Garmin Forerunner 955 In-Depth Review - The Cheaper, Lighter, Smaller, Fenix 7?!

[@igorius]

Great vid mate. I find my 955 perfect for me cos I can use it for training, cycling, running, and hiking. It makes me happy that I have two options for controlling and navigating the watch, the buttons, and the touch screen. Besides, it has all the sensors that Fenix does and still, it's lighter in his weight and not so bulky as Fenix. I am also glad that it has all the maps :)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's a great middle ground!

[@underavenue]

First review about a 955 that doesn't drone on and on and on about minutia. Really appreciate the brisk, well informed review. I'm going to wait until the fall race season kicks back into gear to buy my 955.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moo5e471]

Just ordered a 955 solar! Been holding out for this for about 7 months so very excited :) thanks for the review

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! Enjoy it!

[@SupremeSotiwong]

Thanks for the in-depth review. I ordered the 955 to replace my 935 and Whoop 4.0. I decided to upgrade for better GPS accuracy, the pace pro feature, training readiness + HRV tracking to replace my Whoop, and maps. I'm excited for the new experience!

[@ankitbisaria]

How is the watch now??

[@marcognita9505]

Just pick up my 955 and now Im more excited after watching this vid. Kudos

[@andycrawford8888]

I’m going to upgrade from 745, I like the touch screen, maps and better battery life

[@simonpollock2799]

Dave, returning to the comments to say thanks again for your work on the channel. After the Apex 2 and 2 Pro release underwhelmed me, rewatched this and a number of your other videos and treated myself to the 955 for my birthday last month. I am so impressed with the maturity of the Garmin training tools, particularly the time and energy Garmin invested to put the metrics in plain English. Thanks for everything you're doing to help the community make choices that meet our needs.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KyleSkyviews]

I copped the 955 just because it's the only Fr model that comes with the touch screen feature , I really liked the venu 2 plus with all the smart phone like features but when I heard about a possible new announcement of a new line of products I decided wait a little. The instinct 2 caught my attention but overall the fr955 seem to capture a lil bit of everything that I wanted.

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

Doing an overall review of a big new product is hard and you totally nailed it!! Thanks for the hard work, your channel will grow big!! 💯

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thank you! This one took a lot out of me lol.

[@mehxsquared]

Wow it's Yuanyuan! I follow you separately. What a coincidence. But I guess not so much since you're into techs

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

@@mehxsquared thanks 😂 i’m into tech and also into running!! I’m also using Garmin ☺️

[@catherinelatour77]

I’ve been waiting for this watch to drop! Will be upgrading from my 235 that I’ve had for 5 years. Thanks for the great review!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Awesome! Enjoy it!

[@nstrumpf]

Just got a 945 LTE at a great price. After seeing this review I’m happy with my purchase, doesn’t seem to be too much difference, and I like the small form factor of the 945 LTE.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I asked Garmin about the 945 LTE and they plan on updating the firmware to get a lot of these features so fear not! Enjoy it!

[@shanedavis7928]

@@ChaseTheSummit Great info and review... after the firmware update is applied. Will the key difference between the 945 LTE and 955 be that the 945 LTE won't have touch screen? anything else I am missing?

[@Frenchizeee]

@@shanedavis7928 Double GPS

[@zakymaa]

@@shanedavis7928 solar!

[@dancarazo]

Just bought my first fitness watch and loving the 955 so far!

[@ianwarner1429]

Bought it! Just opened and fiddling around with it while watching you! Thanks!

[@debbiemiller4281]

Out of all the watch channels this is hands down the best. I'd love to have a Fenix or this 955. I think Garmin Fenixs are the most beautiful watch ever made but as a single parent with two children living in a region time has forgot & inflation making things even worse I can only dream of having one but I enjoy watching your videos & thinking maybe one day my dream watch will find me lol. I'd love love to find a 6X used for a decent price but seems Garmin's hold value super good. Makes me want to cry.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

They're pricey! But you may find a second hand Fenix 6 for reasonable prices these days!

[@fallingwickets]

@@ChaseTheSummit wheres the best place to look for pre owned....swappa?

[@matthewmackay3354]

You are my first stop when new watches drop. Another great review. I had hoped the 255/955 upgrades would support Stryd as seamlessly as the Coros integration as I find my 945 LTEs handling of Stryd ponderous. Thanks for taking the time to share this info with us. Happy trails!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thank you! Unfortunately Stryd is still not supported natively. Only the HRM Pro and RD Pod work with the built in Power stuff. Stryd can be used but you'll need to download the datafields and widgets.

[@MrSuperdurden]

Great review! I’m going for the 955 Solar for two reasons: much lighter than my F6 and amazing battery for long ultra runs.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! Enjoy it!

