Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 955 for CrossFit/HIIT Training Review (So for Non-Running/Swimming/Biking)

[@oneshoeless]

Your videos have been very helpful in making my choice of a watch. I am a bit older guy for CrossFit, but I really enjoy the workouts. I am worried about pushing it too hard and wanted something I could see on my wrist and give me some other metrics. I really appreciate the work you put into these. While the 955 is thicker, it has just enough features that I think it will be the one I end up purchasing.

[@fitgearhunter]

That's great to hear! It is a completely fully featured watch for the price, I honestly think it's the best one on the market. Let me know what you think when you do! Thank you so much for the compliment!

[@highlanderes]

Awesome video. Lumens info, screens side by side and height on wrist is super important info. Exactly what I been looking for.

[@fitgearhunter]

Totally missed this comment initially! I'm so sorry. Thank you so much, that is really great feedback

[@tallen316]

What is going on!!??? What are you doing!!??? The Office... One of my favorite shows all time Sorry, just had to! Thank you for the reviews. Just about to go for the 255!

[@fitgearhunter]

So funny! Identity theft is a very serious crime, Jim! Thanks for commenting, and go for it!

[@foetor]

First like then watch 😊 thx for the comparison

[@fitgearhunter]

Sure thing thanks for watching!

[@richs7792]

Can’t imagine spending $700 - $1000 on a Fenix 7 or Epix 2 only for all of these features to come out just a few months later. Hope they’re coming to these two watches and even older watches, like the fenix 6 which is still a great but expensive watch.

[@fitgearhunter]

I know w the F7/Epix! Yes these features will for sure come to those, but definitely not likely to the F6. Thanks!

[@maxposadskiy6542]

Хороший обзор. Ты молодец, что рассмотрел не просто набор отличий, но и учел существенность отличающихся функций применительно к практике. А это важно! Благодарю за обзор!

[@AnkitSharma-pz7ss]

Great review. Subscribed:)

[@fitgearhunter]

Awesome! Thank you! And sorry for delayed response - not normal

[@eljefe5536]

Thank you very much. Would you prefer the 255 or the Polar pacer pro? For running and fast hiking.

[@fitgearhunter]

255 All. Day. Long.

[@dnice362]

I never considered anything but a Fenix. But knowing the 955 has a touchscreen just like the Fenix and the health snap shot for 200 dollars cheaper than the cheapest non solar Fenix to me it’s a no question you buy the 955

[@fitgearhunter]

Yes totally! It's a big price difference. Did you get one? Sorry for delay just catching up. I do think maaaaybe the Fenix may get some features the 955 won't at some point, but for now they're still trying to catch the F7 up to the 955!

[@dnice362]

@@fitgearhunter I actually purchased the Fenix 7 solar

[@lfmars98]

What is the difference between Body Battery and Training Readiness? Sounds like the same thing to me!

[@fitgearhunter]

No it's not! Body Battery is just all day and night HRV translated to estimate of general internal resources taking into account whole day. Training Readiness is a combination of rigor of last workouts, training load over last 7 days coupled w sleep, stress, nightly HRV to give rec on readiness to train hard the next day. Hope that helps!

[@lfmars98]

@@fitgearhunter Good deal! Thanks for the reply!

[@fitgearhunter]

@@lfmars98 sure thing!

[@scottwells4705]

Great video! I can currently get the 255 for £225 or the 955 for £360 here in the UK, which one would you go for!?

[@fearless5533]

which one did you peek?

[@siralator5839]

You said that training readiness is a significant feature for you, but how do you really use it? Do you really make your training dependent on that number?

[@fitgearhunter]

I do - somewhat - it is more of a training-based recommendation, vs HRV or sleep, which don't see your recovery time. I like it as an added thought, but don't base things too heavily on it bc I have a set schedule for training that I follow!

[@johnmanley4528]

The 255 looks much more comfortable to wear, especially if you plan to sleep track with the watch. But, no tennis on the 255. Why?

[@00SilverWolf]

Do you think Garmin forerunner 255 wil get training readiness as an update?

[@fearless5533]

Please tell me if there is a difference in gps accuracy, pace, pulse relative to 255 and 955, they also have the same chipset, which should give the same accuracy, but in some reviews I have heard that in 955 the signal accuracy is better than 255? Maybe it was the firmware or something else?

[@theunknownsamurai7426]

On your Polar Pacer Pro video, i asked which watch you would recommend between the Pacer Pro and the Garmin Instinct 2, and you recommended the Instinct 2. Now, between the Instinct 2 and 255, which one would you recommend? (For Resistance training, walking and biking) Keep in mind i have a chest strap. It's nice to have reviews for gym training and no just running.

