Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar In-Depth Review: 15 New Things to Know!

[@dr.eldontyrell-rosen926]

"It's a fenix 7 but plastic" That's a winner for my budget! ✅

[@RiskiBudiYuliawan]

U are absolutely sarcastic but you right... 😅

[@wojciechbladowski542]

I was just chating with a local Garmin retailer (Poland) and asked for some features of FR955, as Garmin hasn't posted the manuals up yet. The guy started reply saying "Based on DC Rainmaker..." - then I knew I could trust his source! Cheers :)

[@mussabgasmelseed5079]

correct he got all info from garmin itself plus his test

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's kind of funny that the ONLY thing that hasn't been effected by inflation is the Garmin 955 and 255. If only it was the real estate market! 😂

[@sickboyrari708]

Bruhhh lolol fr tho

[@MikeAltogether]

Garmin did inflation before it was cool.

[@TOXIN543]

objection, that's true for the US. In Europe the price did increase to 549,99€.

[@fitgearhunter]

That’s what I was saying in mine! Totally - crazy!

[@juicyfruit100x]

affected

[@UPENNACNP]

Awesome initial review! You continue to set the standard for sports tech reviews. Well done.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, much appreciated!!

[@FunkyFaulc]

Thanks for all your quality work through the years!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Brian, I really appreciate it!!!

[@K1Runs]

Perfect video that convince me upgrade from 935 to 955.

[@gregbrown3082]

Just sent back my 965 because (despite it being set on maximum brightness), I struggled to read the AMOLED screen in regular New England sunlight, on my run. Actually pisses me of that the AMOLED-all-the-way crowd is going so hard, this year. MIP is still the clear winner, for me. Better readability, better battery. One man's opinion.

[@mirrormirror1313]

Some ppl are just plain stupid :D Buing this AMOLED watch purely for how it looks. Recently had someone telling me his Son went for the Fenix 8 because of this gorgeous display... probably not doing much sports anyhow :D

[@Hydrogen101]

Wow nowadays DCRainmaker is the only way I know something new came out

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...thanks!!

[@toadlguy]

Well, and the squad - Des, Dave and Matt 😁 And Shane keeping us up to date on the things the others don’t cover 😉

[@_Rafiki.]

Hey Ray, I've already smashed that like button. You never disappoint

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahah...thanks, much appreciated!

[@LeakyWadersAdventureClub]

After this review decided to order it for my girlfriend. She's been using the same watch for a long time so wanted to get her something new and top notch. This watch surpasses that.

[@hvijayan]

'One night of...something else'!! Lol. Thanks so much for all the insanely detailed review work you've done over the years on Garmin units. I've lost count of the Forerunner / Edge units I've been through since the non-GPS Forerunner 50 so many years ago, and don't think I've pulled the trigger on many of those purchases without consulting one of your written or video reviews first. The 955 is now the latest of those very informed purchases.

[@kresoPMF]

I just went from 745 to 955 non-solar! Thank you for a thorough review! 👍

[@ioanmcmlxxxviii]

Always I feel like home with you when you make reviews that I am interested in.

[@Greatscott24]

This watch has me reconsidering my Epix purchase. The vast majority of the features are available here at an extremely attractive price point.

[@terniq7629]

Me too! I'm really hoping that these features become available to us soon. The Epix looks... epic though!

[@redcoatphilip]

Hi DC Rain Maker I have had my 955 a week now. I still currently have my Galaxy Watch 4 classic 46 4g. I have been walking the past few days and the stats compared to the smart watch 4 are far different. The 955 is about 10 per cent lower then galaxy. I have done my first swim with the watch and it was amazing. It clocked in 269 kcals burn. The lengths were a not fully correct but I could edit the whole work out it I wanted. The galaxy does not have this feature, my stats on the galaxy was 444 and 20 length. I done 14 in total. So the Garmin clocked in 16. I just need to do a in door 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 brake down. Your video is amazing.

[@joebaker5421]

I’ve been waiting for your review on this. I was just waiting for your review before I pulled the trigger on this one. You are the gold standard for reviews on this kind of stuff.

[@igorius]

Mate your videos are awesome. I just bought my 955 from Milan, Italy. You really helped me. Thanks a lot

[@fitgearhunter]

OK look. I love Dave and Dez and Matt and their work as much as anyone if not more, but your approach to breaking down the improvements or enhancements is absolutely my favorite video to watch. Sorry, rest of the other guys.

