Definitely in my opinion Garmin has a nicer eco system then polar! I’ve used a Garmin since the end of October of 2020 and I loved Garmin I used the 235 and as my graduation gift i got the 245 and I’m freaking in love with it!
Great review thx! What made me choose the Polar M2 over the Garmin forerunner 245 it’s its ability to record heart rate in the swimming pool. The Garmin ecosystem might be better but their app is too cluttered. The Polar sleep analysis is the best I have seen. It lacks onboard music but I carry my phone not worth the extra 50$. Another feature I like in Polar is the distribution of carbs proteins and fat burnt after training (based on heart rate zones) it is extremely helpful for a balanced diet. Keep up the good reviews
I really wonder why Polar's "it just works" is not getting the love it deserves. Going snowshoeing/kayaking/orienteering/rollerskating/anything there is a profile for that even in the most low-end Polar. With Garmin you have to play around in Connect afterwards to change the sport and even then the selection is more limited - especially at low-end of the range. This came to me as a huge surprise when moving from ancient low-mid-end M400 to top-end Fenix 5 that I lost a bunch of profiles and had to tinker in order to log them properly.
Great video Dave! I would add one thing. If you struggle choosing models, then before ordering, be sure to go to the store and check it yourself (If you have such an opportunity). A couple of weeks ago, I had difficulties choosing between 745 and v2, after all the reviews, v2 had a slight advantage, but after going to the store everything was decided. The screen decided everything. V2 screen is like from the last decade for me personally, So I ended up seeing base Fenix 6s on sale for 306 euro, an instant purchase. ps: As a novice runner, I wanted to say a special thank you for your reviews. Over the past month and a half, you and the other guys (like Ray, Des, and Matt) have discovered a lot of new things for me. Cheers.
You are right that display feels “old”, yes, it is not fancy but if you workout in the sun you will realise that vantage m2 display is perfect and it fits its purpose as sport watch. Clear, crisp and comfortable display. It is not made to watch movies but for training is perfect and its consumption amazing….
I actually have the Garmin 245 Music and had the Polar Vantage M prior to that. I really like both of them, like you said it just depends on what you're doing. I'm primarily a cyclist that dabbles in other things. I run the Garmin Edge 830 as well as the Forerunner 245 and this is one of the reasons I went for the Garmin watch- the integration across both devices. I really like the body battery function- it really seems to be on the money. Also, I've been finding the recovery metric really useful- it gives me an idea of how long I should wait to go hard again. I do miss power meter compatibility, but I'm now using the Garmin as a backup (and I don't have power meters on all my bikes). That said, I really did like the Polar, but Garmin just seems to have the edge. But it depends on what you want to do with them.
Is the display of the Polar Vantage M good? I'm actually thinking about getting a Polar Vantage M2 but haven't been able to see it live yet. As far as know Vantage M & M2 have the same display, this is going to be my first fitness watch so I'm totally new with transflective displays and I just want to make sure the display is not going to be a deal breaker, considering Garmin has better coverage in my country but I like some Polar functions (like daily recharge or fit spark) a bit more than Polar counterparts.
@@Asthbendriel the display on my vantage m is not bright but its not bad . If it a well lit room I can see it no problem if it's a little dimmer the backlight helps . It does come on automatic when you turn your wrist to look at it
@@TheSlickpt thank you for your input, I ended up buying the M2, so far I love it 😀 but I do agree, the display is a little dim indoors but the backlight helps in all kind of indoor situations, I just wish it was a little less blue-ish, but not a deal breaker for the price, specially considering it looks quite nice outdoors, right when I need it the most 😁
Hmm must have a look at the Garmin range. I have the polar Grit X which I bought used but the more I learn the more I think the Garmin gives a better experience. Plus I love gadgets. My only issue is telling my wife I bought yet another heart rate monitor. I have 3 polar's. An old one, a unite and the Grit X.
Great video! A ton of information. One thing you were incorrect.... the Polar does not have music. You made a comment the 245 music makes the 245 more expensive. But that's apples to oranges because they are both $299. Music feature is an additional $50 which the polar doesn't offer. Super review of both! I picked up the 245 music because I am a runner. I don't need my phone for music as I can store songs on my watch. Keep the reviews coming!!! Happy Holidays!!!!
