Garmin Forerunner 255 In-Depth Review: 13 New Things to Know!
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- Here's your in-depth review of the new Forerunner 255 & 255 Music, which includes running power, multiband GPS, and plenty more. I dive into all the details including accuracy tracking, triathlon sports like openwater swimming, cycling, running, and everything in between. Buy the Forerunner 255 here (amzn.to/457pBvm), link helps support the channel, much appreciated!
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#GarminForeunner255 #Forerunner255 #FR255 - Sport
The older I get, and the more watches I buy and wear and experiment with, the more I realize that 99% of the data I get from watches is stuff that I already know just because I know how I feel and I've learned how to read my body over the years. But having said that I'll continue buying a new watch every couple of years lol
This is facts, but I think the reason we do it is more so to see it on a screen and just know that how you feel is right
And we get to graph over time too
Great video as always! I’ve been using the 245Music since release and the battery is just starting to fade after a few years. Will absolutely grab the 255 (but not music since I never used that feature on the 245!).
Glad to see this data being surfaced and actually used properly and presented well to the user.
I often get asked for multi sport/triathlon watches recommendations. My recommendations have been, if you’re in the Garmin eco-system, get a FR935/45 or Fenix 6/7. If you’re not then Coros Pace which is a capable watch at a great price point. I’ll now encourage those on a budget to stretch to the FR255. Thanks for the great content, as always.
One huge quiet upgrade that no one mentions from the 245 is that the 255 and the 55 can have their back lighting adjusted. For some of us who don't have perfect vision this is huge. Coros and polar don't do it. The owners manual for the 245 says you can, but you definitely cannot.
Glad to see Garmin stepping up the game in prioritizing itself as the companion for running training. I hope that these features trickle down to FR945. Thank you for the great content as always.
Nobody will buy the 955 if they trickle too many of these down to the 945.
There are some features that are purely software based like the race day and training features I would like trickle down as well.
@@kenjude1 That sadly is the truth about Garmin. Garmin hardly sells hardware. They sell software features - useful or not - bundled with new hardware. That is why there are features that are only cloud dependent and still will not work on an older device due to chosen arbitrary restrictions. One example are records for swimming. Only few new waches collect these records, even tough all of them record pool activities.
Thank you thank you Ray, for this review covering GPS ACCURACY. My Fenix 5 plus is terrible at tracking: all over the place, and typically a 4% haircut! I am now looking for the best value in Garmin GPS tracking, and you nailed it in the first few minutes of this video.
Fantastic review as always. Thanks Ray!
Just picked mine up today super excited
Great videos mate. Thank you for helping us choose the right watch for our needs.
Love your videos. After watching this one a few times I decided to buy the 255 and I love it. Thank you so much
how did it go, now is even cheaper and I considering for Triathlon. Cand you tell Us ?
Great review! Thanks for your thoughts!
Great video, helping me to decide what watch to go for next!
My current fitbit versa's battery life seems to be running down in around 2 days on low power mode, time for upgrade!
Great video like always. Thank you.
Thanks for the review, was going to replace my 230 with a 245 thankfully I seen this and will hang fast and save some more pennies.
Excellent review, thanks. Looking forward to the 255 / 955 comparison to help me decide which is best for me.
Did this ever get released? I cannot find it right now...
@@followingell Nope..
Great review as usual.
Great job as always 👍
Great that Running Power and Grade Adjusted Pace also now added.
Having a 245M all I ever really wanted was a bigger screen and better battery....and maybe an Altimeter for better reviews of trail runs.
I've considered a Fenix 7S Solar, but this 255 and 955 really tick those "want" boxes at a lower price....the 255 especially, what a package!!(but surely the multi-band GPS will roll out to the Fenix 7 series soon)
Altimeter, barometer, compass and running power is incredible. I already have an rd pod.
Is there difference in hardware (gps modul) between the multi-gnss and multi-band fenix 7 watches? I am not sure, maybe it can be updated.
great review pal. looks like a great watch
I don't really need another Garmin Watch, but you've explained it to me soo well, that I have to get it 😁
The watch itself isn’t that interesting to me right now but I just had to say: that shirt man. Really brought a smile to my face early in the morning :D
You must be new to the channel 😉
@@81Riel Not really new, but it’s been actually a pretty long time since I’ve watched a video because I have all the devices I need 😅
Spotted the FR955Solar. Interested to see your review 😁 looks like the 255 is an improved fr945 but better 😅
I'm still with my 645, still rocking since 2019
Fab content review. Decided being petite lady to go for a 46mm 255 non music
One thing Garmin needs to address that has been a problem forever with the suggested workouts is (I don’t think) you can’t set your own pace zones. Despite having years of my data, this morning my Garmin thinks I should be doing threshold efforts at a pace I can only ever dream of. I couldn’t do the recommended pace if it was downhill, with a tailwind and being chased by a large angry dog! All that said, where 2+ years ago I decided to splurge on a Fenix 6, the new 255 does essentially all I need (especially with the barometric altimeter) and if I was buying today, I’d go with the 255 (small) over a Fenix 7
Those paces should be based off your VO2 Max and race predictions. Are they about right for you? If not look at whether your max HR on the watch is set to a realistic value for you.
