Garmin Unveils Completely Revamped Forerunner Line Of Fitness Smartwatches

Garmin has announced a revamp of its Forerunner lineup that brings multiple new devices to the mix that feature integrated music capability, full-color mapping, advanced training, and tracking features. The Forerunner family is designed with runners in mind; the new line includes the Forerunner 45, Forerunner 45S, Forerunner 245, Forerunner 245 Music, and Forerunner 945.

The Forerunner 45 and 45S watches are for those who are training for their first race or starting a new exercise plan and aim for ease of use. They can monitor heart rate at the wrist and have integrated GPS to track pace, distance intervals, and more. The 45S has a 39mm case with the 45 offering a 42mm case. Battery life promises up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 and 245 Music are very similar with the 245 Music having more data and advanced features and the ability to hold up to 500 songs. Users can sync playlists from preloaded music streaming services like Spotify and Deezer. Both watches offer VO2 max and training status adjustments and a wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor to gauge how well oxygen is being absorbed. The watches are good for 7 days per charge in smartwatch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode, and up to 6 hours in GPS mode with music.

The Forerunner 945 is a premium running and triathlon smartwatch that can hold up to 1000 songs. A new feature for the device is training load focus that sorts the recent training history into categories based on structure and intensity. The watch can show six running dynamics when used with a Running Dynamics Pod or compatible heart rate strap. It has an integrated Pulse Ox and a battery good for two weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 36 hours in GPS mode, or up to 10 hours in GPS with Music mode.

The Forerunner 45 Series will launch this month while the 245, 245 Music and 945 are available now. Pricing for the wearables ranges from $199.99 to $599.99. The 945 comes in a special triathlon bundle that includes HRM-Tri, HRM-Swim, and a quick release kit along with two silicone bands for $749.99. Garmin launched the new Vivoactive 3 smartwatch with LTE connectivity in January.