That shirt is the hottness! 🔥 I've struggled with the normal screen brightness on the M2. It's a solid watch with lots of features but it just feels dim to me. Great video as always!
Well, my polar 430m is running to it's end I have the feeling. Suddenly the heart monitor stops. So now I am looking for the successor of that. I saw that the vantage M2 is a successor and the 245 is a concurrent of it. I use my watch whenever I am doing an activity and I bought it in 2019 when I was practicing a marathon, because my trainer said that the 430m measures everything for a reasonable price. So I bought a watch for running and I am also using it, when I am delivering the mail on foot and bike. And also for the bootcamp.
@@ChaseTheSummit I’m sorry for your loss.I know the feeling…Love your channel and today i decided that i should buy the forerunner 245 thanks to your review.Keep up the good work
Nice video, I would prefer you to just say Garmin or Polar after the intro. It gets a bit frustrating hearing the full name every time. Other than that, top video
I’ve gone through the garmin gamut of 245, 945, and 945 LTE. All were great, but lacking in terms of my own everyday needs and use (namely smart features). For my career and fitness level, the Apple Watch has sufficed. But I keep feeling that pull to try the Polar ecosystem. 300 ain’t cheap, but ain’t as bad as 649, either. Maybe it’s time to give the M2 a shot!
If you've found the Garmin products to feel lacking in the smartwatch department I would stay away from Polar watches as they're even less integrated with your phone. Thanks for watching!
@@ChaseTheSummit you’ve saved me some time then Dave, thanks! Still think the sweet spot (for me) is the 245 music. However, I always fall victim to the waiting game of “what else is waiting over the horizon” 😛
Is the Vantage M2 good for multi sport such as, workouts in the gym, spinning, cycling and playing sports? I do a variety of different exercises and sports so need a watch that can it all. Which of this watches would be the best?
Sure, it's a solid option for multi-sports. However, if you're not doing triathlon or multi-sport (like Run/Swim) activities I think there's better options for the same price. For instance the COROS Pace 2. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this amazing review. Just like many I’m a bit torn between these two watches. However, my main issue is with comfort. Which watch do you believe to be the most comfortable to wear 24/7? I had some issues with Fitbit before as it was too uncomfortable for someone with bony skinny wrists like me. So I need something breathable and that lies flat on the wrist.
Thank you for your review. I wonder if I can wear the Polar M2 during shower and swimming because the tech spec says it is WR30, which my understanding is only water resistance and not for swimming. But obviously M2 has Swimming Metrics, which confuses me.
On Polar flow, when you are viewing your activities for the day, is it taking into account the entire time you had the watch on or only what you log as a specific session?
Still not sure due to my sport profile. I mainly play and train competitive badminton, do jumprope and bodyweight Training and some running. Other sports on occasion. Maybe I wait for the forerunner 245 successor. Harmon has a jump rope app and customization, polar a badminton profile, though I think I can create that on the 245 too. Fit spark is a great feature, as is the integrated music feature and smart functions on the 245. I would like a combination of both. 🤷♂️
Hello from Greece nice review. because I'm Greek I saw the tattoo.keep it going φίλε. I have the Samsung galaxy active 2 44 and with the strap pump SUPCASE UNICORN BEETLE PRO GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE 2 (44MM) BLACK it's another level for my personal looks. It's like a g shock looking now I love it 😉
I play tennis and Garmin had never had a profile for tracking that. I've had the M2 for a couple of weeks and have been pretty satisfied so far. Polar does need to do something about those dim screens though. And why no white background on the watch? It seems like they should be able to change that with a software update.
Nice comparison Dave, I am too confused between Forerunner 245 and Instinct Solar, my usage will be for Road Cycling (MTB) and basic walking and Running, please suggest me. Thank you.
