Smartwatches - Athletico - The Global Running Community

Garmin Forerunner 970 Review: Premium GPS Running & Triathlon Smartwatch

Prateek Mishra / Leave a Comment / Garmin, Smartwatches / July 14, 2025

After six weeks of rigorous testing with the Garmin Forerunner 970 strapped to my wrist, one thing is clear: Garmin isn’t reinventing the wheel with this flagship running watch. Instead, they’ve meticulously refined an already outstanding formula, packing in a suite of advanced features that make it a compelling upgrade for dedicated runners.

The Forerunner 965 was a game-changer with its vibrant AMOLED display, and the 970 builds on that foundation with subtle yet meaningful improvements. More importantly, Garmin has done a better job this time of differentiating the 970 from its more affordable sibling, the Forerunner 570, ensuring that serious athletes get the premium experience they’re paying for.

So, is this the best running watch money can buy right now? Without a doubt, yes.

But before you rush to purchase, there are two major caveats:

An eye-watering price tag—this watch doesn’t come cheap.
The need for Garmin’s HRM 600 chest strap to unlock its full potential.

If you’re willing to invest, the Forerunner 970 delivers unparalleled insights that serious runners crave. But is it worth it? Let’s dive deep into this extensive review to find out.

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs 965

Feature	Forerunner 965	Forerunner 970
Release Year	2023	2025
Price	$599.99	$749.99
Display	1.4" AMOLED, Gorilla Glass 3	1.4" AMOLED, Sapphire Glass
Durability	Fiber-reinforced polymer, 53g	Titanium bezel, sapphire glass, 56g
Health Features	4th-gen HR sensor, SpO2, sleep	5th-gen HR sensor, ECG, skin temperature
Sports Modes	50+ modes, multi-band GPS	70+ modes, LED flashlight, advanced metrics
Battery Life	23 days (smartwatch), 31h GPS	15 days (smartwatch), 26h GPS
Smart Features	Notifications, Garmin Pay, music	Bluetooth calls, voice control, LED light

Design & Build: Premium, Durable, and Functional

Since the Garmin Forerunner 935 converted me from smartwatches to dedicated sports watches, I’ve been a fan of the 900 series. These watches typically offer all the features of Garmin’s flagship Fenix line but in a lighter, plastic-based design that’s more affordable and better suited for runners.

The Forerunner 970 continues this tradition but adds key upgrades from the Fenix 8, including:

Sapphire crystal display (finally!) – No more worrying about scratches.
Built-in flashlight – Incredibly useful for nighttime runs or checking on kids in the dark.
Titanium bezel – Adds a premium touch while keeping weight low.

The 1.4-inch AMOLED display is noticeably brighter than the 965, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. Garmin didn’t specify the exact nit increase, but the difference is clear—especially during workouts when stats pop against the black background.

The missing piece: Size options

One small gripe? The Forerunner 970 only comes in a 47mm case size. While this works for most, runners with smaller wrists might prefer a 42mm or 43mm option, like those available in the Forerunner 570 and Fenix 8 lines.

Performance & New Running Features

Garmin didn’t just upgrade the hardware, they packed the Forerunner 970 with new running metrics designed to help athletes optimize performance and avoid injury.

1. Running tolerance: A smart way to avoid overtraining

One of the most immediately useful additions is Running Tolerance, which estimates how many miles (or kilometers) you should run in a week based on your training history. Unlike simple mileage tracking, it factors in intensity like tempo runs and hill workouts count for more than easy jogs.

This is a game-changer for injury prevention, especially if you’re ramping up mileage for a marathon or recovering from an injury.

2. Running economy & step speed loss

Here’s where things get controversial. Two of the most exciting new features – Running Economy and Step Speed Loss (SSL), require Garmin’s $169 HRM 600 chest strap.

Step Speed Loss measures how much you slow down with each footstrike (lower values = better efficiency).
Running Economy analyzes your overall running efficiency.

While these metrics are fascinating, they come with two big drawbacks:

The HRM 600 is expensive (nearly double the price of competitors like Wahoo’s TRACKR)
Limited actionable feedback, Garmin doesn’t always explain how to improve these metrics

If you’re a data-driven runner, these insights are invaluable. But if you’re on a budget, you might question whether they’re worth the extra cost.

3. Other nifty additions

Auto-laps for timing gates – Great for structured workouts.
Race finish line prompt – Helps accurately log race PBs.
Improved race widget – Dynamically adjusts time projections based on training.

Battery life: The trade-off for a brighter screen

The Forerunner 970’s stunning AMOLED display comes at a cost: shorter battery life.

Always-on display: ~4 days (vs. 7 days on the 965).
Raise-to-wake mode: Extends battery life significantly.

If you’re logging daily GPS workouts, expect to charge every 3-4 days. Not terrible, but a step back from the 965.

Health & Recovery tracking

Beyond running, the Forerunner 970 excels as a 24/7 health monitor, offering:

Advanced sleep tracking (with a sleep coach).
Stress and recovery metrics.
Women’s health tracking.
ECG support (for heart health insights).

