If you are out running trails on your own, a phone is a must regardless of map functions and screen size. Bad stuff can happen even when you are careful.
I’ve been using a 935 for 4-5 years now, it’s been working great for running, biking, hiking, even some fairly crazy mountain stuff. Planning to replace it with a 945 soon, because I don’t really see a reason to get a Fenix. If you preload maps into your phone, then you have all you need for fairly serious backcountry adventures. And, they still make paper maps. 😁
Same here. I was holding off on the 945 LTE and excited to leave my phone at home on runs but was disappointed to find out you can’t make calls. I have stuck with my 935 and 4 years later still does everything I need.
You can customize everything in Garmin. You choose how much and what data you see in your maps screen or if you split it in different screens (or have the data be spoken to your earphones). You choose if the map will head your direction or be always 'north up', etc. You can create a random route and let the watch guide you while you run and just trust in the maps. Heck, you can even share routes with other people and see where they are in your watch. You can also choose or save locations on the map and ask the watch to make a (runnable, not direct) route to get there on the go. (I use a Fenix 6s pro)
Great video Ko. I have the 945 non LTE and have used maps a little. It came in handy a few times on the trail. But yes the lack of touch is a bit tedious. I do love loading a route and turn by turn directions though. Interesting to compare to the 745 as I find the 945 gives you what the Fenix series does for a better price point
Love love love the maps! Makes sure i discover new routes, but still knowing how far i’m going. Also very helpfull on holidays! (Garmin 945 owner) cheers
Add MAP as one of you running data screens. There is definitely a setting you are not using in order to see your location on the actual map. It is essentially turn by turn navigation. I use it all the time. And I still get lost in the woods. 🤣
I did add that, as mentioned in the video. but was far as I know, there isn't course navigation that depicts you on the map. my apologies for not communicating that distinction more clearly
@@kofuzi Not trying to be a pain, just want you to enjoy all the features of the watch. The screen you show in the video with the direction arrow should be there, but if you just scroll down the map with your location and turn by turn should also come up after choosing “Do Course”. Maybe this video will help….th-cam.com/video/Fl1ZxPYbxwo/w-d-xo.html
Si creas rutas para navegar, puedes añadir una pantalla de navegación y verás que se muestra tu posición en el mapa y el mapa entero por donde corres. Puedes incluso configurar el nivel de zoom con el que ver tu posición en la pantalla con el mapa. No hace falta que veas la opción de la flecha en grande en la pantalla. Es como un gps de coche se ve tu posición en el mapa y la ruta que debes seguir.
Garmin labs or whatever their research arm is called or maybe just their business development dept should pay you for this feedback. Not as technical as DCR, more like a average user feedback. Knowing what device is connected is not a problem that is unique to non Garmin devices. It’s also a problem on my 935 not knowing if it’s my wrist hr or my Garmin HRM that’s connected. About half the time I do not receive the automatic message that HRM is connected, I usually have to go into settings then sensors and accessories to find out if the Garmin HRM device is connected. Still sticking with my 935.
I used the course feature for the first time on my Fenix 7 yesterday and it was the full map on the screen as I followed the course. It worked really well.
@@kofuzi The next time I run by a course, I am planning accessing it from the trail run activity and accessing navigation from there, that way I am hoping my usual data screens will be there to use. It’s work in progress for me as well.
Thanks Mike . I got the 745 and had been considering the 945 LTE at that stage also. Seems the 745 is ok for my use case. I have been thinking of the Epix 2 but that seems like and overkill and quite a bit heavier, although that screen is a step above.
The newest garmins(epix 2, fenix 7) I think do maps even better. I'm personally not a big fan of touch screens on running watches in most instances, but it's excellent for navigating the map on those watches.
Semi unrelated note, but my original Garmin 245M crapped out and they sent me a white one as a replacement. I wanted black but was too lazy to swap them out. That one eventually crapped out too and they sent me a black one that time. Ever since I’ve wanted a white Garmin again. The white Garmins look fly
I have the Garmin 245 and as a hobby runner it does everything I need and more, almost too much info! Don’t get stuck in their numbering scheme making you think the bigger number means a better watch! I’d say the 245 is all you need for running, unless your a pro triathlete you don’t need anything else.