[@fabriglas]

are you getting the battery life thats quoted?

[@MrSuperdurden]

@@fabriglas yes I am, actually better than I thought, but I have the solar version. Try running on GPS only to extend battery life. Music also drains the battery fast.

[@victorpasini5188]

Yo bro, is the PowerGlass better than the GorilaGlass?

[@seanvk]

Looking forward to the software update for these features in my Fenix 7X!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

You'll get them in due time!

[@lcesarsc]

Will the Fenix receive these updates?

[@KeithRobertson57]

Is there a timeline / ETA for the Fenix 7 update? Thanks

[@teresachardy]

I absolutely love my 955. However, the phone notifications no longer display when I get a whatsapp or messenger or a call. But, when I get that working again, I can't say enough good about this. I live in a country where no one uses tap to pay but when I was visiting the US this summer, I used it all the time. I use the find my phone feature at least once daily. The heart rate without having to wear a strap. I changed the watch face and I love the customization features. I was using the 910XT before and this just blows the pants off that.

[@lord800781]

Hi, wanted to check if you get any sort of sound notification from calls/messages or the watch only vibrates ?

[@amadoudiallo8129]

Great review. I now have both the Fenix 7 sapphire solar and the Forerunner 955 solar. I deeply wish the forerunner 955 had a sapphire model.

[@pmfahey]

The Epix's fantastic AMOLED screen for $100 premium over the Fenix 7 seemed reasonable, but at a $500 premium over the 955 it seems hard to justify!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yep! An OLED 955 would be pretty neat though!

[@0815rAzHeL]

Same problem here. My pretty old Garmin watch just died. Epix is great but I don't think the price is fair. 955 is almost the half of a price, has the same features. Solid deal. But I would like to have the amoled at a understandable level. Maybe something arround 650 €.

[@Alex-kr7zr]

One year later and you just buy the 965 for the same price.

[@ManuelMO11]

I hold the FR 920xt long enough. I think it's time to upgrade. I love Garmin and their durability and reliability.

[@Rlima0]

Best review of all reviews (5 others) I have watched so far!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@KristinWGibson]

I was trying to decide between the Fenix 6S Pro and the 7S Pro and a friend told me to watch this. I was so excited until I realized how much bigger this is. I’m a petite woman and this seem s so big compared to my 645 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's got a bigger foot print but it oddly "feels" smaller than the numbers suggest due to its light weight. Tough call!

[@keybearer26]

Just got my 955, big upgrade from my Venu and polar grit X. Loved the X but it sucks for swimming

[@hayasammattentertainment8092]

i got stuck with my Fenix 5 Sapphire. Watching your great reviews made me feel so excited to get a new one. Unfortunately, can't really afford one now. But thanks for the great reviews. More Power to your channel.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 5 Sapphire is still a great watch!

[@Dirty6ixThirty_VP]

I just ordered mine from play better! can't wait to get my hands on it. I bought this model for the premium features, battery life is pretty good, touch screen with buttons, and the lightweight plastic build. Overall I love the look of this watch and hope it's as good as I think it will be. I am upgrading from the Solar Instinct Tactical and this looks like it will be the perfect upgrade for me.

[@mattc8831]

Great review! Yes, I will definitely be getting the 955 Solar someday. As of right now I really don't see the advantage to hurry and bail on my 945. The new features just aren't that mind blowing. For example: 910 to 925 - the bluetooth connection and color display was enough to want to get the upgrade asap. 925 to 935 - a beautiful tool that I could also wear as an everyday day & night smart watch was a game changer for me. The 945 was mostly under the hood, maps and music (which I occasionally take advantage of) so I wasn't in a rush to get one. With the earlier Forerunners, the only big advantages to an upgrade (201, 305, 310xt, 910xt) that I felt were just better satellite reception, battery life & ant+ uploads while the software seemed mostly marginal. I've been a long time Forerunner user (201 in 2005) and only picked up the 945 last summer after my 935 kept running into issues that the Garmin hotline was unable to help me with. I might be able to get $250 for the 945 on Ebay, so that will soften the blow on a $600 price tag. Aside from the 201, my experience with Forerunners typically have a useful life of about 3 years. After that the buttons start to go or the firmware gets buggy.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 945 is a great watch still today!

[@OrigWJ]

Can’t justify spending the extra for the amoled screen on the 965. I had settled on the fr 955, but is it me or did Garmin just increase the price on it from $399 to $499. My guess is people aren’t lining up to spend the money for what is essentially an updated screen, that people have mixed feelings about anyway.

[@TheRunningRyan]

Great video. Honestly am torn on this one. I have the 945 LTE and love the watch. I would totally get the 955 if they offered an LTE option, but for now, im going to have to wait to see if that upgrade comes.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The good news is that Garmin told me that the 945 LTE will get a firmware update to add most of this stuff. The 945 LTE isn't being replaced by the 955.