[@fitgearhunter]

Oh and side note speaking of the “guys” - are there any female reviewers you would recommend?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Hunter! On the women side, I don’t know of any pure sports tech ones. The closest I know is Bike Shop Girl, who covers certain cycling tech, but more on the bike components side. Wish there were more, there’s so much opportunity in this realm.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@Dcrainmaker interesting! I thought there would be more. Thanks!

[@nikolaiwikhaland6890]

Love that the new screen display is 1.3“

[@jacquardweave]

As a Venu 2 Plus owner, i wish some of the new features could come to my watch also, especially HRV, as they both use the same OHR sensor; Elevate 4.0.

[@kellenbarranger]

And do we have any word on if they won't?

[@flighted2513]

@@kellenbarranger Garmin won't. This is how they get people to buy multiple devices. They segment features by solely hardware. If you want everything. You need a 9XX series of that generation/ Fenix + of that generation (+ means including Tactix, Quatix, MARQ, D2)

[@kellenbarranger]

@@flighted2513 I get how Garmin works, but they have committed to updating the recent Fenix 7 devices and the Venu 2 Plus is only a few months old as well

[@jacquardweave]

Unfortunately, like how Apple does; if you want the new watchfaces just purchase the newest one. Actually most of the companies do this, forcing you to buy the next device. Vivosmart 5 uses the previous gen HR sensor but it supports sleep score. But the other models with the same OHR such as VA 4 and FR245 doesn't have sleep score feature.

[@bcwest619]

@@kellenbarranger The Fenix and Forerunner are fitness watches (in Garmin's world), which is why they stay updated with these more fitness/athlete type features. The Venu is considered a smartwatch (again, in Garmin's world), so I would be SHOCKED if they added these features to the Venu 2 or Venu 2+. It'd be cool if they would since I have a V 2+, but they won't, they just aren't in the same category.

[@InvestorAcademyPodca]

Thanks for all the reviews, finally updated from my Forerunner 101...

[@jasonwallis]

I have just ordered this watch and this was the perfect review 😎

[@Tmacademia]

How are you liking it?

[@RelaxingWalks]

I’d love to see a video demonstrating how the 955 GPS helps to assist in the search for Bigfoot.

[@Th3Dean]

Any comparison video coming between 255 & 955, Ray?

[@rasmokey4]

Geez Garmin you come out with a New Watch every Year ! I cant keep up!

[@paulbradshaw2845]

Great review as always! Questions… will updates come to 945 and 945LTE or just the 945LTE?

[@DR-sq3mk]

just the 945 LTE

[@trieb]

@@DR-sq3mk wow! Where can I find more info on this? I'd love the morning report on my 945LTE, with that it'd be perfect.

[@DR-sq3mk]

@@trieb 13:29

[@Teddy_J]

Will HRV and Training Readiness features come to Fenix 6? I’ve been waiting for these. Thanks!!

[@michaeleaton6249]

Great review. Are we getting any of these features on the f6? I’m looking at the stamina and training suggestions ahead of time. Or do I need to think about moving to f7 or 955/255?

[@1984rbarker]

Maybe think, do I actually need the extra features or would I spend the $$$ on something more useful?

[@wborglund]

Hey Ray, Great review as always. One question.... If I use a 530 for cycling, will rides recorded on the 530 be factored into the 955's training readiness and recovery time features?

[@arnasbike]

Same here.

[@Abomai]

Up

[@raicothc1989]

same question for me, hesitate of getting a new 1040 but want that real time stamina gauge , wonder if getting a 955 will serve the purpose with my edge 830

[@stanislavmartsenyuk]

Of course, if both watch and 530 are connected to Garmin Connect.

[@raicothc1989]

@@stanislavmartsenyuk but do I need to save both record in garmin connect to get the complete stat in place?

[@MountainNomad4]

I just bought the Suunto 9 couple days ago. I might return the Suunto 9 peak and get this beast!

[@radhakrishnasrk1955]

Please make a comparison video between FR955 vs epix2 . The above video is excellent bro

[@sandervdcp3513]

Should i buy this one or the 965? Nice video!

[@scottbrooks4754]

Is Garmin sending a message about their long term plans for LTE by virtue of not including it in the 955.? The 945 was the first FR to include it and now its gone one year later for the 955. I don’t understand. LTE was a great feature even if it was somewhat limited in what it could do. Nice to have the safety of LTE without having to carry a phone (i.e. while running).

