Great first look and review Des. Been waiting for the 255 and knew you would be the man to go to for an early review. I really think your channel is one of the best for fitness tech. Keep up the good work.
I’m new to running, and to the Garmin stratosphere (traditional Apple user). After realizing my Apple Watch was not accepted for my first virtual race, I purchased a Forerunner 55. It was awkward getting used to buttons, instead of a touch screen, but I actually like it during racing/training. After watching some reviews, I went ahead and ordered a Forerunner 255/music. I appreciate your review of the major features of both trackers!
Touchscreens definitely have their place but I'm glad you discovered that buttons tend to work better for workouts! 🤩 Enjoy your new 255 - it provides a lot of running features and thanks!
Great review and similar situation In considering replacing my Apple Watch. I wear it on my right wrist. Will this inhibit any features or ease of use?
These are normally early morning releases. You are really hot off the presses. I think the 255 will hit the sweet spot for most people. Great job as always, Des!
@DesFit is this watch still worth getting in 2024? I read somewhere you only get security updates for 2 years. I like the 265 but I don't want to spend too much money on a watch I'll be replacing every 2 years.
I bought the 255 in 2024 and it's still bonkers! It's on discount and the feature sets are on par with the newer 265, and even have better battery life than 265, but of course minus the amoled screen.
anybody else noticed the 65535 day streak for step goal? That's almost 180 years! Probs to you, didn't think you were that old ^^ But jokes aside, great review as always!
bro, I am more confused with the many options out there, not to mention the fact that once you buy a new watch, in a few months a better smartwatch will leave the others behind. Hate that.
I am so disheartened right now with my Apple Watch 6, I deeply regret I ever wasted my money buying it. Basically all the health tracking apps have been outsourced, and you can't buy them, you have to subscribe. I should have done a better research. Garmin seems to be the better option.
Wow, really? What do you mean by outsourced health tracking apps? I tried Garmin and Coros and found that once I was done working out, those watches were like a Timex - No value at all. I returned to Apple Watch and find that the frequent charging requirement while annoying is a small price to pay.
@@chrisking6448 a small (recurring) price to pay on top of the huge price we already paid for the watch. Like back in the day when Apple made crap headphones, but teamed up with Bose. You paid a small fortune for an iPod, then you had to pay some more for decent headphones.
Ok….Garmin is certainly tempting me away from Apple with their new lineup however one concern I have about Garmin is support for older devices. Three years down the road and many Garmin users are left with no updates/features. I’m also very curious to see if this rumoured Apple Watch Pro launches in Sept. if it comes with multi-day battery life, I’m in.
@@chrisking6448 i still use my vivoactive 3 from 2018 and it’s doing great. Battery got slightly weaker ( charge it every 4-5 days instead of 7-9 days back then)
Hi! Thanks for the review, as usual enjoyable and informative, as the sisters review of the 955, waiting for the comparison video also! It's some time I don't see reviews of watches which are out of the garmin-polar-suunto-coros realm, which is a pity... Competition is coming! How about trying the Huawei gt runner or GT3 pro, they really seem to have nailed the required accuracy together with plenty of sports/health metrics...
Cheers Des, I bought the 255 Music - awesome watch buddy! Does far more than I require. Your video helped me decide, if anyone else is in the market watch this video, it helped me a lot. 🙏
@@Gomrath might buy a used 255 music. Had a used 645 music but after 2 years the case broke (near the pin for the wristband). I really hope they have improved the casing on the 255.
Thanks, great review as always. It really is an amazing upgrade, even though my 245 is still very capable with the software updates. Still, they insist on offering the nicer looking colors only in the music versions - come on Garmin!
Despite of connection to the electricity nest or computer, the watch does not always respond with charging. It also looses USB connection with a computer. Sometimes I leave it to charcmge to see that after 30min battery status didn't change. Sometimes everything goes as it suppose to. I have it for 3 years and only recent month it became so problematic.
Visibility in sunlight is one of the highlight features of a MIP/transflective display such as this, along with the benefit of long battery life. The 255 doesn’t have a touchscreen whereas the 955 does. Hope that helps. Thanks!
Thanks for getting this up so quick Des! I'd be interested to hear how you'd compare the 255 vs Venu2 plus now we've had this update as theyre compariable price.
They different watches with different purposes. The venu is more a smart watch with good sport capabilities. Nicer screen and touch. The 255 is now a really good sport watch with all the features and the extra accuracy with the all new gps settings/features
I would also love to see this video. The purposes might be different but I am still not sure which one to get. I do love me some sports data but I would really like to know how far the sports features of the Venu 2 plus go with current firmware compared to the 255 🤔
Same here. I'm in the market for a new watch and wanted to go for the Venu 2 plus. Now I'm not sure anymore. I mainly do cycling as a sport but I love data and numbers. It seams the 255 has a whole bunch of new training features that are not on the Venu 2 plus (yet?).
