Hey folks! Her's also a companion post to this video, which goes into even more details: www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/04/garmin-forerunner-745-review-update-8-months-later.html

@SaveTheHedgehog

2 жыл бұрын

Does it support paying in crypto's? :)

This is a great review format (after x months) that most would like to see more of 👍👍

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeet!!!

@donalgibson317

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Totally agree - really liked the video Ray.

@arnienz1962

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Agree. Unless you buy right away its tricky to how all the devices compare. (And that's really a fault of Garmin tbh)

I will never know why DCR doesn't have a million subscribers and a million views for every videos! My only comment ever on KZread. Please keep up the good work! Makes my life easier :) Cheers

Great review! I changed from VA4 to FR745 and I do not regret it. I also find the size just perfect.

Couldn't have asked for a better guy to guide me through my gps watch selection process. Thanks man

This is a great review, thanks. I bought this watch after using the 735xt for years. I was nervous to change because the 735xt was so good but I have no regrets at all.

@9:32 Yup, that's me! I wanted all the swim features on the Swim2, while not losing music and Garmin Pay so I can leave my house for runs/cycling without my phone. Just ordered the 745 using your link after watching your video. :) Keep up the great work!

💯 agree. So as for GPS accuracy, this still seems to be the best I’ve tested. I have some weird theories on why but I also question just how much it really matters. Great review as always Ray!

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt!

Yet again another great review Ray. I looking forward to the release of FR955, hoping its not too far away. Like you say personal rather than technical bits that can swing the decision 😊👍

@franzkuntschnig1320

2 жыл бұрын

And just like this 2021 is gone 🙂

Great review Ray 👍🏻 But when is the 955 coming out? You can tell us, we won’t tell anyone 🤐

Great review Ray! From all the recent rumors, it seems that things are starting to get moving at garmin and we may see some new watches soon. Will hold off for now until I know for sure what’s on the horizon!

@franzkuntschnig1320

3 жыл бұрын

Is there any evidence? I was thinking of polar m2 or forerunner 245 for my badminton, rope skipping, HIIT and running stuff. I don’t do other sports regularly

Thanks for the detailed review!

Your video is spot on. As you predicted, the 745 is currently on sale for $399 and I'm watching your video again to see if it's worth me plunking down the cash. Great review as always DCR. :)

Ahhh ... to have younger eyes. The ONLY reason I chose the Fenix 6x was the screen size. I don’t like big watches, either. But I’m 63 years old, and the slightly bigger screen size, displaying 2 or 3 data screens, has a font big enough for me to see without reading glasses. As always thanks for the in depth review.

great review! I find it funny how it really does come down to few personal preferences that can make a watch your favourite or daily watch. So many watches have similar tech such as GPS and HR etc, but it's the things like weight, the look, the brand (brand loyalty) and even a specific screen that make all the difference. For me it's the Polar Grit just because I can easily see projected wind speed+weather, and my Cardio Load. That pretty much helps me decide what my days activities will be. I also have a weakness for the Wahoo Rival just because of how simple it is to zoom in and out of data (love the big numbers.), the Broadcast HR feature, plus it's white with lovely blue accents. I have been eyeing the 945 though, I think right now that is the everything watch, Maps, touchless transactions, music, long with everything else Garmin, and it's lighter than a Fenix, makes it probably the perfect watch (for me).

Just bought the watch over the 245. It's just essential for me to have the training load focus on my wrist! Can't wait to look at the data joyfully after each workout!

Hi! You're videos are awesome, very complete! I've a question, does the Garmin Forerunner 745 suggest daily cycling workout else if you don't use a power meter on your bike? Thank you! Ciao from Italy!

Great review as always with your own personal preference touch 👍 I assume living in Netherlands has influenced your taste for the orange colour 🤔

LOVE the Oreo cookie taped to your wrist for size comparison!!!!

Whenever I watch a DC Rainmaker video, I learn a new thing about watches.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Woot, good to hear!

the watch just got delived to my house, less then an hour ago. Hoping your review will be good :)

@aliounediop1154

3 жыл бұрын

Are you liking it ? How’s the battery life ?

Love the video. Really loads of insight. I like how you've given a bit of personal reasons as it is special to you.

Great video,. I have had the Garmin 745 for a few months now. I prefer the smaller watch face and I don’t need the maps or the extended battery life.

When your on a cycling activity do you use your watch or cycling gps to record the activity? I’ve used both but the edge and FR945 don’t talk to each other with regards to training load etc.

Great vid! As usual 😉. You mentioned that the advanced sleep tracking is still gonna roll out or re-roll out. Do you know if the advanced sleep tracking will roll out to other models aside from fenix, 745, 945... Lower end models.... Like the 245? Thx in advance!