I'm not a triathlete and I don't go racing, I mainly do sport because of keeping a healthy lifestyle. I love mountain biking, I use to walk by myself or with my wife once in a while and I was thinking in the future to start running a bit or even getting a road bike to complement my MTB throughout the week when I can't go ride off road and time is limited. I really like the Polar for my intended use, but I'm a little concerned about those huge bezels, as I am planning to wear the watch as my everyday life watch, is it annoying in everyday life? In some shots it doesn't seem too obvious or annoying, in other shots it is very visible, so I'm not entirely sure should I end up hating the watch because of them. Also is it visible enough in direct sunlight? As I do MTB mainly or maybe road cycling in the future direct sunlight is where the watch is gonna be most of the time when I check it out while exercising. I also start riding sometimes at 4:30-5am when there's no sunlight at all, can any of these watches turn the screen on by themselves by twisting your wrist?
The Vantage V2 certainly has some bezels. However, when you have the watchface up it's hard to tell because the whole thing is black. In terms of readability like I said in this video it's a bit dim and harder to see compared to the 245. In direct sunlight though it's perfectly fine.
Thanks for your review! Does the 245 give information about real time positive/negative elevation? I think polar gives this info (I have polar m400 that provides those info) Greetings from Italy :)
The 245 doesn't have a barometric altimeter so it won't give you real time data. There are 3rd party apps that can do it but they're not super accurate.
The Garmin will produce a VO2 Max after a single run that's longer than 10 minutes (thought it may not be very accurate at first). You need to use the "Run" profile, and have a form of HR data (either optical or external).
The 645 Music isn't actually "better" than the 245. It's kind of a sideways move despite the name implying it's higher in the food chain. Oddly the 245 has better battery life, features Garmin's Body Battery, has the SpO2 sensor. The 645 lacks body battery, and the SpO2 sensor but does have an on-board altimeter, more sport profiles, and Garmin Pay. These two watches are VERY similar and both have some strange compromises. Thanks for watching!
how does the 245 compare to the venu 2 from a running perspective? i understand that the venu 2 is more of a smartwatch but as it was released earlier i was wondering if it has better overall fitness tracking features?
Pretty similar the only features missing are breadcrumb navigation, and the advanced running metrics like training load / recovery / etc... Other than that they're both great GPS trackers and the Venu 2 also has a better optical heart rate sensor.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 245 or 55 watches measure activities like weight training, or physio kind of exercises? On Polar watches, they have those training profiles to choose.
Well I need your unbiased advice. I’m in an apparently unique position, because I cannot find the info I need any where on RUclips or the internet. I am in need of a trail running watch. I use my Apple Watch for road running, but for trails I’d like something else. I’m currently running half marathons or shorter, with the possibility of 50K later. I’ve been looking at Coros and Garmin. Could I get by with the Coros Pace 2, or do I really need to step up to the Apex Pro? Or would I be better off with a Garmin 935 ( $150ish on eBay) or something completely different?
All of those options will get the job done. The Pace 2 is a fantastic watch but it's missing Navigation if that's something you need for trail running / hiking. Out of the choices I think the Coros Apex might be the best bang for the buck but the 935 would also be a nice option if you like the Garmin Ecosystem.
I'm working on a video about that very topic. Personally I lean towards the Pace 2 but I'm mainly a runner. If you're into triathlon the M2 might be the right move.
hallo my friend I want to ask you if the fact that the polar has more LEDs than the normal ones of other companies is better in measuring the heart rate during the run or does it want for a better response and chest belt
How durable is the plastic body for 245 ? Does it lose its shine after say few months or a year ? It will then just look like a toy in my opinion. I am planning to buy one hence asked ;-)
It's quite durable. Realistically the plastic watches actually show less scratches because they're the same color all the way though. Where as a metal bezel with paint can chip/scratch. The feeling isn't quite as "premium" but I've never broken a plastic watch. Hope that helps!
The Apex is a really strong competitor to these! In my opinion it kind of sits in between the Polar Vantage M2 and the Garmin Forerunner 245. It's got navigation features that the M2 doesn't have but not all of the bells and whistles of the 245 (offline music, Connect IQ, etc...) and with the updated EvoLabs firmware it's got some excellent training tools as well and super long battery life. There's really no bad choice here!
Great video! I see that in the polar you can see in the display real-time during a run in which HR zone you are from the color of the number, whereas in the garmin this is not possible. Is that right? Paul T., Netherlands
M2 is simple firmware update to M1. There is seriously nothing new on terms of hardware. Same GPS chip, same ohr, same battery. Oh, there is only new screen type (like on grit x) but still the same number of pixels. Been a huge fan of Polar but now Im switching to Coros
That was my basic takeaway in my initial review. It's a cool watch but I do wish they'd offer more firmware updates to older hardware. Maybe it's a CPU/Storage limitation? Who knows!