Great reviews but a lot of reviewers are referring to these watches as plastic, but they are polymer. Yes it feels and looks like plastic, but it is significantly stronger. And under many circumstances it can hold up to impact much better than stainless steel and certainly better than aluminum.
I've just ordered the 255 music. I'm using a forunner 45 ATM so hoping the extra features will come in handy like no phone and 4 data screens instead of 3 and live tracking for events. Great informative review 👍
Hi I have the 35 and thinking of buying 255 Music. Not sure on size for my wrist (lady here) have you had problems with the Music syncing ? I am doing my 3rd half and wanted one so didn’t have to take mobile phone out. Many thanks toss up between 255 or 255 music
Awesome job. Just nailed and perfectly described the full list. 2 question - 1, great point on 745 futility now, and range of prices ($400 here and $500 955) seems to cut it out of any 755 releases. Thoughts? Maybe they’ll covert the 755 to the FR variant w AMOLED next year or something? At $550? 2, tell me you beat that tall lanky runner (DC) in the race yesterday!
Thanks for the review! The 255 just got a really deep price cut recently to compete with the Pace 3, and I am seriously considering it. Does the model’s better GPS accuracy translates into better real-time pace accuracy? I heard there can be a 10 second delay. This can be an issue in a race if someone is pursuing a certain finish time. Thx!
Did you have a chance to test out the music/spotify features? I bought a 245m primarily for this feature and its been frustratingly bad - bad sync issues with spotify and a well known issue on the forums of the bluetooth chipset connecting with most headphones. I've felt that as soon as another watch brand makes a watch that can sync from Spotify I'd abandon Garmin, but maybe they've fixed it now? An easy test is to wear the watch on the opposite wrist from the headphone received (Jabra 65t receiver is in the right earbud, so watch on left wrist) and do things like stretching or even just a different arm motion as you would when running down a hill will take the watch out of range!
Hugely informative. Coming from a 245 would the normal choice be the regular size or the smaller S? I’m guessing the regular as it’s only slightly larger but no where near as big as the 955 right? Keep up the great work!
Great informative video. How does this compare to Polar V series for a amateur runner looking for good training programmes and basic metrics? Is it worth considering a switch?
The Garmin 245 music is now on sale for £188 while the new 255 music is currently at £349. For my first fitness watch, I think the best option is to go with the older 245.
As always, simple and straightforward, but very informative. Perfection. Picking your brain: being mostly a mtb rider with a few weekly spinning sessions + some functional training in the mix, I find myself divided between the Instinct 2, this new 255 and a wild card, the Suunto 9 Peak. Which would you recommend me? 😋😎😉👍🏼
Well made video! Something i think wasn't answered: Does de 255M support altitude through GPS? If yes, is it possible to display barometric and GPS altitude simultaneously?
Hello,.Des, Thanks a ton again for your video ! I saw this again after getting my FR 255 ! A great watch !! Does FR 255 have something called 'pace pro' that was mentioned in FR 245 ?
Great review, thanks so much! I am considering buying this watch but wanted to ask first what you thought of its capabilities and accuracy of GPS for open water swimming and what metrics it tracks in that mode - did you look at that at all? Keen to hear your thoughts. :) Thanks so much.
Hi Des, Great Review. Can you tell me if the Forerunner 255 will also suggest daily cycling workouts based on training load and training effect and not just daily running workouts based on training load and training effect?
Nice review! Could you do a comparison between the 255 and the instinct 2? They are in the same price range and I'm having an hard time deciding which one is better
Great Video as always. Super interesting. I was just about to buy a second hand Fenix 6 Sapphire for a similar price to the Forerunner 255. What do you think?
@@DesFit not massively, I mainly do Road/beach running so nothing too extreme. Saying that my first garmin was a Vivoactive and I managed to smash the screen after a bike ride. And now my last Venu just died on me. So perhaps durability is welcome!
Picking up this watch for $219 on Big Prime Day Deal. It's the cheapest it's ever been. I just started long distance running and have been thinking of getting a Garmin. I just worry it might feel like a step down to my Galaxy watch that has a touchscreen and more smartwatch features. There is the AMOLED 265 but it's twice the price and $400+ for a watch sounds crazy
Thanks for the detailed video. How do you get the display contrast look so crisp? Or is it the color correction of video footage? In reality, the black levels and saturation of display looks very washed. Is there an option to tweak that? I can only find settings for brightness. Cheers!
Hello from Portugal Des. I want to buy the 255 but I want to know how is the altimeter, can you do a short video or send me some pictures of it? do you think it's reliable? Thanks love your reviews! Keep Up you are the best!
Great Video on the 255. Can I ask can you create an activity on the 255s which is not loaded I play badminton and I am thinking of purchasing this watch but want to make sure you can add badminton to this watch. I know you can copy and activity and edit it on the 245.