Same 3 reasons for me why I like the 745: smaller size/weight, the main screen widget, and the mint-like “tropic” color!

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

One person's magma is another person's mint!

Really good follow up review the 745 does look very nice I prefer the bigger 945 and use the lava red Garmin quick fit strap, just need that training load face.

For the contactless payment in the UK you can add Curve card and link it with your main Visa or Mastercard from any other bank.

Nothing wrong with liking the lava red. I got the 245 for the bright yellow strap. The bright blue 945 looks great too.

Great vid as always Ray. What do you use for GPS in North America (I know you’re not physically here). With all the options, would you use Glonass as best? Thanks!

Started years ago with a FR305, moved onto the FR225, which in fairness has been excellent, but the strap finally gave out. Now considering the FR55 or FR745. Think the 55 has more than enough features for what I do but always tempted by higher specs….even if we will never use them!

Thank you for a follow up review on the 745! Just to get your opinion, would you select the 745 over Polar’s Vantage V2? I have been on the fence about this

Excellent review👍 Does it have posibility to see watchface and widget during wokrouts? (on Fenix watches holding lower right button does it)

Great review. What are your thoughts on 745 vs instinct solar?

I downgraded from the 945 JUST for that watch face. It's so satisfying having daily load on my wrist after a hard workout / high mileage. Keeps me motivated daily. I have the weekly distance and recovery hours at the top of the face. It's unfair the 745 has the stock 945 watch face and the 245 but the 945 doesn't get the 745 face.

Great review. I am curious, have we now turned the corner on optical heart rate sensors which are on wrist-worn devices to where it's more unusual to see one that doesn't work very well versus the other way around? I know, or it appeared anyway, that Apple kind of led the charge with that, but it now seems Garmin's watches seem to be very good, as well. Since your review and my subsequent purchase of the OH1, I have been very happy with the accuracy. But i'll admit that if there was a reasonable selection of non-apple watches with reliable heart rate data I might look again and going back to that. Great job as always, Ray.

@tams805

3 жыл бұрын

No one has really sorted wrist-based HR.

01:45 I want to know what’s on the “beast mode” playlist. There’s gotta be a CIQ watch face with training load on the front page!? I like this opinion/subjective style format... Rare on your channel. Nice one Ray! 👍

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Haha...it's just the stock Spotify Beast Mode playlist that's an option under the 'Workouts' category. Got about 100 songs in it, not too bad actually. I agree there's probably a CIQ watch face with it. My only challenge is I often find CIQ watch faces less than optimal battery-wise, or way over the top for my preferences. Cheers!

@ChaseTheSummit

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker for sure. I'm a big "stock watchface" advocate. It seems like every post complaining about battery life on the Garmin Forums or facebook groups is caused by 3rd party watch faces. I'll have to check out that Playlist. Hopefully it earns me some new PR's!

Hi, Great 8 month later video. Was wondering if the 945 GPS and OHRM did improve with all the firmware update and is now really close to the 745 accuracy ? Having the pulse ox enable during night with always ohrm always on drain the batteries really quickly.(4 days) Do some know if the pulse ox reading is useful in any way during sleep?

Thanks for explaining what’s up with the advanced sleep tracking! I’ve been waiting forever to see it on my 945-how do I get the beta version?

Great review! Curious, Apple on one wrist and Garmin 745 on the other, what are your thoughts comparing the two on steps & heart monitoring? Are they worlds aprt on health & fitness tracking?

FWIW, I just added in-workout respiration rate to the indoor trainer profile on my fēnix 6. While it's not critical data, it is somewhat interesting to see how breath-work during a workout impacts HR, and hopefully Garmin's [somewhat broken IMO] "training status" detection.

I had the Fenix 6 Pro Sapphire, I loved it just too heavy for racing and daily running. After 5 months of use, I sold it. I bought the 745 in Lava red. Love the size and color. I can't even tell it's on my wrist. The 745 looks great and New. The 945 looks old and reminds me of the Fenix 5 line. Weight matter when racing.

@lpka

3 жыл бұрын

I had the same problem. So I bought titanium... Light and still FR6

I like these 'looking back' videos. When the 745 came out it was overpriced I guess. It was when I bought my FR945 Bundle edition. If the 745 had maps instead of music, I probably would have bought it. I actually like the slightly bigger size of the 945 even if it just the bezel :) A local vendor (and some others) sell the 745 much cheaper now which definitely makes it competition for the 245 Music. But then battery life is also iffy on the 745.

