Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar

For any lover of running to wear a new device on the wrist is a mixture of joy to release something, motivation to train and curiosity to investigate all its options and features. If we are talking about a high-end watch like the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, these feelings are multiplied because for me, as a training expert and running enthusiast, it is a challenge to get the most out of this watch.

Key points

It's difficult to summarize the strengths of this heart rate monitor, but I'll start with the obvious. The solar charging option gives this Forerunner 955 very good levels of autonomy, something that could be missing, especially in multisport models. In about a week of physical activity with 5 outdoor and indoor sessions of 1 hour, the battery still had a capacity of over 50%.

One of the most remarkable and novel aspects included in this Garmin model is the option to record and monitor heart rate variability (HRV), which, to put it simply, is the time between heartbeats. This is a very good indicator of fitness and fatigue. For this, you should wear your watch at all times, and especially at night when you sleep.

Unfortunately, in order to get an overview of the HRV evolution, the watch requires 3 weeks of recordings and, in my case, I did not have the time to test this functionality as it should be.

Another of the key points of this device is the morning report, information that the watch gives you in the morning about your sleep levels and quality, as well as details about the training session you have to do that day. Logically, as with the HRV log, you will need to wear the watch on your wrist all night. In my particular case, it is a habit that I don't have, so you have two options; either get used to doing it or don't do it and not receive that kind of information.

Finally, one of the most interesting and novel resources is the option given by the Garmin Forerunner 955 to record running dynamics. To do this, you'll need the Garmin HRM-Pro chest strap. The watch is capable of detecting aspects such as cadence, ground contact time or vertical oscillation. It's also capable of estimating running power, an aspect I'll discuss a little further down.

Features of the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar

User profile and recommended use

Logically just by looking at the price, we can understand that we are not facing a watch suitable for all types of pockets and audiences. First of all, it is the ideal model for triathlon lovers, since among its sports modalities it contemplates this discipline. You will not have to configure anything at all, simply by starting the activity the watch detects that you are in the swimming segment. Subsequently, with the press of a single button the watch registers both the transitions and the subsequent cycling and running segments.

Secondly, and in line with the above, it may be one of the best options for those curious runners, those runners who like to have everything under control, both training data, as well as their measurements about physical condition, stress, sleep...

The Garmin Forerunner 955 provides a lot of interesting information to control the training process.

But you have to take advantage of this information. Therefore, I am of the opinion that we are dealing with a model for experienced people and a high average level. There is no point in buying this watch simply for its autonomy or design. We have other more affordable and competitive options on the market, such as the Garmin Forerunner 255.

What we liked the most

Personally, what I liked the most is the improvement that Garmin watches have undergone when it comes to capturing the GPS signal at the time of starting the training. It only takes a few seconds outdoors to have the GPS active and start striding. The same is true once the workout is over. Synchronization is much improved and before you know it your session is already visible on Garmin Connect and other platforms such as TrainingPeaks or Strava.

Another thing that has pleased me the most is the option to leave instant feedback as soon as you press the button to end the training session. I consider it a very interesting way, on the one hand, to give a very real feedback, by performing it in the following minutes, and, on the other hand, because this way you do not leave it for later or, directly, forget it.

To end this section, I think it is worth talking about the touch screen. It is not a common option in heart rate monitors & sports watches, and although in training the buttons are much more useful, it is very comfortable to switch screens with your finger. I have yet to see how the touchscreen works in rainy conditions, especially in the middle of a race.

Opportunities for improvement

To be honest, unless you're an extremely demanding user, there's little to complain about with the Forerunner 955, but there's always room for improvement. On the one hand, the power estimation via the chest strap is quite inaccurate, well above the real values. Of course, if we want to have a better Garmin measurement we already have the Running Dynamics Pod.

On the other hand, Garmin should continue to improve their levels of autonomy, although with the Solar option they improve a lot and currently have a good performance, there are other brands with greater autonomy.

Other products in its segment

Currently, the biggest competitor may be, on the one hand, the Coros Apex Pro, a watch that stands out for its good accuracy and great autonomy. On the other hand, other options with similar characteristics are the Polar Grit X Pro or the Suunto 9 Peak, two multisport models that compete head to head to be the best model in the segment.

Buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar at the best price.

Final conclusion

I believe that today Garmin is a step ahead in terms of its ability to provide the user with training data and metrics, running dynamics and fitness information. This Forerunner 955 has it all and it is difficult to find a watch that improves its performance today.

It is important to note that we are talking about a multisport watch, highly recommended for triathletes, although it is in the running part where they will get the most out of it thanks to all the data that can be obtained. Therefore, it will be the asphalt runners who will take the most advantage of its potential. If you are one of those who run in the mountains or make long journeys in adventure mode there are models more prepared for it.

The inclusion of solar charging makes the watch gain in autonomy and is really competent, but of course, that has an impact on its final price. You will really get the most out of it if you have the knowledge to interpret the data or the sufficient sporting level for these records to be incorporated into your training control and planning.