For the past month I have been reading up on the Fenix 7 and epix and trying to decide between which to get and will I use all the features for such a high price is what was postponing my purchase. Then I discovered the 955 and thought oh this is just as good for slightly cheaper than the base fenix 7 but has multiband over the base 7.... then this bad boy 255 is feature packed with everything I want and for a LOT less, no touch screen and not titanium or steel or aluminium or any metal framing (which does have me slightly on the fence) but is more or less plastic. I'm very tempted, I don't need the music version as I mostly play it through my phone and change tracks on my watch. Coming from a galaxy watch 4 classic and tempted to get this more so for accuracy of workouts etc...I don't use the touch screen of my GW4c all that much, just the buttons and bezel and when I need to select something I have to use the touch screen but I'm not sure it's a necessity... Also it's not amoled but but I'm intrigued to see what the fuss is all about with the MIP screen
@@DesFit I bought the 255 last night, read loads of Reddit posts of people having lots of issues with the 955 and everyone recommending the 255, your review definitely sold me on it, thank you.
Great video, thanks! Will you be doing a comparison video between the 255 and the 745? I was all but ready to buy the 745 on sale, but I'm wondering if I should instead pick up the 255 instead. My main use is marathon training, but I would like my next watch to be triathlon and open water swim capable. Thanks again
Outside of the new features, there's not much difference between the 745 and 255. One minor difference is that the 745 collects advanced cycling dynamics with compatible cycling power meters where the 255 just collects power. The 745 is a great watch but this basically replaces it. Thanks!
@DesFit I had the same question so I’m glad to find the answer here. I have the 245 and really just want an altimeter. Seems like the 745 (currently on discount for $350) is the way the go if I don’t really care for the new features.
@@tonyvu9459 But why would you go for an older-generation watch with inferior hardware (pulse sensor, GPS, battery, display) that won't be updated with new features for too long, when you can get a current generation product with way superior training analysis for the same price (in case you don't need the offline music, which would be another 50 dollars on top)?
Sir, Can Garmin Forerunner 255 connect to multiple sensors like Foot pod or a Cadence , Speed , Hr monitor, Power meter sensors all at the same time for an activity ?. Nice review & Thanks :)
Great review, but I can't see any testing of the actual music capabilities. Garmin have told me they won't tell me what sort of Bluetooth codec is used by the watch, and I have to say I'm not impressed with the quality of music from my 955. High frequencies are screechy on my good-quality AKG headphones. I'd expect a lot lot better at the price I paid.
Hi, I am thinking of switching from Garmin Vivoactive 4 to Forerunner 255/955, but I have concerns about the possibility of using all the functions related to the training status and measurement of effectiveness. Therefore, I am asking for your support in this regard. Until now, I have not used the Vivoactive 4 to record my runs. I will also add that I do not have a power meter in the bike. I have used the Vivoactive 4 watch for swimming, cycling (without a power meter), hiking and fitness. I'm not a runner - I don't like it. However, I want to receive more statistics provided by the new Forerunner 255/955 models: it is about measuring performance and training status (e.g. stamina, performance measurement, training status, load, training readiness, rest time, body battery, acclimatisation, etc.). I read in the manual that this data depends on the VO2 MAX. In the new models, you can independently perform the VO2 MAX test (on request) with running or cycling (with a power meter is required). However, in Vivoactive only the march was enough to make estimation; there was no need to run. Can the new forerunners also estimate VO2 max from walking? In addition, I read on Garmin's website support ("What Is VO2 Max Estimate and How Does It Work?) that if VO2 Max is not estimated from running or cycling with a power meter, VO2 max can be estimated from walking (as in VIVOACTIVE 4) or from all day heart rate. Have checked if this also apply to the forerunner 255/955 watches? I did not see any writings of this in the manuals. After two weeks of only swimming (no running, no cycling, no walking), will my VO2 max be estimated from heart rate? Will this value be taken into account for statistics related to the measurement of effectiveness and training status?
one major downgrade when switching from 245 to 255 is "back to start" is "tracback" only. Missing direct to start point feature massively. Also, no option for widgets view, just glances.
Hi! Congrats for your videos :) I bought a Forerunner 255 S Music and I noticed something: the pedometer works even if I'm stationary but moving in the car. Does this happen on your tbh? Or is it a bug in mine?
That can happen - it’s basing steps on movement so if the car is bouncing a bit due to not smooth roads, it can trigger those as steps. The same can be said for pretty much all watches. Thanks!
Great review. I have been looking at getting the fr255 as a health monitoring watch. I have garmin edge 830 already as I mainly ride. How do the two work together? Does the date captured from an edge device effect results on fr255? I can’t find a definitive answer
The data recorded on your 255 will be the primary source unless for some reason you only record a ride on your computer and not your watch, at that point the ride data from the 830 will transfer to the watch upon the next sync with Garmin Connect. Hope that helps. Thanks!