Am so tempted to buy the Whitestone 745 now but am waiting until Sept to see what the 955 will be like. Using the Grit X now and am changing as i really hate the way Polar won't add features to their watches. The 945 is still getting new features !!

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed, typically Garmin drops way more features than their competition to watches for the first 1-2 years, then, it usually drops off a cliff (just like their competition). The Edge devices to tend to get updates considerably further out (2-3 years often).

Since I´m a big fan of not having my phone with me during workouts I´m very compelled getting the 945. Unfortunately the 745 with its 5mm lower diameter just fits my wrist a lot better. Now I´ve heard rumours about a 955 being released this year. Since you seem to have a good grasp on gamin: do you think they will be able to match the size of the 745 and still keep the offline maps or will the 955 have about the same width as the 945?

Great review Ray. I'm looking to bump up to higher performance metrics from my VA3. The 745 is the closest to the VA3 in terms of dimensions so it looks like it would be very comfortable to wear. Any idea when we might see prices drop?

2 years later i happen to be watching this on Thursday 11th

Great Review as always. Qu: Are there any Garmin Watches or other makes that take account of Back-Pack weight for Hiking to adjust Calories burned, VO2Max and other stats? I also do power walking with a SandBag, as have knee injury and can't run easily.

@maxgraf27

3 жыл бұрын

Can't really answer the question if there are any watches. However the metrics you mentioned are based or depend on HR Measurement. HR by its very natures takes into account how hard you're working so it also takes into account what weight you are carrying. Hence it should be reflexted in your stats anyway. ;-)

Hey! Thanks for your comparison! 🤔 …would you change to the FR 945 LTE - because of more Batterie, Maps and lighter / smaller than the FR 945? I wish you a nice day! 👋

Ur not alone m8! Its perfect.. can't take mine off

Great review. I start with the forerunner 245 I think (was about 5 years ago). I bought the Fenix 6x pro. It’s an amazing watch to have a find useful when I’m in the boat or in mountain but for simply run and swim is to big and too heavy. I’m looking for buy a new garmin lighter and smaller and the 945 doesn’t make any sense for me in this price range because I just buy the fenix 7s 42mm that is better. What we need is something very simple made for triathletes basically with music and solar powered in the £400 price.

Thanks for another great review, does the 745 have a trail running activity? Also will the trail VO2 be coming to the 745, thank you.

@Dcrainmaker

2 жыл бұрын

Yup! As of this moment, my FR745 on my wrist (still!) shows both the Trail Running activity (and Ultra Run too) and the VO2Max toggle option within the settings. Cheers!

Disclaimer: I've never had a watch with maps. However, I'm pretty content with breadcrumb trail on my Instinct (and F2 before that). If I'm on a race, we have other indicators. If I'm not, I don't mind making a few mistakes, and running an extra 200 m in total. The only thing missing is rerouting and route planning. I do that pretty seldom in places I'm no familiar with, so in those very rare occasions, I just use the phone with a larger screen.

07:53 The FR 745 does kinda have a compass widget. The "Garmin ABC Widget" shows altimeter, barometer, and compass readings. The outer ring being the compass along with a bearing at the top of the widget.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

That's fair, good point! Not a dedicated widget, but forgot about the combo one!

@cllmshand

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker As you said in the video it's not really one of those widgets you end up needing very much anyway. Love the content, keep it coming! 😊

DC, do you give Green signal to those who want to use it for cycling training ? ANT+ powermeter, HRM connectivity being the main concern. If u hv other option, cheaper than the one that is being reviewed...I'll be glad to know.

Any chance there might be a video on the UPDATED Features on the Descent MK2 and how to install them?

Do you know if you have to start an outdoor ride In order for your cycling V02 max to be calculated? I just got the device, paired with my cinch pwr meter and wahoo roam but don’t see a v02 max estimate even after starting a ride.

I gotta say, it was pretty hard to not go for the 945, but the garmin website almost never has it on sale and i had a rebate on the garmin website only. And i figured the 745 will be supported for maybe a year longer than the 945 since it's new so why the heck not. Using the breadcrumb trail did leave me unimpressed when running in a new area and the battery is quite a bit more to "manage" in order to get decent efficiency, but i can work with that, it's just 1hr to fully charge anyways every 4-5 days.

Bought the 745 because here in Japan the 945 (called the ForeAthlete for whatever reason) is about $190 more expensive than the 745 (or about $210 more on Amazon). I'm genuinely curious though (I don't go hiking) -- do watches provide some topographical data or functionality over a phone? I assume you'd need some dedicated app and loaded data on your phone, not just Google Maps or something, but why use a watch instead? I was considering a 945 or fenix for topographical data in case I "ever went hiking," but I figured I could achieve the same thing with a phone. Is it because maybe the battery life of the watch is longer, so you're not consuming your phone's battery which might be needed for emergencies or something? Whereas on the flip side, I have a watch for things like running or indoor climbing because I don't keep my phone on my person, but I would definitely have my phone if I were hiking.