I was a fan of Garmin but switching to Coros! For me it was the increasing prices of their products coupled with poor reliability of the forerunner line.
@@ChaseTheSummit sorry I got confused your app look so different from mine I don't have a homepage it defaults to the activity page . And I do have the toggle between the clock view and graph .
Hello David and thanks for your work, I'm looking for a smartwatch oriented toward sports (mainly running, cycling, swimming and also hiking skiing). It sjould have ANT+ for sensors (like HR belt or cyclinbg speed/rate sensors). Most reviewers do not even mention ANT+, but you did in your suunto 7 review. Longevity is not something very important to me so i don t need something extreme, but regular smartwatches autonomy is ridiculous (a Huawei GTs2 pro lost 20% on a super short cycling tour that lasted 90 mn) but i don t do Ultra or 40 hours races. Last but not least it should not be huge, i still use an old suunto ambit 2 but often take it off because i find it too bulky. Is there any Amazfit with ANT+?
Definitely in my opinion Garmin has a nicer eco system then polar! I’ve used a Garmin since the end of October of 2020 and I loved Garmin I used the 235 and as my graduation gift i got the 245 and I’m freaking in love with it!
Thanks for sharing!
Great review thx! What made me choose the Polar M2 over the Garmin forerunner 245 it’s its ability to record heart rate in the swimming pool. The Garmin ecosystem might be better but their app is too cluttered. The Polar sleep analysis is the best I have seen. It lacks onboard music but I carry my phone not worth the extra 50$. Another feature I like in Polar is the distribution of carbs proteins and fat burnt after training (based on heart rate zones) it is extremely helpful for a balanced diet.
Keep up the good reviews
Thanks for sharing!
It’s always a good day when Dave releases a new video
Ha! Thanks!
I really wonder why Polar's "it just works" is not getting the love it deserves. Going snowshoeing/kayaking/orienteering/rollerskating/anything there is a profile for that even in the most low-end Polar. With Garmin you have to play around in Connect afterwards to change the sport and even then the selection is more limited - especially at low-end of the range.
This came to me as a huge surprise when moving from ancient low-mid-end M400 to top-end Fenix 5 that I lost a bunch of profiles and had to tinker in order to log them properly.
Thanks for sharing.
Great video Dave!
I would add one thing. If you struggle choosing models, then before ordering, be sure to go to the store and check it yourself (If you have such an opportunity).
A couple of weeks ago, I had difficulties choosing between 745 and v2, after all the reviews, v2 had a slight advantage, but after going to the store everything was decided. The screen decided everything. V2 screen is like from the last decade for me personally,
So I ended up seeing base Fenix 6s on sale for 306 euro, an instant purchase.
ps: As a novice runner, I wanted to say a special thank you for your reviews. Over the past month and a half, you and the other guys (like Ray, Des, and Matt) have discovered a lot of new things for me. Cheers.
Absolutely! Nothing beats first hand experience. Thanks for the kind words!
You are right that display feels “old”, yes, it is not fancy but if you workout in the sun you will realise that vantage m2 display is perfect and it fits its purpose as sport watch. Clear, crisp and comfortable display. It is not made to watch movies but for training is perfect and its consumption amazing….
I actually have the Garmin 245 Music and had the Polar Vantage M prior to that. I really like both of them, like you said it just depends on what you're doing. I'm primarily a cyclist that dabbles in other things. I run the Garmin Edge 830 as well as the Forerunner 245 and this is one of the reasons I went for the Garmin watch- the integration across both devices. I really like the body battery function- it really seems to be on the money. Also, I've been finding the recovery metric really useful- it gives me an idea of how long I should wait to go hard again. I do miss power meter compatibility, but I'm now using the Garmin as a backup (and I don't have power meters on all my bikes). That said, I really did like the Polar, but Garmin just seems to have the edge. But it depends on what you want to do with them.
Thanks for sharing!