[@fitgearhunter]

255 all day long. Very very unlikely I2 will get training readiness and the 255 has an awesome screen

[@theunknownsamurai7426]

@@fitgearhunter wow, that was a quick response. Thank you very much. I do appreciate the time you put into doing all this.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@theunknownsamurai7426 absolutely. These are great, great watches. Happy to help however I can!

[@theunknownsamurai7426]

@@fitgearhunter I have an unrelated question. Do you think that Garmin will ever come out with a dedicated sleep tracker?

[@tallen316]

@@theunknownsamurai7426 I'm right there with you. I was almost ready to buy a Instinct 2 Solar but these reviews have made me choose otherwise! I am looking for the same things in a watch and have decided to go with a 255. I don't need music and I'm not sure $150 more for a 955 is necessary for me.

[@tyronogle101]

Hi, can you swap out the 255 for QuickFit like you did with the 955 to fit Fenix 6s and 7s bands 20mm bands. If we use the correct 20mm x 2.3mm spring pin.

[@fitgearhunter]

Hey! Answer: sort of. First - they are 22mm springs! And second - if you can find a 22mm spring that has extra thickness! Like I show in the following video the 955 and F6/7/5 have fatter springs. So if you use a regular diameter 22mm Watch pin the quickfit may seem a little loose. I think it would work but I don't know. I'd love to know though if you try it!

[@fitgearhunter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKnHYaWYq9Bsn9k

[@kriz10hawk]

I love how both watches for being lighter than the Fénix 7 You did another amazing detailed video, thank you for your hard work Wish the 955 had a “S” small size lol I have the Fénix 6S with a polar H10 strap I am super tempted with the FR255S but also I like Apple Watch for calls,LTE,iMessage, many apps, third party watch bands. I debating waiting for Apple Watch series 8, I loved the new update coming soon that offers a little more running and working out options. I like how Apple is diving in little expansion software updates to there watches. I’m stuck between Garmin 255S vs Apple Watch Series 8 🤓 I have small wrist

[@kriz10hawk]

Expanding**

[@fitgearhunter]

Yes that is a tough call! I personally can’t stand the Apple Watch because of the short battery life, I just can’t live tethered to a charging schedule. Plus the requirement for so many third-party apps to get basic information is not something I could ever get used to. So I would say the 255S! Or really I would say just bite the bullet and learn to live with the size of the 955 because it is the most superior watch all around :-)

[@fitgearhunter]

And sorry for the delay in responding! I missed this comment initially

[@cmkaad13]

What size of the forerunner 255 would you choose. The 255 or the smaller 255s?

[@fitgearhunter]

Definitely definitely definitely the NON-S - the regular size has a 1.3" screen and you drop to a 1.1" screen for the S - that's a big difference in my opinion - hope that helps!

[@CashMoneyMoore]

Training readiness seems interesting and a departure from body battery, more like Oura's readiness score. Potentially very useful when it gets refined

[@fitgearhunter]

For sure. It’s going to get more and more advanced, definitely as good as anything Ours will spit out and likely continually better, in my opinion. Just the fact alone that it’s based on training load and training intensity from recent workouts makes it better out of the gate to me.

[@ihdandia]

@@fitgearhunter Can you explain why that makes it better? Won't all recovery measurements including hrv on others include recent strain effect already on the hrv?

[@ihdandia]

When would you expect training readiness to evolve further and get meaningful functional updates?

[@fitgearhunter]

@@ihdandia training readiness it's just more comprehensive. Oura is more driven from sleep and HRV values alone, whereas training redness takes into account the recent workouts and the recent training load from a combination of recent workouts. It also factors in all day stress tracking, which the Oura doesn't track

[@ihdandia]

@@fitgearhunterDoesnt hrv itself already reflect the effects of training?

[@laydsimba]

Have you compared the screens of the 955 and the 955 solar? I want the solar but I need the one that is more crisp and has more contrast. Any difference, or are they the same?

[@fitgearhunter]

That is a great question! Can I ask why you feel the need for the solar variant? The only difference between the base and the solar is literally the solar functioning, so it’s kind of a steep price jump of $100 just to get an extra few days from solar power, but if you really really really hate charging :) and need the extra time span then I guess you have to go for it. But to answer your question specifically the solar variant will always have slightly more hazy screen because it uses solar power glass versus regular clear glass - that means that the solar glass across the board is absorbing like 10 to 15% of the sun hitting it, so it’s different. It will always have a slightly different look even if the digital screen below it is just as crisp or clear. It will depend on what watch you are coming from as well - if it is noticeable at all. I think I remember you might have the 6S? In that instance either of the 955 models will look MUCH clearer and brighter and even much bigger because you’re going to a 1.3 inch screen. Does that help?