I do have a questions for you because you tested a lot of smart watched and stuffs, what do you think about how accurate or well the calories burns is ? The Apple Watch over calcule A LOT in terms of calories area … so witch smart watches seems to be accurate to your opinion ?
I think this watch seems absolutely incredible, I am confused on garmin pricing. The garmin 55 is 200MSRP, and the old garmin 245 music and none music was floating around 250 and 275, while now the Garmin 255 is about 400 dollars with music. The gap between the 55 and the 255 is massive currently as well as pricing, I wonder how the 945 series is gonna do in terms compared to the 255. When the 945 right now on garmin is at 399. (The same price as the 255 music) and the LTE version is 499.
I did so much research before finding this video and it still told me new things I didn't know. Love it. Thank you.
Happy to help!
Great first look and review Des. Been waiting for the 255 and knew you would be the man to go to for an early review. I really think your channel is one of the best for fitness tech. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much Dave!
@@DesFit good💚🧡💛🇯🇲
I’m new to running, and to the Garmin stratosphere (traditional Apple user). After realizing my Apple Watch was not accepted for my first virtual race, I purchased a Forerunner 55. It was awkward getting used to buttons, instead of a touch screen, but I actually like it during racing/training. After watching some reviews, I went ahead and ordered a Forerunner 255/music. I appreciate your review of the major features of both trackers!
Touchscreens definitely have their place but I'm glad you discovered that buttons tend to work better for workouts! 🤩 Enjoy your new 255 - it provides a lot of running features and thanks!
Great review and similar situation In considering replacing my Apple Watch. I wear it on my right wrist. Will this inhibit any features or ease of use?
These are normally early morning releases. You are really hot off the presses. I think the 255 will hit the sweet spot for most people. Great job as always, Des!
They chose a much different time than usual, for sure. Thanks John!
They already have their videos filmed. They just can’t post them until the embargo is up. They are told when they can drop their videos.
Finally~~ I was long waiting for Forerunner 255 and this review. I'm glad it was worth waiting for 🙂 Thanks for the great review.
Sure thing 👍 Thanks!
I ordered mine today. Great review.
Thanks and enjoy!
@DesFit is this watch still worth getting in 2024? I read somewhere you only get security updates for 2 years. I like the 265 but I don't want to spend too much money on a watch I'll be replacing every 2 years.
so did you get it?
@@peanutburg1778
I bought the 255 in 2024 and it's still bonkers! It's on discount and the feature sets are on par with the newer 265, and even have better battery life than 265, but of course minus the amoled screen.
Literally the best review
Thanks!
anybody else noticed the 65535 day streak for step goal? That's almost 180 years! Probs to you, didn't think you were that old ^^
But jokes aside, great review as always!
i have the 255 now man......iT IS INCREDIBLE.
👍
I'm deciding between this and the Venu 2 but definitely still need more reviews and time to decide
Same here.
bro, I am more confused with the many options out there, not to mention the fact that once you buy a new watch, in a few months a better smartwatch will leave the others behind. Hate that.
Dude just convinced me to buy a 255
I am so disheartened right now with my Apple Watch 6, I deeply regret I ever wasted my money buying it. Basically all the health tracking apps have been outsourced, and you can't buy them, you have to subscribe. I should have done a better research. Garmin seems to be the better option.
Wow, really? What do you mean by outsourced health tracking apps?
I tried Garmin and Coros and found that once I was done working out, those watches were like a Timex - No value at all. I returned to Apple Watch and find that the frequent charging requirement while annoying is a small price to pay.
@@chrisking6448 a small (recurring) price to pay on top of the huge price we already paid for the watch. Like back in the day when Apple made crap headphones, but teamed up with Bose. You paid a small fortune for an iPod, then you had to pay some more for decent headphones.
Ok….Garmin is certainly tempting me away from Apple with their new lineup however one concern I have about Garmin is support for older devices. Three years down the road and many Garmin users are left with no updates/features.
I’m also very curious to see if this rumoured Apple Watch Pro launches in Sept. if it comes with multi-day battery life, I’m in.
@@chrisking6448 i still use my venu sq from 2022, my father still use his fenix 3 from 2016. So you should be fine
@@chrisking6448 i still use my vivoactive 3 from 2018 and it’s doing great. Battery got slightly weaker ( charge it every 4-5 days instead of 7-9 days back then)
255 is a king now
Hi! Thanks for the review, as usual enjoyable and informative, as the sisters review of the 955, waiting for the comparison video also!
It's some time I don't see reviews of watches which are out of the garmin-polar-suunto-coros realm, which is a pity... Competition is coming! How about trying the Huawei gt runner or GT3 pro, they really seem to have nailed the required accuracy together with plenty of sports/health metrics...
Great review Des! Very intriguing Watch! May have the best bang for the buck of any of their watches. Hope you’re doing well!
Thanks Erik! Ya this watch seriously packs it in. Hope you’re doing well also!
I'm 30 seconds in and I'm already doing a double take because of all the unexpected features. Damn!