[@TheRunningRyan]

@@ChaseTheSummit thanks! That’s great news!

[@sjdj3000]

@@ChaseTheSummit including duel frequency GNSS?

[@j_t_yang]

Might end up getting this watch. Was debating on getting a coros pace 2 but I feel like I will make use of all the features on the 955. Thanks for the great review

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 955 is a huuuuge step up from the Pace 2 (which is still an awesome watch). Hope you like it!

[@pjohansson89]

Just that little detail you said about the sensor and that you can't put your palm on the watchface to turn off the backlight, those little things for me is why I watch your videos more often then other reviewers, not to take anything from anyone else because everybody doing their best, but that was I thing for me that I can be annoyed at, so I'm going for a fenix 7s instead 😅

[@donnawetter1513]

That's not done by any additional sensor that's the touchscreen doing that. So a software feature.

[@pjohansson89]

@@donnawetter1513 he said that it was a sensor thing? But I think you're right then

[@donnawetter1513]

@@pjohansson89 I have the F7, it goes only dark if I touch the whole screen, stays on if I cover it with a piece of plastic or don't touch the screen when covering it with my hand.

[@pubitv]

thanks for the video, just got my 955 after years with 45. 😍😍

[@vinay4886]

Thanks for the detailed review. As a 945 user, I really don’t see the point in this upgrade given the cost; maybe this is for someone who doesn’t own a Garmin but wants to dip into the Garmin territory and they will get a great watch with many cool features and superb build quality. Or better still, they can get a 945 at a discounted price!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The price of the 955 is actually quite impressive considering the 945 was $599 when it launched 2+ years ago and this new 955 starts at $499 for the non-solar version. It also has a better heart rate sensor, and multi-band GPS along with a larger display and thinner bezels. That said, the 945 is still an amazing watch if you can get one at a discounted price. It's just unlikely to get new features via firmware moving forward.

[@SoccerEditzMessi]

Excellent video. Covered everything that is relevant! Thank you!😊

[@Kole83]

I wish Garmin would implement some of these features into the Venu 2. They could easily do it since most of them are on the software side of things..

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The venu series typically doesn't get any of the advanced training tools for a variety of reasons. However, I think the HRV Status would make sense on Venu 2. I guess time will tell!

[@airman9820]

Ordered one last night. Will not have to carry phone for music anymore and looks like the HR monitor is finally good enough for use on bike so no more chest strap. Also looks like they finally put the biometrics in a useable format.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's an excellent watch! Enjoy!

[@streetshooters]

955 arrived in two days. Mainly cost was a factor as I was looking at a 7. I'm 73 and a road cyclist (with a Garmin 830) but going to be travelling soon and wanted a watch to track walks, hikes and general fitness stats.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That's quick shipping!

[@MarkWillsTN]

Does the watch and your bike computer work well together? I'm thinking of switching from Samsung watch to get all my data in Garmin Connect, but I'm curious if you can wear the watch and use thr garmin bike computer at the same time without double entries.

[@markosajn5776]

Well i still use FR 735xt. Dont really have money to buy something like this. But i like to watch reviews. Great this one. Good work!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

735 XT is still a great watch!

[@markosajn5776]

@@ChaseTheSummit it is doing the job. But comparing it to today's new models it is clearly outdated. And the battery life on new models is just amazing, you can tackle any distance with no worries! Great tool to have.

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

@@markosajn5776 I have the same 735!. It does look a little outdated and I've been wanting a new one for a while. The biggest grip I have is that there is no music! I do love my garmin watch but I have been eyeing the epix

[@nicid2]

Same and I can't seem to justify the price for the 7s, and the 955 is too big I think. So for now sticking with the 735 xt.

[@JBUCKNE]

Hey Dave, step count way off after recent update. Updated software last night woke up went on a short interval run this morning, a little over a mile approx 4000 steps. Made breakfast, took a shower looked down and shockingly saw I’m at 17,219 steps. I’m sure they’ll send out an update but I can’t wait to see how many goals get crushed this week.