Interesting, thanks. I am wondering about the maps to avoid getting lost (which I also excel at) but everything is probably an upgrade from my vivoactive 3 anyway ;-) A colleague has the 245 another the 945 and both swear by them. I am not only running and this may play a role in selecting the proper watch. The options don't make it easy ;-)
@@SubtleForces I have the 245M. I got the Music version as I thought I would leave the phone at home and not have it bounce around in a pocket, but now I just run with the phone anyway in a Spi belt (just in case!), so I don't use the M part to listen to podcasts/music anymore... I have tried using downloaded maps twice to follow a preset route. Ended up digging my phone out both times because I found the watch face is just too small to navigate by. A larger watch face might help that. But I do like the watch for run tracking, pacing, workouts and even PacePro. And I just ignore it when it tells me a workout was 'unproductive' 😒
It seems that you may not have had the watch set up properly for your needs. I have the 945 with full mapping, and it shows where I am on the trail relative to everything else all the time with out using the menu while I'm running. I find it's mapping features great and use them all the time on trails.
Been waiting for this one! I've been debating between the Forerunner 945 and Fenix 7s since January. Primarily trail runner, who also gets lost very easily haha. Wonder if anyone here has the 945 and has experimented with the detail settings? It's also going to be my first ever running watch or smartwatch period lol so I don't know if I prefer touch screen or toggling with buttons...Looking for long battery life too for mountaineering trips. Rn I'm leaning towards the fenix
This is an easy one. You mentioned trail & mountaineering: go for the Fenix. You don't need to be careful with crashing or scratching the watch and you'll have plenty of battery. The Forerunner lineup are plastic watches.
Interesting to see how you'll like the data in the long run vs Polar 😊 I was on Polar, then a few others, including Garmin, then settled with a Galaxy Watch 4 and now dug out my old Polar for workouts and wear the LTE Galaxy Watch on the other wrist on runs 😅 This purely dut to how I like the data Polar produces and presents it. (Plus I never get lost so don't need maps or navigation really.)
Skip if your are a swimmer, workout have been broke since Firmware 4.x in November and are not fixed in 5.07 released yesterday. Check the Garmin 945 LTE forum before purchase.
Thanks a lot. I am currently looking at a new watch and have been trying to compare all those forerunners and their features and how useful they will be for me (I am also excellent at getting lost)
Great video as usually kofuzi, you say you have problems with optical sensors is this when sleeping also and day to day or literally just running? Reason I ask is I have tattooed skin and have the same problem!
Ok, the intro had me dying 😂😂😂"Garmin is known for their mapping and navigation technology, and I am known for getting lost. Can the garmin 945 LTE save me from myself?"
I got a slightly used 945 LTE for $270, It’s fantastic for running. However, at a $650 entry point, no way. My FR245 was fine for running (combined with my cycling head units for long rides). Now all I have to do is figure out how to get Audible books on it.
Simple question, I wear glasses to read but can’t wear them running. I have problems reading my Apple Watch. The display is obviously bigger but is the information on the display large enough compared to the Apple Watch that I could read it without glasses?
The fenix 5 and 5S had a design problem that meant they didn’t work properly with many non-Garmin accessories - specifically Stryd would drop connections. Notably the 5X did not have this problem and neither did any of the 5 plus and later generations.
Just purchased a 6X Pro for a deep discount on Amazon. Previous version new watch is okay by me paying half the price of a new 7X. The update download is killing me though. Geez Garmin could have made that faster.
Please correct me if I am wrong but it’s a total waste of money. I purchased believing it provided a live course with data of where I am on course with splits so friends a family can see where I am on course. It appears that it doesn’t give do this. Strava beacon provides the mapping and can’t be done with the phone. Please correct me if I’m wrong but appears to be very misleading of what if can do
This is a very strange and aggressive way to write a comment But for what it’s worth, I have never held the impression that this watch does what you thought it would do
I've only tried the 245, but the 245 is very different than the Fenix or the apex pro. perhaps understanding why you have such varied watches on your list will help you decide which one would be best for you
@@kofuzi majority of my runs are on the road which makes the 245 a clear choice, but I occasionally throw in some trail runs and weekend hikes. I guess just having the ability to access the “outdoor” features on the fénix or apex pro is what makes them appealing.