[@ubernoodel]

Was planning on getting a fenix 7 pro or enduro 3 this black friday, but saw a flash sale for a new 955 for 300 euro yesterday.Coming from a forerunner 45s, so still a huge upgrade. Kinda wanted the newer hr sensor and (even) more battery live, but for (i guess) 200+ euro's less I can live fine without it. Especially since I wear a chest strap for most of my sporting activity's and have a edge 540 for my bike rides.

[@toadlguy]

Excellent concise video once again. It would be great if you could compare the 955, the 255, and the Instinct 2 as they seem to have a lot of the same new features in a less expensive watch. I assume the 955 has music, so is the main difference between the 255(Music) and the 955 just the maps for $100?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I'll compare the FR255 vs Instinct in a couple weeks once the beta drops that adds the bulk of the FR255 features into the Instinct 2.

[@andrewmacdonald3991]

955 also has the real-time stamina and touch screen option

[@legionarae]

I think better value over Instict 2 is 255...

[@toadlguy]

@@andrewmacdonald3991 Right, and a few more software features (plus more memory). I watched Des’s comparison. Didn’t say anything about Wi-Fi, though.

[@josimar73]

Seems the difference is touch screen, live segments (Strava and Garmin), maps and golf courses. I'm honestly surprised about the capabilites of the 255.

[@andyhaochizhang]

Since the training readiness depends on sleep quality, I guess it'd be useless more me because Garmin's sleep algorithm doesn't work for me (always reporting hours of awake time so sleep quality always poor). But touch screen for maps and solar is tempting enough for me, and that white version looks very nice.

[@mantykarhu]

Ya, sleep algorithm totally off for me too. Fitbit, Apple Watch and Oura Ring get sleep consistently though.

[@Hydrogen101]

DCR, if I already have a 945, is it worth upgrading? Seems software wise that there wouldn’t be a difference, right?

[@jagrutirathod]

The video that every 945 owner is waiting for!

[@JustinBenson]

DCR mentions the 945 LTE will receive the software updates. I have a non LTE 945. Does that mean I/we are out of luck?

[@gohhhua]

Will installing a screen protector on the 955 solar affect it’s solar ability and touchscreen sensitivity?

[@ossyaas5361]

Yes

[@celikozuduru3367]

Thank you for this explanatory video.

[@marcindybowski3603]

I just exchanged my bit broken 945 tri for like 120 Euro (front glass was getting separated from the watch probably because of sauna :( ) and received refurbished 655 solar :O I love garmin especially after they exchanged my first 945 tri after a year for new one because of problem with nont clicking button :)

[@acanfield87]

Thanks for the detailed review! With all these new features like solar and SpO2 monitoring these newer watches are looking really attractive over my Fenix 5.

[@sjdj3000]

Is there a open water swimming review for 955?

[@skinax1]

Thanks for the update I’ve been waiting for a long time 👍

[@pvln12345]

Thank you for the review!

[@alvarocast037]

where you get those shirts?

[@cheeheifoo9282]

Oh no! Now DCR's got me thinking seriously of getting this!

[@axelgiaco]

Best review like always, keep the good work and thank you !

[@anthonyhomercycling]

Can’t wait to get mine 🎉

[@Fliicek]

I just love the watch face, wish I could get it on my Fenix 7

[@patrickfischer8400]

yes the FR955 will be my next watch. Thank you. btw, garmin and the "unproductive" problem. I do not like the word and Garmin should really slowly replace it with something that is more in line with the problem.

[@kristyjohnson6504]

Thanks for the video! I love the new training metrics. If the Fenix 7s is getting the new metrics, is there anything that the 955 does that the fenix will not do? Looking for a new watch to replace my AW and really Iike all the new training info since I’m a runner. Also, how big of a size difference is the 955 to the 7s?

[@xenonsens]

Firmware update on Fenix 7 and 945. How about Epix?

[@LeeBoris974]

In the written review he specifies Epix as well.

[@Lasombra08]

Epix 2 / Fenix 7 / Quatix 7 / Tactix 7 are all in the same boat.

[@topsella83]

Thank you DC R.

[@medhatriad]

Wow! I just splashed out for the F7 and now they release this for almost half the price… Garmin-indecisiveness-syndrome never ends

[@patrick1886]

Hopefully in the future Garmin will put an update for the other(FR745) where we could manage the datafields with phone and not pushing the buttons...! I REALLY HOPE IT WILL HAPPEN SOONISH

[@TheN0m1s]

i would also love a quick video about the differences between 955 and 255 ( and maybe instinct)

[@capolista1]

Any idea when the updates will be available for FR945 LTE?