[@ZeRo-22-]

Great video Dave! Enjoying the standard 955. By chance, the 955 Solar was out of stock when I went to buy, so I just went with the standard 955 but looking back I feel good about the decision. What I’ve always wanted was a 745 with better battery life, maps, and golf maps. That’s now a reality! And at the 745 price point! (When it was first released) Solar would have been more of a luxury, but at 15 days battery life with the standard version, that’s more than I will ever need. Until solar versions can give a greater boost, I don’t think it’s something I necessarily have to have. Plus the cleaner look of the standard version is a bonus (not a fan of the red ring). Couldn’t be happier with the 955 so far. I’ve finally shelved my Apple Watch and this will probably be the first garmin I use as a daily driver in about 5 years! Unless apple comes out with something in the fall that changes my mind, it’ll probably stay that way 😜

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I tend to agree that the non-solar is a good choice for most people. Especially since Garmin didn't cripple the non-solar version like they do on some other models! Personally, I don't find myself out in direct sunlight all that often as I'm typically under tree cover so the Solar model doesn't make a ton of sense. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@ZeRo-22-]

@@ChaseTheSummit I think I jinxed myself, Dave. Caught the apple keynote today and the new Apple Watch metrics are very tempting! Are you planning on making a video covering them?

[@dariuszwojcik1601]

I think the best deals are fenix 6 and forerunner 945 these days. As these are last year models there is lots of discounts available and they are more than enough for most people.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That's pretty much always the case with tech in general. The 945 and Fenix 6 are both still very solid options!

[@DaveofSTP]

I really wish Garmin sleep/recovery data would sync to TrainingPeaks like the Whoop strap will.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yep, only activities sync for now. I suspect that will change as both platforms progress though.

[@eviesca]

I'm hoping the new features (training readiness and such) get ported to the Fenix 7/ Epix Gen 2. They do look useful, especially the upcoming race widget you showed. I'm supposed to be in the tapering phase of an upcoming race and my watch isn't happy with the reduced training load, constantly putting me in recovery or maintaining at best..

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It will be in due time. I'm sure we'll see it in beta within a few weeks and a full release shortly after that.

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

The only reason why I can't get this watch is the lack of basic freediving features. I want to know how deep and how long I've been diving. Otherwise I would switch my Descent G1 for this 955 😍

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That would be nice to see but unlikely on the Forerunners since they only have that 5ATM water resistance.

[@chololennon]

My 3 years old FR-945 used 24 hs a day has zero scratches. Having said that, IMHO the included Gorilla Glass is more than OK (for most people), actually my old and plastic FR-920 has zero scratches too.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

My track record with Gorilla Glass isn't very good. Heck, I've already scratched the Forerunner 255 that's only been around for a few weeks lol. Maybe I'm just clumsy but all of my sapphire watches are flawless.

[@pvln12345]

A very thorough review. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you!

[@apocreg11]

Just ordered to replace my Fenix 6, the skin on my wrist will thank me!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice!

[@giannis6552]

Just realised that you have a greek sentence as a tattoo on your forearm meaning "I miss you". This is so rare!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I do! It’s in memory of my mom.

[@nowster]

Mine is in the post, hopefully arriving tomorrow (assuming the Platinum Jubilee doesn't affect UK deliveries). It'll be a big upgrade over my Vivoactive 3 which doesn't now survive anything longer than a half marathon unless I turn off much of its functionality. Yours was the first review I sought out to watch, having looked for it after the heavy hints in your podcast.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it! I don't think I hinted too heavy did I?!

[@nowster]

@@ChaseTheSummit I only worked out what you were hinting about because of all the leaks and rumours from elsewhere. The clues were that you mentioned you had two videos already filmed under embargo and it was something exciting.

[@RandoRaf]

Nice Job Dave. I feel like a sucker for buying the fenix7 now haha. I might pick this up this fixes my biggest issue w/ Fenix. the size and weight.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Fenix 7 is still the top dog!

[@Jogie222]

great review! I own a fenix 5plus, which does the job quite well so far. Unfortuantely it feels a bit bulky and I am looking for a more lightweight model. Also gps accuracy is important and battery life could be better. If I change to the 955 the only downside is the missing saphire glas, but I dont want to spend more money for a sports watch which will get upgrades in a few years. In your opinion, is it worth to upgrade just because of these reasons?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'd say you'd probably be happy with your purchase. The 955 is a great watch.

[@MMontana4]

Best video I've seen on the 955! Thanks!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AlexejSailer]

Hi, thanks for the perfect video, again! Will HRV status also be released on the fenix models?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Fenix 7 and Epix should see this widget soon in Beta and a full release within a couple of months.

[@mikebenson7732]

Great video! I will definitely be checking out this watch.

[@robertphilip1832]

Thanks for the video! It might be good to see these features in epix2/fenix7 line watches.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

They'll be coming. It takes time for Garmin to port them over and go through the Beta program.

[@AhmedAltakrouri]

I was confused about buying a smartwatch for my sport activates I found this video and it gave me the answer, thank you !

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericgonser1544]

Now I'm torn between the 255 and the 955. For $100 more you get the touch screen, maps, a barometric altimeter, DX Gorilla glass instead of Gorilla glass 3 and a tiny bit bigger battery. I Just don't like how it's thicker.