🙌
Great video review as always.
Thanks!
Brilliant review, ordered off the back of this. Thank you!
Awesome review!!!
Thanks!
Great review. Thank you!
You’re welcome!
What a great review. Moving on to the 955 and then the comparison of both. You rock! Thank you
Glad the info helped! Thanks!
If you already have the 245 and only do road running, do you think it is worth the upgrade? Keep up the great reviews!
great review! thank you
You’re welcome! Thanks!
Great review Des, subbed to you buddy, am thinking of buying one of these.
Thanks! I hope the information in the videos help with your purchase decision 👍
@@DesFit Thanks Des, they sure do my friend, love your channel, keep up the great work, thank you for the reply. 👍
Cheers Des, I bought the 255 Music - awesome watch buddy! Does far more than I require. Your video helped me decide, if anyone else is in the market watch this video, it helped me a lot. 🙏
@@Gomrath might buy a used 255 music. Had a used 645 music but after 2 years the case broke (near the pin for the wristband). I really hope they have improved the casing on the 255.
Thanks, great review as always. It really is an amazing upgrade, even though my 245 is still very capable with the software updates.
Still, they insist on offering the nicer looking colors only in the music versions - come on Garmin!
Did you experience charging problems with your 245?
@@TheFleurianna No I haven't, what kind of problems did you have?
Despite of connection to the electricity nest or computer, the watch does not always respond with charging. It also looses USB connection with a computer. Sometimes I leave it to charcmge to see that after 30min battery status didn't change. Sometimes everything goes as it suppose to. I have it for 3 years and only recent month it became so problematic.
@@TheFleurianna maybe it's the charging cable that causes this problem, do you have access to another cable to see if the problem persists?
Unfortunay not. No one from my friends circles do any sports 🫣
I loved this review thank you! Now I must upgrade to this from my vivoactive 4s😅
Thanks!
Nice Chanel. Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks for the video very informative, maybe a small correction that satellite system is BeiDou instead of Baidu 11:10
Hey Des..Great review covering all the features. Can you also talk about the watch screen, visibility in sunlight and touch perfarmance as well?
Visibility in sunlight is one of the highlight features of a MIP/transflective display such as this, along with the benefit of long battery life. The 255 doesn’t have a touchscreen whereas the 955 does. Hope that helps. Thanks!
Great review Des 👍, any plans to compare 255 vs 745 cause both looks very similar in terms of features..
Thanks for getting this up so quick Des! I'd be interested to hear how you'd compare the 255 vs Venu2 plus now we've had this update as theyre compariable price.
They different watches with different purposes. The venu is more a smart watch with good sport capabilities. Nicer screen and touch. The 255 is now a really good sport watch with all the features and the extra accuracy with the all new gps settings/features
I would also love to see this video. The purposes might be different but I am still not sure which one to get. I do love me some sports data but I would really like to know how far the sports features of the Venu 2 plus go with current firmware compared to the 255 🤔
Same here. I'm in the market for a new watch and wanted to go for the Venu 2 plus. Now I'm not sure anymore. I mainly do cycling as a sport but I love data and numbers. It seams the 255 has a whole bunch of new training features that are not on the Venu 2 plus (yet?).
Great reviews but a lot of reviewers are referring to these watches as plastic, but they are polymer. Yes it feels and looks like plastic, but it is significantly stronger. And under many circumstances it can hold up to impact much better than stainless steel and certainly better than aluminum.
Thank you for this. Upgraded from a vivoactive 4 to this. Looking forward to a better battery life 😂.
Enjoy 👍
The battery life was a lie! Mine only lasts 5-days as smart watch
I’d be curious how you have it set up in terms of settings. That’s way under spec.
@@DesFit nothing unusual. Just straight out of the box. Do I have to turn off some settings?
If that’s the case I’d contact Garmin support as that seems low for out of the box settings.
Would love to see a FR255 (non music) vs Instinct 2
Would to see how this compares to the polar pacer pro :) thanks for your videos they are very informative
I've just ordered the 255 music. I'm using a forunner 45 ATM so hoping the extra features will come in handy like no phone and 4 data screens instead of 3 and live tracking for events. Great informative review 👍
Thanks and enjoy your new watch!
Hi I have the 35 and thinking of buying 255 Music. Not sure on size for my wrist (lady here) have you had problems with the Music syncing ? I am doing my 3rd half and wanted one so didn’t have to take mobile phone out. Many thanks toss up between 255 or 255 music
Awesome job. Just nailed and perfectly described the full list.
2 question - 1, great point on 745 futility now, and range of prices ($400 here and $500 955) seems to cut it out of any 755 releases. Thoughts? Maybe they’ll covert the 755 to the FR variant w AMOLED next year or something? At $550?
2, tell me you beat that tall lanky runner (DC) in the race yesterday!
