| Overall rating | (20 reviews) |
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a premium sports watch designed specifically for runners and triathletes. The GPS running watch offers built-in maps and a bright LED flashlight to help you stay on track and light your path in the dark. The watch has a bright AMOLED display and its durable sapphire lens and lightweight titanium frame make it a great companion for demanding workouts. The Forerunner 970 lets you track running economy and stride loss, helping you improve your performance and avoid overtraining.
Included in the package
Forerunner 970 smartwatch, charging cable, user manual
Weight
56g
Dimensions
Case size: 47 x 47 x 12.9 mm
Size and fit
Fits wrists with a circumference of 135-205 mm
Materials
Durable sapphire lens and lightweight titanium frame
Link to Garmin's website for more information
| Overall rating | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
— Show original| Overall rating |
I previously had a Forerunner 945, which I was happy with until the wifi and heart rate monitoring stopped working after almost 5 years of use. Even though the 945 model was still available, I decided to upgrade to the newer one. After a few weeks of use, I admire the display above all. It's Amoled on the 970 model, and it's as bright as can be. Nevertheless, when I don't have the display on all the time (other than when running), the battery lasts over 2 weeks. The evening report with sleep recommendations that comes in the evening is also fun. Otherwise, the functionalities are familiar from the previous model. I haven't had time to look into the user manual in detail yet, to see if there's anything new and amazing there.| Overall rating |
After my previous Garmin product (Fenix 7X Solar), I got a similar watch and menu, which I have learned to use well over the years. A really bright and clear display, the GPS signal is found quickly, and I don't have to wait for it anymore. I thought a wider strap would have been better for me, but now I notice that this slightly narrower model fits my wrist better. The watch is almost half as light as the old one, which is noticeable. There are fewer sport profiles than the old watch, but I don't think this one will do well and nicely ;) I really like it and can warmly recommend it.| Overall rating |
I took a risk and switched from a 30-year Polar customer to Garmin. The last Polar was the Vantage V2, which is where I'm reflecting my experience.
Now, after a couple of weeks of use, here are my thoughts:
A bright, easy-to-read display. The GPS signal is found well and has worked well even in "dead forest". The wrist heart rate measurement works well and logically, at least when running and cycling. The watch gives you a lot of data, much of which is unnecessary for me.
There are plenty of features and customization, but the menus feel very cumbersome after Polar. The instructions are also confusing. Luckily, Youtube is full of user videos, otherwise I would have completely lost my nerve :) As a small note, the strangeness of the turns, for example, does the timer start when the exercise starts!? (For me, the timer is something other than time running upwards). I'm also not used to running at a pace (min/km) - pace or speed would be more logical. Nor was orienteering found in the ready-made sport profiles - strange, when there is paragliding, etc. You can add sport profiles yourself, as long as you first watch on Youtube how to do that:) So the above mentioned are just small oddities for me as a new Garmin user.
In summary, however, I can say that the impression is high-quality and as user experience increases, the logic of using the watch will probably be found. The whole thing is strongly on the plus side, so I can recommend it. After the difficulties of implementation, I have not regretted switching from Polaris to Garmin.| Overall rating |
It is clearly heavier than the 630 model, but to compensate, the measurement features and appearance have improved. The display is significantly brighter, so it is easier to monitor your heart rate - on the other hand, in winter, even when skiing, it can be a little challenging to put on gloves in severe frosts, but that is why heart rate belts were invented and the watch can be put in your pocket.| Overall rating |
The watch has been a worthwhile investment, it gives a lot of good data which motivates you to move, makes it easier to monitor your recovery and makes it easier to develop your own running. In addition, it has very accurate sensors to read the values.
Especially when connected to the HRM-600 heart rate belt, it gives really good data for running, with it I was able to quickly improve my running technique after a break of several years.