[@fendermon]

255 has an altimeter. They might as well called it a 755.

[@ericgonser1544]

@@fendermon I did see that thank you. Apparently the 255 is replacing the 755 pretty much. The 945 also has training ready status that the 255 doesn't. I want to try them both on and as long as the 955 isn't too thick and I can sleep with it I'm going with that one.

[@fendermon]

@@ericgonser1544 Sleep is a big deal. A nylon strap helps a lot. Enjoy

[@ChaseTheSummit]

If you want maps, navigation, climb pro, longer battery life, and the training readiness feature go for the 955, if you don't need maps go for the 255. They're very similar.

[@michaelhardie9193]

Got to say I'm leaning towards the 255 after watching that review. But might struggle with the build coming from the Fenix 5

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 255 strikes an awesome balance of features/price. The nice thing about plastic watches is that they don't show scratches like Fenix since they're the same color all the way through. I do wish they offered the Forerunner 255/955 with a sapphire lens though. That's nice for peace of mind but a screen protector can do the same thing.

[@gregamoorejr8470]

I ordered a 955 and I’m looking forward to trying it out as for the “LTE” component personally I do NOT appreciate it, I have an Apple Watch series 7 and I’d like a device that’s disconnected from “the grid” while I bike or run

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

Oh man! Just bought the 945 LTE half a year ago and now I feel the need to upgrade! 😅 One question Dave: Does the solar model have any other additional features (besides being solar) over the standard model? Find the increase in battery life is just negligible and not worth a 100 bucks extra. What do you think?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

My understanding is that the only difference is the Solar feature. Everything else is the same.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

@@ChaseTheSummit Just placed my order on a... *drum roll*... 955 Solar! 😅 I thought I better go the whole hog.

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

The screens/design og the watchface isnt exactly the same, for me the solar ring looks nicer than the absence of it. Without the solar ring it looks like it has more black space between the screen and the bezel

[@justinbenavidez1985]

Waiting for that tri bundle to drop for this!!!

[@souvik4567]

Need a 955 vs Fenix 7 comparison video. Anyway great review Dave!.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's on my to-do list!

[@jasonfenech5347]

Great review as always

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@JB-hq9yj]

Perfect review. Thanks, Dave. One question - how do the maps compare between this and Fenix 7? I’ve noticed in the past the 945 did not have the level of map detail compared to the Fenix 6, for example.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks! The maps are nearly identical. I don't see much of a difference if any at the same zoom level.

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

I bought the Epix 2 recently and my friend bought a Fenix 7 - on a hike last week we noticed that the trail we were on was not shown on the F7 but was clearly showing on my Epix. The extra level of detail definitely helped us find the trail that we were looking for, and made me happy that I’d paid the extra for the Epix.

[@fendermon]

@@curtisgoodwin8962 Epix is the king of maps 👍

[@KingLifeTale]

Check out the “Active Ideas 955 vs Fenix 7” video! Looks like there were some differences for hikers if they’re are looking to use the compass 🧭 features or scroll around the map with touch 👍🏽

[@JasonOLeary1985]

Great videos for the 955 and 255! With the 255 now offering more than the previous version, does this mean the 7XX series has been discontinued?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Garmin hasn't formally stated that. but there's not much a 7xx series watch could offer between the $399 Forerunner 255 and $499 Forerunner 955. Seems like they've bridged that gap with these releases.

[@mandatory360]

Excellent review! Thanks Dave.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@redcoatphilip]

Hi Chase The Summit I have had my 955 a month now. I had my Galaxy Watch 4 classic 46 4g. I have been walking the past few weeks and the stats compared to the smart watch 4 are far different. The 955 is about 10 per cent lower than the galaxy. I did my first swim with the watch and it was amazing. It clocked in 269 kcals burn on 12 lengths (300 Meters). The lengths were not fully correct but I could edit the whole workout if I wanted. The galaxy does not have this feature, my stats on the galaxy were 444 and 20 in length. So the Garmin clocked in at 12. I just need to do an indoor bike ride to get the final workout. I can not wait till I get a full 1 month of working out to get a full system breakdown. Your video is amazing. I just have one question about the steps to clarify count when not in active mode. I do 2000 to 3000 steps not on active mode and the calories are not counted, is there a way to track this In the Garmin app ?

[@eleftheriazigiri8403]

Agh all these new features make my Fenix 6 pro look obsolete 😫 great review!!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Not obsolete! Just a generation behind. The announcement of the 955 didn't make your watch worse! Enjoy it!