Pairing Garmin mapping feature with strava premium subscription heatmaps is a trailrunner’s must have. Thank you for the channel Michael!
If you are out running trails on your own, a phone is a must regardless of map functions and screen size. Bad stuff can happen even when you are careful.
I’ve been using a 935 for 4-5 years now, it’s been working great for running, biking, hiking, even some fairly crazy mountain stuff. Planning to replace it with a 945 soon, because I don’t really see a reason to get a Fenix. If you preload maps into your phone, then you have all you need for fairly serious backcountry adventures. And, they still make paper maps. 😁
Definitely go for the 945. All the Fenix models are so much heavier 😅
Same here. I was holding off on the 945 LTE and excited to leave my phone at home on runs but was disappointed to find out you can’t make calls. I have stuck with my 935 and 4 years later still does everything I need.
Keep it up, dude! Closing in on 100,000k! Always enjoy watching your content.
Map interaction got much better on Fenix 7 with touchscreen. Yet it still has hardware buttons as an alternative.
Maps is the main reason I have been using the 945 and Fenix line the last few years. Amazing for trail running and creating new road courses.
You can customize everything in Garmin. You choose how much and what data you see in your maps screen or if you split it in different screens (or have the data be spoken to your earphones). You choose if the map will head your direction or be always 'north up', etc. You can create a random route and let the watch guide you while you run and just trust in the maps. Heck, you can even share routes with other people and see where they are in your watch. You can also choose or save locations on the map and ask the watch to make a (runnable, not direct) route to get there on the go. (I use a Fenix 6s pro)
Can people actually see you on the map because mine seems to only send a text saying they have started or finished an activity
Great video Ko. I have the 945 non LTE and have used maps a little. It came in handy a few times on the trail. But yes the lack of touch is a bit tedious.
I do love loading a route and turn by turn directions though.
Interesting to compare to the 745 as I find the 945 gives you what the Fenix series does for a better price point
Music game is strong in the last few videos Ko. 👌
I've been waiting for your review. Thanks 🙏
Quality intro and quality video as always
Thanks!
Love love love the maps! Makes sure i discover new routes, but still knowing how far i’m going. Also very helpfull on holidays! (Garmin 945 owner) cheers
Most brilliant intro ever!!!
That’s high praise from you. Thank you
@@kofuzi - all around great review 🙌
Add MAP as one of you running data screens. There is definitely a setting you are not using in order to see your location on the actual map. It is essentially turn by turn navigation. I use it all the time. And I still get lost in the woods. 🤣
I did add that, as mentioned in the video. but was far as I know, there isn't course navigation that depicts you on the map.
my apologies for not communicating that distinction more clearly
@@kofuzi It’s definitely an option. I’ve used it on the regular 945. Not sure why it wouldn’t be there on LTE. I’ll do some more research.
@@kofuzi Not trying to be a pain, just want you to enjoy all the features of the watch. The screen you show in the video with the direction arrow should be there, but if you just scroll down the map with your location and turn by turn should also come up after choosing “Do Course”.
Maybe this video will help….th-cam.com/video/Fl1ZxPYbxwo/w-d-xo.html
Si creas rutas para navegar, puedes añadir una pantalla de navegación y verás que se muestra tu posición en el mapa y el mapa entero por donde corres. Puedes incluso configurar el nivel de zoom con el que ver tu posición en la pantalla con el mapa. No hace falta que veas la opción de la flecha en grande en la pantalla. Es como un gps de coche se ve tu posición en el mapa y la ruta que debes seguir.
Garmin labs or whatever their research arm is called or maybe just their business development dept should pay you for this feedback. Not as technical as DCR, more like a average user feedback.
Knowing what device is connected is not a problem that is unique to non Garmin devices. It’s also a problem on my 935 not knowing if it’s my wrist hr or my Garmin HRM that’s connected. About half the time I do not receive the automatic message that HRM is connected, I usually have to go into settings then sensors and accessories to find out if the Garmin HRM device is connected. Still sticking with my 935.