Thanks for the review! The 255 just got a really deep price cut recently to compete with the Pace 3, and I am seriously considering it. Does the model’s better GPS accuracy translates into better real-time pace accuracy? I heard there can be a 10 second delay. This can be an issue in a race if someone is pursuing a certain finish time. Thx!
I watched the video, you did a great job. I'm choosing between Polar pacer pro and Garmin Forerunner 255, which do you think is better?
Thank you
Great review, thanks for your work! How would you compare the FR 255 to the new Polar Pacer Pro?
Great review, thanks. Judging by the upgraded set of features, I'm tempted to sell my 245 and get a 255.
You mean pay monthly?
Did you as considering 255 music and would love feedback on music syncing as gear it isn’t great
Great review! How is the watch for indoor pool swimming?
same
Thanks for the content, what about swimming, open waters and pool? thanks
Did you have a chance to test out the music/spotify features? I bought a 245m primarily for this feature and its been frustratingly bad - bad sync issues with spotify and a well known issue on the forums of the bluetooth chipset connecting with most headphones. I've felt that as soon as another watch brand makes a watch that can sync from Spotify I'd abandon Garmin, but maybe they've fixed it now?
An easy test is to wear the watch on the opposite wrist from the headphone received (Jabra 65t receiver is in the right earbud, so watch on left wrist) and do things like stretching or even just a different arm motion as you would when running down a hill will take the watch out of range!
Hugely informative. Coming from a 245 would the normal choice be the regular size or the smaller S? I’m guessing the regular as it’s only slightly larger but no where near as big as the 955 right? Keep up the great work!
I would get the smaller S, for running smaller and lighter is always better IMO
Great informative video. How does this compare to Polar V series for a amateur runner looking for good training programmes and basic metrics? Is it worth considering a switch?
The Garmin 245 music is now on sale for £188 while the new 255 music is currently at £349. For my first fitness watch, I think the best option is to go with the older 245.
Did you get the 245? If so how is it so far? I'm also hunting for my first fitness watch.
@@weino3 I did, it's great. It is a very useful tool for training.
@@MiguelGuila its £140 now on sale i love my 245 had it years 👍🏻
How have you got on with the 245
As always, simple and straightforward, but very informative. Perfection. Picking your brain: being mostly a mtb rider with a few weekly spinning sessions + some functional training in the mix, I find myself divided between the Instinct 2, this new 255 and a wild card, the Suunto 9 Peak. Which would you recommend me? 😋😎😉👍🏼
For MTB I’d probably go for the Instinct 2 mainly due to durability. 👍 Thanks!
@@DesFit thanks!! 👌🏼
Sure thing!
@@DesFit So… followed your advice, and got me a blue Instinct 2 solar edition.
Loving it!! 🤩 🙏🏼
Well made video!
Something i think wasn't answered: Does de 255M support altitude through GPS? If yes, is it possible to display barometric and GPS altitude simultaneously?
Thanks Des. Great review. Looks like it’s time to upgrade from the 245.
The 255 is a substantial upgrade. Kind of unbelievable actually. Enjoy!
I’m finally going to upgrade from the 235. Excited!
@desfit great review as usual 👏 if you would have to pick between the 255 and the 745 which one will you pick and why?
The 255. It has nearly all the 745 features plus more of the new health/fitness features.
Hello,.Des, Thanks a ton again for your video ! I saw this again after getting my FR 255 ! A great watch !!
Does FR 255 have something called 'pace pro' that was mentioned in FR 245 ?
I really enjoyed this video! Any idea how the heart rate sensor is for swimming?
Do Comparison garmin 255 vs garmin venu 2 plus
Great review, thanks so much! I am considering buying this watch but wanted to ask first what you thought of its capabilities and accuracy of GPS for open water swimming and what metrics it tracks in that mode - did you look at that at all? Keen to hear your thoughts. :) Thanks so much.
Hi Des, Great Review. Can you tell me if the Forerunner 255 will also suggest daily cycling workouts based on training load and training effect and not just daily running workouts based on training load and training effect?
Great! More new models this year. Upgrade version from my 245. Does it have climb tracker?
Nice review! Could you do a comparison between the 255 and the instinct 2? They are in the same price range and I'm having an hard time deciding which one is better
Agree. Which one is the better watch @desfit?
255
great video..planning to buy this watch. is it possible to add a cycling race event in the watch? thanks
Thank you I want one shame music only comes on black or white really wanted the blue
Nice video!! Is the 255s or the 745 better for a girl? Which is better for features?
The 255 has more features.
Great Video as always. Super interesting. I was just about to buy a second hand Fenix 6 Sapphire for a similar price to the Forerunner 255. What do you think?
Hmmm, do you need the durability?
@@DesFit not massively, I mainly do Road/beach running so nothing too extreme.
Saying that my first garmin was a Vivoactive and I managed to smash the screen after a bike ride. And now my last Venu just died on me. So perhaps durability is welcome!