Garmin’s Daily Suggested Workouts dynamically adjust based on recovery status, ensuring you never overdo it after a bad night’s sleep.
but a step back from the 965.

Price: Is the Forerunner 970 worth it?

Let’s address the elephant in the room:

Forerunner 970: $USD749/ $CAD1,099 / £629 / €749
Fenix 8 (Solar): Starts at $799
Forerunner 965: $599

Should You Buy the Forerunner 970?

✅ Yes, if:

You want the best running-specific watch on the market.
You’re willing to invest in the HRM 600 for advanced metrics.
You value sapphire glass and a built-in flashlight.

❌ No, if:

You’d prefer longer battery life (consider the Fenix 8 Solar).
You don’t need elite running analytics.
The price is a dealbreaker.

Final verdict: The best running smartwatchatch, but at a premium

The Garmin Forerunner 970 isn’t a revolution, it’s an evolution. It takes everything great about the 965 and enhances it with:

A brighter, more durable sapphire display
Game-changing Running Tolerance metrics
A built-in flashlight (why doesn’t every watch have this?)
Unparalleled running accuracy

But with a steep price tag and the HRM 600 requirement for full functionality, it’s a serious investment. If you’re a dedicated runner who craves every possible performance insight, the Forerunner 970 is the best tool for the job. But if you’re on a budget or prefer longer battery life, the Forerunner 965 or even the Fenix 8 might be better choices.

Either way, Garmin continues to set the gold standard for running watches and the Forerunner 970 is their sharpest tool yet.

Garmin Forerunner 970 Review: Premium GPS Running & Triathlon Smartwatch Read More »

Polar Vantage M3 Review: A Smartwatch That Does It All

Prateek Mishra / 1 Comment / Gears, Polar, Smartwatches / November 18, 2024

Polar, known for its stellar running watches, has launched the Vantage M3. This is the latest addition to their lineup and comes packed with features aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. The Vantage M3 builds on the strengths of its predecessor while adding some exciting new features. Let’s take a closer look at what this new fitness companion has to offer.

PROS:

✅ High-quality stainless-steel case and durable Gorilla Glass lens

✅ Stunning AMOLED touchscreen with excellent visibility

✅ Sleek, Garmin-like aesthetic that appeals to many athletes

✅ Free training plans that cater to all ability levels

✅ Impressive battery life compared to similar competitors

CONS:

❌ Lacks smart features like music streaming, which some competitors offer

❌ Heart rate accuracy needs further improvement

❌ Turn-by-turn navigation only available with Komoot

Design and Display

One of the standout features of the Polar Vantage M3 is its 1.28-inch AMOLED display. This new screen technology is a big upgrade from the older models, offering more vibrant colors and better visibility, especially outdoors. The display is also protected by Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring it’s durable and resistant to scratches. This adds to its sleek yet robust design, which is ideal for both everyday wear and intense workouts. The stainless-steel bezel gives it a premium look, while the lightweight build at just 53 grams makes it comfortable for long periods of use.

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Polar Vantage M3 is truly a powerhouse when it comes to tracking fitness. It supports over 150 sports, making it a versatile choice for athletes across various disciplines. Whether you’re into running, cycling, swimming, or hiking, this watch has you covered. The M3 also includes advanced training tools like science-backed training load metrics, which help you understand how your body is handling the strain of exercise. This is especially useful for those who want to push their limits without risking injury.

In addition to tracking your workouts, the Vantage M3 comes with several health-monitoring features. You can now monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), skin temperature, and even take ECG readings right from your wrist. The ECG function is particularly impressive, providing on-demand heart health data by simply placing your finger on the watch’s button.

GPS and Offline Maps

For outdoor enthusiasts, the M3 comes with dual-frequency GPS, which offers more accurate tracking during activities like running, hiking, or cycling. Polar has also added offline maps, so you can navigate even when you don’t have internet access. This makes it a perfect companion for exploring new routes or going off the beaten path. The option to combine it with Komoot for turn-by-turn navigation is another fantastic addition, allowing you to stay on track with ease.

Sleep and Recovery Features

Sleep tracking is another area where the Polar Vantage M3 shines. Polar’s SleepWise and Sleep Plus Stages give you detailed insights into your sleep quality. It also features the Nightly Recharge function, which measures how well your body recovers overnight. This helps you make more informed decisions about your training based on how well you’ve rested.

Battery Life

Despite all these advanced features, the Polar Vantage M3 doesn’t compromise on battery life. You can expect up to 30 hours of battery life in training mode, which is great for those long workout sessions. In smartwatch mode, the battery lasts up to seven days, meaning you won’t have to worry about constantly recharging it. This long battery life is especially useful for those who plan to wear the watch 24/7 to monitor their activity, sleep, and overall health.