[@wojtek_kos]

great review, looks like this will be my next watch after F6

[@Kwikflixx]

Great review! I’ve got an Epix 2.. will training readiness & the morning feature come to that watch?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes.

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

That Price!! Great video DC as always, can't wait to upgrade

[@GUnit12315]

Insanely good video!

[@GUnit12315]

Super quick and detailed!

[@ted363636]

Fun fact - you had a t-shirt with the same shark 5 years ago during Fenix 5 review ;) Cheers!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Funner fact: This is technically a revamped version of the t-shirt. Slightly different! I still have (and use) the old one, but it's got some extra wind pockets in the armpits not.

[@mil0806]

good review can you also make after market service for this watch, life span. for firmware update like in apple firmware makes the old models weak how about for garmin?

[@Bjustis2222]

“One night of something else” 😂😂😂. I love your random comments. You are a legend sir.

[@frre9302]

Finally they're catching up! :D This native running power feature is exactly what I am waiting for since about 2 years now (Stryd user). Now I just have to wait another year, maybe just a half one, so they get to a reasonable price (for me).

[@Urtlesquirt]

Doesn't support Stryd unfortunately!

[@frre9302]

@@Urtlesquirt Seriously?! Can't imagine! That would be a massive fail for Garmin!

[@Urtlesquirt]

@@frre9302 read the comments on the written review article. Garmin does have plans to support it but they ran out of time to work it in for the release. Stryd actually moved away from using the RD standard despite Garmin building out a standard basically for them to use. I suspect this issue is not 100% on Garmin and it will eventually make it onto the watch. But in the meantime, you can still use Stryd via a connect IQ field.

[@frre9302]

@@Urtlesquirt :( In that case it is useless for me at the moment. Thanks for the info!

[@adventureswithryker]

You mention the Fenix and 945LTE will get the training readiness. Any insight if the 255 will also receive it? The 255 checks all the boxes but would want that feature without being forced to the 955.

[@Brickkzz]

The only thing Garmin watches are missing are call and text message funcitonality without reliance on a phone.

[@tombissett1753]

Your reviews and tutorials are terrific! Waiting for my 955 to arrive this week On a side note, I did a double-take on your POV shots out running. Didn't realize you lived in or near Amsterdam Zuid. I was just at our office there a couple of weeks ago (right around the corner from BLCK coffee. I live in Colorado, USA). Would have loved to grab a coffee real quick

[@mvschooten]

Great, informative review, Thanks you

[@AnhLe-vc3uk]

Love your review!!! just want to ask u a favor there is a Blood Pressure monitor bult in the watch? Thanks

[@jeffh7175]

I’ve been debating between the new Fenix 7 or the Epic 2 but for the price I feel like the 955 does everything both of those watches do for less or am I missing something?

[@TheAbenunez]

Exactly where I'm at

[@19nolram82]

How is the fr955 compare to the new instinct 2x on features?

[@Allride_]

Most of the cool stuff is just software they could bring to the 945 IF they wanted to. It is, tho, what I wanted the 945 to be in the first place. All that geeky recovery stuff finally arrived at Garmin

[@technocynic]

So what does this mean for the 745? End of the line, or is there a niche for it? Any prospect of software upgrades? I still love my 745, but I was expecting it would still get upgrades for some time.

[@kencee9213]

Great video will the 945 non lte get some of these updates too

[@martinweston8147]

I'm really in two minds between the Garmin 955 and a Coros Apex 2 Pro, i'm a trail ultra runner, so I like the Coros battery life, but the Garmin looks nicer, metrics and accuracy also look better, but Coros build quality, looks better. What did you guys/girls go for?

[@scubamarilu]

Looks very interesting, but I like the Sapphire glass.

[@sb_hs988]

DC Rainmaker , your reviews are top notch.. Nothing compares. Please also review cars.

[@csealby]

Another excellent review and video, thank you so much, I'm currently using the Fenix 6 sapphire, I'm guessing that some of that new stuff won't be heading my way, but do you think they will start supporting triathlon training soon? I'm currently training for another Ironman, and it's gets frustrating sometimes when you start an activity and it saysi should be resting, or shouldn't be training, as you will know IM training is 6 days a week, I'd love to see that added, then I'd consider upgrading to a Fenix 7, or I may even go for the 955. 👌

[@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.