Is the display of the Polar Vantage M good? I'm actually thinking about getting a Polar Vantage M2 but haven't been able to see it live yet. As far as know Vantage M & M2 have the same display, this is going to be my first fitness watch so I'm totally new with transflective displays and I just want to make sure the display is not going to be a deal breaker, considering Garmin has better coverage in my country but I like some Polar functions (like daily recharge or fit spark) a bit more than Polar counterparts.
@@Asthbendriel the display on my vantage m is not bright but its not bad . If it a well lit room I can see it no problem if it's a little dimmer the backlight helps . It does come on automatic when you turn your wrist to look at it
@@TheSlickpt thank you for your input, I ended up buying the M2, so far I love it 😀 but I do agree, the display is a little dim indoors but the backlight helps in all kind of indoor situations, I just wish it was a little less blue-ish, but not a deal breaker for the price, specially considering it looks quite nice outdoors, right when I need it the most 😁
Got the 245M, excellent watch, mainly using it for running!
Nice! it's a good one!
Hmm must have a look at the Garmin range. I have the polar Grit X which I bought used but the more I learn the more I think the Garmin gives a better experience. Plus I love gadgets. My only issue is telling my wife I bought yet another heart rate monitor. I have 3 polar's. An old one, a unite and the Grit X.
Getting them past the wife is the tricky part! 😂
Don’t u wanna sell any of them ?? 🙏🙏
Good comparison! And you got sponsors! Way to go Dave! :) Hope they ship internationally.
Thanks! Unfortunately PlayBetter doesn't ship internationally but I still have International Amazon links in the description!
Great video! A ton of information.
One thing you were incorrect.... the Polar does not have music. You made a comment the 245 music makes the 245 more expensive. But that's apples to oranges because they are both $299. Music feature is an additional $50 which the polar doesn't offer. Super review of both! I picked up the 245 music because I am a runner. I don't need my phone for music as I can store songs on my watch.
Keep the reviews coming!!!
Happy Holidays!!!!
Glad it was helpful! I don't think I state that the Polar has music? It does have music controls but no onboard storage. Thanks for watching.
thanks for the review! been watching your videos with the 245, picking one up tomorrow
Nice! Enjoy!
That shirt is the hottness! 🔥 I've struggled with the normal screen brightness on the M2. It's a solid watch with lots of features but it just feels dim to me. Great video as always!
For sure, definitely one of the drawbacks of the M2! Thanks for watching Matt!
Well, my polar 430m is running to it's end I have the feeling. Suddenly the heart monitor stops. So now I am looking for the successor of that. I saw that the vantage M2 is a successor and the 245 is a concurrent of it. I use my watch whenever I am doing an activity and I bought it in 2019 when I was practicing a marathon, because my trainer said that the 430m measures everything for a reasonable price. So I bought a watch for running and I am also using it, when I am delivering the mail on foot and bike. And also for the bootcamp.
I just saw your tattoo and it says "i miss you(μου λειπεις)" in greek. As a greek i just noticed it.Ωραιο!
Yup. In memory of my mom. Thanks for watching.
@@ChaseTheSummit I’m sorry for your loss.I know the feeling…Love your channel and today i decided that i should buy the forerunner 245 thanks to your review.Keep up the good work
Liking the Ryan Clayton t-shirt👍🏾
It's a good one!
Being Greek I noticed the tattoo on your forehand. Take care!
Yep! Thanks!
Nice video, I would prefer you to just say Garmin or Polar after the intro. It gets a bit frustrating hearing the full name every time. Other than that, top video
That shirt though 👌
Some guy sold it to me.
@@ChaseTheSummit sounds sketchy
The 245 is actually 25 dollars less than the polar vantage M2 where i live
I’ve gone through the garmin gamut of 245, 945, and 945 LTE. All were great, but lacking in terms of my own everyday needs and use (namely smart features). For my career and fitness level, the Apple Watch has sufficed. But I keep feeling that pull to try the Polar ecosystem. 300 ain’t cheap, but ain’t as bad as 649, either. Maybe it’s time to give the M2 a shot!
If you've found the Garmin products to feel lacking in the smartwatch department I would stay away from Polar watches as they're even less integrated with your phone. Thanks for watching!