Price and Availability

The Polar Vantage M3 is available in two colors: Greige Sand and Night Black. Priced at $399, it offers excellent value for the features it brings to the table. It’s a strong competitor in the mid-range fitness watch market, potentially even undercutting some of Garmin’s offerings with its combination of features and price.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Polar Vantage M3 is a well-rounded fitness smartwatch that packs a punch with its impressive array of features. Whether you’re an athlete looking to track multiple sports or someone who wants to monitor their health more closely, this watch has something for everyone. With its vibrant display, advanced fitness tracking, accurate GPS, and long battery life, the Vantage M3 is a solid choice for anyone serious about their fitness journey.

Thinking of buying POLAR VANTAGE M?

Polar Vantage M3 Review: A Smartwatch That Does It All Read More »

Garmin Fenix 8 Review: Is It the Best Sports Watch of 2024?

Prateek Mishra / 1 Comment / Garmin, Gears, Smartwatches / October 26, 2024

The Garmin Fenix 8 represents a new pinnacle in Garmin’s smartwatch lineup, combining the best of the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro under one advanced banner. With significant updates like an AMOLED display option, improved dive capabilities, and a revamped user interface, the Fenix 8 is a serious contender for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

PROS

✅ AMOLED and solar-charging options
✅ Speaker and Microphone control
✅ Improved water resistance

CONS

❌  No wireless charging
❌  Laggy maps and screen transitions
❌  More expensive than Fenix 7 Pro range

Design and Display: Big, Bold, and Now AMOLED

At first glance, the Fenix 8 resembles its predecessors. However, there are notable upgrades, especially with the new AMOLED display available on certain models. The watch comes in two options: an AMOLED display, which offers rich color and contrast, and a solar-charging model with a memory-in-pixel display that maximizes battery life. Available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, there’s a fit for every wrist.

Garmin also improved the watch’s usability by adding touchscreen swipe gestures to lock and unlock the display. The design is rugged, waterproof to 40m, and built for durability—ideal for both daily training and extreme adventures.

User Interface and Navigation: Enhanced but Familiar

Garmin has reworked the user interface with smoother navigation and new menu tweaks. These adjustments make the watch more user-friendly but may still feel a bit complex to new Garmin users. Voice command functionality is limited, so interactions still require some screen navigation. However, for calls and messages, users can control these functions directly from the watch.

Sports and Fitness Tracking: Unmatched in Depth and Precision

The Fenix 8 shines in sports tracking, offering one of the most comprehensive tracking systems on the market. It supports advanced metrics, detailed analytics, and multi-sport modes, making it ideal for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes alike. Garmin’s powerful algorithms provide insights into training load, VO2 max, recovery time, and more, giving users an accurate understanding of their performance.

GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy

GPS tracking on the Fenix 8 is outstanding, though it occasionally wavers under heavy tree cover. I tested the watch in varied environments—from city runs to rugged mountain trails—and the GPS accuracy was solid, delivering reliable route data. For heart rate monitoring, the Fenix 8’s wrist-based sensor generally performed well, closely matching my Polar H10 chest strap readings, though it occasionally lagged during intense intervals.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power

Battery life on the Fenix 8 is impressive, especially with the 51mm AMOLED model, which lasted nearly 13 days with the always-on display active. For a sports watch with an AMOLED screen, that’s exceptional. Battery consumption during activities was equally efficient: in Normal Power mode, a 90-minute run used about 3% battery. This longevity easily outperforms most smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, giving Garmin an edge for users who prioritize battery life.

Here’s a snapshot of battery performance:

Overnight drain: 1-2%
24-hour usage (without GPS): 8%
Marathon in Max Accuracy mode: 6%
Daily life (with always-on screen off): 15 days with about 8 hours of GPS use

The solar model offers even longer battery life, ideal for those who spend extended time outdoors.

Comparing all the battery modes across different brands can be challenging, but this table provides a solid overview. Garmin, Suunto, and Coros stand out as top choices.

Pricing and Value

The Fenix 8 starts at $999.99 and goes up to $1199.99, depending on model and size. This premium price reflects its high-end features, but it’s a steep investment, especially with alternatives like the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro offering similar capabilities for less. For those who don’t need features like the new mic, speaker, or dive capabilities, older models may offer better value.

For those seeking a more affordable option, the Garmin Fenix E, priced at $799.99, offers a stripped-down experience with most of the core features intact.

Verdict: Is the Garmin Fenix 8 Worth It?

The Garmin Fenix 8 is undoubtedly the most advanced sports watch Garmin has released. Its big, bright AMOLED screen, enhanced battery life, and robust tracking capabilities make it perfect for serious athletes and adventurers. But if you already own a Fenix 7 or Epix Pro, the Fenix 8’s additional features might not justify the upgrade unless you’re after the AMOLED display or dive functions.

The Fenix 8 competes strongly with smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, especially in sports tracking and battery life, but it doesn’t match their app ecosystems. If your focus is on fitness and adventure, the Fenix 8 is an unmatched tool.

In summary, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a powerhouse for sports enthusiasts seeking the best in tracking, battery, and durability. But for those who can forego the newest upgrades, Garmin’s previous-generation watches or competitors like the Suunto Race S could provide similar value at a lower price.

Thinking of buying Garmin Fenix 8?

Garmin Fenix 8 Review: Is It the Best Sports Watch of 2024? Read More »