Wow such a great bucket for money! Stupid ask: does it have “flashlight” built in screen like in Fenix7? 😸
Great video. Do the buttons require a lot of force to use, and do they control everything; I.e. no swiping?
Hello there.. great review!
How this 255 music compare with Venu 2 on daily basis and casual workout like running, cycling and gym?
Great review. What is the lug-to-lug measurement of 255 please? I want to see if is too wide for my wrist. Thanks.
Really great review as always!
I'm not sure if this is right or not, but it seems like the FR 255 has a slightly wider bezel than the FR 245.
It's ever so slightly larger but this is also the larger 255 vs the 245 (which is closer in size to the 255S). Thanks!
Thanks for the review! When is the release date?
It was released June 1st 👍
@@DesFit Thanks for the info! Guess it not available in Singapore yet.
Picking up this watch for $219 on Big Prime Day Deal. It's the cheapest it's ever been. I just started long distance running and have been thinking of getting a Garmin. I just worry it might feel like a step down to my Galaxy watch that has a touchscreen and more smartwatch features. There is the AMOLED 265 but it's twice the price and $400+ for a watch sounds crazy
Garmin makes great runners watches, when you get used to the buttons you'll love it. I'm only looking at this because my 645music is getting old.
Thank you for this information, I’m stuck between choosing the garmin fr255 and coros pace 3 for my first watch. Which would you recommend?
How well does the music function work? Does it connect well with most Bluetooth earbuds when running outdoors?
Thanks for the detailed video. How do you get the display contrast look so crisp? Or is it the color correction of video footage? In reality, the black levels and saturation of display looks very washed. Is there an option to tweak that? I can only find settings for brightness. Cheers!
Hello from Portugal Des. I want to buy the 255 but I want to know how is the altimeter, can you do a short video or send me
some pictures of it? do you think it's reliable?
Thanks love your reviews! Keep Up you are the best!
It’s reliable. You can check out the altimeter comparisons in the workout details screenshots. 👍 Just forgot to actually mention it. Thanks!
Love to get a feel on ppls thoughts between buying a Fenix 6/solar or the fr255. Finding some in that $399 range
Fenix 6 is heavy and horrible to run with i had one and sold it after a week! 245 best watch i have had for runs or bike rides
well done
Thanks!
Great Video on the 255. Can I ask can you create an activity on the 255s which is not loaded I play badminton and I am thinking of purchasing this watch but want to make sure you can add badminton to this watch. I know you can copy and activity and edit it on the 245.
Yup, same deal on the 255 where you can copy an activity profile and rename it 👍
For the past month I have been reading up on the Fenix 7 and epix and trying to decide between which to get and will I use all the features for such a high price is what was postponing my purchase. Then I discovered the 955 and thought oh this is just as good for slightly cheaper than the base fenix 7 but has multiband over the base 7.... then this bad boy 255 is feature packed with everything I want and for a LOT less, no touch screen and not titanium or steel or aluminium or any metal framing (which does have me slightly on the fence) but is more or less plastic. I'm very tempted, I don't need the music version as I mostly play it through my phone and change tracks on my watch. Coming from a galaxy watch 4 classic and tempted to get this more so for accuracy of workouts etc...I don't use the touch screen of my GW4c all that much, just the buttons and bezel and when I need to select something I have to use the touch screen but I'm not sure it's a necessity... Also it's not amoled but but I'm intrigued to see what the fuss is all about with the MIP screen
This would be a big upgrade in terms of sports and fitness features from the Watch4, for sure. 👍
@@DesFit I bought the 255 last night, read loads of Reddit posts of people having lots of issues with the 955 and everyone recommending the 255, your review definitely sold me on it, thank you.
Great video, thanks!
Will you be doing a comparison video between the 255 and the 745? I was all but ready to buy the 745 on sale, but I'm wondering if I should instead pick up the 255 instead. My main use is marathon training, but I would like my next watch to be triathlon and open water swim capable.
Thanks again
Outside of the new features, there's not much difference between the 745 and 255. One minor difference is that the 745 collects advanced cycling dynamics with compatible cycling power meters where the 255 just collects power. The 745 is a great watch but this basically replaces it. Thanks!
@@DesFit Thanks for your reply, really appreciate it, and appreciate the videos as always!
@@DesFit But the 255 hasn't a tennis profile (yet), the 745 has, right?
@DesFit I had the same question so I’m glad to find the answer here. I have the 245 and really just want an altimeter. Seems like the 745 (currently on discount for $350) is the way the go if I don’t really care for the new features.
@@tonyvu9459 But why would you go for an older-generation watch with inferior hardware (pulse sensor, GPS, battery, display) that won't be updated with new features for too long, when you can get a current generation product with way superior training analysis for the same price (in case you don't need the offline music, which would be another 50 dollars on top)?
i need this
Sir, Can Garmin Forerunner 255 connect to multiple sensors like Foot pod or a Cadence , Speed , Hr monitor, Power meter sensors all at the same time for an activity ?. Nice review & Thanks :)
Yup!
any garmin can do this, even an old 235.
