Okay, so I’ve been rocking a Garmin watch for a while now, mostly for tracking my runs and hikes. I started with a basic Forerunner, but I was itching for something with more features. That’s when I started eyeing the Forerunner 255 and 955. It was a tough choice, let me tell you!
The Research Phase
First, I hit the internet, hard. I read every review I could find, watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and even stalked some running forums. I was basically trying to absorb all the information possible about these two watches.
The main thing I wanted was good GPS, accurate heart rate tracking,and some advanced training metrics and The 955 seemed like the king, with its touchscreen, maps, and all the bells and whistles. But the 255, the little brother, still packed a punch and had most of the features I really needed.
Hands-On Time (and Head-Scratching)
Then came the fun part – actually trying them on! I went to a local store that had both models.Wearing 955,I feel the big screen, which is very cool. And I try the touchscreen, it is a bit laggy.
Wearing 255,I feel it is very light, and the button,I love the button!It’s more intuitive for me when I’m running.
I spent a good hour just fiddling with the buttons, navigating the menus, and generally getting a feel for each watch.
My Actual Needs vs. Shiny Things
After the initial excitement, I forced myself to be practical. I made a list of my actual needs. I realized I mostly run on familiar routes, so built-in maps weren’t essential. I also prefer physical buttons, especially when I’m sweaty and on the move. The 955’s touchscreen, while cool, seemed a bit overkill for me and sometimes it is a bit laggy.
The Decision (and a Bit of Relief)
So, after all that hemming and hawing, I went with the Forerunner 255. It had all the core features I needed, the battery life was amazing, and, honestly, it fit my budget better. The 955 was tempting, but I knew I wouldn’t use all its extra features.
I’ve been using the 255 for a few months now, and I’m super happy with it. The GPS is spot-on, the heart rate tracking seems accurate, and I love the training metrics it provides. I push the “start” and “stop” when I am running, and I don’t worry any complex operations. No regrets!
What I’ve Learned
- Don’t get blinded by the most expensive option.
- Think about your actual needs, not just what looks cool.
- Try things on in person if you can! It makes a huge difference.
- Read other user experiences for real person reviews.
Choosing a GPS watch can be overwhelming, but if you take your time and do your research, you’ll find the perfect one for you. Happy running (or hiking, or whatever you’re into)!