Garmin Unveils Vibrant Forerunner Watches With New Running Metrics

Garmin is back with a fresh lineup for running enthusiasts, introducing two new Forerunner watch models, an innovative chest strap, and a host of running and triathlete features—none of which are tucked behind the paywall of the newly introduced Garmin Connect Plus service.

At the forefront is the Forerunner 970, priced at $749.99. This model succeeds the 965, offering offline maps as part of its high-end features. Meanwhile, the Forerunner 570, available for $549.99, marks a step up from the budget-friendly Forerunner 265, albeit without offline map capabilities.

Shared Features of Forerunner 570 and 970

Despite eight multisport lines on Garmin's website, these new models share several features. Both the Forerunner 570 and 970 are equipped with built-in speakers and microphones, enabling call handling on the go. They also feature OLED displays, sensors for skin temperature, and introduce a new nightly report summarizing sleep needs, along with projections for workouts, events, and weather for the upcoming day.

In terms of design, Garmin enhances these watches with vibrant, eye-catching color palettes and impressive translucent bands, offering a fresh contrast to previous designs. There are more subdued options available for those who prefer understated elegance.

Advanced Training and Activity Features

Both watches support triathlon training through the complimentary Garmin Coach program and allow users to design custom multisport workouts. New capabilities include a race time prediction tool, and automatic lap recording at specific mile or kilometer markers when a course is uploaded. Additionally, these devices can clean up excess data if the stopwatch isn't stopped post-race.

Hardware Differences: A Closer Look

The Forerunner 570 comes in two size variations, 42mm and 47mm, and features an aluminum bezel. The Forerunner 970 is available only in a 47mm size, boasting a titanium bezel paired with a more robust sapphire lens. It also includes a convenient built-in LED flashlight and supports Garmin’s EKG app for detecting atrial fibrillation. When it comes to battery life, the 42mm and 47mm models of the 570 last up to 10 and 11 days, respectively, while the 970 offers a maximum of 15 days.

As the leading Forerunner model, the 970 boasts exclusive running capabilities. These include metrics for running tolerance, running economy, and step speed loss, aimed at optimizing your training schedule and efficiency. The running tolerance provides guidance on safe weekly mileage increments, potentially staving off injuries. Conversely, running economy measures your energy retention after runs, while step speed loss evaluates your deceleration per foot strike.

To access running economy and step speed loss metrics, one must invest in the newly launched HRM 600 chest strap, priced at $169.99. This device sidesteps wrist-based limitations, offering precise heart rate measurements necessary for those detailed metrics.

Besides collecting running data, the HRM 600 facilitates activity logging for sports less suited to smartwatch usage. It features a rechargeable battery boasting two months of longevity per charge, along with LED indicators signaling device activity or low battery.

Availability

Customers can place orders for the Garmin Forerunner 570, 970, and HRM 600 starting May 21st, making them accessible to fitness aficionados looking to upgrade their gear.