@@ChaseTheSummit you’ve saved me some time then Dave, thanks! Still think the sweet spot (for me) is the 245 music. However, I always fall victim to the waiting game of “what else is waiting over the horizon” 😛
@@ZeRo-22- I'm guilty of that game too... Heck that's how this RUclips channel started!
Is the Vantage M2 good for multi sport such as, workouts in the gym, spinning, cycling and playing sports?
I do a variety of different exercises and sports so need a watch that can it all. Which of this watches would be the best?
Sure, it's a solid option for multi-sports. However, if you're not doing triathlon or multi-sport (like Run/Swim) activities I think there's better options for the same price. For instance the COROS Pace 2. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this amazing review. Just like many I’m a bit torn between these two watches. However, my main issue is with comfort. Which watch do you believe to be the most comfortable to wear 24/7? I had some issues with Fitbit before as it was too uncomfortable for someone with bony skinny wrists like me. So I need something breathable and that lies flat on the wrist.
They're very similar in terms of comfort but the 245 is a little smaller so it's less obtrusive on the wrist. Both are very light though.
Nice comparison, Dave! Question: what software you use to plot HR readings?
I use something called Quantified
Thank you for your review. I wonder if I can wear the Polar M2 during shower and swimming because the tech spec says it is WR30, which my understanding is only water resistance and not for swimming. But obviously M2 has Swimming Metrics, which confuses me.
Yes, it can be worn in the water. Just no deep water diving.
Amazing video man! For me Polar 👌
On Polar flow, when you are viewing your activities for the day, is it taking into account the entire time you had the watch on or only what you log as a specific session?
The entire time.
love the music and the cap CTS..
Thanks!
Still not sure due to my sport profile. I mainly play and train competitive badminton, do jumprope and bodyweight Training and some running. Other sports on occasion.
Maybe I wait for the forerunner 245 successor. Harmon has a jump rope app and customization, polar a badminton profile, though I think I can create that on the 245 too. Fit spark is a great feature, as is the integrated music feature and smart functions on the 245.
I would like a combination of both. 🤷♂️
A combination of both would be great!
What would be your conclusion of the F245 music vs Polar Pacer Pro - both with the top HR chest straps for the same price?
Hello from Greece nice review. because I'm Greek I saw the tattoo.keep it going φίλε.
I have the Samsung galaxy active 2 44 and with the strap pump SUPCASE UNICORN BEETLE PRO GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE 2 (44MM) BLACK it's another level for my personal looks. It's like a g shock looking now I love it 😉
Thanks for sharing!
I play tennis and Garmin had never had a profile for tracking that. I've had the M2 for a couple of weeks and have been pretty satisfied so far. Polar does need to do something about those dim screens though. And why no white background on the watch? It seems like they should be able to change that with a software update.
I think they avoid white backgrounds because it would make those chunky bezels way more obvious! Thanks for sharing!
@@ChaseTheSummit Good point but it would make the screen easier to see. Would be nice to have as an option.
Great video !! Accurate informations thank you
Thanks!
Hello .
I want to ask polar vantage v is better than garmin 245?
Garmin forerunner 245 is compatibility con Zwift and Polar no, I need this compatibility
Nice comparison Dave, I am too confused between Forerunner 245 and Instinct Solar, my usage will be for Road Cycling (MTB) and basic walking and Running, please suggest me. Thank you.
The 245 is a better sport focused watch. The Instinct is more designed for outdoor activities like hiking and trail running.
Great video! Is the Garmin 245 able to show real time heart rate zone during a run?
Yup
this video is great, thanks
Glad you liked it!
Good video! Do you know which of this two has more HR accuracy inside water??
I can't say for sure. I'd suspect the Polar might excel in water.
Only chosen one have enough strength to press Polar's navigation buttons.
lol
I'm watching trying to gauge how the newer Pacer Pro might stack up againt the Forerunner 2I45. Especially as the 245 is currently on offer on Amazon.
Tough call, They both have their strengths!
I'm not a triathlete and I don't go racing, I mainly do sport because of keeping a healthy lifestyle. I love mountain biking, I use to walk by myself or with my wife once in a while and I was thinking in the future to start running a bit or even getting a road bike to complement my MTB throughout the week when I can't go ride off road and time is limited.
