Plus it has a round screen, not ‘blocky’ like the Garmin 35. It feels natural and not bulky like some of the other Garmin models. Smaller Watch Face Size – The watch isn’t as bulky compared to my Fenix and it sits well on my wrist.No more rashes, chafing and irritation that I experienced with heart rate straps. In my opinion, wrist-based heart rate monitoring is much more comfortable. I stopped wearing a chest strap a few years back and have not had any issues. In other words, they are “close enough” for fitness-based applications. While the argument that heart rate straps are better is out there, wrist based gps watches have improved a LOT in the past few years. Improved Wrist Based Heart Rate – The new optical HR sensor is the same one used in the Garmion 245 and 945 models which is a more capable version than the one in the Forerunner 35.Then again, maybe we should turn that feature off. No more missed texts from my wife asking me when I will be home. Smart Notifications – This watch comes with email and text notifications (when sync’ed with your phone).Pace / Distance / Interval Tracking – This is the main feature that runners need and the Garmin does it well.What I like about the Garmin Forerunner 45
USB Charger and cord (no plug so you will need to plug it in to a power adapter or your PC or Mac’s USB port.I purchased my watch without any bundled items. Too many online reviews are written by hired review writers who curate information from multiple online resources when the reviewer does not actually own the product! What’s In The Box?ĭepending on where you buy your Garmin Forerunner 45, it may or may not come bundled with accessories. I ordered my watch and got it the next day. I purchased my watch from Amazon so I could take advantage of Amazon’s great prices and Amazon Prime delivery. I also loan them on occasion to my in-person coaching clients who don’t have one so I can gather better workout metrics. It would save me money because I purchase Garmin watches not just for personal use, but I occasionally review them for this website. I wish Garmin would send me review watches.
I did not receive a free product, nor was I compensated in any way from the manufacturer. My Review Processīefore I get into the details, I want to make it known that this is a real product review of a running watch I purchased with my own money ! I have no issues recommending this sports watch to my coaching clients and friends. TLDR: The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a great watch, with a LOT of functionality that provides a nice crossover between the basic Forerunner 35 to the more advanced Garmin models. I just wanted to call out that in my experience the Garmin Forerunner 45 was just as accurate as the more expensive Fenix 6. Since it is not fair to compare a Forerunner 45 to the more advanced Fenix 6 in terms of features, I will focus on the Garmin Forerunner 45/S exclusively and where it fits in to Garmin’s overall product line. In terms of speed of connectivity to GPS, the Fenix won out as it connected to the satellite about 15-20 seconds faster. I tested the watch at 5k, 10k, and 8 mile distances.In terms of distance accuracy, both were identical during my 5k training run. In terms of pace accuracy my more advanced (and expensive) Fenix 6 and my Garmin Forerunner 45 were within 1-2 seconds of each other on my test runs.
Last update on / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Pace and Accuracy Test The GEN3 Elevate is a better heart rate sensor than older Garmin models and many other Garmin competitors. This is Garmin’s latest wrist based heart rate sensor previously only found in their more advanced models running watches. One of the best upgrades in my opinion is the GEN3 Elevate optical heart rate sensor. Introducing Garmin’s new and Improved heart rate sensor