Great video, great new capabilities, could you please point out in the #955 were the differences are between the both beside solar and touchscreen ? Thanks
The multi-band GPS in the FR255 is a great addition but probably pisses off owners of a non-sapphire Fenix which costs twice as much. It was ridiculous to offer it exclusively in the most expensive Fenix.
Totally agree
surely it'll roll out to all models soon.
You’re right
Multi-band does not have so much gain, multi-gnss is enough for me and the tests say the same. But yes, it is strange.
Non sapphire fenix 7 owners got shafted
IMO Garmin are a mess when it comes to their model line-up. So many overlapping features and variations. I feel sure they would benefit from simplifying the whole range.
Yes! Deciding which model was best for me was a workout in itself.
Agree. I’ve been out of the multisport watch scene for a few years and looking to replace my defunct 735xt - it’s a minefield. Seriously considering a Coros
no wonder why people just get apple watch and call it the day
@@TheOllieDuffy same situation. Now in eu 745 price is really dropped, but I'm interested in 255 too.
Well said
Th reason I am buyting this watch is that the non-music edition is the most feature-filled watch I can find that DOESNT have wifi. For those of us that work in 'secure' areas, this is a must.
Thanks for the review. I currently have a 945. Will I see an improvement in features with this watch or am I better of keeping the 945? Keep up the good work!!
Awesome awesome awesome. Totally agree.
December 2022 and the 255 now does wrist based power. I think when you did the video it was not a thing yet. Love this watch so far a month into it
Yup indeed! Added just a month ago!
after years of using 735xt finally there is reasonable watch to upgrade to ;-)
I agree... I currently own a 735XT and have been stalking the 945...then LTE... now with the price and features offered by 255, hard to argue against it. I feel for all the 745 owners though.
I just pre-ordered this watch. I'm a cyclist and it checks all the boxes for me. Especially with the multi-band.
What are some of those boxes for you? Do you have a separate GPS computer at this time? If so, how would you plan on using the 255 in your training?
how did it go, now is even cheaper and I considering for Triathlon. Cand you tell Us ?
@@emrback8563 still using it. Great watch with multi-band too.
Well you sold me on upgrading from the 245 to the 255 in the next few months.
This might be my next watch. I currently have a polar vantage v2.
I hope there’s a video of this race against Des this weekend!
I suspect there will be. But I prefer to assume the last one up the mountain wins!
great review as usual. Will the 7X get the new training and recovery software updates on the new 255 and 955? Keep up the great reviews!
Of course it will. :) Fear not!
Great video. Are you planning to make a video comparing Forerunner 255 with Instinct 2?
I would also like to see a comparison between the Instinct 2 and Forerunner 255
Thanks for the review. Does the watch seem faster/snappier than the 245? Thanks
dear ray thank you for the great review. What do you think, will the features of the 955 also be rolled out in the epik 2?
Thanks for the review. Do you know if the new daily suggested workouts, showing what's to come over the next days/weeks will be updated onto the Forerunner 55?
Thanks, this is great! What Garmin model is best for you?
Thank you very much for the very nice review!!
If I understood right the 255 must be a better watch than the 945?
More accurate and advanced right?
Congratulations for your depht review, i have a question for you: do you think Is a good idea ti replace my Swim 2 with the new Forerunner 255 especially for Openwater swimming? Thanks a lot. Best regards
Thank you for reminding me to "whack the like button". JK your reviews and the go-to information everyone is looking for. Thanks for the info. What bands will fit the new 255 and 955? I headed toward the 955 but watched this to be sure. band sizes would help
'
Heyyy.. when are you uploading a video on GARMIN FORERUNNER 265. cant wait
Hey there! Nice video! If you had to opt between Suunto 5 and FR 245, which one would you get and why ? Thanks in advance!
Bought 245 yesterday :)))))))
Hey, awesome review. Do you know (of course you do) what music systems the 255 music can use? I see spotify and amazon music, but what else?
So what is the purpose of the FR745 now? After killing off the 600 series, Garmin now also makes the 700 series obsolete?
@DC Rainmaker
Great video. Im been Garmin whole time. coros has my interest with battery life. I don’t care about music on watch. Be interested in seeing a video on your thoughts and comparison on Coros pace 2 vs Garmin 255.