[@laydsimba]

@@fitgearhunter I have a 945 (I hate the Fenix) and I find the battery life to be pretty bad with outdoor activities. Several times I’ve been out and it’s had to go into power save mode. I pretty much have to charge it every other day. One of my cycling club mates recently got the Edge 1040 Solar and we did a ride where the device started at 90% and finished at 98% lol that’s what I need in my life! I don’t MIND charging-what I mind is my watch dying during activity. The solar would be a great backup when I’m literally out all day biking or hiking. I never upgrade my devices so soon, but using these buttons for maps is maddening (!!!!!), so I REALLY REALLY want the touch screen and I would like the new HR sensor because reviewers have been saying it’s significantly better than the old one. Those are the primary reasons for my upgrade, the solar is just a bonus. Plus I think the solar looks better because you don’t have this stupid giant bezel wasting screen space for no reason. That being said, high contrast is a priority for me because I’m low vision, and my condition makes it extremely difficult to read things that are low light or low contrast. That’s how I found your channel-from your screen reviews! 🙂 I guess it sounds like I need to go base model. ☹️ Maybe I’ll try them both and see if I can work with the solar…

[@fitgearhunter]

@@laydsimba Happy to provide guidance! You need to go straight out and buy the 955 solar. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 - Straight to purchase! The screen can be brightened significantly, brighter than any other trans flecked of Garman watch. The solar will give you a ton of additional battery life if you spend a lot of time outdoors, which it sounds like you do. Plus the better processor and technology within the 955 in general will make it more efficient. Go do it and let me know when it’s done! :-)

[@laydsimba]

@@fitgearhunter 😂😂😂 Will do!!! Thanks for the feedback! 😁

[@MrColdcloud]

Currently own a Venu 2 but have been wanting to upgrade to get access to more features and stats. OLED on Venu has been nice, but really not something I care a ton about. 955 is looking like a good choice especially when comparing cost to Fenix 7

[@fitgearhunter]

Yes you are spot on. The 955 is totally feature packed and lighter and more compact, and at a lesser price. It is the definitely industry leader right now as far as bang for your buck. Obviously it’s hard to pass up the build quality and steel design of the Felix 7/Epix, but the 955 is a crazy awesome watch at a crazy awesome price looking at just the base model.

[@fitgearhunter]

And there are a world of differences between the Venu 2 and 955 when it comes to training features. Like night and day better with the 955

[@coragion5509]

I had the venu 2 then the venu 2 plus, and just got the 955 solar! Love the 955 ! Definitely encourage you to get the 955! It's packed with more features!

[@MrColdcloud]

@@coragion5509 Oh awesome! Glad to hear from someone with first hand experience. Does it feel dramatically larger on wrist? Do you feel like the battery life is any better?

[@richxps]

Any idea when epix 2 owners will get these new features ? Do you think it can replace whoop 4.0 once that happens ?

[@fitgearhunter]

They are out now and yes I think it wipes Whoop away. But I thought that just with Body Battery, honestly.

[@johnnyfal1]

i like the 255 but it's a shame it doesn't have screen touch. Why?

[@fitgearhunter]

Well I kinda agree w it honestly - it seems they opted for a full feature set with software, so had to cut cost somewhere - and honestly I've had touchscreen since F7/Epix and I've only ever used it with mapping, which the 255 doesnt' have - they'll move it down to all watches eventually though

[@johnnyfal1]

@@fitgearhunter so do you think i won't miss the touch screen? if I decide on 255

[@fitgearhunter]

@@johnnyfal1 honestly it depends on what you're used to. I personally didn't miss it at all - even on my 955 I don't use the touch screen - ever. So take that for what it's worth!

[@okkesersinmart]

does it have barometric pressure measure ?

[@fitgearhunter]

Yep! On both

[@jaskarankapany]

Do both of them track HIIT also well? I do a combination of HIIT, long runs etc. Which is a better watch for this?

[@fitgearhunter]

Sorry for delay! They are the same in that regard all around - the 955 is better for the additional features, but for that aspect they are going to both do a great job.

[@danielcasadoserra7472]

How did you add CrossFit as an activity ?

[@fitgearhunter]

Hey! I have a whole video on it - let me link it

[@fitgearhunter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3XCpJxuhregocU

[@georgepars879]

Best watch in 2022 for $ 200

[@fitgearhunter]

As long as you are speaking for training and training tracking purposes, the Polar pacer for sure if limited to $200 at most. Thanks! Sorry for delay in responding