[@eleftheriazigiri8403]

You just saved me a couple of hundrends 🤑 thanks 🙏🏼 ☺️

[@nopahrefa4466]

My one and only issue - it's too damn big. I know a smaller watch means making sacrifices in battery life, and probably in antennae placements, but it's just Too Damn Big. Doesn't matter if it's the best garmin watch ever if I'm not going to wear it. I've been meaning to upgrade from my VA4S (gifted, not chosen), which is honestly borderline in size, so I'm guessing I'll end up with the FR255S purely based on size, but I don't want to, because I want the touch capabilities. On a somewhat related note, does the 2/955 have the breathwork activity? Garmin's site says no, but the 55 does, so that might be a product page oversight? (it sounded really gimmicky when I got the VA4, but I've ended up using it so much it isn't even funny)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It would have been cool if they made a 945s similar in form factor to the Fenix 7s with a plastic build. Maybe next time!

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

what about a small fenix 7?

[@nopahrefa4466]

@@Ilovethisaccount500 mainly because the f7s weighs like 60% more than the VA4s, and I know people say you get used to it and don't notice it after a while, but I dunno. I tried the fenix in store, and it seemed very heavy to me. (should note, I am a Small human being, funsized some would say)

[@chrisdavies6175]

Great review. One comment: almost 100% of people who have been asking for native running power have been asking for wrist based or (more often) Stryd integration. Most people in this territory use a Stryd for its foot pod accuracy for distance. What Garmin has delivered is support for devices used by a sum total of 3 people. It’s a non feature until they unlock it and massively disappointing to see them pathetically attempt to lock out a small company with a great product which is struggling for success. Why don’t they just acquire Stryd and be done with it. Or make a foot pod which is actually accurate?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I was also bummed that it lacked wrist based / stryd integration. You CAN use Stryd but you'll need the Stryd app or data field to make it work. I think it's a little more complicated than simply aquiring stryd (if stryd even wants to be a aquired?) A new pod would be nice though. Something a bit more consistent with Stryd numbers.

[@chrisdavies6175]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for the response. The problem with the Stryd CIQ app is twofold. First, you lose all the other functionality of your watch - you are just stuck with the data screens Stryd gives you and you lose navigation etc, etc. Second, the Stryd app is quite buggy. For me it crashes quite regularly and quits your activity. Twice now that has happened to me in a big ultra and it is mega annoying. So I don’t use it anymore. This leaves me with a super accurate foot pod but no power numbers. I don’t buy the whole ‘it was too difficult to do’ thing, if Coros and Polar can do it with their comparatively tiny resources then Garmin can do it.

[@hanbozi6283]

Will upgrade from 945 to 955 because of multiband gps! 🧐 Its just sad that you cant track stryd power anymore.

[@davidkaplan5517]

It’s a must have finally with running power…

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yep! I just wish it had wrist based power too!

[@Natan9000]

Damm such a thorough review! 👍👏

[@Steve-cc8zg]

OK, I bought one, and I might be alone in this, but I'm not happy with this heart rate "accuracy'. Not at all. I bought this thing specifically because it's rated so high, and the heart rate monitor was apparently great. But after having tested it against my polar arm band and a wahoo chest strap, it's just not, but the weird thing is, not all the time. I wear my watch all the time. That way i can get some sort of number on all those metrics which require an extended period of time to get. The problem is, when my watch isn't actually recording a specific activity, the heart rate monitor doesn't do much. One example: Wearing my polar arm band on Zwift, my heart rate says 166. I look at my watch and it says 110. However, if I go into the watch mode to select indoor ride and hit "start", it almost instantly catches up and they match. It's great that it does match, but I didn't buy this watch specifically for workout tracking. I have other things for that. I wanted this as a daily diary of sorts to use in gauging fitness. And honestly, with accuracy like that it's just turned out to be a waste of money. it's too bad, because I genuinely like the watch. It's much lighter than my old Fenix 5. Nice vid

[@zulkhaireesulaiman8575]

thank you. very comprehensive video!

[@vvn3987]

Maybe I'm just unlucky, received my FR 955 non solar two days ago. Used in the past FR220, GTR 3 PRO (still using) Pros: Bluetooth Music is awesome in combination with Samsung Buds, much more stable than GTR 3 and my mp3 player Cons: 1. After 2 nights no sleep tracking recorded, reason is unclear. 2. Yesterday afternoon my step tracking dead on 7040 steps, today I am still on 0. All possible Activity Tracking options enabled in Garmin Connect 3. The last one, today during the morning run I noticed approx. after 1 km that my HR Gouge is on 73. Actually looks like my HR monitor is dead as well Tomorrow I will return this watch to the store

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Something funky is going on there. Do you have any other Garmin products linked to your Connect account? It sounds like you might have another device set up as your "Primary Activity Tracker" which would ignore any secondary data collected by the 955.