Thanks for the review Mike. 🙏🏻
I used the course feature for the first time on my Fenix 7 yesterday and it was the full map on the screen as I followed the course. It worked really well.
I'm assuming there is a way to do that on this 945 LTE, but it doesn't seem to be a default or easily configurable
@@kofuzi The next time I run by a course, I am planning accessing it from the trail run activity and accessing navigation from there, that way I am hoping my usual data screens will be there to use. It’s work in progress for me as well.
@T W Yes, I have been working though getting the data screens the way I like them.
Thanks Mike . I got the 745 and had been considering the 945 LTE at that stage also. Seems the 745 is ok for my use case. I have been thinking of the Epix 2 but that seems like and overkill and quite a bit heavier, although that screen is a step above.
I’m very intrigued by the screen
The newest garmins(epix 2, fenix 7) I think do maps even better. I'm personally not a big fan of touch screens on running watches in most instances, but it's excellent for navigating the map on those watches.
It’s a dilemma. I very much dislike touch screens on running watches. Ht buttons on a map is simply awful
*but
@@kofuzi agreed! with the garmins you can turn the touch screen on & off with the push of a button
Semi unrelated note, but my original Garmin 245M crapped out and they sent me a white one as a replacement. I wanted black but was too lazy to swap them out. That one eventually crapped out too and they sent me a black one that time. Ever since I’ve wanted a white Garmin again. The white Garmins look fly
"can the Garmin save me from MYSELF 🤣😂👍🏾! " I liked this video as soon as i heard that.....
I have the Garmin 245 and as a hobby runner it does everything I need and more, almost too much info! Don’t get stuck in their numbering scheme making you think the bigger number means a better watch! I’d say the 245 is all you need for running, unless your a pro triathlete you don’t need anything else.
Interesting, thanks. I am wondering about the maps to avoid getting lost (which I also excel at) but everything is probably an upgrade from my vivoactive 3 anyway ;-) A colleague has the 245 another the 945 and both swear by them. I am not only running and this may play a role in selecting the proper watch. The options don't make it easy ;-)
@@SubtleForces I have the 245M. I got the Music version as I thought I would leave the phone at home and not have it bounce around in a pocket, but now I just run with the phone anyway in a Spi belt (just in case!), so I don't use the M part to listen to podcasts/music anymore... I have tried using downloaded maps twice to follow a preset route. Ended up digging my phone out both times because I found the watch face is just too small to navigate by. A larger watch face might help that. But I do like the watch for run tracking, pacing, workouts and even PacePro. And I just ignore it when it tells me a workout was 'unproductive' 😒
It seems that you may not have had the watch set up properly for your needs. I have the 945 with full mapping, and it shows where I am on the trail relative to everything else all the time with out using the menu while I'm running. I find it's mapping features great and use them all the time on trails.
Do you still see total miles and/or miles per hour when the map is up?
@@asdfmark Yes. You can add these fields to the map screen.
Thank you! Greatly appreciate the reply!
Love the intro hypothesis. 😂
Been waiting for this one! I've been debating between the Forerunner 945 and Fenix 7s since January. Primarily trail runner, who also gets lost very easily haha. Wonder if anyone here has the 945 and has experimented with the detail settings? It's also going to be my first ever running watch or smartwatch period lol so I don't know if I prefer touch screen or toggling with buttons...Looking for long battery life too for mountaineering trips. Rn I'm leaning towards the fenix
This is an easy one. You mentioned trail & mountaineering: go for the Fenix. You don't need to be careful with crashing or scratching the watch and you'll have plenty of battery. The Forerunner lineup are plastic watches.
That intro! 🤣🤣🤣 Grade A content Ko
Coming up on a big milestone for your channel....can't wait! Great B-roll as usual...do you use a macro lens for those shots?
Interesting to see how you'll like the data in the long run vs Polar 😊 I was on Polar, then a few others, including Garmin, then settled with a Galaxy Watch 4 and now dug out my old Polar for workouts and wear the LTE Galaxy Watch on the other wrist on runs 😅 This purely dut to how I like the data Polar produces and presents it. (Plus I never get lost so don't need maps or navigation really.)
