TLDR Review: Garmin Forerunner 45 42MM
Pros
- •The watch provides excellent functionality for sports tracking, including running, walking, and cycling.
- •It offers quick satellite acquisition and stable pairing with iPhones, surpassing earlier models.
- •Lightweight and slim design makes it comfortable to wear, especially for smaller wrists.
- •The watch has a perfectly sporty and classy look with a 33mm design that fits small wrists well.
- •Users appreciate the ability to connect to an external chest strap for enhanced tracking.
- •The default watch face is satisfactory, with potential for customization.
- •Good value for the features offered, with reliable brand performance.
- •Simple and easy to navigate menu, making it useriendly for all ages.
- •Weluited for small wrists, unlike bulkier GPS watches in the market.
- •Good overall package for the price, with a reliable brand reputation backing it.
Cons
- •Common issues with strap mounts breaking, indicating a potential design flaw.
- •Screen brightness is dull, appearing washed out with the transflective display.
- •Concerns about skin reactions from the back of the watch.
- •Vibration alerts for walk/run intervals are fainter compared to previous models.
- •Bluetooth connection issues lead to frequent disconnections.
- •The watch requires charging every five days, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- •Freezing issues have been reported, requiring lengthy reset processes.
- •Customer service was unsatisfactory for some users, addressing issues with generic responses.
- •The quality seems to have declined compared to earlier Garmin models.
- •Sleep and step tracking performance could use some improvement, particularly with treadmill accuracy.
Bottom Line
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a capable and user-friendly GPS running watch with good overall functionality for outdoor activities like running, walking, and cycling. Its lightweight build and quick GPS acquisition make it attractive to many users. However, persistent concerns about strap durability and screen brightness, along with connection issues and a lack of strong vibration alerts, could be deal breakers for some. Prospective buyers who prioritize these features might want to consider more robust alternatives. Ultimately, it's a good value for its intended purpose if you can overlook some of its limitations.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 308 retailers to give you the short version.
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