The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, a GPS running smartwatch designed specifically for triathletes, is.. With its solar charging capabilities and long-lasting battery life, it offers convenience and reliability for athletes on the go. In this review, we will explore the key features of this smartwatch and delve into personal experiences with using it.
Having used various Garmin watches in the past, including the Apple Watch, I was particularly impressed with the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar. The standout feature for me was the exceptional battery life, lasting up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and up to 49 hours with solar charging. This meant that I didn’t have to worry about constantly charging the watch, even during long training sessions or race days.
The screen visibility of the Forerunner 955 was also outstanding. The always-on, full-color display was easy to read, even in direct sunlight. This was a significant improvement compared to other smartwatches I’ve used, as I could check my stats and maps without any visibility issues.
The watch’s functionality was another highlight. I appreciated the ability to click or swipe through maps and stats using either traditional button controls or the responsive touchscreen. The built-in mapping feature provided accurate guidance, whether I was running on city streets or exploring densely covered trails. Additionally, the access to multiple global navigation satellite systems ensured precise tracking and improved accuracy, even in challenging environments.
Display and Battery Life
Equipped with an always-on, full-color display, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar ensures easy readability even in direct sunlight. Whether you’re running on city streets or riding on densely covered trails, the display provides clear visibility. Additionally, the watch has impressive battery life. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 20 days assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. In GPS mode, it can last up to 42 hours, and with solar charging, it can extend up to 49 hours in continuous use. For ultra-long activities, such as UltraTrac mode, it can last up to 110 hours with solar charging. The combination of a vibrant display and long-lasting battery makes the Forerunner 955 Solar a reliable companion for endurance athletes.
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: Mapping and Navigation
To keep you on track during your runs or rides, the Forerunner 955 provides built-in mapping. Whether you’re exploring city streets or venturing into unfamiliar trails, the watch’s full-color, built-in maps allow you to navigate with ease. You can click or swipe through maps and stats using traditional button controls or the responsive touchscreen. The watch also offers access to multiple global navigation satellite systems, providing improved accuracy even in challenging environments where signals may be weak or reflected. This ensures that you have superior accuracy in tracking how far and how fast you’ve run, giving you peace of mind during your training sessions.
Training Analysis and Readiness
With a variety of features, the Forerunner 955 Solar enables you to analyze your training and monitor your readiness. The watch provides a training readiness score based on factors such as sleep quality, recovery, and training history, allowing you to determine whether it’s a good day to push yourself or take it easy. With training status indicators, you can easily assess your overall effort and know whether you’re training productively, peaking, or strained. The watch also provides an overview of your sleep, recovery, and training outlook through the morning report, giving you valuable insights into your overall health and performance. Additionally, with heart rate variability (HRV) status, you can gain a deeper understanding of your recovery and training performance while you sleep, making it easier to optimize your training regimen.
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: Race Preparation
Whether you’re preparing for a race or any other event, the Forerunner 955 Solar has got you covered. The watch features a race widget that provides training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts, and completion time predictions based on course details, weather, and your performance. This valuable tool helps you stay on track with your training and gives you the confidence to perform at your best on race day. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or a beginner runner, the race widget offers valuable guidance and support throughout your training journey.
Activity and App Options
To cater to your fitness needs, the Forerunner 955 Solar is packed with a wide range of preloaded activities and apps. From running and swimming to yoga and weight training, the watch offers a variety of options to track and analyze your workouts. Additionally, you can connect to the Garmin Connect IQ store to explore and download additional activities and apps that cater to your specific interests. This flexibility allows you to customize your watch to align with your preferred activities and training goals.
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: User Reviews
Praised by customers for its excellent battery life, visibility, and portability, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar stands out. The watch’s long-lasting battery ensures that you can track your health and training without worrying about frequent charging. The display is highly visible, even in direct sunlight, making it easy to read your stats during outdoor activities. Users have also appreciated the lightweight design, which adds to the watch’s overall comfort. Furthermore, the watch’s accuracy and range of features have received positive feedback, with users finding value in the training analysis and readiness indicators. Overall, the Forerunner 955 Solar has garnered positive reviews for its performance and functionality.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life: The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar has an impressive battery life of up to 20 days in smartwatch mode, making it perfect for long-lasting use without frequent charging.
- Full-color display: The always-on, full-color display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, providing clear visibility at all times.
- Built-in mapping: With built-in mapping, the Forerunner 955 keeps you on track whether you’re running on city streets or riding densely covered trails.
Cons:
- Mediocre button controls: Some users may find the button controls on the Forerunner 955 to be less responsive and not as comfortable to use compared to other models.
- Limited smartwatch features: While the Forerunner 955 offers basic smartwatch features like receiving notifications, it falls short in terms of functionality compared to other smartwatches like the Apple Watch.
- Indoor activity inaccuracies: The watch may not provide accurate readings for indoor activities such as indoor running or biking, which can be frustrating for users relying on precise tracking.
Read also:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar proved to be an exceptional GPS running smartwatch tailored to the needs of triathletes. Its long-lasting battery life, excellent screen visibility, and advanced features made it a reliable companion for training and racing. While there were minor drawbacks, such as the responsiveness of the buttons, the overall performance and functionality of the watch far outweighed any negatives. If you’re an avid athlete looking for a top-of-the-line smartwatch, I highly recommend considering the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How long does the battery last on the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar?
Answer: The Forerunner 955 Solar has a battery life of up to 20 days in smartwatch mode, making it ideal for extended use without frequent charging.
Question: Is the display easy to read in direct sunlight?
Answer: Yes, the Forerunner 955 features an always-on, full-color display that is designed to be easily readable even in direct sunlight.
Question: Can the Garmin Forerunner 955 provide accurate tracking for indoor activities?
Answer: While the Forerunner 955 excels in outdoor tracking, it may not provide accurate readings for indoor activities such as indoor running or biking, which can be a drawback for users relying on precise tracking.
Just so you know, I’m part of the Amazon Associate program. If you find something you love on Amazon through my reviews, I get a small commission at no extra costs for you. It’s a little way to support what I do. Thank you!