[@thecooldude4564]

I think Garmin as a company would be a lot better if the focus was in developing better software instead of having 10 different watches.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Maybe!

[@ultratortugas7506]

Thanks for this great review! Will be waiting for better options. I am not totally convinced about the durability of the Forerunner 955 for trail running and I definitely would want wrist based power.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for sharing. I was hopeful for wrist power this time around... Maybe next time!

[@derekfong987]

glad to hear the screen is excellent for you. yet, i wish Garmin had sent you a Solar so you could speak about the visibility with the extra Solar layer . (i'm a bit scared about how the 955 Solar will work indoor after hearing about people's complaints of reduced visibility on the Fenix 7 series). i'm happy to pay $100 for the extra battery range that would be possible for me living in California, i'm not willing to sacrifice screen visibility indoors for that extra range/cost.

[@derekfong987]

ps. do you notice any loss in visibility/contrast for the 955 vs the 945LTE? (ie, does the touch screen layer affect visibility indoors in a noticeable way?)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Solar layer does add some cloudiness to the display bit it's minimal. You'll notice a sort of copper/red glare in some lighting situations. If you weren't comparing them side by side it would be hard to notice.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

There's no noteable difference between 945 LTE and 955. The touch layer doesn't seem to add any weirdness.

[@derekfong987]

@@ChaseTheSummit thanks for all this helpful info!

[@trackntrail2869]

Just ordered a 955! Excited to switch from my Apple Watch Series 6

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It’s a good one!

[@AddingLifeAdventure]

Awesome video Dave!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thank you!

[@Ordinary-Hendrik]

Thanks Dave! It seems like the new HRV and readiness feature are polar,s night charge and fitspark.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Similar but a bit more comprehensive.

[@Ordinary-Hendrik]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks! Hope my Fenix 7 get update soon!

[@kyfisher3662]

its sad that the 955 hardware is so capable but they hold its software back to make you buy a a more expensive model like the fenix

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Garmin Recently released a beta firmware update for the 955 that adds a bunch of functionality to it including some of the latest features found on the Epix and Fenix Pro models!

[@fendermon]

This watch is better than it should be. 😂 Lots of people wishing they bought it.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's a good one!

[@tomaszwoch8415]

I have a similar dilemma. 3/4 of training is running, 1/4 is cycling. In winter, almost only running. I don't really need super accurate multi-band and 15h more in Fenix ​​sounds good. On the other hand, 99% of us will not really feel any difference in the battery. My main concern is the battery in the cold. In my old FR 735, the battery normally lasts 10 hours of GPS, but in a light frost only 2-3 hours because I always have the watch on my jacket or bicycle handlebars. Which watch will perform better in light frost - F7 or FR 955? PS I would prefer a clearer font on the data screen because I have poor eyesight.

[@dennisnijhuis3572]

Oh man I really wish it would have smaller besels. Put in a 1.4 inch screen (no solar) that it would be perfect

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That would have been nice!

[@saltydog6241]

I’m so bummed the 955 is not significantly smaller (width and depth), given there is no “S” version.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It would have been cool to see a 955s similar to the Fenix 7s with a plastic build. Maybe next time! Personally though I really like the size of the 955. It feels much smaller than the Fenix even though it's almost the same size since it's lighter and feels lower profile.

[@irish03jmu]

The touchscreen is nice, but since the 945 LTE will get many of the new software features I don't think it is compelling enough to upgrade, especially since you lose LTE.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For sure, if you're not into the touch screen or multi-band GPS the 945 LTE is similar in a lot of ways.

[@miket8753]

Currently using a Coros Apex Pro getting around 20 days of battery. Considering upgrading to the FR955. I generally do not sleep with a watch on and mostly stay on the roads. The maps feature and better HR interest me. Do you think it is worth the upgrade? Great review!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 955 is better in just about every way except for 2 things. Build quality, and battery life. It depends which features are important to you.

[@inthedesert2008]

Good review. Thanks.

[@marcinmielczarek2m]

Hi! Great video as always! :) Let me ask you please, how soon we will be able to see comparison between 955 and Fenix 7? I'm deciding which one to get... As far as I'm aware the difference is gonna be mainly in tiny little details in the software apart obvious things. And I also hope Fenix range will get software update with all new things that are present in Forerunner 955 like morning report and more that are missing in Fenix. Take care ;)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I wasn't planning on making a video about that but I might! Yes, the differences are very subtle. There are tiny little details throughout the software like horizontal scrolling in graphs, double tap to zoom in maps, etc... that aren't present on the 955. You'd only notice this stuff if you had both watches side by side. Other than that... It's all about the build quality. Plastic, vs metal!

[@marcinmielczarek2m]

@@ChaseTheSummit Do you think Garmin will "fix" or it's better to say up to date those features on the 955 with that scrolling in graphs and in maps with double tap etc? Trying to calculate is the cost difference worth it?