Sounds like Coros pace 3 might be this fall, have you heard anything?
From Seen past CZcams reviews coros is behind on Garmin on app features/layout few other things, while a lot people may not are about that and just want a multi sport watch, with great battery life and simplicity. Coros ahead of Garmin on battery life and slightly lighter. Sounds like coros is working hard to catch up on all little features but keeping with better battery life…..
Im trying to decide between coros pace 2 (or wait for coros pace 3 this fall) or get Garmin 255 for my 15 year old and also 13 year old (they are on swim and running team and both are gonna start doing Triathlon this summer. I’m not going to rush into purchasing watches for them, just trying to figure out when it comes time to purchase. Anyway, Always great videos.
have a good one too
Las sesiones de entrenamiento recomendadas son solo para carrera o también para ciclismo? Gracias
Is this watch a good pick in this price range for someone who mainly does hiking and strength training as opposed to running? I was comparing it to the Venu2 and this one seems to have tons of more features but I'm not sure how useful those actually are for someone who isn't running marathons.
I love the t-shirt
Great review Thanks!
Do you know whether 255 S model, shows on screen the same number of data fields as 255?
Thx, looking forward for 255 written review and comparison to 955.
Well, spotted the "Mont Ventoux vs Des(fit)" event. When is it going to take place? ;-)
On the date shown in the video. ;)
What about a comparison between the 255 and the 745 since it appears to be very similar in features and price? Thanks in advance!!
Looks good but now I wonder when I’ll see all these new race and running training widgets on Fenix 7 etc :(
Hey DC do you think we'll see an update for the fenix's which has the same workout calendar up until race day? being able to edit those daily suggested and future workouts looked super useful.
Great, JUST bought the FR 945 like 3 weeks ago :)
Are you able to set hot keys? Are you able to choose the intensity of the backlight? Are you able to choose the intensity of the vibration? Thanks!
Awesome review! Thanks so much for all the work you do. Been waiting a while for this watch. With the pricing of the 255 music just 100 less than 955, it seems like there is no room for the 7xx series. Is that series being phased out?
Agreed, been waiting to see what a 755 might be like but it doesn't seem like it's needed now.
Agree... And honestly... Probably a good idea on Garmin side, with the double form factor of 255 plus the double music/nonmusic versions, plus 955 with the option of solar... Everything is covered, and honestly... Streamlining the offer looks like a good idea both on a cost management standpoint and in order to have a more consistent, less confusing range, the overwhelming number of watches Garmin sells always puzzled me... A "base-mid-top" (55-255-955) kind of range makes a lot more sense. Actually, wish they did it for the Fenix as well, and contained the price a bit more... Having 50 versions all overpriced is far worst that 15 versions at a reasonable price point and easier to choose among
Great review !!!! Garmin watches getting better and better . Is any watch coming up focus on CROSSFIT ??
Check out the channel @FitGearHunter
His latest video covers the 255 and 955 and that these watches are the way to go for CrossFit workouts. Great channel so check him out!
@@tallen316 thanks i will give it a go
Nice one!
Can you perform a lactate threshold guided workout with a chest strap on the 255? (It wasn’t possible on the 245)
Just a quick question. So, the Instinct 2 will have the exact same training load metrics (plus HRV) as the forerunner 255, right?
Thanks!
Thanks Martino - very much appreciated!!!
Thanks Ray - excellent vid as always. Any idea if any of these features being added to the FR745 ?
Curious to the same as I just bought a 745 to take advantage of the great sale
@@tgeddes7602 Ray reckons that we won't see any of them being added. FR745 is pretty much killed off by the FR255. Serious watch for that price.
@@donalgibson317 thank you! I literally just ordered the 745 now I'm going to cancel. Had a feeling this would happen 😅
@@tgeddes7602 Always happens. Just to add - i've the 745 for almost a year and it's a great watch.
@@donalgibson317 yeah I was upgrading from the 245, so it would be an improvement either way. I just really REALLY love the new suggested workout/race calendar feature
Hm... after all these additions I wonder if there will be any room left for a red 755. But I guess we will see it after your 955 videos 🙂
Hey DC, do you know if the vo2 for cycling can be calculated from workouts synced to Garmin connect, I use TrainerRoad and don't think I can have my pm connect to two devices.
do you think they will keep the 745 now that this is a multisport watch? should we expect an update for that too?
Does the multiband GPS improve real time speed accuracy/responsiveness?
I have noticed that, in the official Garmin website, the FR 255 music has WIFi in the Canadian and American version, but not in Europe or Australia. Is this feature only available in North America? Not a deal breaker, just wondering as the 245 has it.