Can I assume that given this will connect to a power meter (Tacx Neo and Cinch in my case) I can do cycling v02 max ? Also assume no issues with a wahoo tckr HR ? Thanks in advance.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Yup! You can connect to any ANT+ or Bluetooth power meter, and your Tacx NEO or Cinch will connect up perfectly. I use a Tacx NEO series unit at home with it often. And no issues with the TICKR on either ANT+ or BLE (I'd recommend ANT+, same as with your power meter).

can you download the 745 watch face with the training load on to other watches with connect IQ?

FWIW I wasn't notified.

Ray, could we expect NEW garmin devices this year?

The Firstbeat method of lactate threshold detection used in Garmin devices relies on the fact that your respiration rate - how hard you are breathing - can be detected through analysis of your heart rate variability (HRV). Since the garmin forerunner 745 does not give respiration rate during workouts will the lactate threshold detection be worse than compare to 945?

Thanks for that. I've been thinking about upgrading from my 645 but think I'll hold on for a bit to see what the prices do. It is reassuring to see that even the great DC Rainmaker has days where there's not much exercise. :)

@GreatAwakeningE

3 жыл бұрын

Same.. but waiting for the 55 series / Fenix 7 watches to come out. Can't be long now!

Just FYI for people who live in cold area, the wrist based HRM does not work well until your body warms up. I was using it along with the chest based HRM, the reading is way off (40 beats off from my chest HRM reading) at the beginning of the ride. As soon as my body warms up, the reading seems accurate. The temperature i tested was around 38F, so keep your expectation low and use your chest HRM instead in cold climates.

how many maximum data can you put in 1 screen for running? 6 like in the fenix?

Isn't it possible for third party watch faces to hook inte the weekly training load data on the watch? I use gearmin on my 735XT to track lots of random stats

I also like the smaller size and weight, and in the end I went with the Fenix 6S Pro. I use it for maps all the time when I walk the dog over my local nature reserve, spotting new paths and routes. Niche case, but I also bought the out front mount adapter and use it as my cycling computer as well (using the Garmin QuickFit Quarter-turn Bike Mount ). Haven't seen you mention that, but it's a game changer for me. I was Looking at a 745 and 130, but ended up going F6.

07:00 There is still the difference in the screen tint, FR945 has proper blacks. Hope Garmin will fix it in all the future products - such inconsistences, although not really critical, are annoying.

I have a problem with my 745 where I am doing an activity and at first the heart rate seems normal but after a couple minutes it immediately spikes up to around 195 and stays around that until I stop running or cycling. When it says my heart rate is so high it doesn't feel like my heart rate is so high. Has someone ever experienced or heard of this problem?

For anyone interested I just bought one today. They’re on sale for $399.00.

But when will Garmin finally add running power as a native metric? Native running power on the enduro platform and I would upgrade! But until then I'm perfectly fine with my 935.

If i cycle, and not have a power meter but have a kalenji HRM from Decathlon, what performance stats can i still get from the watch? Thanks!

Why does he have 2 watches on. Thanks for the review tho it was great

Man really waiting for the 955 with the battery life and slimmer profile please garmin

@chrisdc1388

3 жыл бұрын

Also waiting for the 955, it would be great if Garmin reveals the release date

Would you recommend this over the Fenix 7?

I ll wait till the 955 Maybe they are calling via the watch

Any insight into what replacement bands work on the 745? Doesn't seem like there's much availability on Garmin's webpage.

@lauraogle7424

3 жыл бұрын

I'd like to know that too.

@hankschrader2353

3 жыл бұрын

You can just use any of the quick fit 22mm bands

Any idea as to when Garmin will release new FR and Fenix models?

@BleakVision

3 жыл бұрын

Venu2 is going to drop any moment now.

So, this week for sale with Garmin's birthday promo for €349,-.......very tempting

I stay the fr245 music :)

Can I ask what colour is the apple watch band? Is it red? I am asking because I use both devices at the same time, I am wearing my red 745 on the left and Apple Watch on the right hand (not same colour band) and they look cool in same colour. Like usual spot on video and agree with fashion, it does not look as fancy as an apple watch but I really like the look.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed, it's the RED red one. If that makes sense. :)

@steven8591

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker assuming Apple original band :)

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

@@steven8591 Yup!