[@mirrormirror1313]

Awesome, go for it! Just got the FR955, maps feature is amazing, quite identical to F7 meanwhile

[@michaeldiamond7063]

Love your reviews, have been reading your stuff for a long time. Have you found that some of the interface is different between this and the Fenix 7? I saw some other site that said the map usage is different like double tapping the map zooms it in on the Fenix but not the 955.

[@derekfong987]

how is the indoor screen visibility on the 955 Solar vs the 945 LTE? does the solar glass and touch screen reduce contrast in low lighting and off angle viewing?

[@pmfahey]

This is my primary question also.

[@gregnewcomer763]

Excellent review! Any idea if any of the new functionality will be made available on the Forerunner 945 or 745?

[@marc70.3]

Great update DC! Like the new training readiness metrics. Still missing Triathlon features like auto-transition, brick workouts, race courses and importantly, hand-over to Edge head units. Extended display needs work. Almost perfect smart watch for single sport activities.

[@InvestorAcademyPodca]

It does have brick workouts, under multi sport. You can create custom activities up to 5 sports per workout/race or use the existing triathlon. Transitions are with the lap button, not sure if there is an auto setting.

[@greganikin7003]

My 7 day avg HR is 36… is it good? And yeah, 235s do some funky thing with HR if you go to sleep later than 11 pm… counts it like high, even though i have sleep HR 34-36, but it shows it as 41-42. Great feature

[@berry2583]

Great review as always, thanks! I own a Fenix 5 and want an upgrade for a long time, but doubt which model is good for me. Always wear my watch, doing fitness, survival runs, running, swimming. So the Fenix 7 got my attention. But the Forerunner 945 LTE also, mostly because of the LTE. Now the 955 solar is also a contender because it has almost al the features of the Fenix and is lighter 😅 But no LTE 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Any advise?

[@ethernitcz]

hi Ber ry, if you want to buy my 945 LTE, bought 01/2022, let me know :)

[@samuelfainsod8425]

Hi! Everything i see on the FR955 will be available for the FR945 LTE? Otherwise, which futures will not be available? I'm wondering if it's worth making the upgrade because I don't really use LTE since it's not available in my country.

[@juandiegoariascordova7625]

Amazing review as always. Any idea if the major updates (hrv, readiness, etc) will also apply to the fenix 7?

[@Lasombra08]

It's in the review and yes.

[@GreatAwakeningE]

Could you do a comparison of diff between f6,f7, e2,955? Thanks. Getting confused about whether to upgrade my f6 and what to.

[@ManTonyBig]

Wish my ever so loved 935 would get some updates 😭

[@ericgonser1544]

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

[@vilks_jan]

Yeah me too. Let me know if you have decided

[@zyghom]

255 does not show extended metrics from power meter (as per @desfit at least)

[@MBApix]

Where's the Triathlon Bundle with the QuickFit wrist band mount and bike mount?

[@sizzler1474]

So, just to confirm when I do any sports, I won’t get any heart rate info unless I’m wearing a strap with this watch? Does the strap come with it? Im close to buying the 955 or 945 but disappointed to learn you need a strap, it’s just another piece of equipment to faf around with. I currently have polar vantage M2 and love the fact that I just need to press a button and go.

[@mhess427]

No, the chest strap is only for more advanced data. HR is done through the watch itself.

[@NealDannenberg]

Great video. Do you think any of these software features will come to the 745?

[@pierrepaniagua]

What's your favorite watch face for Garmin watches? Any third party choices?

[@theodoreiliaskos]

So garmin added a whoop in the watch?

[@johnbamby9034]

LOL

[@qasTKDcrazy]

Love your videos, super informative...I'm looking to upgrade to a new Garmin currently debating between the fenix 7 and now the forerunner 955, epix is out of budget...seriously considering the 955 because of price point. Apart from build materials and quality are there any feature differences?

[@angelataylor9278]

I’ve got a FR945 but thinking about getting the 955. The one downside to the current 945 is the fact that you don’t get some of the prompts I.e eat or drink when you set a programmed run. Has this changed for the 955?

[@georgevan2606]

@@imola8 Got my 735 XT for in 2016. The watch is still excellent. So, I think you will have to wear your 945 for years :D

[@fitgearhunter]

One more question! Once the recent watch releases (F7, Epix, I2) get the update shouldn’t they be able to back-load HRV data since it stores a long time frame?