I really like the Polar for my intended use, but I'm a little concerned about those huge bezels, as I am planning to wear the watch as my everyday life watch, is it annoying in everyday life? In some shots it doesn't seem too obvious or annoying, in other shots it is very visible, so I'm not entirely sure should I end up hating the watch because of them.
Also is it visible enough in direct sunlight? As I do MTB mainly or maybe road cycling in the future direct sunlight is where the watch is gonna be most of the time when I check it out while exercising. I also start riding sometimes at 4:30-5am when there's no sunlight at all, can any of these watches turn the screen on by themselves by twisting your wrist?
The Vantage V2 certainly has some bezels. However, when you have the watchface up it's hard to tell because the whole thing is black. In terms of readability like I said in this video it's a bit dim and harder to see compared to the 245. In direct sunlight though it's perfectly fine.
Realy good video. Thanks
Thanks!
Thanks for your review! Does the 245 give information about real time positive/negative elevation? I think polar gives this info (I have polar m400 that provides those info)
Greetings from Italy :)
The 245 doesn't have a barometric altimeter so it won't give you real time data. There are 3rd party apps that can do it but they're not super accurate.
Dave,
Thanks!
How many times do you have to run to get the Vo2max in the FR245?
Thanks!
The Garmin will produce a VO2 Max after a single run that's longer than 10 minutes (thought it may not be very accurate at first). You need to use the "Run" profile, and have a form of HR data (either optical or external).
@@ChaseTheSummit Dave, Thanks! And appreciate !
Why not compare the 645 Music, isn't it better than the 245 for the same price?
The 645 Music isn't actually "better" than the 245. It's kind of a sideways move despite the name implying it's higher in the food chain. Oddly the 245 has better battery life, features Garmin's Body Battery, has the SpO2 sensor. The 645 lacks body battery, and the SpO2 sensor but does have an on-board altimeter, more sport profiles, and Garmin Pay. These two watches are VERY similar and both have some strange compromises. Thanks for watching!
EXCELENT VIDEO
Thanks
how does the 245 compare to the venu 2 from a running perspective? i understand that the venu 2 is more of a smartwatch but as it was released earlier i was wondering if it has better overall fitness tracking features?
Pretty similar the only features missing are breadcrumb navigation, and the advanced running metrics like training load / recovery / etc... Other than that they're both great GPS trackers and the Venu 2 also has a better optical heart rate sensor.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 245 or 55 watches measure activities like weight training, or physio kind of exercises? On Polar watches, they have those training profiles to choose.
Yes they do.
Amazing intro music 🙌, is it a new one?
I'm always trying to find new music! Thanks!
Well I need your unbiased advice. I’m in an apparently unique position, because I cannot find the info I need any where on RUclips or the internet. I am in need of a trail running watch. I use my Apple Watch for road running, but for trails I’d like something else. I’m currently running half marathons or shorter, with the possibility of 50K later. I’ve been looking at Coros and Garmin. Could I get by with the Coros Pace 2, or do I really need to step up to the Apex Pro? Or would I be better off with a Garmin 935 ( $150ish on eBay) or something completely different?
All of those options will get the job done. The Pace 2 is a fantastic watch but it's missing Navigation if that's something you need for trail running / hiking. Out of the choices I think the Coros Apex might be the best bang for the buck but the 935 would also be a nice option if you like the Garmin Ecosystem.
RUN - 245 👍
👍👍
Hey David, when comparing vantage m2 with coros pace 2, which would you pick?
Thanks and cheers from Brazil
I'm working on a video about that very topic. Personally I lean towards the Pace 2 but I'm mainly a runner. If you're into triathlon the M2 might be the right move.
hallo my friend I want to ask you if the fact that the polar has more LEDs than the normal ones of other companies is better in measuring the heart rate during the run or does it want for a better response and chest belt
The number of LED's doesn't seem to make a huge difference but your milage may vary. A chest belt is by far the most accurate.
Is the 245 still worth it? it's getting a little old at this point.
Absolutely. I've also seen it dip in price on sale thanks to it being a bit older.
How durable is the plastic body for 245 ? Does it lose its shine after say few months or a year ? It will then just look like a toy in my opinion. I am planning to buy one hence asked ;-)
It's quite durable. Realistically the plastic watches actually show less scratches because they're the same color all the way though. Where as a metal bezel with paint can chip/scratch. The feeling isn't quite as "premium" but I've never broken a plastic watch. Hope that helps!