@steven8591

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Lovely :) Thank you

I'm testing a 745 but, damn, 3-4 days of normal usage (1,5 hrs of running with GPS, custom but light watchface, some notifications...) it is very annoying for me... Probably I'll replace it with a 945 :S But I'm sad because I really love the design and the GPS accuracy.

Ray, what other watches did Garmin add ski power to? I can’t seem to find an updated list anywhere.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Off the top of my head should be FR945/Fenix 6/Enduro/MARQ. Basically, altimeter watches that cost = to or more than the FR745. :)

@jesselee155

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker So the 745 is the only new one separate from the ones on the initial rollout?

On garmin's website it says nordic skiing power is only on the fr945 and above, not on the fr745. Can anyone confirm this is true or not?

@jesselee155

3 жыл бұрын

Also would like to know this!

What’s the battery life like compared to the 245 music?

Ok, ok. What about compared to 920XT? This is a serious question

Hmm 8months in......based on my last 3 Garmin watches it must be about to fail sometime in the next 3-4 months - generally just after your warranty expires. When will Garmin get their reliability issues finally sorted?????

Do all contactless payment capabilities in stores accept Garmin Pay? I presently use a contactless bank card when shopping for food in supermarkets. Is it possible to use Garmin Pay in the same way as I use a contactless card? I feel the Garmin Pay inclusion makes city living a safer and less troubled ado; no wallet, no fumbling through pockets, no hassle.

Who makes this shirt you’re wearing in the video?

It’s now October 2022 and looking to buy this watch. Has the advance sleep tracking coke back onto the watch?

When the 745 came out, it cost more than a (almost) better equipped fenix 5s. They are very similar, but the fenix weighs more. Not much. But you can definitely feel it on your wrist. I agree completely that the 745 isnt the best on paper, but the best in a practical sense.

I've recently had to warranty my Forerunner 745 for the third time, all for the same issue. Garmin claims they are all stand alone issues. Otherwise it was a great device, but I am done dealing with it so I'm switching to a different device. I really did like the training load watch face, the main reason I picked the 745 over the Fenix 6S.

@aliounediop1154

3 жыл бұрын

What was the Issue you were having? Won’t you recommend it to anyone?

@yamdrew

3 жыл бұрын

@@aliounediop1154 my device would constantly become bricked after incident detection was auto-triggered while cycling. I have since been using a Polar Vantage M2 and it has been great. I’d have a hard time recommending the Forerunner 745 over the Vantage M2, especially given the $200 price difference. Unless the Garmin ecosystem is that important to you.

@aliounediop1154

3 жыл бұрын

@@yamdrew I see . I just had a polar Vantage V2 , but had to return it because it could not read my heart rate due to my dark skin . I am looking into Garmin or Coros .. but I don’t know which one to get

@yamdrew

3 жыл бұрын

@@aliounediop1154 honestly that’s probably not the watches fault but rather just a limitation of the optical heart rate sensor independent of brand. You may just need a chest strap to get accurate heart rate data.

@aliounediop1154

3 жыл бұрын

@@yamdrew very true ! I am thinking about getting the Garmin fenix 6 but it’s like $900

Does anyone know whether Google Maps prompts from a paired iPhone will show up on the 745?

I still can't connect to Wifi on my FR745, how to fix this issue?

This one or venu 2 for gym and weights??

What about the Fenix 5X plus no love there what gives

So to confirm, you're seeing more than 16 hours of battery life that's on the spec sheet? That's been the one thing that's troubled me about the 745 vs even the 245...

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

Totally depends on the mode. Looking at my battery burn rates recently (a nifty feature of the DCR Analyzer), for a recent MTB ride with routing on, power meter data connected and optical HR was 18hr burn rate, and another a few days later at 19hrs. Yet, if I pair it up to a chest strap, my track workout on Sunday pegged me at a 27hr battery burn rate (GPS+GLONASS too!).

@jamisonswift8320

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Awesome! Sounds like turning off wrist HR and using a strap would be ideal for ultra events (or just not bothering with HR)

I haven't managed to find any info on that anywhere online, so hopefully someone can help me on this: Will the track mode on Forerunner 745/945 also work on tracks that are not a standardized 400m running tracks? The only track I have access to is a 333m track. Is that compatible to the Garmin algorithm?

@donalgibson317

3 жыл бұрын

Good question - there's a rectangular track near me... dunno why tbh.

@Dcrainmaker

3 жыл бұрын

My understanding from some crazy long e-mails back and forth with the FR745 team and length on this, is that as long as it's got two flat sides, and two curved sides that match, they're good.

@alahambra99

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker Thank you very much! I'll verify that.

@alahambra99

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dcrainmaker It does work indeed!