Great review, but I can't see any testing of the actual music capabilities. Garmin have told me they won't tell me what sort of Bluetooth codec is used by the watch, and I have to say I'm not impressed with the quality of music from my 955. High frequencies are screechy on my good-quality AKG headphones. I'd expect a lot lot better at the price I paid.
Should I buy this garmin or the new Apple Watch 8?? 🤔 please clear my mind with some helpful replies :)
Hi, I am thinking of switching from Garmin Vivoactive 4 to Forerunner 255/955, but I have concerns about the possibility of using all the functions related to the training status and measurement of effectiveness. Therefore, I am asking for your support in this regard. Until now, I have not used the Vivoactive 4 to record my runs. I will also add that I do not have a power meter in the bike. I have used the Vivoactive 4 watch for swimming, cycling (without a power meter), hiking and fitness. I'm not a runner - I don't like it. However, I want to receive more statistics provided by the new Forerunner 255/955 models: it is about measuring performance and training status (e.g. stamina, performance measurement, training status, load, training readiness, rest time, body battery, acclimatisation, etc.). I read in the manual that this data depends on the VO2 MAX. In the new models, you can independently perform the VO2 MAX test (on request) with running or cycling (with a power meter is required). However, in Vivoactive only the march was enough to make estimation; there was no need to run. Can the new forerunners also estimate VO2 max from walking? In addition, I read on Garmin's website support ("What Is VO2 Max Estimate and How Does It Work?) that if VO2 Max is not estimated from running or cycling with a power meter, VO2 max can be estimated from walking (as in VIVOACTIVE 4) or from all day heart rate. Have checked if this also apply to the forerunner 255/955 watches? I did not see any writings of this in the manuals. After two weeks of only swimming (no running, no cycling, no walking), will my VO2 max be estimated from heart rate? Will this value be taken into account for statistics related to the measurement of effectiveness and training status?
Stroopwafel race? Coming to Holland? 😎
In the Netherlands now! 👍
Basic Fenix 7 has no Multi GPS but this Watch? 😬🤷🏼♂️
Thank you for the review!
It was certainly interesting that they put the dual-band mode in this watch. Thanks!
Daily suggestions are only for running? What about for cycling? thanks
Is the 245 a triathlon watch? I'm looking for the most affordable Garmin triathlon watch, what the best alternative?
Used: 745 or 255
Love my 245M. Hmmm
🤔 indeed
one major downgrade when switching from 245 to 255 is "back to start" is "tracback" only. Missing direct to start point feature massively. Also, no option for widgets view, just glances.
Hi Des, do you know how useful the training suggestions are for ultramarathons?
Thank you!! Wondering... does it have a NFC sensor? Cheers
Do you mean contactless payments? Yes to all the models 👍
@@DesFit Yep. Thanks
Sure thing
Hi! Congrats for your videos :) I bought a Forerunner 255 S Music and I noticed something: the pedometer works even if I'm stationary but moving in the car. Does this happen on your tbh? Or is it a bug in mine?
That can happen - it’s basing steps on movement so if the car is bouncing a bit due to not smooth roads, it can trigger those as steps. The same can be said for pretty much all watches. Thanks!
Great review. I have been looking at getting the fr255 as a health monitoring watch. I have garmin edge 830 already as I mainly ride. How do the two work together? Does the date captured from an edge device effect results on fr255? I can’t find a definitive answer
The data recorded on your 255 will be the primary source unless for some reason you only record a ride on your computer and not your watch, at that point the ride data from the 830 will transfer to the watch upon the next sync with Garmin Connect. Hope that helps. Thanks!
@@DesFit that’s fantastic thanks!
You’re welcome
I do have a questions for you because you tested a lot of smart watched and stuffs, what do you think about how accurate or well the calories burns is ?
The Apple Watch over calcule A LOT in terms of calories area … so witch smart watches seems to be accurate to your opinion ?
Altimeter and Garmin Pay? Much wanted, will upgrade my FR245.
I think this watch seems absolutely incredible, I am confused on garmin pricing. The garmin 55 is 200MSRP, and the old garmin 245 music and none music was floating around 250 and 275, while now the Garmin 255 is about 400 dollars with music. The gap between the 55 and the 255 is massive currently as well as pricing, I wonder how the 945 series is gonna do in terms compared to the 255. When the 945 right now on garmin is at 399. (The same price as the 255 music) and the LTE version is 499.
The 945 is a compelling deal at its current price. May not be the newest device around but offers a lot for the money.
245 is on sale hear in uk now for £140
Thanks for the super review. Is one able to download and then view full colour maps on the Forerunner 255?
Nope, you have to go with the 955, 945LTE, or 945 for maps. Thanks 👍
Hi, can you tell me if it is good for strength training, like fitness and power lifting? And also is the Venu 2 plus any better? Thanks!