What you think about Amazfit watches? They look really good on cost benefit.
I've got a couple of videos about them. They're nice, but I've had issues with their heart rate and GPS accuracy.
Hmm. What about the coros apex in comparison to these?
The Apex is a really strong competitor to these! In my opinion it kind of sits in between the Polar Vantage M2 and the Garmin Forerunner 245. It's got navigation features that the M2 doesn't have but not all of the bells and whistles of the 245 (offline music, Connect IQ, etc...) and with the updated EvoLabs firmware it's got some excellent training tools as well and super long battery life. There's really no bad choice here!
Great video! I see that in the polar you can see in the display real-time during a run in which HR zone you are from the color of the number, whereas in the garmin this is not possible. Is that right?
Paul T., Netherlands
This is possible on the Garmin as well you just need to add the Heart Rate Zone gauge to one of the customizable data pages.
@@ChaseTheSummit unfortunately
Unfortunately I have the Forerunner 45 and I think it is not possible in this type
My garmin for runner 245 got water damage just from the shower
Interesting. What happened?
M2 is simple firmware update to M1. There is seriously nothing new on terms of hardware. Same GPS chip, same ohr, same battery. Oh, there is only new screen type (like on grit x) but still the same number of pixels. Been a huge fan of Polar but now Im switching to Coros
That was my basic takeaway in my initial review. It's a cool watch but I do wish they'd offer more firmware updates to older hardware. Maybe it's a CPU/Storage limitation? Who knows!
I was a fan of Garmin but switching to Coros! For me it was the increasing prices of their products coupled with poor reliability of the forerunner line.
Hi. Maybe a dumb question but can these things be turned off when not in use? Anyone? Thanks.
Yes they can.
garmin 55 vs 245 in terms of gps accuracy . whats ur take ??
I've got a whole video about it ruclips.net/video/KwVh9lhWFbc/видео.html
@@ChaseTheSummit my man !!
My flow app looks completely different I've got a clock type display for daily activity
You can toggle that view by clicking the button in the top right area of the screen.
@@ChaseTheSummit sorry I got confused your app look so different from mine I don't have a homepage it defaults to the activity page . And I do have the toggle between the clock view and graph .
You can actually reduce a lot of time by not saying the products full name everytime. Though i like all your videos....
For sure, I repeat the name to make sure there's no confusion on features that one has versus the other. Thanks for the feedback.
Nice comparison. Do you happen to know if the Garmin can be set up in Spanish?
Yes! there is a spanish setting in the watch.
Are you greek? On your hand you write " μου λείπεις". Which means "i miss you".
You can learn about the meaning of my tattoo here: ruclips.net/video/DPg4hXWTr34/видео.html
This is a very nice and touching video, must have been hard to shoot.
Bro I need that hat
Hello David and thanks for your work, I'm looking for a smartwatch oriented toward sports (mainly running, cycling, swimming and also hiking skiing). It sjould have ANT+ for sensors (like HR belt or cyclinbg speed/rate sensors). Most reviewers do not even mention ANT+, but you did in your suunto 7 review. Longevity is not something very important to me so i don t need something extreme, but regular smartwatches autonomy is ridiculous (a Huawei GTs2 pro lost 20% on a super short cycling tour that lasted 90 mn) but i don t do Ultra or 40 hours races. Last but not least it should not be huge, i still use an old suunto ambit 2 but often take it off because i find it too bulky. Is there any Amazfit with ANT+?
To my knowledge the Amazfit product do not offer ANT+ connectivity.
Garmin or Polar? The Best? 🤔
It's a matter of personal preference.
@@ChaseTheSummit All in all who is better than the two of them?
hi from greece
👋
Neither of them… COROS Pace 2 and with the money saved COROS pod.
Good option for those who don't need navigation, or multi-sport modes.
I'll take my Coros Apex over both!
Thanks for sharing! That's a great option at $299 as well!
👍🏽💯🏆
245 is better
In some ways, yes!
Huge screen with bug bezel in Polar..hate it
It would be nice to see thinner bezels!