Skip if your are a swimmer, workout have been broke since Firmware 4.x in November and are not fixed in 5.07 released yesterday. Check the Garmin 945 LTE forum before purchase.
Thanks a lot. I am currently looking at a new watch and have been trying to compare all those forerunners and their features and how useful they will be for me (I am also excellent at getting lost)
I see an Epix 2 on the horizon!
The Garmin Connect software/analytics have not changed for years. It all looks a bit 1990’s.
Great intro
Looks like a great watch.
Wait, if I understand correctly you didnt put the map on a separate data screen? Ofc its frustrating to go into menu then.
Great video as usually kofuzi, you say you have problems with optical sensors is this when sleeping also and day to day or literally just running? Reason I ask is I have tattooed skin and have the same problem!
Ok, the intro had me dying 😂😂😂"Garmin is known for their mapping and navigation technology, and I am known for getting lost. Can the garmin 945 LTE save me from myself?"
the most important objects in my life do the best job of saving me from myself
I got a slightly used 945 LTE for $270, It’s fantastic for running. However, at a $650 entry point, no way.
My FR245 was fine for running (combined with my cycling head units for long rides).
Now all I have to do is figure out how to get Audible books on it.
best intro text. :D
Love my 945 LTE, main reason I got it was for the LTE so my wife can track me running as I don’t carry my phone.
Simple question, I wear glasses to read but can’t wear them running. I have problems reading my Apple Watch. The display is obviously bigger but is the information on the display large enough compared to the Apple Watch that I could read it without glasses?
This makes me think AR (sun) glass for running/ cycling could be handy.
Epic first words 🤣
I own the Garmin 245, and if I'm not wrong, just i don't have the altimeter... But the Price is the half🤔😅
What’s your opinion about Polar? I haven’t been using Felix 5 from Garmin, it’s not working well with Stryd.
The fenix 5 and 5S had a design problem that meant they didn’t work properly with many non-Garmin accessories - specifically Stryd would drop connections. Notably the 5X did not have this problem and neither did any of the 5 plus and later generations.
I like my Vivoactive 3 that cost me a whopping $150. Personally I'd rather dump that extra cash on shoes.
I've got Garmin Forerunner 45. Cheap, simple and works well. But I miss having a map sometimes.
Just purchased a 6X Pro for a deep discount on Amazon. Previous version new watch is okay by me paying half the price of a new 7X. The update download is killing me though. Geez Garmin could have made that faster.
I believe you can download the update on your computer first and then transfer on your watch with Garmin Express.
is in this watch we can get the HRV status?
I think I've seen there is a 955 coming soon, to replace this 3yr old 945 model
this is the 945 lte, which is not exactly just a 945 with an lte sim inside.
When is 955 coming out?
rumor is June 1st.
Any idea how much data it uses via ur phone data plan while sending your runs to people to let them know your whereabouts etc?
It's basically nothing. A few megebytes at most.
@@TrentRyan Thanks for the reply back good to know
Funniest. Intro. Ever 😂
Have a Garmin with mapping, still don't see the appeal. A map and thumb compass is still vastly superior if competent.
you run with a paper map? and can you do it without stopping the run?
@@kofuzi Fell running bans the use of GPS mapping in racing. Gotta train how you race.
Please correct me if I am wrong but it’s a total waste of money. I purchased believing it provided a live course with data of where I am on course with splits so friends a family can see where I am on course. It appears that it doesn’t give do this. Strava beacon provides the mapping and can’t be done with the phone. Please correct me if I’m wrong but appears to be very misleading of what if can do
This is a very strange and aggressive way to write a comment
But for what it’s worth, I have never held the impression that this watch does what you thought it would do
I’m torn between the Garmin 245, fénix 6 pro, and Coros apex pro. Anyone have some good insights on the three?
I've only tried the 245, but the 245 is very different than the Fenix or the apex pro. perhaps understanding why you have such varied watches on your list will help you decide which one would be best for you
@@kofuzi majority of my runs are on the road which makes the 245 a clear choice, but I occasionally throw in some trail runs and weekend hikes. I guess just having the ability to access the “outdoor” features on the fénix or apex pro is what makes them appealing.
I’m selling my 945 lte cause I don’t use it