readiness score every morning, which gives a snapshot of my recovery based on sleep, heart rate variability, and other performance data. It was surprisingly accurate in helping me understand whether I should push myself during my workout or take it easy that day. The race widget is another fun feature—offering personalized workout suggestions, training tips, and even estimated race times based on course details, weather, and your own fitness history. If you’re the type of person who likes a training plan tailored to your specific needs, the Forerunner® 955 has you covered.
Like any product, the Forerunner® 955 isn’t without its drawbacks. One downside I noticed was that while the watch is generally easy to use, the menus can feel a little crowded, especially when accessing deeper performance stats or customizations. There’s also the fact that it may be overkill for someone who’s just looking for a basic fitness tracker. If you don’t need the extensive training metrics and battery longevity, you could easily find something more affordable and simpler.
In terms of build quality, the Garmin Forerunner® 955 is solid. The watch face feels durable, and the strap is made of soft silicone, making it comfortable for long hours of wear. However, it’s still a larger watch, so it might not be the best fit for those with smaller wrists. There’s also the fact that the design, while functional, is a bit bulky for casual wear, and it’s clearly built with the athlete in mind rather than a sleek, everyday look. But that’s not necessarily a con if you’re someone who needs a workout companion rather than a fashion accessory.
As for value for money, this is where things get a little tricky. The Garmin Forerunner® 955 isn’t a budget option by any means. At its price point, you’re getting premium features, especially for triathletes and dedicated runners who want to track their performance in minute detail. But if you’re someone who’s just starting out or not committed to serious training, the price tag may seem a bit high for what you need. Comparatively, watches like the Polar Vantage V2 or the Coros Pace 2 offer similar features at a slightly lower price point, but without quite the same level of GPS and performance tracking.
If you’re a serious athlete, though, the Forerunner® 955 might be the better choice. It stands out with its long battery life, deep integration with Garmin’s ecosystem, and its specific tools designed to improve your training. For those looking for something that does the basics but still provides great value, those alternatives I mentioned may offer a better balance of cost and functionality.
When it comes to customer service, Garmin has built a solid reputation. I haven’t had any direct interactions with their support team yet, but the brand is well-known for its reliable customer service, with easy-to-access support and a generally quick response time. If you encounter any issues, you can feel confident that they’ll have your back.
If you’re wondering about software updates, it’s worth noting that Garmin regularly updates their software, ensuring that the Forerunner® 955 continues to perform at its peak. With the addition of new workout modes and improved health tracking features, the watch will likely evolve over time with these updates.
So, is the Garmin Forerunner® 955 worth your hard-earned cash? For those who need precise, reliable tracking across multiple sports, a watch that can handle long-distance activities, and advanced health monitoring features, this is definitely a solid choice. It’s not for everyone, though. If you’re looking for something simple and cost-effective, you might want to look elsewhere. But for serious athletes, triathletes, or anyone training for a big event, the Garmin Forerunner® 955 could be exactly what you need.
If you’ve made it this far, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more reviews from Reviews Inside TV. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—especially if you’ve tried the Garmin Forerunner® 955 or have any questions about its features. Thanks for tuning in, and remember, at Reviews Inside TV, we don’t just review products; we get into the details that matter most.
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