Seriously looking at a garmin watch , but still struggling to pick one. Main interest are cycling (road, gravel & MTB)
Just in time to cancel my epix order for the 955! thanks
I would like to ask the owners: do you also have the backlight turning itself on in certain cases (e.g. payment, blood oxygen measurement, outdoor activities: cycling, running, walking) even though everything (keys, alerts, gestures) is set to off in the settings?
Love the review !
Could you please respond with the url of the website to add existing events to the Garmin watch.
You said it around 6:55 but its to quick for me
Thanks in advance
Hey man do you think we are going to see the features like Race Calendar dropped to the Fenix 6 series on a software update?
Very information video. I am in between choosing 255 and 745 both with same price. Can you suggest
I'd probably go FR255, since it's going to get updates going forward for quite some time. You'll be missing ClimbPro from the FR745 though.
I am considering the FR255 for hiking and backpacking. I am comparing it to the Instinct 2, but don't like the Instinct's smaller, B/W display. Strangely, the specs for the FR255 say that it does NOT include GPS coordinates. And the Garmin Connect IQ add on of UTM coordinate display lists several FR models as being supported, but not the FR255. I just want it to display UTM coordinates so I can see where I am on my paper map. Am I missing something??
I don't own a 255 but watched a review on its navigation a few hours ago and I'm quite sure it includes GPS coordinates
I'm confused, what does the fenix series have that this doesn't? Maps? Slightly better battery (as of fenix 7)?
Would you recommend this watch over a Fenix 6, given it's new features and multi band?
What’s the better watch? The 255 or the instinct 2? Both say 30 hours of gps which is the most I would ever need. Thanks for the help.
Seems like both version gets a downgrade in screen area compared to the 245 (active screen diameter / clock diameter). Is this the case?
Thanks so much. I may go for 255. The most important for me is battery lifetime in GPS mode for long distances. I am very tempted to go for 955, but the price is crazy. It says up to 30h for 255, have you tested it? I will be running couple of ~24h events and would be awesome to have my battery alive :) Thank you!
Run the 24h event faster?
Haha, sure I will try to run faster 😂
If battery life is one of your main wants, you should look at the Coros watches; they're in a league of their own for battery life
Any plans for Garmin to include the heat acclimation function on the 255?
Hi Ray, love your videos!
Do you think the Training readiness and the HRV status will come to the Epix 2?
Yes, they are, very shortly.
@@Dcrainmaker Brilliant, thanks! Keep on doing your thing, you are doing great!
Hello! The Polar Vantage V2 is on sale and I think I could get it cheaper compared to FR255. Do you think that in terms of features, Vantage V2 beats FR255? Thank you!
I've never owned a fitness watch so would be grateful for your insight: I'm leaning towards the 255s due to smaller form factor; it appeals to me that I will just forget I have it on, (particularly useful during sleep) and I would use all its features on the connect app of my phone. Is this realistic, or does one have to interact with the watch face itself? I'm not a runner, more into gym/bodybuilding, and want to use the watch for stress tracking, and overall fitness tracking over time. Thank you!
Yes it’s not a requirement to interact with the watch for most of the part, unless you’re tracking your workout or wanting to see some data quickly. A glance at the screen shows heart rate and battery life. There are data rich watch faces also available that show steps and other data
I use a FR55
Maybe try Venu 2S, it would be a lot more suitable for non runner.. I think Ray also has the video review on Venu 2/2S 😀
What is going on on battery life between the various models? Is (say) the difference between (say) the GPS only time between the bigger 255, the (non solar) 955 and the mis size Fenix 7 only dictated by small differences in case size or is Garmin artificially hobbling the lower price points to make battery life a premium feature? This will, as you have frequently pointed out, be irrelevant to almost everyone save a tiny minority of ultra folk but is hugely frustrating for those in the latter category who don’t want the weight or price of the premium casing…..
Currently have a Galaxy Watch 4 classic 46m and looking to upgrade.
Would you recommend this over waiting for the Watch 7 comming out this summer?
Fingers crossed on them bringing the Training Readiness feature to the 255 🤞
Is this watch worth it in 2024? I read watches only get 2 years worth of security updates. I like the 265 but i dont want to spend too much on a watch ill be replacing every 2 years. I currently have the instinct solar and looking for an upgrade.
Does GPS recording keep working when viewing 3rd party Widgets? That's something the F7 series still can't do (and F5 and 6 always could).
its a great watch, but dont know if im upgrading just for these little changes. they have so many years in between watches and then it feels mostly like a software update (i never had big gps problems anyways)
I'm a runner and I've had the Garmin fr 245 for almost a year. Do you think I should upgrade to the 255? Is it worth it? I'm only running and sometimes going for a bike ride.