[@scottbrayshaw]

In reviews I like the horizontal scrolling on other watches. Can you easily scroll through that data in the app?

[@teoasdasd]

Thanks for the review! Yes, the problem of this 955 (and of the "old" 945) is the price range, about the same of the Fenix 7. And i think no one can prefer the 955.. RIP 955 😜

[@bertandries3840]

But it's not in the same price range at all. 955 at 549€, fenix 7 (standard) at 699€. On top of that, 955 has multi-band gps (fenix 7 std does not). Fenix 7 sapphire does, but then you're at 799€ and no where near the same price range. Yes, fenix is more robust built, but 955 is lighter..

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It really depends on your needs. Personally I like the lighter weight and form factor of the 955 over the standard 47mm Fenix 7 but that's just me. If managed to put a Sapphire lens on the 955 it would be perfect in my eyes!

[@juanignaciocelisturriaf9933]

"Its good to see that inflation hasn't affected everything" 😂 😂 😂

[@godlycomics7077]

Well for me i started looking into this watch because of a friend who does marathons as for me i train in the Gym, with other activities also work at a hospital and had 2 G shock watches. Needless to say broke after buy 2 purchases within a 3 year period maybe because I never took the watches off used it for everything. What's driving me to this watch is durability and functions it can provide. It would be my first smart watch. I am very curious if the app or GPS mode can give real time GPS while being moved. I havnt dug to deep into it but if anyone wants to chime in I would like to know. Maybe another question is warranty and customer service should the watch needs repairs ect... If it's possible to repair with company which I also havnt asked yet. I will pull the trigger soon but thank you for sharing the video and being very open to accepting comments if we had questions.

[@izst3628]

How it the situation with software (maps) right now? I'm replacing my vivoactive4, mainly for the maps and battery life, and I cant decide if I should go for Fenix7pro or FR955. I'm mostly using it for hiking, so maps and battery life are the most important for me. I just think, FR955 should be nicer to have all day and night on. Fenix seems too big. Also Fenix is now around 200 - 300€ higher than 955. Not concidering AMOLED, because I hate turnig it on by tapping or gestures, also the battery life is worse.

[@BleakVision]

Oh no, you have the same ultra thick lime colored band from ebay that I got!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Mines from amazon. Brand is "Ancool" I think?

[@BleakVision]

Oh then it's different, but very similar.

[@frederikprip1203]

Bought the Fenix 7S for about a month ago, now I feel screwed over by Garmin. The 955 offers all the same features + better battery life, bigger screen and more features, for a lower price...

[@hueything228]

You are going to get all the new software features from software update. That's why you pay the Fenix premium

[@frederikprip1203]

@@hueything228But that does not solve the issue here. The 955 still have more battery life and a bigger screen, and is the Fenix 7S superior for a lower price.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The Fenix 7 will get all of these features soon. In terms if display and battery life you chose the 7s which is the smaller model which has less battery life because... it's smaller. If you wanted more battery and a bigger screen the Fenix 7 47mm model may have been a better choice. The 955 is the same size as a Fenix 7. Enjoy the 7s! It's a great watch!

[@JB-hq9yj]

Yea they totally should have not released the 955 yet so you did not get personally offended. No hate but your comment makes you appear childish.

[@fengcarlos]

Great video man. Quick question, I am new to fitness watches. My main sport is MTB and that's basically all I do. Zero running! I have noticed this watch has the MTB profile which is awesome but since its a forerunner and Garmin advertises this as a running watch, should I stay away from it and look for something else because I do not run?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 955 is a great all-around sport watch. It can handle Mountain Biking as good as any other sport and does support navigation, power meters, and other cycling accessories if you want to add on to it.

[@fengcarlos]

@@ChaseTheSummit hey man, thank you for getting back and good thing you said that because I actually placed an order for one haha, and it should be here on Wednesday. Hey quick question, is there any way you could make a video or explaining here the difference between the 955 and Fenix 7 in terms of Navigation, turn by turn navigation, loading course, etc..? Thanks in advanced

[@DSPotapov]

Brilliant review! What do you think about transfer of new widgets to fenix7? Will it happen? Or now it’s something exclusive of FR9xx-series? 🤔

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Fenix 7 and Epix will get all of these new features in time. I'd expect to see it in beta within a few weeks and a full release shortly after that.

[@DSPotapov]

@@ChaseTheSummit thx for great news ^_^ 'cause, actually, I was a little bit jealous ;)))

[@Mr_H_S_T]

I hope they bring out a fenix 7 sapphire solar lte with the ability to get calls and send voice messages (on android) via bluetooth headset

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That would be nice!